Tiger returns; It's Oscar Night!

Hello World Family,
This is Falcon with some quick news. In case some of you worldwide did not hear, Tiger Woods will play in the Accenture Match Play Championship beginning February 25 at Dove Mountain (they built a new Ritz-Carlton there). His new son has arrived (congrats to the entire family: Tiger, Elin, Sam, and new son Charlie Axel), and Tiger apparently feels that the leg is ready for some competitive action. Welcome back, Tiger.

It is the biggest night for films...the Academy Awards. Get the snacks ready, invite the friends over, and prepare for some top secret surprises! There are some special things planned this year, including guest appearances and unique ways to present the awards. You have our predictions, Brothers and Sisters, so enjoy the event. We will of course be back with you about the winners this week.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend, Family!
Peace, and with much love for you all,
Falcon and Dove

New York Post Cartoon Racist? Well, Certainly Tasteless

Hello World Family,
Falcon, here. Well, it seems that someone fell asleep at the editor's desk at the New York Post the other night, and a cartoon that has all the sensitivity of a great white shark bite managed to make it into the esteemed newspaper yesterday to the horror of many readers and civil rights leaders. The Post and the cartoonist of course said that if was satire. Of course, it was...so let's examine the satirical parts of this cartoon.

Hmmm...two police officers having shot a mad chimp, laying on the ground in a pool of blood dead while one of the police officers quips, "Well, I guess someone else is going to have to write the next stimulus package." Okay...let me see if I can find the humor: dead chimp...not funny. Chip who went crazy and mauled a woman to near death, attacked the owner who had raised him, and was forced to stab her partner pet of many years because he seemed to be having a contraindicated response to the medication he was on from the treatment of Lyme Disease...no nothing funny about that. Okay...so let's look at the government side: insinuation that the stimulus plan was written by a chimp, but it was composed, with lots of assistance from various sources, by our new president. calling the president an ape...not funny. Hinting that the first African American President of the United States has the mental capacity of an ape that went ballistic on contraindicated drugs, nearly killed a woman, and was shot by police, lying in a pool of blood...NOT FUNNY!

The artist indicating that he actually didn't ever think about the 400 year association in European and U.S. media associating the African American male with chimps and apes...well, now that's funny. In order to not be aware of that association, (and actually live in a place that has media, Internet, and even running water), one would have to be, hmmm, what's the word I am looking for...oh! I know! A knuckle dragging, myopic, self-absorbed, under-educated, poster child for the Peter Principle idiot...yes, I said idiot. Certainly, he doesn't expect us to believe he is that clueless, seriously! He must be misrepresenting himself. He actually did know what he was inferring, he just doesn't want anyone to think that he is a xenophobe...I get it. The former description is so much more flattering than the latter. Right...

I have no idea what was in the mind of the cartoonist. I do know that the axioms and neurons were not at full capacity in the opinion of a large percentage of individuals who saw his 'satire'.He may think he connected the proverbial dots in his attempt to infer that the Stimulus Package was composed by a mad chimp, but nothing in that image makes that full connection. It does hint at some other parallels: that those who can, do...and that those who can't don't even seem to able to make fun of it effectively. Tasteless, baseless, and clueless...those were the first things I thought when I saw the cartoon. Racist...well, to anyone with an even pedestrian understanding of race relations in the Western Hemisphere...possibly. If this was done unconsciously, it says more about the artist's psychological DNA than he may realize. A sensitivity course and some history lessons are seriously called for.

Peace, World Family! They are not all like this guy.

Stay strong, and have a great weekend!
Falcon

Oscar Predictions 2009 from Falcon and Dove

Hello, Brothers and Sisters,
Thank you for all those emails about your office pools, online ballots, and contests that you are entering concerning the Oscars this weekend, February 22. Falcon and Dove have been working hard to try to see as many of the nominees as we could before this week's deadlines...and now we have our picks.

We don't agree in every category...so where there is a difference, the choice marked in bold also has Falcon or Dove listed next to the prediction.

We hope you enjoy the Oscars, and to everyone nominated: great job! You are all fantastic! This was a golden year, and you should all be proud.

