Happy Holidays From Falcon and Dove-One Wish

Hello World Family,

Falcon and Dove wish you all the best of holiday seasons and a prosperous New Year! Be happy, healthy and generous of heart in 2009. Don't wait to share your love with friends and family. 2008 has demonstrated that things can change very quickly in the world, so don't hold your affections hostage to doubt, past wrongs, and misgivings; share and watch the magic happen! People can be transformed by the slightest gesture of kindness. If we all do our part, the world will benefit from our collective sharing.

Use your words to heal, not harm. We don't mean be nice in the face of atrocities; those should be handled with direct, forceful language. We should speak sternly and follow up with action that denotes our unwillingness to tolerate the intolerable. However, be careful of what you say, and know that your words may mean more than you think they do.

We mean don't use language that is petty or otherwise attempts to diminish the spirit of others. Speak the truth, and yes, there is one. There is an expression running around that has disturbed Falcon and Dove: Perception is reality. Well, no it isn't, it's perception.

What we perceive can be slight of hand; our senses can fool us. It is foolish to think that what we see as individuals or societies makes or truly perceives reality...it is simply what we can grasp at the time, but let's not kid ourselves into thinking that is 'real'.

Indeed, most of what we thank of as reality is truly illusionary. For example...the straight line. In reality, there are no straight lines in nature; everything has a bow to it. The strongest form in nature is an arch. Let's bridge-build with each other in ways that make us all stronger. Let's acknowledge that 'truth' is still elusive for us, and that what we perceive has some truth in it perhaps, but our perceptions are not reality; they are walking dreamtime...until we awaken to a greater truth, then the reality shifts.

Let's strive to live the highest, greatest ideals of our faiths: let's love each other and ourselves. Let's show an aptitude for gratitude. Let us be thankful for the blessings and for the trials, because we learn a great deal from both. Let's thrive... in the greatest sense of our spirit and our faith...and helps others to do so.

We hope that you have love and faith in your hearts...with an open hand to others, and not a closed fist. Embrace opportunities for growth and experience that will give you more to give to others. Don't allow anyone to limit your spirit. You have a lot to offer; let your sharing with others reveal how sacred you are.

That is our one wish for you this holiday season: that you see how truly beautiful you are.

Peace...good will to all,
Falcon and Dove

Fun this weekend!

Hello Everyone!
Falcon here. Are you wondering what you might do this weekend besides stress out on holiday shopping? Falcon and Dove have some suggestions:

PSO Holiday Concerts this weekend!
Check out the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and their Holiday Pops concerts. They start at just $20/ticket! It will be beautiful, fun, and you will walk away from the performance with some great songs in your head, ready for the upcoming holiday weeks.

Solstice Celebration at the Council of Three Rivers American Indian Center, 4pm

If you live near Pittsburgh or are visiting north of Pittsburgh near Dorseyville, PA, why not break up the holiday doldrums and come play some drums, sing, and celebrate the arrival of Winter on Saturday at 4pm at the Singing Winds Site of the American Indian Center, 200 Charles St. in Dorseyville. Special note: Coming to tho event will be easy' leaving a little challenging because of the Festival of Lights at Hartwood Acres, just a mile away. If you would like to attend the festival after the celebration, that would be great, and the traffic won't be a problem. If you would like to miss the traffic, turn LEFT when leaving the site, and make a right at Route 910. That will take you to Route 28 or the PA Turnpike and away from the line-up into Hartwood. By the way...it is FREE! The Rite-Aid Festival of Lights is $12 per car donation. Load up the car, come have some fun with your indigenous Brothers and Sisters, and see some pretty LED (going green this year) lights around the property on the three mile drive at Hartwood Acres. This will re-energize your focus on the Season of Light: Hanukah, Christmas, Yule, Kwaanza, and the New Year.

Christmas Carols
Okay, this is only for those who can sing...it is great to get together with friends and family and irritate your neighbors with your joyous song! A splendid time will be had by all, and take some pictures and put them on your FACEBOOK or MYSPACE page to show everyone your holiday spirit!

Make a Gingerbread House
So...maybe your aren't a baker. Here's a fun alternative. Use graham crackers and icing for house glue! Perhaps get a gingerbread house kit. They run about $7.99. You may be able to find a kit for less than that at a dollar store. Candy is much better on the house you won't eat than always in the children's stomach, so got for it! It will be fun...I know, you are thinking that the house won't stand. It will. Falcon will now reveal one of the secrets of the universe!
Guess what?! Your kids really don't care how much you spend on Christmas gifts; they just want to spend time with you. It the house stands, great. Making a mess with your child regardless of age (well, from around 3 and up) is priceless! If you can spare some time from work and holiday planning, your children or grandchildren will thank you for doing something zany with them.


Be a Secret Santa
Note: not a stalker, a Secret Santa. Give a present to a person who is shut-in, or a senior in a care home, or a child in a hospital (with the parents' permission, of course). You will feel better, and they will feel much better.

Pray
This is a great time to drop all the materialistic stuff and give yourself some prayerful downtime. That is what the season is all about, eh? Go to church at a session you normally may not attend, meditate, take a yoga class, or visit a friend's church for something new and fun. You may make some new friends, and get some new insights about your current situation. Falcon finds that when she needs enlightenment or guidance, it comes from everywhere, and visiting your church, temple, synagogue, or a place of worship is a great place to start.

Most importantly, whatever you do this weekend or holiday season, don't drink and drive. Ever. Falcon lost a great friend many years ago (okay, lover) in a car accident after he was killed by a drunk driver. Just take a cab...or call a friend...or ask another sober party-goer for a ride home. Get creative, but don't get behind the wheel. Please. Falcon and Dove love our World Family, and we want you around to email and call us for years to come. As Indiana, PA native Jimmy Stewart found out, it is a 'wonderful life', and we would miss you.

Have a great weekend, World Family. By the way, Seven Pounds, Tales of Desperaux, YES Man, and The Wrestler open this weekend, so enjoy those new offerings as well.

Next week, Falcon and Dove will talk Golden Globes (lots of our movie recommendations made the nominations, and we are very happy about that!), things to do that honor the holiday spirit, and the year in review (sort of).

Stay safe, and stay strong.
Peace,
Falcon and Dove

Gizmo is Missing!!! Can you help?

Hello PIttsburgh Family!
Falcon here. Jimmy Krenn, a familiar face and brother here at WDVE 102.5 FM has a missing family member...his Rat Terrier, GIZMO.

He ran off yesterday, (Tuesday) after being attacked by two other dogs and went into the woods in Banksville Park, Crane Ave... GIZMO did have his sweater on, but it has been cold, so let's find him quick!

He has a face like a small Doberman; black with brown markings and large, upright ears. His body is mostly white. He has an Animal Friends tag.

If you see Gizmo, or find him, please call Animal Friends at 412-847-7000. Thank you!!!

Peace dear Family,
Falcon and Dove

UPDATE: GIZMO IS FOUND!!!! Very late Wednesday evening! Jimmy says thank so much to everyone who got the word out and who help search for Gizmo.

Falcon: One holiday prayer comes true. Now, on to that World Peace one I wish for every year...

Middle-earth Cooking at Borders Books Dec.3

Hello Everyone,
Falcon here! Dove and I hope you have had a chance to listen to our holiday podcast, and want to remind food fans that Emerald Took will be doing a cooking demonstration and book signing at Borders East Side (East Liberty) in Pittsburgh Dec. 3 from 6:30-8:30pm. There will be Vegetarian food, as well as dairy-free hot chocolate (there really should be a law, as good as this is!) and bison for carnivores. Come out and find our about holiday ideas that are inexpensive and easy, sustainable farming, winter urban gardening, etc. as well as any pressing questions you hard core Lord of the Rings fans may have. There are only a limited number of cookbooks available at this book signing, so if you want a copy for a holiday event or birthday before Christmas, come early!

See you there!

ALSO: Falcon and Dove encourage our World Family to support your local non-profit organizations during this season of giving. There are more people than ever in need this year, so anything you can spare, please give.

Peace,
Falcon and Dove

TFATD: Thanksgiving Show - Part 2 - Equus, Films, and Middle-earth

Part Two of The Falcon and the Dove's Thanksgiving podcast! This part is for more mature audiences than the first part (no swearing, however). Parents are advised to use discretion.

- We saw Daniel Radcliffe and Richard Griffiths in the Peter Shaffer Broadway revival play of Equus! We give our detailed (but spoiler-free) review of the play and the actors' performances as well as compare it to the original 1973 production (which Falcon also saw). Preview: it's more than worth the price of admission! Tickets are still available! The play's run continues up to February 5th, 2009.

- We review more adult films, including Doubt (with Meryl Streep and Phillip Seymour Hoffman), The Betrayal (a 23-year long documentary), The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (the Holocaust from a child's perspective), Zack and Miri Make a Porno (a comedy that is bound to be hysterical), and more!

- Parents may want to listen to our recommendations and cautions before seeing these films with your tweens, 13 and under. There is more than meets the eye for some of these titles.

- Emerald Took, author of the Lord of the Rings cookbook, 'Regional Cooking From Middle-earth: Recipes of the Third Age', will bring her Middle-earth treats to the East Side Borders bookstore in Pittsburgh, PA, on December 3rd from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. There will be samplings the adults can appreciate like bison stew (with a wee bit o' Guinness), hot chocolate that would defeat the Ringwraiths, and a veggie delightful paella that Barliman would certainly serve in Bree at the Prancing Pony, among other treats.

- There will also be a discussion of how to fix a Middle-earth feast for your guests, cookbook signing by the author herself, and winter gardening tips. Bring an appetite and pick up this special gift for the Elven chef on your list!

- Emerald Took will also be announcing her next book, a must-have for any parent with a college-age son or daughter!

- There will be another book signing by Emerald Took on December 17th at the East Side Borders in Pittsburgh from 6:30pm to 8:30pm!

- You can also order 'Regional Cooking From Middle-earth: Recipes of the Third Age' via Amazon here!

