Tribal Rock Group BROTHER makes Classic Titles available for Download

Hello World Family,
Falcon, here. One of my favorite rock bands ever is a group from Down Under called BROTHER, who has some of the most intricate, uniquely fierce songs on the world music stage. They have lots of CD's that are strong, but my personal all time favorite has been "Blackstone Tramp". It is now available for download! Please see the notes from BROTHER below:

Blackstone Tramp available again:

A lot of the old cd titles have long been out of print.

Beginning right now with Blackstone Tramp we are going to make those titles available for download.



Angus - "blackstone tramp was the first album we recorded with dalbo, back in '96 when both my brothers were still in the band. we came straight off the road and into the studio. you can feel that energy in the tracks. i'm excited to finally have those old records available again, not just as bootlegs. about bloody time, you say? i'd have to agree."

Order the digital down Blackstone Tramp album or individual tracks at BROTHER's Mongrel Marketplace. Purchase of Blackstone Tramp are processed separately from other Mongrel Marketplace orders.

Let us know what title you'd like to see available next! Email Leila @ leila@BROTHERmusic.com.



BROTHER
http://www.brothermusic.com
www.myspace.com/BROTHERmusic
www.twitter.com/BROTHERmusic



For booking & media inquiries: leila@BROTHERmusic.com
For general inquiries: info@BROTHERmusic.com
For merchandise inquiries: merchandise@BROTHERmusic.com
or mongrel-marketplace@brothermusic.com

Steelers 2009 Exhibition Schedule, Preview of Fall

Hello World Family and Steelers Nation,
Here is information just released today on the Steelers schedule for 2009, including playing the Arizona Cardinals for the first preseason game.

Start setting aside some dates. Buffalo fans and Canucks, there may be another Buffalo game in Toronto, I heard...there will be a Buffalo game at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh; please see below.
Enjoy, Family!
Peace,
Falcon and Dove

Steelers 2009 Schedule

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers will begin the 2009 exhibition schedule against the Arizona Cardinals, the team they defeated in Super Bowl XLIII.
Team spokesman Dave Lockett on Monday confirmed the following schedule of Steelers preseason games:

• Steelers vs. Arizona at Heinz Field, Aug. 13, 8 p.m.
• Steelers at Washington, sometime on the weekend of Aug. 20-24
• Steelers vs. Buffalo at Heinz Field, sometime on the weekend of Aug. 27-31
• Steelers at Carolina, sometime on the weekend of Sept. 3-4

Those games are for practice, but they count for real starting on Sept. 10, when the Steelers host AFC South champion Tennessee in the NFL's 2009 season opener at Heinz Field.

The rest of the Steelers' regular-season schedule hasn't been announced yet, but it is known that they will play at home vs. Oakland, San Diego and Green Bay; on the road vs. Denver, Kansas City, Chicago, Detroit and Miami; and the traditional home-and-home series against division opponents Cincinnati, Baltimore and Cleveland.

EDT: Earth Hour 8:30-9:30pm Tonight!

Hello Brothers and Sisters,
Today around the globe, people are giving up their energy usage for one hour to demonstrate how much energy we use and can save when we put conscious effort to it.
Earth Hour is a rolling global deliberate brown-out that everyone can participate in by unplugging all unnecessary stuff for one hour. There are many ways to let everyone know what you did afterward by checking in with various sites, including You Tube, Harry Potter Alliance (register by Household), WWF, and many, many environmental organizations. Want to tell us what you did? Email us at:
falcondove@areyasimmons.com

Our hour time slot is 8:30-9:30 Eastern Daylight Time.

Ideas for your one hour of lights out?

Well...you could tell stories by candlelight, have a campfire (where safe to do so) and talk about things you want to do this year to save energy, talk about your funniest times when there was a power outage (not miserable or life threatening times), and get to know your friends and family members again through first hand, face-to-face contact. There is something special about looking into the faces of those you care about in natural light, or candlelight. Look in their eyes...and smile, laugh, share, sing, drum, dance, and celebrate. Just have fun!

Peace, World Family,
Falcon and Dove

Help Protect Allegheny NF from Unregulated Oil & Gas Drilling

Hello World Family,
Those who use the Allegheny National Forest, please respond to this request about writing concerning this important issue. Thanks to my friend Randy at the Sierra Club, Allegheny Group.

