Saturday, February 27, 2010

EARTHQUAKE IN CHILE-8.8 MAG-TSUNAMI WARNINGS-HI, NZ, AUS

Hello World Family,
there has been a amassive earthquake signigicanly more powerful than the Haiti quake. As of this posting, there are 78 deaths, and a state of catastrophe has been declared. There are Tsunami warnings from Chile, Hawaii, Australia, and New Zealand. It is still dark, so it's hard to tell how extensive the damage is-wake up your friends in Hawaii-let them know about the warning.

Our prayers go out to our Brothers and Sisters in Chile. We hope for calm seas.
Peace,
Falcon and Dove

Friday, February 26, 2010

THIS JUST IN: FLIR Thermal Imaging Coming to SciTech Green Tech Event!

World Family,
This has just been confirmed! According to Falcon and Dove's source within the Carnegie Science Center, FLIR-the Thermal Imaging film that does so much work with infrastructure, water, homeland security, and yes, ghost-hunting is coming to Pittsburgh with their Mobile Training Unit!!! It is a HUGE RV that can hold 10-12 people at a time, filled with all the latest FLIR toys-thermal imaging, broad spectrum cameras, the works!

Want a peek?! you can have access normally only reserved for corporations, police, fire, security firms. On Friday, March 12, if you are coming to the wonderful SciTech GreenTech Concert, you will have access to the FLIR Mobile Training Unit!

The FLIR vehicle will stay in Pittsburgh through Saturday, March 13 for the public day at the Carnegie Science Center from 10am-4pm.

What a unique opportunity to have access to some really cool gear!
Young people-looking for a career??? Come look at some of this equipment, and be inspired.

These guys are coming all the way from Charlotte, NC just to be in Pittsburgh for SciTech/GreenTech!

To Roy and all the gang at FLIR...big thanks!!!


For details on the fundraiser, please see below.





Concert and delicious light fare for a good cause

Friday, March 12
Carnegie Science Center

7 pm Reception featuring food by Sausalido (a bistro in Bloomfield) and one free drink ticket (beer, wine, and soft drinks)
8 pm Concert

After the concert, the musicians will autograph and sell their CDs.

Guitarists Ken Bonfield, Steve Davison, and Tim Farrell will perform exquisite guitar music ranging from country blues, ragtime, and folk, to traditional Celtic, jazz, classical, contemporary, and even a couple of rock covers! Acoustic guitar fans know that having these three distinguished musicians appear together is a rare event.

A Good Cause

Proceeds from this event will benefit the environmental education programs of Carnegie Science Center and the Allegheny Sierra Club’s Water Committee. These funds will support educational programming and allow students from underserved schools and neighborhoods to participate, become inspired, and learn about career opportunities for their future.

The cost is $60, and tickets are sure to go fast.
Tickets must be purchased online by 4 pm, March 12; no tickets will be sold at the door.

To purchase tickets, just follow this link:
http://www.carnegiesciencecenter.org/newsletters/acoustic.html

Falcon has enjoyed the offerings of Sausalido and I can tell you, they completely rock! Dove and I saw these gentlemen in concert, and were blown away.

Remember, the St. Patrick's Day Parade is the next morning, so come on into Pittsburgh early Friday do the concert and the parade, come back to the Science Center with the kids, and enjoy a great weekend.

GREEN TECH DAY
Saturday, March 13
10 am to 4 pm
Carnegie Science Center

‘Tis the day for Pittsburgh’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the wearin’ of the green. At Carnegie Science Center, visit Green Tech Day to learn about “green” technologies and careers, and why Pittsburgh is a leader in this field.

Each year, SciTech Days attract thousands of high school and middle school students. Green Tech Day extends the fun to the entire family! Now’s your chance to try first-hand the amazing technologies being developed in the region and learn some of the secrets behind the latest scientific breakthroughs.


See you there,
Falcon and Dove

PA TURNPIKE SNOW EMERGENCY-OHIO LINE TO JERSEY BORDER

Hey Family,
Heads up if you need the Pennsylvania Turnpike today. There is a speed restriction of 45 mph maximum for the length of the state.

Numerous accidents are complicating matters. High vehicles such as certain trucks and RVs are prohibited entirely.
Wow...it is Friday, right?

Have a safe weekend!
Falcon and Dove

PITTSBURGH PUBLIC SCHOOLS ARE CLOSED 2/26!

Hello Family,
A late announcement from the Superintendent: All Pittsburgh Public schools are closed. I hope you all got this announcement, but in case some of you parents have already left for working thinking the kids are on their way to school, no go.

There are accidents everywhere, and the PA Tunrpike is closed between Breezewood and Fulton Co. line. Major accident.

There is an accident on the Parkway East at Swissvale entrance ramp, and it is slowing things down in both directions. Parkway North and West are no better.

If you don't have to be out there, stay home.

It is predicted that there will be an additional 2-4 inches of snow in Pittsburgh proper, and 4-6 in the counties north and east, and in the Laurel Highlands and West Virginia and MD, 6-12 inches more.