Download Part 2 of our Thanksgiving Show! (Right-click and Save Target As) (Length: 49 minutes; Size: 91 MB)

TFATD: Thanksgiving Show - Part 1 - Rik Emmett and Holiday Movies

The Falcon and the Dove is BACK with a two-part Thanksgiving show! We have a packed show for you! Although we won't be doing shows weekly again until further notice, we WILL release a show anytime there is a major event, film, etc. that we feel needs attention/discussion. And of course, Falcon will be posting on The Falcon and the Dove blog fairly regularly.

The first part of this show is for all audiences. The second part is for slightly more mature audiences (no swearing, however). We have an excellent show for you this week, so enjoy!

- Falcon attended a Rik Emmett concert on Nov. 15th in Pittsburgh, and reviewed it on this blog! She talks about that show and more!

- Falcon AND Dove attended the next Rik Emmett concert in Philadelphia on Nov. 22 at the Tin Angel. We review that show. We have video!

- A comment from a fan at the Philly show opens a discussion on our podcast: 'Is Rik Emmett the best living guitar player on the planet?' What guitar players still have their chops, and who is past their prime?

- Rik Emmett and Triumph are on iTunes! Check them out if you are new to them!

- Tori Martin: Only 9 years old and what a voice! She was at the Philadelphia show and has a CD with Triumph's 'Magic Power'! Check out her website at www.myspace.com/torimartinmusic.

- We review holiday movies! Twilight, Bolt, 7 Pounds, The Tale of Desperaux, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, and more, including movies on DVD such as Hellboy II, and The Fall!

Download Part 1 of our Thanksgiving Show! (Right-click and Save Target As) (Length: 1 hour, 4 minutes; Size: 118 MB)

Movies, Music, and Giving Thanks for the Holidays

Hello Everyone!
Falcon here. The Holiday Movie Season has started, and there should be some interesting choices in theaters this year, since some major movie releases were moved to next summer. That has allowed some smaller, independent films to get attention and additional screens that would have been difficult under normal circumstances.

First, I would like to make a music update. Apparently, there are a lot of Rik Emmett fans out there who read Falcon and Dove's blog! Wow! We have posted one of the comments that was pretty typical of what we received: fans for years, seen many a Triumph and solo show...must see this guy in concert! Thanks to everyone who wrote or emailed, or friends who just called and said they didn't know there as a show last Saturday night, and how they wished they would have known because they would have gone to see him. I almost didn't go myself because I had plans to go to New York, and things changed at the last minute, so I probably didn't do my duty of broadcasting the event in advance the way I should have...we will NOT let that happen again.

There will be Triumph reunion tour shows apparently in 2009, so everyone hold on...or "Hold On...(that pun really wasn't intended) and when we have news and tour dates, Falcon and Dove will let you know here!

Now...movies, movies, movies. I think everyone saw Quantum of Solace last week for opening. Is there anyone left who hasn't seen it? Great opening numbers...this weekend is Twilight the extremely popular books by Stephenie Meyer and starring Harry Potter's Cedric Diggory, Robert Pattinson. This is hard to describe. It you like the books, or the eye candy, you will love the film. If you don't know anything about it, and you go to the movie...you may enjoy it, maybe not. I wouldn't take young children to this, I don't care if they have read the books. Take them to see Bolt. There are some delightful animated features coming out this season with some great voices provided by veteran performers. We will cover them as they come along.

The Punisher has been cut by 30 minutes. Ugh! What I have seen leaves me wondering if it will still hold up. There are some projects that if you undertake them you do so with an understanding that some aspects cannot be compromised. The Punisher is violent and a little complicated. It is what it is. If you don't explain that well, the movie will not fly. Let's see how it looks, but I am hesitant at this point.

For stocking stuffers, make sure you get Hellboy II: The Golden Army and Ironman for those fans of comic delight. These look fierce and have great offerings in their home packages. Those who get Hellboy on Blu-Ray will have an opportunity to open some special features in the package, fill in some questions, and submit them to Guillermo del Toro who is being interviewed on Universal's HD link (Sunday at 9pm, EST)and shown on the Sci-Fi Channel next week. go to www.UniversalHiDef.com

Other up and coming films include a remake with Keanu Reeves of The Day the Earth Stood Still. Looks like the outcome is the same. Star Trek the younger...starring Pittsburgh native from Central Catholic high school (and villain on Heroes) Zack Quinto looks really impressive as Mr. Spock. There are a couple of distinctly Glasswegian accents in this younger group, and nice on the eyes for the female viewers (okay, I like rugby players, too...they're hot), but it really is hard to tell where the plot is going by the trailer. We have been waiting a long time for this one...I hope it lives up to all the hype.

Benjamin Button...well, I don't know what to say. This could fly high or drop like a rock; hard to tell. The cinematography looks great, strong actors, panoramic view through various cultures and history... but the plot is weird...weirder than weird. Baby born old and shriveled gets younger as he grows older and looks like Brad Pitt by the time he's middle-aged. Falls in love with Cate Blanchett's character, and is getting younger looking while becoming older. I don't know how this could possibly end well.

Dove and I will cover these and other films on the Thanksgiving weekend podcast next week in more detail.

Many of you are traveling for the holidays beginning this weekend, so we would like to wish you and your family well this holiday season. Stay safe, strong, happy and healthy. From our family to yours, we wish you well, World Family.

You know, Thanksgiving for us is a special, solemn holiday. It's not about football games, and stuffing ourselves over the feast (okay, maybe a little).

Thanksgiving is literally about Giving Thanks. It is a time when my daughter and I share with other friends and family members how much we appreciate their presence in our lives. We review our gratitude journals together and talk about what we are thankful for: the gifts, the blessings, and the trials, because the trials we survive teach us so much.

These are hard times for many families. Some people are losing their jobs, their savings, their livelihood. I know that it is hard to be positive at this time of year when so much is expected. The most important gift you can give anyone, is yourself: free from the burden of doubt, self deprecation, and pity. You may not be able to buy the gifts you want for your family this year, but you are not your money...you are a sacred gift and what you have to offer from your presence in your loved ones lives is more important than money will ever be. You are the priceless gift. Do not allow pettiness, competitiveness among friends and family members, etc. distract you or make you doubt your strength and fortitude. You will get another job, even if it doesn't feel that way right now. You are NOT just your occupation; you are what you dream, share, and actualize with others.

Volunteer this holiday season, you may meet your next employer standing beside you as you pass out the holiday dinner. Put a dollar in the red kettle, if you have one to spare. Sing carols to elders in nursing homes and children in hospital beds; you cannot imagine how much that means to those families. Help send gifts to our troops overseas and away from home. Coordinate events that make people smile, small or large. As you know, Falcon and Dove love these kinds of events. We meet so many cool people every event we do. Make your own celebrations for your own accomplishments. Reward yourself with down time, a good book, nice relaxing baths, or a vigorous workout that you love. Don't forget you during the holidays.

Celebrate the simple things: making meals together, playing in the snow, watching the games on television,listening to music, singing, dancing, sharing. See a movie with the kids for a dollar; most cities have bargain theatres. Celebrate your faith genuinely. Give somebody a hug. Give a lot of somebodies a hug. Tell someone you have never told that you love them. Remind those that you love what a joy they are to have in your life. Be bold and unafraid of rejection or judgement. Forgive past wrongs. Really...what does holding on to all that do for you anyway? It poisons you, and brings no joy. Let go of it and see how much better you may feel.

For those with loved ones far away, know that they love you and know that they know you love them. Distance does not make love any weaker; sometimes it actually makes it stronger. Keep you faith and your prayers high.

Dove is coming home for holiday break, and it looks like we may make a quick road trip to Philly. There's someone she would like to see...

Have a great weekend, Brothers and Sisters!
Peace,
Falcon

Guitarist Rik Emmett has Set of the Century

Hello World Family,
Falcon here. In these times of changing politics and economic upheaval, it is wonderful when you find opportunities that truly give more than you pay for. Such is the case when seeing live in concert some of the guitar greats of rock, jazz, and folk traditions. All of these categories are complimented by the guitar genius that is Canadian singer/songwriter and guitar man extraordinaire Rik Emmett.

Seriously, this guy is absolutely the mot underrated guitar player in the world. I don't say this lightly. Falcon has seen concerts all over the world by some of the most prolific and talented individuals, and Emmett is one for the record books. His career spans over 4 decades, beginning with his tenure with Triumph in the 1970's (and now again in a recent series of reunion shows), and a solo career that began in 1990 through the present. In that time he has delivered some of the most diverse, articulately creative music of an age, and gets just about zero attention for it.

This man was the teaching editor for Guitar Player magazine back in the 1980's and early 90's. Most of the most talented performers of a generation learned off his chops. He has performed with the greats: Clapton, Morse.and been compared to legends, King, Hendrix, and Wes Montgomery. His influences are celestially varied, which is what makes his music so good. The live show in Pittsburgh at the Rex Theatre on Saturday night was in the stratosphere of memorable performances.

One of the contributors to this superb set was input from the Internet on rikemmett.com. Concert-goers were able to put in requests in advance, and that made for a set list of stellar offerings spanning from the Triumph days through the most recent releases with co-Troubadour Dave Dunlop. The duo show, with particular attention to intimacy and acoustic verve is a solidly delightful way to enjoy the variety of approaches to pieces Emmett employs throughout the evening. In short, this is an extraordinary opportunity for music fans to see an ace performance of a lifetime for modest money and a priceless show.

Those in the Philadelphia and Annapolis area, you will have a chance next weekend to see Mr. Emmett at Tin Angel and the renovated Ram's Head respectively. I strongly advise that you run out and get tickets immediately. Triumph is doing some reunion shows in the near future, and Pittsburgh fans were delighted to hear that their city was on the list of possible shows. If you are anywhere near these venues and even if you aren't (NYC, Baltimore, Washington D.C., Harrisburg, you are certainly in range), you should take out some time from the holiday rush, grab your friends and family and see this man in concert.