OSCAR PREDICTIONS-FALCON AND DOVE 2009

Best Picture

The Curious case of Benjamin Button
Frost/Nixon
Milk
The Reader
Slumdog Millionaire-Falcon and Dove’s Choice

Best Actor

Richard Jenkins for “The Visitor”
Frank Langella for “Frost/Nixon”
Sean Penn for “Milk”-Falcon and Dove pick
Brad Pitt for “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Mickey Rourke for “The Wrestler”

Best Actress

Anne Hathaway for “Rachel Getting Married”
Angelina Jolie for “The Chanegling”
Melissa Leo for “Frozen River”
Meryl Streep for “Doubt”
Kate Winslet for “The Reader”

Best Supporting Actor

Josh Brolin for Milk
Robert Downey, Jr. for Tropic Thunder
Phillip Seymour Hoffman
Michael Shannon for Revolutionary Road
Health Ledger The Dark Knight

Best Supporting Actress

Amy Adams for Doubt
Penelope Cruz for Vicky Christina Barcelona
Viola Davis for Doubt
Taraji P. Henson for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Marisa Tomei for The Wrestler

Best Director

David Fincher, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Ron Howard, Frost/Nixon
Gus Van Sant, Milk
Stephen Daldry, The Reader”
Danny Boyle, Slumdog Millionaire

Best Foreign Film
The Baader Meinhof Complex-Germany-almost Falcon’s choice
The Class-France-Dove
Departunes-Japan
Revanche-Austria
Waltz with Bashir-Israel-Falcon


Adapted Screenplay

Eric Roth and Robin Swicord-The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
John Patrick Shanley-Doubt
Peter Morgan-Frost/Nixon
David Hare-The Reader
Simon Beaufoy-Slumdog Millionaire

Original Screenplay

Courtney Hunt-Frozen River
Mike Leigh-Hapy-Go-Lucky
Martin McDonagh-In Bruges
Dustin Lance Black-Milk
Andrew Stanton, Jim Reardon and Pete Docter-WALL-E

Animated Feature

Bolt-(Falcon)
Kung Fu Panda
WALL-E (Dove)

Art Direction

Changeling
The Curious case of Benjamin Button (Dove)
The Dark Knight (Falcon)
The Dutchess
Revolutionary Road

Cinematograhy

Changeling
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
The Reader
Slumdog Millionaire

(extremely tough category)

Sound Mixing

The Curious case of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight (Dove)
Slumdog Millionaire (Falcon)
WALL-E
Wanted

Sound Editing

The Dark Knight
Iron Man (Falcon)
Slumdog Millionaire (Dove)
WALL-E
Wanted

Original Score

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Alexandre Desplat
Defiance, James Newton Howard
Milk, Danny Elfman
Slumdog Millionaire A.R. Rahman
WALL-E, Thomas Newman


Original Song

Down to Earth-WALL-E, Peter Gabriel and Thomas Newman
Jai Ho-Slumdog Millionaire, A.R. Rahman and Gulzar
O Saya-Slumdog Millionaire A.R. Rahman and Maya Arulpragasam

Costuming
Australia
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (Dove)
The Dutchess (Falcon)
Milk
Revolutionary Road

Documentary Feature

The Betrayal (Nerakhoom)
Encounters at the End of the World
The Garden
Man on Wire
Trouble the Water
Documentary Short
The Conscience of Nhem En (Dove)
The Final Inch (Falcon)
Smile Pink!
The Witness-From the Balcony of Room 306

Film Editing

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (Falcon)
The Dark Knight
Frost/Nixon
Milk
Slumdog Millionaire (Dove)

Makeup

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (Dove)
The Dark Knight
Hellboy II: The Golden Army (Falcon)

(extremely hard category)

Animated Short

La Maison en Petits Cubes
Lavatory-Love story
Okatapodi
Presto
This Way Up

Live Action Short

Auf der Strecke (On the Line) DOVE
Manon on the Asphalt (FALCON)
New Boy
The Pig
Spielzeugland (Toyland)

Visual Effects

The Curious case of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight (DOVE)
Iron Man (FALCON)

PANCREATIC CANCER SYMPOSIUM - PHILADELPHIA

Hello, World Family!
Falcon here. I received this notice this morning, and I wanted to pass it on to everyone in the Falcon and Dove family. As you know, our beloved Randy Pausch, the CMU professor who, among other many talents developed the computer program Alice (that Dove did as a grade school student) was struck down by this cancer. This horrible cancer knocks down many wonderful souls every year, and any additional information that can be shared to help those directly affected by this... patients, family members, friends, caregivers...should attend this event to gain a greater understanding and updates on the progress being made to overcome this illness.

This is a FREE event; there is also one in Atlanta about 10 days later. Check the enclosed information below, and feel free to check out their website.

Stay strong, Brothers and Sisters!
Falcon and Dove

PANCREATIC CANCER SYMPOSIUM - PHILADELPHIA
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Philadelphia Marriott Downtown

The Pancreatic Cancer Symposium – Philadelphia is a complimentary educational event for patients/survivors, their caregivers, family members and friends. Advance registration is required.

Click here to view the agenda –includes speakers from Thomas Jefferson University, University of Pennsylvania, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Fox Chase Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, and Beth Israel Medical Center.
WHEN
Saturday, April 4, 2009
8:45 am - 5:00pm

LOCATION
Philadelphia Marriott Downtown
1201 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network has arranged for rooms at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown at a special rate of $239/night for a single/double, $259/night for a triple, and $279/night for a quad occupancy plus applicable taxes and service charges. For reservations, visit our website at http://www.pancan.org/phillysymp09/, or by calling 215-625-2900 and tell them you are with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network group. These special rates are only available until Thursday, March 3, 2009. Limited rooms are available!