Help Protect Allegheny NF from Unregulated Oil & Gas Drilling

For more than 20 years, the US Forest Service has allowed private oil and gas drillers to explore, drill, and maintain oil and gas wells in Allegheny National Forest without having to obtain permits from the agency. For the first time in two decades, the Forest Service is considering a change to their policy and the forest needs your help!

Over 90 pct of the oil and gas rights under Pennsylvania’s only national forest are privately held. Over the last ten years, oil and gas drilling has exploded in the forest, which now holds close to 12,000 active oil and gas wells. Public comments on how the agency should manage the private oil and gas industry are being accepted until March 30th! (See below.)

The forest management plan for the Allegheny National Forest was adopted in 2007 but was quickly appealed by conservation groups due to concerns over oil andgas drilling. In 2008, groups led by the Allegheny Defense Project won their appeal. The Chief of the US Forest Service instructed that the agency must:
1. Provide adequate public comment on proposed oil and gas regulations,
2. Clarify the Forest Service’s role in regulating oil and gas development on the Allegheny,
3. Disclose the cumulative effects of oil and gas development on local and regional air quality.

The industry believes this is a part of an effort “intended to strip operators of their rights to develop their oil and gas properties without Forest Service permission.” However, what is both the duty and authority of the US Forest Service is to place reasonable conditions on private companies, for the purpose of safeguarding:
• Exceptional value watersheds,
• Endangered species habitat,
• Forest recreation areas,
• Scenic byways,
• Proposed Wilderness areas.

The Forest Service is now seeking public comment on their Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/allegheny/projects/supp_eis/index.php) covering oil and gas management for the Allegheny National Forest. Deadline for the comment period is March 30th.

Comments can be E-mailed to comments-eastern-allegheny@fs.fed.us with the subject line “Reserved and Outstanding Oil and Gas Design Criteria SEIS”, or write to:

Forest Plan SEIS
4 Farm Colony Drive
Warren, PA 16365

National Weather Service Statement: Fire Threat

Hello Southwestern PA Family,
The National Weather Service has issued a weather statement warning of a Fire Threat for all of Southwestern PA. NO BURNING, PLEASE! no type of burning is safe right now.

There are southwest winds in the region, bringing warmer temperatures to Pittsburgh and the region, and the relative humidity in the Steel City is a mere 18% (which is almost unheard of; that's more like the humidity in Arizona). This is why the National Weather Service has issued this statement.

Please be careful with matches, lighters, and flammable products, as always. Please do no throw lit cigarettes out of the window while driving; a brush fire could start from that simple, but stupid act. Be vigilant; if you see smoke in a field or forest, please report it immediately.

Be careful and stay strong, Family!
Peace,
Falcon and Dove

CMU Special Event Thursday-Environmental Theatre

Hello World Family,
Falcon, here. I hope all of you where ever you are, are having an excellent week. For those in the Pittsburgh area, there is a special event at Carnegie Mellon University this Thursday I wanted to let you know about.

Thursday, March 26, 2009
4:30-6:30 PM
Breed Hall (Margaret Morrison Bldg, CMU)**************************************************

Greening the Future of Live Performance: Three Propositions

What are the ecological issues ripe for exploration in live performance?

What changes in approach, perspective, and form might be needed to create
performances that situate nature and the non-human world as an equal player
in the unfolding eco-drama, rather than as landscape or backdrop to human
crisis?

How can we use the powerful presentness of live performance to raise
audience awareness of ecological issues and inspire action and change?

The "Performance and Ecology" initiative at Carnegie Mellon University will
kick off with a panel exploring these questions on March 26, 2009, from 4:30
pm-6:30 pm in Breed Hall of the Margaret Morrison Building at CMU.Panelists will be:

Katie Gough, of the University of Glasgow: "Making Sense of the
Nature/Culture Divide in Performance Studies"

Theresa May, of the University of Oregon: "Growing an Ecodramaturgy; or
green questions to ask a play"

Tom Van Sant, creator of the Geosphere project: "As seen from above"

There will be a light reception preceding the panel at 4:00 pm in Room 107(CFA Dean's Conference Room) in the Margaret Morrison Building.