If you are a young guitar player, you simply must see Rik Emmett in concert. The show and set last night was one of the best I had seen in my lifetime, and that is saying something. I have seen many great guitar players in my time: Wes Montgomery, Jimmy Hendrix, B.B, King, Stevie Ray Vaughn (and I am now going to correct a little Pittsburgh history concerning Mr. Vaughn; his first appearance in Pittsburgh was not at The Decade Lounge; it was his second. His first appearance, believe it or not, was as a warm-up act on the "Long Distance Voyager" Tour for none-other than The Moody Blues...yes I said The Moody "Nights in White Satin" Blues". I was there, I saw him play, and when he was booked at The Decade I roamed around the university area for hours waiting to get in line when the doors opened to see him), Randy Rhoads, Eric Clapton (many times), Eric Johnson (both of them), Steve Howe, and so many other legendary performers. Many times, we didn't realize the history that was being created by these gifted souls.

You are put on notice that this is history.

You should see Rik Emmett play live and in an intimate setting now. Triumph shows will draw thousands of fans, and you will not get this kind of look at this monumental artisan at that kind of show. See this one, if you can.

I won't give away too much as far as the set is concerned, and the set in Philly and Annapolis may be different. Why don't you go to the website and ask for your favorites? Who knows? You may get to hear your special tune in a living room like setting that will remain forever in your mind and heart. I will say that there were some surprises in the set. Songs like "Middle Ground" from Absolutely, and "Three Clouds Across the Moon" on Swing Shift ( if I remember correctly, I believe this piece was inspired by the Henri Rousseau painting, "A Carnivale Evening" hanging in the Philadelphia Museum of Art) and a power duo version of "Midsummer's Daydream" that will blow the mind of any home player who has sat around for years trying to get some of those licks down, much less perform the harmonic in tandem with another guitarist! Dave Dunlop keeps up, and takes Rik's attempts at stand-up comedy between songs in stride. So does the audience. Most seemed to be very familiar with Rik's discography, but there were many who were not that commented that this was possibly the best concert of their lives. Yes, it was that good.

For Triumph fans that have to hear their standards, don't worry, they are included. Personally, I liked all the choices, particularly the extremely challenging "El Cuento de Gadjo" from "10 Invitations from the Mistress of Mr. E", a Flamingo-infused drama that rouses the senses with saffron, roses, and a fierce, sensual dance of love and tension, as well as the Triumph fave "Suitcase Blues" that brings up images for any road warrior musician (Johnny Walker red-black or blue, but not green, according to Mr. E).

Hopefully, Rik will continue to do these theatre gigs that allow young people in particular the opportunity to see his shows in these smaller venues. There were two young fans (Zachary and Elliot, I believe) who enjoyed the show immensely. That is something that they will carry forward and remember. It is important to expose young children, tweens, and teens to good music early...and live, whenever possible.

For those of you too far away from these next gigs, check future dates, and buy some music on-line from iTunes or the website shop. After all, journeymen live for the music, but a CD/Album purchase is nice, too.

Peace,
Falcon

Paulson at the Crack of Doom

Hello World Family,
Falcon here...amazed at yet another week of insanity in what has become the Show that Never Ends on the U.S. economy. Hank Paulson is about to address the public again in a few minutes, but I must make a casual observation about his behavior two days ago, and a certain page out of fantasy literature that it reminded me of...

Paulson, Secretary of the U.S. Treasury was given power several weeks ago by Congress to rescue failing financial institutions from themselves by investing $700 Billion in those banks to free up credit and help families keep their homes and avoid foreclosure caused by irresponsible leveraging and unabated greed along with rampant misrepresentation and solid thievery. Endowed with this power, Paulson has now decided that he is not going to do what Congress gave his the power to do: fix the bad debt, get it off the books, and get money moving to the common man once again. He has decided in his great an infinite wisdom that the 'better' plan is give money to banks in an unanswerable fashion and banks are now refusing to share what exactly they will do with the money, saying they were not mandated to reveal how the assets were going to be used.

As Grant would say on Ghosthunters..."What the fetch?!"

I suddenly recalled a passage from Tolkien's "The Return of the King" (a must-read) the third volume in "The Lord of the Rings". The line was spoken by Frodo at literally the Crack of Mount Doom. Standing over fire and flame at a gaping chasm, in the bowels of Sauron's most treasured foundry...tired, beaten, bruised, and battered (think the American taxpayers), Frodo has come far in his journey, but he is momentarily distracted by the will of Sauron in his most powerful place (think Paulson). In this moment, he says...

"I have come, but I choose now not to do what I came to do". I will not do this thing. The Ring is mine!!!"

For some reason, this line jumped into my head when I saw Hank Paulson speaking. He is possessed, I thought. The power has gotten to him, and he has lost his mind. Is his idea better than the original idea? Well, whether it is or not may be moot. The fact is that he is an employee to the American public. He answers to us. He is not omnipotent, and he needs to remember that he is a humble public servant. For a moment, he forgot this fact, and spoke in a rather pedestrian fashion about how he will not apologize for changing his mind. Like I said, Frodo at the Crack of Doom.

As soon as Gollum/Smeagol did his thing, blinded by greed and selfishness, Frodo was fine. He was no longer possessed by Sauron's evil. I am wondering what it will take to get Hank Paulson to remember who he works for, and that the American public has a right to know what is happening to their money...our money, Mr. Paulson!

I know Congress was hard on his Assistant Secretary of the Treasury Kashkari this morning...but I know why they were. There was a classic bait-and-switch employed, and they are not happy. The American public is not happy. The shareholders are not happy. Hmm...arrogance breeds outrage, imagine that?! "The Treasury should not put money into failing institutions", he said. Ah...isn't that why we passed the $700B bill in the first place? Weren't we going to save financial institutions 'too big to fail'? I repeat Grant's question, "What the fetch?"

Paulson is coming on now...I will listen to what he says with great interest, and many around the world will. Everyone should pay attention to what is begin said. Stay informed, Family!

Have a safe and enjoyable weekend!
Peace,
Falcon and Dove

Rockin' The Paradise

Hello World Family,
"Tonight's the night we make history...honey, you and I. And I'll take any risk to tie back the hands of time, and stay with you here tonight."
"Dennis DeYoung, Styx, Rockin' the Paradise, Paradise Theatre, 1981

Falcon here. Wow! What an election night here in the U.S., eh? Somehow, in the middle of all the excitement last night, this was the song that popped into my head. After thinking about it, I understand why. Styx was born and breed in the South Side of Chicago (appropriate since that is where President-elect Barack Obama started his community service work) and the song was composed at a time when, under the Reagan administration, many young people were wondering how to change America for the better. Sound familiar?

Falcon and Dove want to congratulate the new first family (yes, there will be a puppy in the White House!) and sincerely pray that now that the election is over, Americans will realize we have a hell of a lot of work to do, and we need to do it together.

I am particularly proud of my home state of Pennsylvania. Obama carried all but 5 counties in the entire state. Unfortunately, those 5 counties he didn't carry surround the greater Pittsburgh area...which gives me pause.

I have a special message for some of the people in those counties:
"Dear neighbor,
I guess you got a lot of those nasty emails about Obama, and read every single one. I wish you would read a newspaper, a book, a noteworthy magazine with the same enthusiasm as you read fear and hate-mongoring emails. If you did, you would know a lot more not only about our national candidates, but our regional and local candidates as well. I can say this with complete confidence because I got those emails, too. (Although I really didn't want to). I understood the mentality of those who create them, but I don't pretend to understand those who spread them.

Those that made them are ignorant individuals whose own self-loathing has become a virus that they cannot even recognise in themselves anymore. Those that spread them I cannot fathom. I do know one thing: there are only two real emotions in the universe (the rest are partial manifestations of these): LOVE and FEAR. I would suppose that those who penned these vile vommitous masses would fall into the latter catagory, since love clearly has nothing to do with it.

Do you really think that your values are unique or separate from those of anyone else? Do you really live in a different America? Do you really only identify with Joe and Plumber, and not Maya Angelou? If so, then this may be a very difficult period for you. As Bob Dylan would say, the times they are a changin' and it is time for those hanging on to immature perspectives and hateful rhetoric to grow the hell up.

I don't know what will happen tomorrow, but I do know one thing: America will not go backwards. The paradigm has shifted and minds will only move forward no matter how rewarding or challenging. I hope that your mind joins the party. Don't be proverbially dragged, kicking and screming like an infant having a temper tantrum to revelation of change and growth. It really is for the best, even in the worst of times. No one said it will be easy, but it will...be.

The First Commandment is to Love They Neighbor, as Theyself...don't forget the last part, dear neighbor. We are all in this together, so let's work together to make things better for all of us.
Sincerely,
Your Neighborhors that Love You"

Brothers and Sisters, I was actually going to close this post talking about how proud I am to be an American at this time in hour history. I was going to mention that Obama and I are the same age, have daughters, and sincere hope for their future. I still want to emphasize that...but I think I am going to change my original plans for song lyrics to quote. I was going to post the lyrics to"Rockin'the Paradise" (Paradise referring to America in the song; Styx did this a lot, also see Suite: Madame Blue on the Equinox album). Those of you who don't know the song, you can go look up the lyrics and/or listen to the piece. It is very poinant to the entire American landscape right now. However, the song lyrics I am going to leave you with are from the Progressive Rock supergroup, YES. This was not their most popular song, but in this post-election environment, I feel it is the most important. It is probably one of my most favorite songs ever written by anyone, anywhere. It is a song of hope, affirmation, resolution...and release.

The More We Live
Verse One

You and I can change the world;

The more we live, the more we learn, the more we know.

From this moment on we share the world;

The more we give, the more we love, the more we grow.

The spirit of imagination can lead us through the dark;

The more we see, the more we try, the more we show.

The evidence of our confusion, life has left its mark;

The more we fear, the more we lie, the more we hide.