For any additional questions, contact us: symposium@pancan.org.

Savannah College of Art and Design opens Hong Kong Campus!

Hello World Family,
I got this email in my box this morning from the president of Savannah College of Arts and Design. There is a link included that you can follow to a new website with a nice retrospective of the history of the university as well as a sneak peak of the new campus in Hong Kong.

This is exciting news to our Brothers and Sisters in Asia considering college entry for 2010 and any students who may consider transferring, those who may want to teach at the school, and of course, guest artists and performers. Check your calendars!

The announcement appears below.
Have a great day, World Family!
Peace,
Falcon and Dove

From President S. Paula Wallace:

Today, I’m proud to announce plans to open a new SCAD campus in Hong Kong. This announcement is made possible through the awarding of the historic North Kowloon Magistracy building to SCAD by the Advisory Committee of the Hong Kong Development Bureau – a distinguished committee of business, cultural and government leaders appointed by the Hong Kong government. SCAD expects this recommendation to be approved by the Hong Kong government on February 24. When that happens, SCAD will become the first U.S. university to establish a degree-granting campus in Hong Kong. This is a historic moment.

SCAD-Hong Kong is made possible only because the SCAD family, working together, has made this institution the finest, most relevant, and most caring art and design university in the world. SCAD-Atlanta, our first branch campus, demonstrates the high quality of SCAD, while having grown to an impressive size in just four years. SCAD-Savannah demonstrates how the university can transform an urban landscape with award-winning programs and beautiful buildings. SCAD-Lacoste demonstrates the international character of the university. And SCAD-eLearning demonstrates the university’s commitment to innovation and technology. All these successes are harbingers of good results for SCAD-Hong Kong.

With a target opening date of Fall 2010, this new campus will be located in the heart of a sophisticated international city where SCAD students, graduates and professors can partner with organizations in burgeoning creative enterprises. The campus will be housed in the North Kowloon Magistracy, a seven-story former judicial building that SCAD will renovate and repurpose for students. SCAD-Hong Kong will offer degree programs in advertising design, animation, graphic design, illustration, interactive design and game development, motion media design (broadcast design and motion graphics), photography and visual effects; sound design will be offered as an undergraduate minor. To learn more about specific undergraduate and graduate degrees to be offered, visit www.scad.edu/hongkong.

The entire SCAD family knows that the university is committed to smart growth – which means that no resources will be taken away from other SCAD campuses to support this new campus. Rather, SCAD-Hong Kong will strengthen the entire institution, offering greater access to creative professions, a wider network of arts professionals and design-minded businesses, and new opportunities for students and alumni to make their dreams come true on a global scale. It’s a vibrant time to be a part of SCAD, and this news makes our 30th anniversary year even more monumental. Thank you for the important role you play at SCAD.

Loving ways to Honor St. Valentine

Hello World Family,
Falcon here!
It is that time of year where rose and chocolate prices go through the roof, where tissue boxes fill the aisles in fancy boxes for tear-jerking romantic comedies, and Scooby-doo and Captain Jack Sparrow grace the refrigerator door of those with small children. Yes, it's Valentine's Day. Some people love this mid-winter homage to love, and some just want to vomit. We here at Falcon and Dove have some suggestions to make the day more enjoyable, whether you are coupled or not.

First of all, nothing fills the heart with love more than helping others. Find a non-profit organization you can help that day; I am sure they will give you a big hug!

Thinking about adopting a pet? Maybe this is the weekend to give some space in your home to a dog, cat, bird, or other shelter animal looking for their forever home. The affection you get from them will more than make up for the extra stuff on the hips from the box of chocolate chip coolies that were previously being considered.

Visit a shut-in neighbor or relative this weekend. They would enjoy your company, and you may find yourself having some fun, too.

See a movie that inspires you, instead of one that leave you wondering why you actually handed them money at the gate, instead of the other way around. You can usually tell by the title if this film is a complete waste of coin or not; do the right thing: rent a Ghandi or Cry Freedom, not Saw, whatever number it is. If you are going to the theatre, see something like Slumdog Millionaire, a D minus slash thriller or not-so-romantic comedy. If you have children, Hotel for Dogs is perfect, while some of the proceeds go to help shelter animals.

If it's been ahile since you have done anyting on Valentine's Day, do something wonderful for yourself: a nice bubble bath, a massage, a good book. Don't curl up with a pound of chocolate and down the box! Don't take a half gallon tub of ice crean and work your way to the bottom! A little treat is nice, but don't overdo. As a matter of fact, get to the gym or take a nice walk with other friends who might join Chocoholics Anonymous. Again, a couple of pieces, cool...the entire selection of assorted varieties...not so much.