The Performance and Ecology initiative is one of two initiatives sponsored
by The Public Art Research Cluster within the CMU Center for the Arts in
Society. The Public Art Cluster involves an active constituency from the
College of Fine Arts, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, the
Studio for Creative Inquiry, and faculty members from the University of
Pittsburgh and Duquesne University. For more information about the
Performance and Ecology initiative, contact the initiative director, Dr.
Wendy Arons (email: warons at andrew.cmu.edu)

Peace, Brothers and Sisters,
Falcon and Dove

"Knowing" is a Wild Ride, great effects

Hello World Family,
Falcon and Dove here. Happy Spring Equinox! If you are looking for a movie to see this weekend, Knowing is a good one, but it comes with a caution. It is extremely well produced, especially the sound. Summit Films has a winner, unless you have PTSD. I am serious. Don't go if you have had a trauma that involves fire, plane crashes, 9/11, etc. this film is so realistic, we would advise you stay home and hear about it from friends. There are some serious emotional tugs here that could have a heavy impact for those who have already had some rough experiences. Once it is released on DVD, you can pick and choose what to sit through, something that is not an option in a theater.

Now, to review the film. It is well acted, has great cinematography (although Falcon is mixed on a lot of the hand-held shots that might have been better served with a Steadicam), and is a fine screenplay. This film is the kind of story that will bring up some conversation around the coffee pot and the proverbial water cooler. What would you like to know, if you could, abut the future? What should you know? Does everything have a fated quality to it, or is it all chaos? The characters ask these questions repeatedly throughout the film, as well as bring up issues of faith, love, (unification and separation) and what the future holds for us all.

The adults and children are fine actors, the cast is highly diverse and well placed. Nickolas Cage gets criticized sometimes for the films he chooses, but this one really runs the range of emotions; it is an action film, a disaster film, but more than anything else, a self-examination film. He should get props for choosing this project. The personal intimacy and interpersonal communication between characters is at the center of the story. That is what makes Knowing more than just another action packed apocalyptic saga. While we don't see this heading for any major awards outside of perhaps special effects and technical areas, it is worth seeing in the theater...and then go hug the people you love. If they aren't in arm's reach, give them a call, a text, or a happy prayer and thought. Yes, that is how you may feel when you leave this film.

Have a great spring weekend!
Peace
Falcon and Dove

Venus is Retrograde-Is this a Good Thing?

Hello World Family,
Falcon, here. Here's a couple of curious questions for you: have you had a major break-up recently? Or are you getting together with your One True Love? Are your finances making you crazy? Well, these are all signs of the once every 18 month cycle of Venus Retrograde...and we are here to help.

This is an ambitious post. I am going to try to describe in some detail what is happening for the next six weeks with Venus: March 6-April 17, 2009. As you know, this planet is extremely important in Native American traditions, particularly to the Maya, whose calendar my people, the Tsalagi, follow.

Why is Venus so important? Well, she is the symbolic keeper of love (all types of love, whether family, friends, and lovers), art, music, creative projects, some types of work, luxury items, associations with women…you get the picture. She is pretty important. Some people think that this once every 18 month occurrence means love and beauty completely drop out of the picture. Nothing can be further from the truth. If you play this period properly, you could find more love and happiness than you thought possible and move out some things you no longer need that have become burdensome or toxic to your future. Self love is important as well: developing a healthy, loving sense of self that is natural and without false fix ups (this is not a good time for cosmetic surgery of any kind, but great for exercise and eating right) is all featured.

This particular Venus Retrograde is important because of where it is in the Venus cycle: it is the fifth retro line to the grand star, which has pretty important significance to our economy, wealth, values, and our personal and interpersonal feelings about love.

This is a time when old friends or lovers who you haven’t seen or heard from in awhile may return. If they do, there is unfinished business that must be dealt with in order to move forward in a positive fashion. For example, I heard from a friend I hadn’t seen in 14 years a couple of weeks ago. She and I were very close, like sisters, and her departure from my life had always left me saddened. She contacted me, hoping that all was forgiven and that we could reconnect. It was great to hear from her, and of course, I had not held on to the perceived wrongs of the past. I have an old friend back, and I am delighted. Conversely, there have been those whose relationships were distractions and unhealthy, and I have kicked them to the proverbial curb, with love and grace, telling them that I do not wish them ill, but that I cannot have them in my world contaminating my well. When you take the high road, firmly but gently, release becomes a bit easier, although there is pain that we all must go through in re-establishing relationships or in letting them go. The process may seem brutal, but it is necessary to grow beyond our limitations to something more positive and mature.

This retrograde period has some very strong medicine for those who are Soul Mates or Twin Souls: Alpheratz is a star of the nature of Venus, awakening grace, popularity, independence, and honors for those who have karmic pledges to keep, and duties to obey. This could make this particular Venus Retrograde more pleasant than others in some respects, at least for those taking on the task of completing outstanding karma and moving forward in expanding love.