As we walk into tomorrow

(Turning away from the path we know)

Holding the future with our hands

(We carry the weight of the world we go)

It's up to you and I -- We hold the key; we hold the answers

Verse Two

All our thoughts of doubt and fear are leaving one by one

The more we live, the more we learn, the more we know.

For each of us the road is clear and life has just begun;

The more we give, the more we love, the more we grow.

Each time we reach for goals we set for ourselves,

The more we fear, the more we lie, the more we hide.

All we need is just to believe in ourselves;

We face the truth, we see it clear, with no disguise.


Cast away our doubt and sorrow

(Turning away from the past we know)

The Universe at our command

(Sharing the fate of the world we grow)

Together you and I, we hold the key to all the answers

(All the answers)

Let go...

(Chris Squire)
From the album, Union, 1991.

Today we move forward, World Family. Let's remind ourselves that there is no 'box' and our 'outside thinking' (thinking outside the box) is really reality shifting. Keep praying, and while we pray...move our feet.

Peace,
Falcon and Dove

College Students: VOTE TODAY ONLY!!!

Hello Friends and Family,
Hey college students: have you received an email today, November 4 telling you that you can vote tomorrow if the lines are too long....this is a lie!
You cannot vote tomorrow!

YOU MUST VOTE TONIGHT BY 8pm in MOST STATES, and 9pm in NEW YORK!!!!

If you are already in line as the clock strikes closing time, don't worry; anyone in line will get in to vote. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL TOMORROW ! VOTE TODAY!

THIS IS IT!!!

Brothers, and Sisters, there will be evil forces out there who do not want you to do your civic duty as an American. If for some reason, there is confusion at your polling location about whether you can vote, ASK FOR A PROVISIONAL BALLOT!


THIS IS YOUR AMERICAN RIGHT!

If a machine isn't working, ASK FOR A PAPER BALLOT!

It WILL count tonight! Provisional ballots must be verified, but your vote will eventually be added.

DO NOT BE FOOLED BY EVIL FORCES!

VOTE NOW, do it today! This is the last day that matters for this year's
election!

Good luck!
Peace,
Falcon and Dove

Time of Great Change is Here! Finances, Environment, Politics

Hello Brothers and Sisters of the World Family!
Falcon here. Sorry about the absence...family members have passed on recently, and work, school, and the financial markets/environment needed our attention. We have a lot to say...so here we go!

Finances...Mortgages, School Loans, etc.

Wonder what Falcon and Dove think? Here's what we think are the issues at hand:
This financial mess began back in 1999 with some changes in regulations that gave more people opportunities to own homes, but lenders less opportunity to be honest in lending. This was a bad combination. When incentives are in place to make more money across the board amoung professionals and there are few rules to keep them honest, they have shown that they fail absmally.

Real estate agents, originators, underwriters, appraisers all partiipated in the chaos in deplorable fashion. Blaming homeowners is dispicable, because these individuals were the professionals; they should have explained the law and the consequences, but they didn't. Why? Because they were all making their fortunes off of steering perfectly good prospective buyers out of Conventional, FHA, and VA mortgages into exotic loans that garner them hefty commissions and homebuyers mortgages that would ballooon eventually to the point that they were unmanageable. Why would these professionals do this? Because ultimately, the bank that gave the loan wasn't holding on to it; they were selling it elsewhere: to Fanny Mae, Freddy Mac, or eventually in bundles overseas (mortgage backed securities).

These bundles often also contained student loans, so that is why student lending was also impacted. Once upon a time, banks held on to the loans they made, so they were less likely to assume high risk. Appraisers participated by appraising homes where the real estate agent and lender wanted the appraisal to be, even when they knew that the homeowners, particularly in poorer neighborhoods, would never get that amount for their home in a sale, ever. Ironically, this also caused many buyers' taxes to increase along with the home sale. How did these folks sleep at night? They convinced themselves that the buyers would re-finance by the time the balloon hit, or sell (flip) the property, or that the home value would grow at a rate that would keep equity higher than the mortgage, which of course, didn't happen.

They called it a 'housing bubble', but to me, it looked like an A-bomb.
The proverbial house of cards starting coming down in August, 2007,,,and prophet Jim Cramer gave his "they know nothing!" rant...and the public was listening, even if the supposed experts were not.

Student loans bundled with these bad pieces of paper were auctioned overseas...and in february, 2008...they stopped buying them. That meant that the agencies that were funding their capital off these sales now had no more money to lend. That's when things began to freeze up in the credit market. Like a scene from "The Day After Tomorrow", the freeze spread from housing and student loans to everywhere else because everyone owed more than they made. They were 'leveraged' to the hilt, and had no insurance or capital to cover losses. People began to want theier money out of these tettering banks (and the short sellers didn't help matters, along with the ratings agencies) so large losss of deposits only made the situation worse. A slow acing fed chairman, always behind the curve, and the deer-in-the-headlights Congress who took forever to do the obvious, whether they liked it or not...all contributed to where were currently are with a global crisis of supernatural proportions. So now what?

Now...we keep our money in safe, secure banks and credit unions under $250,000 worth of deposits per account, per name. Over $2 trillion has been lost by 401K plans in the last 6 weeks. Many people will have to delay retirement; some delay college (or maybe not...see my sugestions below) and some will cut back on their retirement lifestyle. Small businesses cannot make payroll or buy new goods. It will not be a very merry holiday season for many. It's time to tighten out belts; it's going to be a bumpy ride.

Students: Can you get a loan for next semester? Next year? Federal loans are fine, and state agencies are really stepping up to help. Keep doing your scholarship applications, even if you are in college. DO them during your break; every little bit helps. www.fastweb.com, a great scholarship aggrigator. Ask your university fianacial aid department if you can get a payment plan, or do they have some small scholarship money (especially if your grades are good this term). Many universities have small scholarships they can dole out when needed. Ask family members to support your education, instead of gifts this holiday season. Your education is one of the most important things you can do with your life. Do what you can to stay in school and get it paid for with the least amount of debt.

Environment
From local to presidential candidates, find out where your candidate stands on important environmental issues. You want leaders that remember that this is the only planet we have. There are a lot of distractions out there, but thinking green means jobs, education, employment advances, and saving the world. It is a win-win situation, but those who can't see the possibilities are holding us back, and frankly, making things worse. We cannot afford them, and neither can our future. Get rid of them, and say so at the polls. Vote for candidates who support the environment!

Politics

For those about to vote (or already have in places that can)...we salute you!
Get out to the polls. Americans...this is the most important election of your lifetimes, no matter how old you are. The next president will have his hands full, and he needs a Congress with a clue...so vote local and nationally for those with vision, leadership, acumen, and genius. Don't vote by single issue, or about race, or hair, or gender, because that is an evil distraction.

Falcon and Dove are supporting the ticket of Obama/Biden for President/Vice President of the United States. The choice was fairly easy, especially after McCain chose Sarah Palin as his running mate. Let me explain...

John McCain has been in Congress for a quarter century. He is an Ameican hero. He is, however, an ineffective force in Washington. I cannot think of one piece of legislation that he introduced that has done me or my family a bit of good, ever. He nearly derailed congressional discussion during the economic crisis and showed that he has little leadership capability, or understanading of the macroeconomic problems that face our country.

Sarah Palin is suing the Department of the Interior to have polar bears moved off then Endangered Species List. She wants to drill Alaska into oblivion, supports banning books and used her position as govenor to fire a good man doing his job because he wouldn't fire her sister's husband. She has no foreign policy experience and is educationally lacking when it comes to understanding the nuances of government. Frankly, it's a no-brainer.

Barack Obama is a young leader, who has done an increadible amount in Washington in his short tenure. Is he perfect? Nope. Who is? Joe Biden is strong, dynamic and doesn't always agree with Obama, and I like that. Both will be challenged in this new dynamic we all find ourselves in, but this team is much better qualified to lead our nation into its uncertain and volatile future.

Vote your heart, not your fear. Vote with courage, because we will all need it. November 4 is a beginning of a new phase of American government, and the work doesn't end that day...it begins anew. It will not be easy for anyone; it will call for us to move past our differences and embrace our future as a collective.

Division is a painful illusion we simply cannot afford at this time. Remember, the deisions you make on election day wil effect your elders, your children, and your grandchildren. I want to look into my child's eyes and say that I voted without fear.
Will you?

Peace, World Family,
Falcon and Dove

Conventions are over-Register to VOTE!

Hello World Family,
Falcon, here. Now that the Democratic and Republican conventions are over Falcon and Dove have a challenge for every single American eligible to vote: register and then do it!

Many people in the world would like an opportunity for democratic process the way Americans have, and many take it for granted. Get up off the couch, put the remote down, drop the Wii for awhile and do your duty by registering to vote...now.

If you know that you will be away during the November 4 election, apply for your Absentee Ballot now. Many states have different rules about how and when to do it, so check into what you need to do and do it this week, Americans!

For Falcon and Dove Family around the world, if you have an opportunity to vote for your political leaders then we suggest you do so. Many of you will have a much greater challenge in casting a vote that our American brothers and sisters, but we encourage you to do it anyway. We know that you are brave, and we respect the risk you take to speak your mind. Your courage will inspire others and literally change the course of your country's history. Thank you for your strength and tenacity of spirit.

VOTE! Make a real difference.
Peace,
Falcon and Dove

Abused Dog Alex needs our help!

Hello World Family,
Falcon and Dove hope you had a great weekend. We were having a wonderful time, until we heard this sad story. This dog really needs help from everyone who can. I have obtained this information from the Washington Humane Society. Please, please...help Alexamder.

Thank you, Falcon and Dove Family! We know you are fierce friends of animals!
Peace,
Falcon and Dove

When the WAHS cruelty investigator picked up the poor dog, it was the first step in the right direction for an innocent animal who is now recovering from a history of brutality at the hands of his owner.

Named Alexander by staff, he finally felt good enough to eat some wet food from a small bowl held by manager, Lorie Schooley who received the call about the dog at 8am, August 3rd.