Write a letter, send a card and personalize it. Not an email...an actual letter (if you can). You know with paper and an ink pen or pencil. Why? Because letters are beautiful, and it shows you really took the time to care. I know I love hand written things, or hand made items. Paper, pen, postae stamp...perfect price: priceless!

Above all, be good to yourself, and by extension, be good to others. Keep that in your heart all year. This is the time of year to dream the dreams you want to make real. Put your throught into planning, and then, action. You may surprise yourself how well things come out.

Here's hugs and kisses from your Sisters here at The Falcon and the Dove! Be ever beautiful: Walk in Beauty, Walk in Light, Walk in Love.
Peace,
Falcon and Dove

New Somerhill releases! Falcon sings background vocals

Hello World Family,
Falcon here! I received an email from a producer I worked with on two projects that have just been released. The band is called Somerhill, and the two released are titled, Free Your Mind (Tara Na), and Today or Tomorrow. I sang backing doubled tracks on the song, Tara Na, and on “We’ll Keep Going” on Today or Tomorrow. It was great to have the opportunity to work with these guys. They are wonderful. Both are available on Amazon. The singles are available on iTunes. Below is some copy from the press release.
Peace,
Falcon and Dove

‘Free Your Mind (Tara Na)’ and ‘Today or Tomorrow’ now available

On ..December 14, 2008.., Core Media House L.L.C. released Free Your Mind (Tara Na), a new song performed by Somerhill. Core Media House released a second new Somerhill song, Today or Tomorrow, on December 28, 2008. Free Your Mind (Tara Na) and Today or Tomorrow are available on the Internet at Amazon.com.


Somerhill is:


Chad Gontkovic: lead vocal; backing vocals; electric guitar


Greg Kehl: backing vocals; electric rhythm guitar; electric guitar solo; synthesizer strings; synthesizer electric grand piano


Bill Rose: backing vocals; six-string and twelve-string acoustic steel guitars


With Somerhill were


Charles Constantino: electric bass guitar; acoustic nylon guitar; acoustic drum kit; synthesizer piano solo; synthesizer electric pianos; synthesizer shaker/triangle


and other performers

Winner of the 2006 Rockin’ in the Valley original music contest held by Our Town, Somerhill was the closing act for American Idol finalist Chris Daughtry in March 2007 in Pittsburgh Charles Constantino and Chad Gontkovic wrote the lyrics for Free Your Mind (Tara Na) that include the phrase, “..Tara na,” which is “Let’s go” in the Tagalog language of the Philippines. William Rose and Charles Constantino wrote the music for Free Your Mind (Tara Na) and the lyrics and music for Today or Tomorrow. Digitally tracked, mixed and mastered at 24 bits/96 kilohertz, the guitar-and-drum-driven Free Your Mind (Tara Na) and Today or Tomorrow combine rock, funk and jazz elements with four-part vocal harmony, vintage keyboard sounds, and unconventional mixdown touches.


“I learned a lot just being around him during pre-production and recording sessions. I also learned the definition of meticulous,” remarked Chad Gontkovic of Somerhill about Core Media House cofounder Charles Constantino, who mixed and produced Free Your Mind (Tara Na) and Today or Tomorrow. “He’s awesome.” Greg Kehl noted, “Charles showed us how to turn our basic riffs and melodies into layers and layers of beautiful sounds. It was fun to see someone with so much knowledge of music in his element while we were in pre-production and in the studio.” “He’s just a musical genius,” Bill Rose said of Constantino in an interview for Our Town. According to Rose, Constantino added “multiple harmonies, different back-up vocals, different types of singing, and different instruments that we hadn’t even considered.” “The determination of Somerhill to evolve as musicians and songwriters impressed me. I enjoyed my time with the group,” Constantino stated.

Super Bowl Champions Pittsburgh Steelers!

Hello World Family,
Thank you, Pittsburgh Steelers for a heart pounding finale to the toughest schedule in the NFL this year! So many counted you out, and we never did. Steelers Nation around the world, we salute you! This was a tough game, hard fought, and humbly won.
As a native PIttsburgher, I am amazed and proud of you every minute! Proud of our sports franchises, proud of our city, proud of our people.

Steelers...you are now the winningest team in NFL history: 6 Super Bowl victories!

TONIGHT
Dick's Sporting Goods and Macy's is open this evening to sell Steelers merchandise with the World Champions logo on everything. Get out there and get your gear.

President Obama, thank you for being a member of Steelers Nation! We all appreciate your support.

Enjoy tonight! Have fun! Stay safe!

Congratulations, STEELERS!!!
Peace, World Family
Falcon and Dove