Casual conversations could become quite serious. Female relationships, partnerships of all kinds, joint ventures, and alliances could become stronger during this period. The older you are, and the longer you have been invested in this alliance, (including Soul Mates, et all), the better. The more mature you are personally as well as your age will also play a role in your success. The older, the better: more structure and seriousness will be asked of in your relationships, and that can mean improved stability and commitment. This retrograde period will move Venus from Aries back into Pisces and that will have different meanings as this period goes on. The Pisces period will play an extremely important role to our economy world wide. Although, just getting through the Spring Equinox Period (March 20-22) could get interesting.

Venus is the goddess of love, so she rules feelings and emotions, relationships, fashion, taste, luxury items, art, music, social interactions, and anything having to do with the feminine. When she is retrograde, tastes that have been personally hidden or desires that have been muted may come to the surface in a big way. Experimenting with sex in the context of love (not one night stands), may arise with people in ways they never imagined: the normally conservative personality may become unleashed, and those who are normally outgoing may become more sensitive to their hidden side than usual. Those who are sensual and exotic may become more so now, and those who never thought they could be may give it a whirl.

The other side of this is that those who may have only slightly disliked each other may be at a full blown war during this period. Misplaced anger could quickly turn to rage in the uninformed. Compromise and peacekeeping will be in short supply for some personalities, so watch for triggers than can put some over the edge. Bad driving will be at a premium.

The key now is to take care of unfinished business, particularly in relationships. Don’t remodel, change your hairdo significantly, or buy expensive items during this period. Flea markets and thrifty purchasing is better now. For those who have businesses that thrive on big ticket items or fees, expect things to improve after April 17 and especially after May 2, when the flood gates will open again for those who can afford your products and services.

Venus retrograde in Aries indicates that we may react emotionally, rather than logically to well…everything. That cute puppy commercial on TV will be even cuter and felt deeply. Messages from the simplest things will become more deep seated and profound; expect some major revelations during this time. Some of these will come from the most unusual or benign sources. Aries is a Cardinal Sign, so those who have astrological signs in Cardinal locations will be doing some serious introspection about their personal feelings and relationships. Those effected the most are Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn. There is an opportunity for those in these signs to gain greater insight into their feelings about sex, finances, creativity, and most importantly, values.

This is extremely important because our value system determines what we invest in emotionally, financially, socially, and creatively. Those in Cardinal Signs who usually are very rigid in their values may come to realize during this period that they were serving the wrong masters. Some may realize that they lived too superficially, more worried about what other people thought about their lives, than actually paying attention to it themselves. Some may realize that there was too much time spent dreaming about love, and not experiencing it. They may dive in with abandon now that their values have grown to include their own happiness, as well as the consideration of others. Ironically, that may produce better results than when they were sacrificing their own happiness, supposedly for others, and in the long run, hurting themselves as well as those they care about the most. In becoming more available to love, and experiencing it for themselves (perhaps in ways that were once denied to them by themselves or others), they will be happier, and will be better friends, lovers, partners, parents, co-workers, etc. because they are actualizing their own happiness by advancing their values.

Venus Retrograde in Aries

Venus Retrograde in Aries is intelligent, affectionate, imaginative, lively, engaging, yet sometimes changeable in romance and in love.
Since it is a retro period, old loves, or karmic relationships may appear or reappear. These are relationships that are fated or destined. These will probably be passionate relationships that are full of the possibility of embrace and intimacy. Have fun! The other side of this aspect is that you can appear to be pushy or perhaps too aggressive. Gauge the behavior and then proceed with lots of communication about what is, and is not, acceptable. Sharing and respecting each other’s expressions is what will make this period the most enjoyable and enriching that it can be. Refrain from rich foods, and stay with your diet and exercise plan throughout the period.

Venus retrograde in Pisces

Once Venus slips back into Pisces, those who have signs that are Mutable will be most greatly impacted: Pisces, Virgo, Gemini, and Sag. After April 11, 2009, deep feelings could be awakened. This could be a blessing…or maybe not.

This year, Venus will go Direct in the final degree of Pisces, conjunct with the Fixed Star, Scheat. This could bring out the worst in human behavior, as people begin to act on deep seated feelings they have not processed or fully understood. Financial discord could be at a premium. Dramatic engagements could result, for better or worse.