One of Alex's hips has been knocked out of the socket and the other hip bone has been broken from the leg. He also has open infected wounds. More examinations will reveal how much can be repaired by veterinary specialists. In the meantime, Alex is resting in the safety of the shelter while police and Humane Officers file the appropriate charges against the owner.

Surgery by specialists can run into thousands of dollars. We are asking for your help to finance this sad and unexpected financial burden which is above and beyond the basics our shelter can provide.

Please share the load for Alex by making a contribution towards his medical bills as we try to make the rest of his life a happy one.

Make your tax-deductible donation* check payable to WAHS and write “Alex” in the memo line.
*All donations in excess of what is necessary for Alex will be used for our other deserving shelter cats and dogs.

Washington Area Humane Society
1527 Route 136
Washington, PA 15330

Middle-earth Cookbook Author at Borders!

Hi Everyone,
Check out this event!
Cookbook author Emerald Took will be sharing some summer recipes from the only cookbook cool enough for Hobbit and Elves alike: Regional Cooking From Middle-earth: Recipes of The Third Age at Borders Books East Side (East Liberty neighborhood) of Pittsburgh, PA on Wednesday, July 30, 2008 from 6:30to 8:30pm. There will be a sample of something with chocolate...I am soooo there! Copies of her cookbook will be available for purchase, and signed of course. How many people can sign their books in Elvish?! This rocks!

There will even be a FREE BOOK for every guest given out during the event! It's for active types or those who enjoy adventure...shhh...it's a secret!

We hope to see you there. Just follow the smell of chocolate...
Peace,
Falcon and Dove

Goodbye, Kia-Safe Journey, Randy

Hello World Family,
Falcon here. This is probably the toughest post I have ever written. I must say goodbye to two very special people who left our world this week, and I wanted to tell you a little about them.

One, I have never met; the other, Dove and I had the pleasure of meeting. One was taken by an unspeakable act of violence; the other by an unspeakable cancer. One was my age, a college professor, husband, father of young children; the other was just beginning her adult life, a Salvation Army volunteer, and a mother. Both were special not because of how they died, but because of how they lived. The fact that their spirit has left us to go to a better place is our loss, not theirs.

Kia was a mommy. She was about to have a son on July 30th. She was murdered for that child: tied up, cut across her abdomen, and suffocated. She was only 18 years old. She was happy, helpful, generous of nature, and compassionate by every description I have seen about her. She was murdered by a woman (probably with some help, charges pending) who wanted a baby very badly...for years. She had been in jail before for cutting one woman and trying to steal her baby, and another time attempting to steal a baby from a hospital years ago. The dysfunctional environment that surrounded that woman's situation that brought her no real, permanent help but only enabled her obvious mental illness contributed to this horrible event. Kia was going to help many people every day with her smile and kindness. Falcon prays that in her loss, more will follow her lead: be kind to others, and help when and where you can.

Kia won't get to raise her son. It is the saddest of outcomes that his mother did not survive this vicious attack. I hope that his family never forgets to tell him every day how kind she was, and how she volunteered in her community. She will be watching him from Heaven, that I am sure.
Love never dies.

Randy Pausch was a professor at Carnegie Mellon University. Many of you have watched his "last lecture' video on You Tube, or read his book, "The Last Lecture." Randy created the Alice computer program designed to help kids with their computer skills. He gave away the software to Home School students like my daughter, Dove. I lectured occasionally at CMU, so I saw Randy now and then, and I saw the impact he was having on youngsters who needed more concrete, advanced computer skills, and his students at CMU.

Never did I imagine how many people's lives he would touch with his lecture. The very technology he celebrated helped to include millions of people on his journey to honor his own life, even during the sunset of his life.

Randy was fun, and he was also poignant. He found a way to channel the horror of his illness into extremely constructive areas, like celebrating what is good about living.

So today, in mourning the loss of these two special spirits, let's also remember how lucky we are to have the lives we have. There is still time...for us. Let's respect life more, let's find a way to include more genuine joy in our lives. That comes from living well...in thought, word, and deed.

Live well.
Falcon and Dove

TFATD: Harry Potter 7 Anniversary Party - Women Authors and Conservation

The Falcon and the Dove is BACK this week to celebrate the one year anniversary of the release of 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows', as well as the 10-year anniversary of the release of the first book in the United States! We held this workshop at the Eastside Borders in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where, as most of you know, is where we held the Midnight release party for the seventh book one full year ago. That party attracted over 600 people as we brought in the Midnight hour on the night of July 20th, 2007!

On July 19th of THIS year, we held this anniversary workshop, and also discussed the lives and conservation efforts of J.K. Rowling, Rachel Carson, and Beatrix Potter. The efforts of these women authors changed (and are still changing) the lives of many for the better, at the same time as improving our planet. All three of these women encountered large amounts of adversity, for their ideas, their gender, their classes, and their dreams. All of them overcame, and this workshop was a celebration of them. We hope you enjoy!

- Overview of disussion.

- We and our audience discuss our feelings on the 10-year anniversary of Harry Potter, our favorite characters, and our favorite passages.

- We cover the impact that these women's works have made on us individually and the world population as a whole.

- We highlight Beatrix Potter and discuss her life and achievements.

- We talk about Rachel Carson's biography, the adversity she encountered at the time of her writing of the bestseller, 'Silent Spring', and her further accomplishments.

- We get into an in-depth discussion of society's past views of women, the ridiculous conclusions that have been made about them (some of them made by high-ranking people), and how we can change the negativity.

- We ask our audience what their favorite stories are.

- Finally, Dove (Areya) reads 3 excerpts from 3 of the Harry Potter books: 'Sorcerer's Stone', 'Goblet of Fire', and 'Deathly Hallows'. We discuss each passage in-depth following each reading.

- During these discussions, we touch on another fantasy tale, 'The Neverending Story', and its similarities to 'Harry Potter'.

- We say farewell, leaving our audience and ourselves exhilarated and hopeful for the future, of literature, and of our environment.

Listen to the Show Here!

Download the Show Here! (Right-click, Save Target As) (Length: 1 hour, 25 minutes; Size: 10 MB)

Batman, Spider-man, and Rocco

Hello Everyone!
If you are trying to see Batman: The Dark Knight this weekend...buy your tickets IN ADVANCE! Do not go to the theater hoping to get in half an hour before the movie starts. You won't. If you are going to IMAX, you MUST go on line first and get your tickets, or you could be very disappointed. I saw many faces today turned away, so buy early.

The film The Dark Knight is excellent. Heath Ledger was disturbingly magnificent. We will review this film further after opening weekend. It's a must-see...so go for it.

Talk about another amazing thing...Camilo Villegas shot a 65 at The Open in Southport at Royal Birkdale. Not only did he shoot the low round for the tournament so far, but Spidey as he is sometimes called (for his ability to get into a position that would challenge most yoga masters while sizing up a putt) made 5 birdies in a row on the back 9...8 birdies total in a round on a course where many veteran players were trying to just make the +9 cut. And once again, Rocco Mediate is in the hunt, fresh from challenging Tiger Woods on a bum leg to 91 holes of pure U.S. Open golf.

Kudos to all. It should be a very exciting weekend whether your watching players hit knock down shots in horizontal winds at Birkdale or watching Health, Christian, Maggie, Morgan, and Aaron with Michael Caine running around Chicago...er...um.Gotham.

For those of you in the Pittsburgh area, why not join us for the 10th Anniversary of the release of the Harry Potter books at Borders East Side. the event is from 1-3pm on Saturday, July 19. It should be loads of fun: books, authors, trivia, spelling, games, and probably chocolate frogs!
See you there!
Peace,
Falcon and Dove

Harry Potter 7 Anniversary Party at Pittsburgh's Eastside Borders!

Can you believe that it has been almost one year since the 7th and final Harry Potter book hit U.S. and U.K. shelves? We were there 3 hours before the Witching Hour when we held our LIVE Podcast for the seventh book's release, and had over 600 people in attendance at Pittsburgh's Eastside Borders!

This coming Saturday, July 19th, from 1pm to 3pm, The Falcon and the Dove will be at the Eastside Borders again for a reunion party! As well as celebrating all of the Harry Potter years that have gone by, we will also be having a panel discussion of Women Authors and Conservation, featuring J.K. Rowling, Rachel Carson (author of Silent Spring), and Beatrix Potter (Peter Rabbit tales).

We will be reading excerpts from the authors' books, as well as discussing their histories and each of their roles they have played in the conservation of this planet. It will be a fantastic reunion and a learning experience for people of all ages, whether you know and love these authors dearly, or are just picking up their books for the first time!

We are very excited about this party, and we hope to see you there!!!

Sustainability Workshop #2 at Pittsburgh's Eastside Borders

Hello, Dove here! This week, Falcon and myself will be conducting the second in a series of Sustainability Workshops by The Sierra Club this Wednesday, July 16th, from 6:30pm to 8:30pm.

This week for the series, our workshop is called 'Who Says It's Too Late to Plant? Plants You Can Start to Grow Now for Sept. and Oct. Harvest!'

If you are in the Pittsburgh/East Liberty area this Wednesday, please join us at the 2-floor Eastside Borders Bookstore, in the same plaza as the FedEx Kinko's, and the same street as Whole Foods!

We are working towards an energy-efficient and sustainable world where the environment and human beings can coexist peacefully, and that is what these workshops are all about. It is our duty as individuals to do everything we can to make that happen. Thank you so much, and good luck!

iPhone 3G-a scramble to get, great to hold

Hello World Family,
Falcon and Dove decided that there was nothing else to do with a beautiful Friday morning but go stand in line waiting for the new iPhone 3G. Why not? It could be fun.

You meet lots of great people when you stand in line at 4 places to get an iPhone. It's like standing in line to see a popular rock band. You know if you ever see these people again anywhere, they will great you and you will great them like long lost family. It's just that way when you spend 7 hours together in line.