Those that did their good work while Venus was in Aries on karmic relationships will spend this period connecting in deep, expansive, loving ways that they may not have ever imagined possible. This can be a period of compassion and sensitivity.

Those who are in relationships that wound and are counterproductive could find this period one of their worst nightmares. Let go of what doesn’t work, ASAP. Guard against those who could take advantage of you emotionally. If you are in a break-up during this period without a safe place to fall, this could be a very difficult time. SO…right now, connect with friends, loved ones, get a good pet…something that you can hold on to during the most challenging times. Making the proper connections now can help you avoid devastating emotionally challenging times between April 11 and April 17, 2009. Remember, things don’t settle down until around May 2, 2009, so take it easy, and avoid the high drama if you can.

If you have done your work right, especially those in karmic relationships, you will find the Direct station period one that can help you make valuable decisions on relationships and social interactions as well as construct a positive direction for your life in the future.

Special times to pay close attention:

April 3 Venus will square Pluto (which will go retrograde on April 4).
Keep reactions in check, and do not over-respond to something innocent in a negative way, and all should be fine. Always turn negative energy to constructive purposes.

Between now and September of 2010, do not allow old memories of wounding and hurt to be manipulated by others. Free yourself using love and compassion. Again, those in karmic partnerships: use your connection for the highest and best purposes. This is your strength. The more you love and honor each other, the less likely anyone will think of trying to take advantage of one or the other of you. Forgive your past in each other that may have caused hurt, and celebrate the joy and love of your rare alliance. Your capacity to love can not only heal each other, but can be a defining teaching tool for others to align to higher principles.

The Saturn-Uranus opposition that completed it strongest direct influence on February 5 will still have its influences through September 15, 2009. Since this Venus retro occurs during the middle of this period, it has some global implications. Globally, this means more financial crisis, more organizations and groups negatively impacted by past greed and dishonesty, and more conflict on a global scale. Personally, this means to stay flexible, be careful, and observe what has happened in the past and what is going on currently. Be cautious in your responses to things through September 15. That will at least minimize the damage. Right now, what really matters is real worth and real value, not the illusion of worth and value.

March 11-Make a heartfelt apology and it will probably be graciously received. Artists and writers: don’t worry about temporary setbacks-things will be fine after the period passes. You may have to extend some deadlines, diplomacy will work best.

General indications by sign:

This is very, very general by each zodiac sign on how Venus retro can impact. It is NOT to be the final authority on how this period will impact each individual. Remember, you have an ascendant, and that sign is just as important with respect to this kind of impact. Also pay attention to where Venus falls in your own chart. (For example, Venus is in my First House (self) on my birth chart, so how I feel about myself may be greatly affected by Venus during this period. If my self esteem is in tact, maybe I won’t be too self-critical. It all depends on a number of influences, and what you choose to do with what you have to work with that determines success. The below is courtesy of Fern Feto, M.A.

Aries

With Venus, the planet of love and relationship, going retrograde in your sign on March 6, you are going to need to cultivate patience in matters of the heart. Since fast-forward and "full speed ahead" are what you do best, this retrograde cycle could present you with a bit of a challenge. Luckily, Aries thrives on challenges, so use your Ram-like determination to meet this one head on, striving to go more slowly even when you’d rather break the speed limit. (First House-House of Self/Personality).

Taurus

Venus, the ruling planet of Taurus, goes retrograde on March 6, giving you a chance to look more deeply at your approach to love. You may find yourself reviewing relationships from the past, or thinking about how things “used to be” with your current partner. You can use this time to your advantage by drawing on your sensual nature to reconnect with your lover or to think more carefully about what you might want in a future partner. NOTE: Venus is retro in your 12 House of karma and the underworld.

Gemini

Flirting is second nature to you, Gemini, and you thrive on meeting and interacting with all kinds of people. With Venus going retrograde in your 11th house of friends and community, you may find that someone you had thought of as only a friend has taken your relationship more to heart. Take your time in figuring out what your feelings are before you make a response, as your first impulse may not be the best one.

Cancer

Your sensitive and dreamy nature makes you easy to love, Cancer, but can also leave you open to hurt feelings. As Venus travels retrograde in your house of public reputation (NOTE: 10th House), you may encounter situations where you find it difficult to hide your heart from behind your sturdy crab shell. You may encounter individuals from your past who stir up old hurts and memories. Try to protect your tender insides while still maintaining a connection with the outside world.