The AT&T stores that we visited in the Greater Pittsburgh Area ran out of phones early, but treated everyone with style, including cool bottles of water while waiting. At the big Apple store in the Shadyside section of the city, there was laughter, free Smart Water, and good conversation. Plenty of iPhones for everyone; it's just the waiting that was the hardest part. (Tom Petty reference completely intentional).

The iPhone 3G is awesome, especially for someone like Falcon whose cell phone was actually being considered for display as an antiquity. It was war-torn and beaten up, but worked everywhere...even in places others feared to try: tunnels, underground, and out in the middle of the Atlantic. The iPhone 3G has lots of applications for free downloads and Falcon and Dove have lots of icons on our Home Page now as a result. We can read newspapers, check stocks, get our horoscopes, and even turn our phone into a light saber, complete with sound effects...you choose the color of your saber. Check the weather anywhere in the world, book flights and vacations on the Travelocity application, and watch videos on YouTube. The sound is great now and it takes no time at all to download. Facebook and MySpace are a breeze, and Kyte will help you with your photos and videos to the Web. Oh yeah, and there's an iPod, too...almost forgot.

Falcon and Dove give this new iPhone 3G two claws up. Yes, the 2 year contract will put your costs on the back end, not the front like the old iPhone, but this one works better. It really frees up people to get away from their PC or laptop, and get outside and improve your quality of life. You still can't jog with a laptop, but you can with an iPhone 3G. This is portable computer access in your hand, and you can really leave your laptop at home (after downloading some important applications).

I think of this device as an investment. It is not bling. This is not a pair of shoes, a great handbag, or a fancy watch. It is a device that can give you access to the things you need the most, give physicians your records at the press of a button, give emergency information to personnel in case you cannot, and keep you moving. The price point is much more attractive than in the past, making this iPhone more accessible to more people around the world.

Bravo, Apple! Well done.
Peace,
Falcon and Dove

Hancock owns the world on July 4 weekend

Hello everyone!
We hope you had a wonderful holiday week. Many of you around the world have holidays during the first couple of weeks in July, so we hope wherever you are, that you are enjoying your special days.

Apparently, many of you around the world went to see Hancock, with Will Smith and Charlize Theron. Falcon and Dove liked it a lot: laughed, was impressed with the special effects and would give it 3 stars. It made a boatload of money: 186.7 million dollars since last Wednesday worldwide.

It did get poorly edited in plot detail in the last 40 minutes of the film... advice to director: just let the product run over 2 and a half hours. If it's important to the plot, keep it. Will Smith is pure money when opening in July, so have no fear. I got it (the backstory)...but a lot of people would have liked the background on these characters, and some of the period history could have been depicted in the film. That would have been particularly nice considering that the last time Will and Charlize were together was in beautiful Savannah in "The Legend of Bagger Vance".

Hellboy II is coming out this weekend, and should completely rock! The commercial spots have been hysterical: from public service featuring a long haired cat to American Gladiators and "In the Actor's Studio" interview.

We will be featuring some additional summer reviews shortly, so stay tuned...
Be safe, World Family,
Falcon and Dove

Sierra Club Fun Workshops at Borders starting June 25!

Hello Family,
Falcon and Dove hope you had a great weekend. We wanted to let you know about some cool Sustainability Workshops that will be starting at Borders Books East Side (East Liberty location) beginning at 6:30p on Wednesday, June 25. The first workshop will be on organics and herbs. Why is organic so important? Find out at the workshop! What's the difference between home grown versus organic? Get your questions answered by a Sierra Club member. Want an herb garden in a hurry? What herbs are the best to have all year 'round? Here is where you find out! We are very excited about this, and are invited to do one big workshop in July at Borders...July 19...but more on that later..hehe.

There will be other workshops on a variety of subjects throughout 2008! Some will have very special guests. We will keep you posted.

We hope to see you there!

Peace,
Falcon and Dove

Bravo Rocco! Good job Tiger...see you next year!

Hello Everyone!
Falcon and Dove hope that you are having a great week!

For any of you that know anything about golf, the greatest major tournament in television history ended on Monday when Tiger Woods, the number one player in the world went head-to-head with Southwestern PA's Rocco Mediate for a playoff that took 19 holes to complete. Tiger, congratulations on Major Win Number 14! Rocco, you made us all here so very proud. Yes, we all cheered and cried for both of you: tears of joy, and a little sadness, because we realized how special this tournament was to the two of you, and to history.

There was no televised event in 1913 when Frances Ouimet beat Harry Varden and Ted Ray to win the U.S. Open that year. That tournament was referenced this way on the eve of the 18 hole playoff:

" ...one David against two Goliaths...I have given up all attempts at prophecy. Tomorrow's round should be the greatest game ever played."

This of course was a key-line in the 2005 Bill Paxton directed film called, "The Greatest Game Ever Played" starring Shia Le Boeuf as Frances Ouimet and Stephen Dillane as Harry Varden. If you haven't seen this movie, check it out. It was one of the best films of that year, yet didn't get the attention it deserved.

There could have been two Goliaths on Monday...Lee Westwood missed a putt on the
18th green that would have put him in the game for the next day, so no proverbial Ted Ray...only our modern day Harry Varden in the incarnation that is Tiger Woods.

Rocco Mediate is one of the nicest, kindness golfers on the PGA tour. Falcon and Dove know this because we have talked to Rocco numerous times while marshaling PGA events, and playing golf at Rocco's favorite places in the Laurel Highlands. Falcon also remembers Rocco in FL when Dove played in the Nike Junior Championship at the TPC at Sawgrass in July, 2005. There was Rocco, cheering on the junior golfers and commented out loud about the difficulty of the pin placements. It was hysterical, and on one of the hottest days during one of the hottest weeks in memory, highly welcomed.

Falcon also remembers when Rocco was playing in the 84 Lumber Classic the year of Hurricane Isabel, when the temperatures were dropping and the wind was becoming chill. Falcon and Dove were working the 15 hole, and Rocco came by, bright and chatty as always, asking pleasant questions like he had just seen us the day before. Then he asked about Falcon's hair, and was I ever going to be able to get a comb through it the next day, and I burst out laughing.

Remember, there's a PGA golf tournament going on, but all the while, there is Rocco, chatting as he was in the 2008 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines. He was never too busy to be polite, and talked about our collective kids with warmth and pride. We were out there 12 hours that day, and Rocco (along with some other really cool PGA players) realized how awful the conditions were, and never forgot that.

That's the gift of Rocco: his glee in playing the game of golf,(even when he was injured), his humor and his kindness. He was great with Leno last night, too. That's Rocco...what a joyful soul!

Today, Tiger Woods announced that he is done for the season. He needs another surgery on his knee (two stress fractures) on the ACL, and he requires rest and rehabilitation. Today is Tiger's daughter Sam's first birthday. Happy Birthday, Beautiful!

I know this had to be a difficult decision to make for any professional player, but particularly for Tiger because he is so passionate about the game. Your tenacity to stay in the U.S. Open when you probably should have taken the week off is admirable, and we hope that you have a good respite, enjoy your family...we'll see you next year.

Peace,
Falcon and Dove

These Black Labs Need Good Homes

Hello Everyone!
We hope everyone is doing well! Today, we are here to talk about those near and dear to Falcon and Dove's heart: the Black Labrador Retriever.

We have one that we absolutely adore, who went out on an unexpected walkabout over Memorial Day weekend, and drove us to tears. Falcon printed posters and hung them everywhere, checked into the police, fire, and animal control agencies, and of course, all the shelters. One tool that made a HUGE difference was the use of Find Toto.com. Falcon used the website and chose to have a pre-recorded phone message sent to all my neighbors. Find Toto is not subject to the Do-Not-Call List, so the calls go through to everyone that can get the message. As a result, the entire neighborhood was involved and supportive. Kids on bicycles helped me with the search, and some nice firefighters went out to search after Falcon had been up for about 30 hours. He was found by a wonderful, but anonomous individual, and safely returned. On the search, there were two other missing dogs, returned to their families quickly.

Falcon and Dove want to give massive props to everyone who helped and to www.findtoto.com.
You completely rock!

Our friends at Washington County Humane sent out a newsletter today full of Black Labs who need new homes. Here is the link:
http://www.washingtonpashelter.org/PDF/Dog_poster.pdf
If you are in Eastern Ohio, Western PA, Northern West Virginia, or Western Maryland, and interested in a beautiful, loyal, friendly dog, please check out these playful pups!

To all those of you who dedicate your time, job, and lives to bettering the quality of life for animals: kudos to you!

Peace,
Falcon and Dove

See the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra for $7-Thursday, May 22

Hello Brothers and Sisters,
Falcon here, hoping that you had a great week and that all is going well.

Falcon and Dove want to offer our prayers to those cleaning up after terrible storms, earthquakes and typhoons. There are people in various places around the world fighting for food, water, and simple human needs. If you can afford it...donate. If you can't, volunteer with an organization that is helping those here at home and around the globe get and maintain aid. You really can make a difference.

Are you near Pittsburgh? Want to see the Pittsburgh Symphony for a mere $7 for adults and $3 for children? Read on...

May 22, at 7pm at Wilkinsburg Junior/Senior High School, there will be a community concert conducted by Maestro Dan Meyer. Students will also be performing with the PSO, and there is a collection of wonderful music and dynamic soloists scheduled for the evening. There will be Beethoven, Hungarian selections, and one of my personal favorites, The Firebird Suite.

Tickets will be available at the door, and the box office will open around 6pm. These concerts are unique, special treats, and if you can attend, it will be an unforgettable experience for you and your family...great joy and musical pleasure.

Falcon and Dove say, be safe, and enjoy your week.
Peace,
Falcon and Dove

Ian Cahr and Friends Raise $10,000 for New Leash on Life!

Hey, this is Dove, posting from college! Great news! Our 6-year old friend, Ian Cahr, has just won a National Community Service Award from the American Humane Association for raising over $10,000 for New Leash on Life with Ian's Bead Company, which includes 30 of his friends who helped him! Great job, Ian and friends! Good luck and keep it up!