Leo

Leo, being in love makes you shine like the star you are. You may find that right now you are discovering romance in unexpected places, and are having to realign your ideas about what love is. As Venus goes retrograde in your house of higher education and travel, you have a chance to gain a whole new perspective on matters of the heart. This might mean releasing some old beliefs and philosophies, but it will ultimately bring you to a more truthful place in your relationship. (NOTE: Venus retro in your 9th House)

Virgo

This promises to be a deep and powerful time in love and romance, Virgo, as Venus goes retrograde in your 8th house of sex and intimacy. Shadows from the past may veil your relationship with your current partner, and it is up to you to use your refined skills of discrimination and discernment to decide which of these patterns to keep and which you are ready to release.



Libra

You are in the spotlight now, as Venus in retrograde highlights your 7th house of relationships. How do you balance your own needs for independence and freedom with your innate desire to meet others' needs? You may find that you need to go back to the past for answers, either through encounters with old lovers, or for another round with your current partner on an issue that just won’t seem to go away. Use your Libra skill at finding balance to navigate this time diplomatically.

Scorpio

Mundane matters can hold more weight in love and relationships now than ever before. You may need to revisit agreements you have made with your partner around day-to-day activities such as cooking and cleaning, in order to keep your relationship running smoothly. Single Scorpios may devote more time to self-care, with an eye to how this could benefit you in future relationships. Diet and exercise can be a way for you to demonstrate the love for yourself that you may soon see reflected back in the eyes of another. NOTE: Venus retro in your 6th House of Ocupation/Work

Sagittarius

You may have to take another look at how you express yourself in love and romance now, Sag, as Venus goes retrograde in your 5th house of self-expression. It’s possible that your love target may misunderstand a gesture on your part, and you might have some explaining to do. Try to be patient and keep your sense of humor, as you navigate the sometimes tricky waters of love. Remember that you thrive when you have a chance to grow, and try to see this time as an opportunity to learn more and expand your understanding of others.

Capricorn

Old memories of family and the past may return to you now, Cap, affecting your most personal relationships. Now is a good time to try and turn your attention towards home and your personal life, and sort through your innermost thoughts and feelings about yourself. Trying to escape into work or other pursuits will just slow this lesson down even more. Turn your attention to those closest to you and take the time to reflect on how your relationship with yourself affects your relationship with others. (NOTE: Venus retro in your 4th House of Home).

Aquarius

Aquarius, you may find that communication is an area of focus in love and romance now. With Venus turning retrograde in your 3rd house, you may need to take more time explaining yourself to the object of your affection, as they may not understand you on your first attempt. You are known for being a little outside the box, so it’s no surprise that sometimes you have to work a little harder to connect with others. Try to be patient now, and take the time you need to get your point across to your partner or loved one.

Pisces

Venus retrograde in your 2nd house of values could be making you take another look at how you value your own time and energy in relationships. Are you giving more than you’re getting, Pisces? Does your partner take you for granted or value what you have to offer? Now might be a time for exploring these questions and possibly reaffirming your worth to yourself and your significant other. Though your gifts and skills may be unique, they are still valuable, so spend time meditating on who you are and what you give to others during this retrograde cycle.

One note about compulsion and addiction during Venus Retrograde:

If you or someone you know already has problems with addiction to drugs, shopping, alcohol, sex, etc. it may only become more pronounced during Venus retro. If you see someone who needs help in one of these areas, this may be the time to rally the friends and family and try to help this person before they go off the deep end. Heavy spending during this period or heavy gambling has been reported.

If you know yourself that you have a tendency toward excess in alcohol or drugs…STOP completely during this period, please...get some help. Yes, 'cold turkey' could be tough, but it will be better now than at other times. Cleaning up your act could be transformational and healing right now. No jokes, no bull. There are people and places to help. Get it. Now.

Dear friends, this is a crazy time, but if we hold on to each other, we can make it a better time for all of us. Talk to each other, and share your feelings. Judgments are counter-productive. Just listen and be a real friend. You are our global friends, and we will be here for you.

Peace,
Falcon and Dove
Disclaimer: All Astrological stuff is for entertainment purposes only...we hope you were entertained :)

Half-Blood Prince Rating a Bit Misleading

Hello World Family,
There is a new Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince trailer posted at the following:
www.hpana.com

Follow the link.

There is something that has been bothering both Falcon and Dove: this film is going to be rated PG. Now, I am a little fuzzy on how something that is going to cover some pretty heavy material could possibly be rated PG. The official rating says, "scary images, some violence, language, and mild sensuality".

Those of you who have read the books, you know what is coming. Those who haven't who take their young children to the Harry Potter films...this is NOT a PG theme movie; I don't care what rating they gave it.

Look, there is romance and death; that in and of itself is enough for a PG-13 rating. I know Warner Bros. may not agree with me, but do NOT take your small child to this film, unless they have read it...and so have you. We have until mid-July to focus on it, but...Falcon has to say, I have no idea how this film (previewed in Chicago) could have possibly got a PG unless someone slept through some of the portions of this movie. Here is Falcon's bottom line: age 10 is probably okay, but you know your child; age nine is a BIG question mark, and age eight is completely out of the question.

Parents with multiple age children across the sensitive line: ye has been warned. For those who haven't read it and may be on the proverbial line, maybe now is the time to pick up the books and get started. If this warning is not heeded, we could have lots of wailing small children in theatres this July. Not good.

This weekend, adults....go see Watchmen!. This is an incredible piece of visual mastery. This is rated R for everything you rate a film R for...violence, sensuality, graphic everything.

Peace,
Falcon and Dove

Home School Students and all Seniors: Important Scholarship Information

Hey, Everyone!

Falcon, here. This is an important update for those students interested in applying for the Byrd Scholarship. This information is courtesy of the HSLDA.org website.
Good luck, students and families!
Falcon and Dove

Homeschool Discrimination Fixed in Byrd Scholarship
By Will Estrada
Director of Federal Relations

As college financial aid offices look to help students afford tuition costs, some homeschoolers are finding out about another scholarship—the Byrd Scholarship—for the first time.

Homeschoolers won a major victory against discrimination when language opening up the Byrd Scholarship to home educated graduates passed quietly last year.
Included within the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (H.R. 4137), which was signed by former president George W. Bush on August 14, 2008, was language which made it clear that homeschool graduates are eligible for the Byrd Scholarship.
Senator Robert Byrd (WV), the longest serving U.S. Senator ever, introduced federal legislation to create this scholarship program in 1985, and it was thereafter renamed in his honor the Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program. The Byrd Scholarship is one of the few national, merit-based scholarship programs funded through the U.S. Department of Education.

The scholarship provides stipends of up to $6,000 over four years to high school graduates who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and who have been accepted for enrollment at a college or university.

The problem, however, had been that when the Byrd Scholarship was created by Congress in 1985, an “eligible student” for the scholarship was defined as “a graduate of a public or private secondary school….” Homeschool graduates in states that recognized homeschoolers as a private school were able to benefit from this scholarship, but since many homeschool graduates live in states with a homeschool statute, these hardworking homeschoolers were inadvertently excluded from this scholarship. This could be fixed by simply adding to the “eligible student” definition above “or a home school, whether treated as a home school or a private school under State law.” This language would assure that homeschool graduates could benefit from the scholarship, but also protect against any federal definitions or regulations on homeschools.

HSLDA had tried to insert the above language over the years, but the bills never made it through Congress. The political shift that came with the 2006 midterm elections, however, gave us an opportunity to work with new leaders in the House and Senate education committees, and with bipartisan support, we were able to include language that opened the Byrd Scholarship to homeschool graduates.

HSLDA’s Congressional Action Program (CAP) families were instrumental in helping to get this language included in the Higher Education Act reauthorization. Through their visits with members of Congress, particularly in building a relationship with Senator Byrd’s education staffer early on, passage of the final language was assured.

HSLDA will closely monitor the Department of Education’s implementation of this new language to ensure that homeschool graduates are not forced to submit unnecessary documentation. Homeschool graduates who enroll in a college or university should talk with the financial aid officer to determine if they are eligible for the Byrd Scholarship. Please contact HSLDA’s Federal Relations department at 540-338-5600 if you run into any problems.

Rik Emmett has Great Opportunity for Songwriters

Hello World Family,
Since our Brothers and Sisters here who subscribe to The Falcon and the Dove are apparently HUGE Rik Emmett (Canadian Guitarist-Singer-Soungwriter extraordinaire) fans, I know you would like to know about this important announcement from Rik.
I have attached it below. Check it out, and act quickly!

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: Rik helps launch Songstudio 2009
[posted: March 3, '09]

Songstudio 2009 - July 18th-24th, Toronto

Dear Songwriters,

I am writing to you because I'm hoping you might have an interest in learning about a new songwriting workshop opportunity...or maybe you know someone who might be interested, and you can forward this information along.