See the news at www.americanhumane.org!

Golden Corral Rocked Mother's Day!

Hello Everyone!
Falcon and Dove hope all the mothers of the world are honored all year long, especially on Mother's Day. Falcon took her mom to the Golden Corral-a wonderful buffet restaurant with choices that boggle the mind. Falcon's mom is not the easierst person to please, and is not the most patient, but Golden Corral was uber busy on Mother's Day and handled the crowd with no problem.

The really cool part is when it's really busy, they get you a table, so no scrambling or fighting for a seat. The salad bar is the Field of Dreams with lots of leafy choices and tons of fixings. But, let's get to the good part...the entrees! Yes, the sides include the best baked sweet potatoes of all time, baked potatoes, various veggies, macaroni and cheese and well...chicken galore, (in various forms) and STEAK!!!! Ok, that was the carnivore in me, but Angus steaks cooked the way you like...to order! On a buffet!!! Now, I know my brothers and sisters of the south have probably had Golden Corral for awhile, but we just got a few in Pittsburgh over the past couple of years, and they are wonderful! Clean, neat, and unpretentious, but never tacky. The food is always hot, home cookin' with extremely nice people from the door, the salad bar, the dessert table, until you depart. Everyone is warm and friendly, and that fact that they were that happy on Mother's Day is remarkable. They ran the restaurant like a well-oiled machine, and accolades are deserved all around.

Did I mention the desserts?! Leave room...the Hogwarts feast or Peter Pan table in Neverland would be jealous. Did I mention the price? Dinner for two, all you can eat for $25!!!!!

The best part...mom LOVED it! She couldn't stop talking about how much fun she had. I also think part of the fun was that everyone in line was so absolutely pleasant. No one complained, everyone was nice.

I have now been in Golden Corral restaurants from Monroeville, PA through North Carolina. I have had a genuinely great experience every time. I am very impressed with the chain, and I can't wait for Father's Day!

They say there will be steaks served all day...hehe.

Falcon and Dove say...we hope you had fun with your mom, whatever you did. Stay strong, mothers! You have the hardest, but greatest job in the world!

Peace,
Falcon and Dove

Last minute ideas for Mother's Day

Hello Everyone!

Falcon here...offering some last minute ideas for gifts for Mom's special day. Now, I know what you're thinking: "Falcon, are these things that you would actually give, or things you want for Mother's Day?" The answer is: both! The grest news about these ideas are that they are very inexpensive to do, and will be well received by any mom with a pulse! Here we go...

Gift basket...made by you. Have you noticed how most gift baskets put together by companies have things in the basket you don't really want, but you just deal with it because it comes with the package? Well, the solution is: make your own! It's easy. Just get an empty basket at a thrift store (the bigger and sturdier, the better), and then fill it up with a theme: kitchen basket, fruit basket, spa theme, flowers and herbs, etc.

The Kitchen Basket is a piece of cake: get spices, utinsils, preserves, jellies, teas, coffee, chocolates, honey, pancake mix, berries, sea salts...whatever you know mom would like, put them together in a basket and wrap it with clear or colored plastic wrap. Done! You can make this basket as expensive or as inexpensive as you can afford.

Another basket along a similar line, but also great for gardners is the Herb Basket. Of course, this is a living basket. Go to your favorite greenhouse and for a few dollars get the most commonly desired herbs: sage, basil (there are many varieties), chives, borage, organo, dill, sweet margoram, parsley, (many kinds), lavender, etc. and put them in a basket or a planter basket. Get some good potting soil, carefully remove your herbs and place in the planter, surround and cover them with soil and water. That's it! It smells wonderful, and helps mom have great access to healthy herbs.

The Spa Basket should have pampering items: lavender, creams, sponges, lotions, and gift certificates or gift cards for places that mom can relax: a spa day (if affordable), movies, favorite restaurant, etc.

The Fruit Basket is obvious: just get a strong basket, go buy fruit (wash it) and arrange. Wrap and you're ready to go.

Okay, suppose you are really on a budget...here are a couple that are nearly free!

Get mom a journal so she can write all her special thoughts.

Go to a park for a secial Mother's Day walk. If you're involved with Race for the Cure, you already have a great way to spend time with your mom. If you are not, take mom on a special walk to your favorite place in the park. She will enjoy you sharing that with her, and she will never forget it.

Extreme Mom Home Makeover
Let's suppose that mom has a porch or patio that needs a little fix-up. Some chairs may need cleaned, or a table painted and spruced up...well, while mom is out at a church luncheon, you and your gang can do a quick fix, add a couple of flowers and make her spot beautiful. She will appreciate any effort, and it can be the beginning of a springtime project, or completed in an afternoon. Either way, mom will love it, I bet.

Picnic in the park-get your siblings together, make a cover dish, and take mom for lunch in the park. She won't have to cook, and she will love it. Remember to take pictures. If the weather is poor, take the cover dish to mom's house, so she doesn't have to cook, and have some fun. Are there more than one mom you need to honor on this special day? Make a special dish or dessert for each; they'll know that you're thinking about them, and how much they mean to you.

Have a great weekend, and to all the moms everywhere...have a happy, blessed mother's day!

Peace,
Falcon and Dove

2008 Summer Movie Season Begins! 10 we want to see...

Hello Everyone!
Happy Cinco de Mayo!

We hope that where ever you are, (including our Brothers and Sisters in those area recovering from weekend tornadoes and cyclones), that you are well and safe.

Remember to always have a disaster plan in place for you and your family, and to keep a kit ready with three days of medicines, supplies and water handy. Dove and I have one kit indoors and one outside in the vehicle. Don't forget supplies for your pets!

Well, it's time for the 2008 Summer Movie Season! There are a lot of films coming out...too many to review at once, but here are 10 we are looking forward to seeing:

The Dark Knight
Obviously, the new Batman film is on the minds of many, with Heath Ledger's new interpretation of The Joker. It looks very interesting, with a strong cast, including Christian Bale and Gary Oldman.

Hellboy II
This is Guillermo del Toro's sequel and it looks like a fine romp. Falcon liked the trailer and hopes that the film has as much substance as it has strong special effects.

The Incredible Hulk
We hope this film is good; the last Hulk film wasn't. The trailer was okay, but Bruce Banner can be a very difficult character to portray on screen, even if he did start in a comic book. We hope this one rocks. We are cautious.

Iron Man
Falcon likes Robert Downey, Jr. and he really makes this film special. The soundtrack is fantastic! Very difficult effects and some impossible angles to capture make this film better than I thought it would be. You have to like this kind of thing...it's summer, you know what kinds of movies we get in summer...bang, bang! Our sort-ot-hero does make a point though, as he changes his mind about weapons and war.

Indiana Jones and the Kindom of the Crystal Skull
Harrison Ford and Shia LeBoeuf...sounds good to me. I am concerned that like a previous Indiana Jones film (Temple of Doom critically lead to the PG-13 rating)that Central and South American Native peoples be treated with a bit more respect and not stereotype. It is repugnant that we still have to worry about the treatment of sacred cultures on film in this day and age, but Pirates of the Carribean: Dead Man's Chest proves its never to late to be gross and xenophobic. So, we worry...

The Cronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian
It you have read C.S. Lewis' series, then this film adaptation of the book should be one of your favorites in the series. Falcon is personally happy that they found a young man who looks just like the Prince Caspian she always envisioned when reading the books. Yum. As for the story, this is a hard one to get in a 2 hour block, so I hope the compression does it justice. There's so little you can talk about on this project without giving something away...so we won't.

Sex and the City
Hey, something that isn't fastasy or comic book adaptations! This should be a fun romp...same actors, and although the film Twin Peaks wasn't as good as the television series, this one should fare much better.

Sisterhood of the Trevelling Pants II
This should be a lovely departure for the summer months for those who want acting and a strong narrative from young women. Amerika Ferrera (Ugly Betty) is in this charming story again, and we hope that it will be just a wonderful for families as the first one. This is for tweens and older, not the extremely young ones.

Speed Racer
Very light fare with a good cast. John Goodman and Susan Sarandon...and some new bright fun faces we hope to see in the future. I liked Speed Racer the cartoon when I was a kid, and the movie looks like Tron meets Cars, so we will see how it goes. This should be appropriate for mosst audiences.

Star Trek
This is Star Trek, kind of the early years, including Pittsburgher Zack Quinto (Sylar on Heroes) as a young Mr. Spock. Falcon has ony seen a small teaser and looks forward to more. We hope this works.

Kennywood Park Opens May 3

Hello Everyone!
Well, it's almost Beltane, May Day..May 1! Time to celebrate! Cinco de Mayo is just around the corner, too! So, let's have some fun!

Kennywood Park, one of the finest traditional amusement parks in the U.S. opens May 3 and if you get to the park this weekend, you will probably see the end of the spring blooms: crabapple, cherry, dogwoods, sand cherry, etc. This is the only time of year you can see the blooms, and rarely can you get in the park in any year and see them. This is really the first time in 11 years that the park will be open to the public and the blooms are showing off. Usually, it's just too cold and/or unpredictable weather-wise for them to open the park. This year is special, so go for it; temps will be in 70s this weekend.

For those of you not familiar with Kennywood Park, it is in West Mifflin, near Pittsburgh, PA. It has several outstanding roller-coasters, including one that coaster enthusiasts believe is the best wooden coaster ever...The Thunderbolt. Ride first, then eat. Oh, the food...The Potato Patch, rated the best fries in the country several times over the years. The carousel is one from dreams past, something you would imagine in a park over 100 years old. The lagoon has great paddle boats, and there is actually a Penny Arcade full of modern and nostalgic games. The landscaping is beautiful, full of blooms whose fragrances stir the soul.

Come out and have some fun! See the blooms! If you can't come this spring, come this summer or fall. There are fireworks nightly during Fall Fantasy in August, and special days like WTAE Day in July. You won't be disappointed, and your children will have a day or weekend that they will never forget.