Some of you may recall my involvement with a songwriting workshop in the summer of '08 that included an accomplished and passionate faculty (Christopher Ward, Terence Gowan, Fergus Hambleton, Ember Swift, Shari Ulrich, Emm Gryner, James Linderman and Blair Packham), and featured intimate concerts and interviews with up-and-coming and famous songwriters (Bruce Cockburn, Arlene Bishop, Dala, Eddie Schwartz, Greg Wyard) and industry professionals, as well as evening Open Mikes, late-night jamming and co-writing, and a Thursday night student showcase at Hugh's Room.

Although Humber is relinquishing its role as the host location for the summer songwriting workshop program, after months of quietly working out details, Blair Packham, Bill McKetrick and I are pleased to announce the creation of Songstudio, Toronto's new summer songwriting workshop, happening July 18 -24, on Ryerson University's downtown Toronto campus.

Modeled on the most popular attributes of our past summer songwriting workshops, Songstudio promises to introduce some major innovations.

Perhaps the most important change is our central downtown location: Ryerson is close to the transit system, bookstores, music stores and other shopping, restaurants, clubs. Everything a songwriter could want is nearby.

The residences at Ryerson are excellent, and the classroom facilities are spacious and modern.

Another change: we are booking local live music venues for our Open Mikes this year-giving you an opportunity to play for real people in real nightclubs in Toronto.

Yet another innovation: more time set aside for collaboration and co-writing.

Establishing a workshop like this without an institutional financial and administrative safety net is daunting, but we're adjusting: the workshop groups will function at a ratio of one facilitator to ten participants, under a working theory that larger groups may well be more dynamic and exciting. The larger-group-effect will be counter-balanced with more one-on-one consulting time wherever possible. (Yes - you can consult one-on-one about your own songwriting with Rik, and other great songwriting resource people - also take part in the daily group sessions of these experienced teachers.)

As part of our effort to solidify the financial viability of the workshop, the basic price will be $750 + GST for the week (rising to $850 + GST after May 15th). No discounts - this represents our break-even point with 50 attendees. Also, this price includes only two meals - the Saturday Orientation Luncheon, and the Friday Awards Luncheon. Given our workshop's track record for quality of instruction, consultation, creative encouragement and community-building, we're hoping you'll agree that it's still a bargain.

(Residence charges are separate from workshop tuition. Ryerson nightly rates range between $35-$55; more info @ http://www.ryerson.ca/conference/accommodations/)

NOW - first - we need an e-mail confirmation of interest from you. If you think you would want to join us for our fifth workshop year, please send Blair an e-mail indicating so immediately. blair@blairpackham.com

Given a good response, we can move forward with our plans and start booking faculty & guests, as we build this year's program.

Soon, we will be asking all of those who responded with a "yes" for a refundable $100 deposit to hold your spot, but also to cover our initial operating costs (deposits on the Ryerson facilities, building a central website to disseminate information, promotion, etc.). This deposit will be refundable to you up to April 15, if you change your mind, or if your plans have to change. (If WE have to cancel the workshop after that, however, you will get your full deposit back). The balance is payable before May 15th, after which the basic price rises, as noted previously.

If we get enough interest in the 2009 workshop, we can ensure our success, extending into future years. That's why we need you to tell your songwriting friends about Songstudio and encourage them to sign up.

We are hoping that we'll get to hear many new voices this year, as well as receive the support of many of the same participants who have been with us for the past four years. Please join us this summer!

Best regards,

Rik Emmett

Wilkinsburg PSO Concert March 17

Hi World Family,
Falcon, here. So...what are you doing for St. Patrick's Day? If you are in Pittsburgh, how about seeing the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra at a community concert?!

On Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at7:00pm, the PSO will perform at Wilkinsburg Senior High School with conductor Daniel Meyer, featuring Soprano Deborah Selig and some narration done by WTAE's own Andrew Stockey. Here's the greatest feature: tickets are only $7 for adults, and $3 for students K through 12. For groups over 10, tickets are just $5 each. All proceeds benefit the music programs of the Wilkinsburg School District.

To purchase tickets, call:412-871-2125 This is a wonderful, alcohol-free way to celebrate the arrival of spring!

More special events to follow...stay tuned for more news.

Oh, and Falcon and Dove are proud of our Oscar Predictions! We only missed 6! Not bad. We hope you all won your office pools!

Peace, World Family!
Falcon and Dove