Good ol' fashion fun rules!

Lorena Ochoa and Danica Patrick: Take a bow!

Hello Brothers and Sisters,
Falcon here, calling for a celebration! Two awesome champions deserve our attention and praise.

This week, Danica Patrick won at Twin Ring Motegi. Lorena Ochoa, who is now the number one player in women's golf won yet another tournament, this time the Ginn in Florida, to win four times in a row this year, including a major, the Kraft Nabisco Championship (which includes a dip in the lake with family members after getting the trophy).

These accomplishments have come from extremely hard work and dedication to their craft.

The IRL and the LPGA respectively should take advantage of the success of these incredible women and play it up and promote the tours.

If you don't know about these women in their fields and their community, check out their websites:
www.danicaracing.com
www.lorenaochoa.com

I Agree with the Judge: Settle 'Potter' case now

Hello Everyone!
This is Falcon, and I am going to have a small rant. There is a case in Manhattan right now in Federal court before U.S. District judge Robert Patterson, Jr. who is now asking the sides to come to a settlement out of court. Falcon says she agrees, noting that the judge was quoted by the AP as saying, "I think this case, with imagination, could be settled."

This is a case that has Harry Potter fans reeling. Some are supporting Jo Rowling in her quest to keep a hardcopy version of the website Harry Potter Lexicon from publishing in print form. Others see former middle-school librarian Steven Vander Ark's efforts as commentary and scholarly, and therefore, eligible to publish.

This is a slippery area, to be sure. I would like to look at some of the areas that may have been forgotten.

Many Harry Potter fans have been helped by Vander Ark's site. Even Jo Rowling herself has admitted to using the site for reference while in the process of composing some of her own works. That means that man is passionate, and has done a service to the popularity of the Harry Potter series success. He wasn't compensated for any of that research time; he did it for pure love of the series, and the desire to get more young people to read. Now, he wants to publish a book that probably should have more reference material and commentary than it now contains. In the interest of compromise, he should probably add additional commentary to the text. This would make the project more of a review and reference piece. Let the guy make a nickel.

Okay, what about Jo Rowling's plan to do her own reference text in a few years...it will make a mint like all her other work. Sorry, but it is completely ludicrous to believe that those buying Vander Ark's project wouldn't buy one written by the author years from now. Of course they would.

History has proven that fan generated texts have only increased popularity of the original, not hurt it. Look at Gene Roddenberry's 'Star Trek' and George Lucas' 'Star Wars'; there have been plenty of fan created books and materials, essays, and comics, and all have enhanced the fan experience and appreciation for the originals. Here is my next suggestion for compromise: Steven, give one of Jo Rowling's charities a portion of the sales of your version of the lexion! That way, the project will not be 'perceived' as taking anything away from charities that will benefit in the future from the author's encyclopedia when published.

Jo, Dove (Areya) loves you dearly, but I am a mom, as you are...so let's have a conversation, Mom to Mom.

Jo, although you are the author of the 'Harry Potter' books, you no longer 'own' it. You are its parent, but you did not 'raise' your son in a vacuum: you had many others whose contributions went into making what 'Harry Potter' became...a huge success. You did not 'pay for' or 'compensate' those contributors, yet their influence is very much present and obvious to those who have studied literature through the ages for many a year. Now, I don't expect you to compensate them; I expect you to honor them. The most honorable thing that you can do is to remember how you got to where you are.

Many, many people who were never on the payroll at Warner Brothers helped make this project a success. No one does it alone, and many did everything they did, spending lots and lots of their own money to make Harry Potter popular. One of them is a librarian named Steven Vander Ark.

If he is willing to go back and revise and add some additional commentary to the printed lexicon, and dedicate a portion of the profits to a charity that you name, can this lawsuit go away? You have had a great run of it, and Warner Brothers has more coming in the next few years with the films. This lexicon will not hurt you; and it may help you in ways you cannot yet expect.

I know...because I am a mom, too... that your deepest concern is for your charities to prosper, and I believe that this is a way to help keep that thought ever-present, without causing any permanent damage in reputation or image of anyone involved.

I remember another author of famous literature in the 20th Century who had a problem very similar to this one...J.R.R. Tolkien.

He decided before he passed away to allow a lot of projects to be done, mostly because he saw advantage in sharing more of his work with the world. He once said that the greatest compliment to his work was that people were so interested in seeing Middle-earth and its characters extended beyond the borders, and he delighted in the fact that someday, perhaps there would be little girls named Eowyn running around in future generations. He knew that he had not created the names or the places really, but 'listened carefully' to the dictation'.

He was a very spiritual man and realized that as an artist, whenever anyone shares something they created into being, that at the moment it is shared, it no longer belongs to you...it belongs to us all.

Try to let your child grow a little through someone else's eyes...they will not hurt them, and what they have to offer may end up being a very good thing, even if it doesn't seem like it right now.

It is a mother's...and an artist's curse: we love them, we raise them, and eventually, we must learn to let them go...graciously acknowledging that although we did most of the work to get them where they are today, we did not do it alone. We let them run, trusting that they will be fine in the hands of a world that loves them, maybe not the same way that we do, but loves them, nonetheless. Trust that all will be well; you have a strong child, and he will be just fine.

Peace,
Falcon (Stephanie)

Support Washington (County) PA Area Humane Society-Zootoo.com

Hello Everyone!
Tomorrow, Tuesday, April 15, The Washington Area (Washington County, PA) Humane Society will receive their Zootoo visit for consideration for the $1 Million Makeover! If you are in the area, stop by and lend support to this awesome no-kill shelter! Bring a sign, volunteer, cheer...whatever you can. I am sure they wouldn't mind if you brought a donation or two;)

You can help by going to Zootoo.com, registering, and writing reviews, submitting photos, etc. They are in first place, so we here at Falcon and Dove want to help them win the makeover of their (and their animals') dreams! Please help them...they do so much for so many! Here's some important information below:



1527 Route 136

Eighty Four , PA 15330

Phone: 724-222-7387

The Washington Area Humane Society (WAHS) is a no-kill shelter, funded solely by private contributions. Our shelter takes in as many as 4,000 animals annually and investigates an average of 800 abuse complaints per year.

Our Mission is to:
• provide shelter, safety and food for the orphaned and abused animals of Washington County with the goal of placing them in loving homes;

• provide public education about the humane care and treatment of animals;

• provide affordable veterinary outpatient services including spaying or neutering; and

• investigate and resolve abuse cases in the best interests of the animal and community.

We do not euthanize animals to make room for other animals. We pride ourselves on giving every animal a second, even third chance at a loving permanent home regardless of age or medical condition. Our only exceptions are those cases where "quality of life" is severely affected and for cases of public safety. We would not knowingly allow an animal to suffer nor pose a safety risk to the community.

We need dedicated volunteers and your economic help to continue to operate. Every donation counts.

College-Got admitted, can't afford it-now what?

Hello Class of 2008!

Great news, you are being accepted to the colleges of your choice, you are picking out your dorms and residence halls...and you are getting your award packages in the mail...and the gap between what you can afford and what you need to attend is enormous. What do you do?

First of all...DON'T PANIC!

There are options. Contact your Admissions representative at your university of choice (there should be several universities of choice) and tell them your problem. See if there are merit scholarships within the university that you are eligible for that can begin to fill the gap.

Go to Fastweb.com and look at at scholarships that you can apply for with immediate deadlines and money that is disbursed before August 1, 2008...around the time you will need to have your gaps filled.

Okay, so you're a good student, fine in sports, but not the top NCAA recruit. That doesn't mean you can't play college sports. Let's suppose that you play basketball at your high school (men or women), and you don't play well enough for consideration for a scholarship to your university. Look at some of the other sports...fencing, rowing, etc. Maybe they have some spots open in those areas because there are not enough student athletes to recruit for that particular sport at that particular school.
Contact the Athletic Director, or the coach in that sport. Find out if they need what you have to offer, and let them tell you what you need to do to get in the NCAA Clearinghouse. You may have enough talent, or they may be willing to work with you, and give you some athletic grant-in-aid to meet the gaps in your education funding.

Look at organizations in your community for scholarships: Elks, Rotary, local unions, etc. There may be some scholarships that you or your student may qualify for that could reduce those costs.

Also, some universities have their own financing programs.. You and/or your parents sit down with your prospective university's financial aid representative and see if they can come up with monthly payments you may be able to afford. Do this before going to some predatory lender.

As a matter of fact, if the Financial Aid Package contains an extraordinarily large portion of outside lending (beyond the university and federal loans and grants), I would seriously reconsider that university for myself and /or my child.

If you/your student is a good student (3.5 or higher GPA, good SAT/ACT scores, plenty of leadership skills and great AP/IB test scores), your student should look at all awards packages from every university they applied to very, very carefully. One of the points of consideration should be: how deep in debt am I going to get sending myself/my child to this school?

There are great schools with great names, and then there are great schools who may not be as well known, but are fully capable of meeting your student's needs, as well as giving them an attractive financial aid package (awards package). Small, private universities can be very competitive in terms of offerings in the classroom, and for the pocket. Hear everyone out, and see what they are willing to do for your very good student. Don't be afraid to tell a university that you prefer that another school has offered more merit money than they have. If they are worth their salt, they will at least try to match that offer.

There is no way we can afford the university I got in to...now what do I do?

Don't panic. There are a lot of fine universities that take students on a Rolling Admission basis. Even at this late point, there are schools that you can apply to that will give you an admission decision in weeks, not months. From there, they may have sufficient merit aid to help you. Many smaller schools are very generous. Keep applying to independent scholarships! Ask for an application fee waiver if you can't afford to pay yet another application fee.

The key is to not give up! Keep your head up. If you have been accepted to a college, you know that you have done what is necessary. Now, the key in this tough financial climate is to go where you can afford to go, and to a university that will give you the skills and the business connections to be successful; that combination does exist!

Good luck!
Peace,
Falcon and Dove