Happy Friday.
Peace,
Falcon and Dove

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Clapton, Daltrey Tour Starts in The Burgh Tonight! Best Rock Guitarists of all Time

Hello World Family,
The Eric Clapton/Roger Daltrey Tour begins today in Pittsburgh, PA. We are extremely happy here in Pittsburgh, since Clapton has chosen us 3 times to begin his tours. The Clapton/Beck shows last week were FANTASTIC! Falcon doesn’t expect these shows to be any different. Clapton seems to be pulling out some real treats from deep in the archives, and the shows should be spectacular. See this tour if you can!

On the subject of rock guitar gods, once again discussion has risen about the best of the best. We are talking about just the genre of rock, ‘cause we would be here for years discussing all the greats. We could go on for hours about the greats of rock alone.

Here are a dozen of Falcon’s favorites, not in any particular order…except one.

FALCON’S TOP ROCK GUITAR PLAYERS OF ALL TIME

1. Jimi Hendrix-he is number one, and there will never be his equal. This I am certain. He was innovative, self taught, creative, profound, technically masterful, soulful, beautiful…died too soon.

The rest of the list, again, not in any particular order because they are all exquisite masters:

Jimmy Page

Eric Clapton

Jeff Beck

Robert Johnson-he is on this list because I believe that the true father of the rock movement in guitar mastery is Robert Johnson.

Steve Howe

Robin Trower

Duane Allman

Stevie Ray Vaughn-played the best solo I have ever heard live in my life!

Carlos Santana

Chuck Berry

Jerry Garcia

HONORABLE MENTIONS
(this list could have had a hundred guitar players on it)

Keith Richards

Nancy Wilson (Heart)

Kirk Hammett

Eric Johnson

Randy Rhoads

Lita Ford

Trevor Rabin (for playing all the Yes stuff he had to master, playing with Manfred Mann, and all those film soundtracks-he’s just as good a pianist as a guitar player…and yes, I mean pianist, not keyboard player)

Pete Townsend

B.B.King-has played with enough rock artists to be in this category-would be in the top ten of guitarists of all time in any genre

Richie Blackmore

Dick Dale (surf guitar)

Joan Armatrading (new CD ‘This Charming Life” comes out in March 2010)

If you are unfamiliar with any of these legendary artists, check them out online and buy some music!

Peace,
Falcon

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Pittsburgh Events for this Last Week of February

Hey family!

Falcon here we some wonderful events for this week.

Women of Color HERStory Month 2010 Community Events

EVE (Enlightened Voices for the Environment) Circle
Tuesday, February 23, 5:30PM
Presented by Center for Victims of Violence and Crime
@ First United Presbyterian Church, 5401 Centre Avenue, Shadyside
FREE
To sign-up and for more details, email lbhotep@cvvc.org
412.482.3240 | www.cvvc.org/eveproject.php



New Voices Pittsburgh 2010 / Womb-Words, Thirsting by Lenelle Moïse

Thursday, February 25, 7PM
@ Kelly-Strayhorn Theater, 5941 Penn Avenue, East Liberty
Tickets: $10 - Advance, $15 - Door, $50 VIP | www.brownpapertickets.com/event/99370
Call or email for low-income, student, group rates and VIP.



History in the Making: Honoring Our Young African-American Leaders of Today
Now through February 26, 8AM-5PM
Presented by the City of Pittsburgh
@ City County Building, 414 Grant Street, Lobby
FREE
http://www.city.pittsburgh.pa.us/parks/black_history_month.htm

NOTICE: The free parking in Pittsburgh due to the snow debacle is over! Put money in the meters again beginning today!

Monday, February 22, 2010

David Ferri and Orchard TV to Consult For Moogis for Allman Bros. Concerts!

Hey Brothers and Sisters,
Falcon here, with extremely good news from our Brother, David Ferri at Orchard Studios, an off-the grid webcasting studio dream in Ontario.

For Immediate Release:

Moogis, the Internet Webcasting company started by Butch Trucks of The Allman Brothers Band, has named David Ferri of Orchard TV as its Webcasting and Internet Technical Consultant. In this capacity, Ferri will contribute to the Moogis webcasts of The Allman Brothers Band concert run. All thirteen concerts will be Webcast from The United Palace Theater In New York City starting March 11 continuing throughout the month.


Moogis CEO, Peter Morticelli, says “Adding David Ferri to our team of industry professionals is a very important step for Moogis. Dave has been a pioneer at the forefront of Webcasting for many years and he will bring his considerable internet expertise to one of America’s most iconic rock bands, The Allman Brothers Band.”


Visit www.orchardtv.com for more info.

Visit www.moogis.com for more details on the webcasts of The Allman Brothers Band from The United Palace Theater in March.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

An Acoustic Evening at Carnegie Science Center Benefits Kids

Hey World Family,
Let's get out of the winter doldrums and start celebrating spring! Where will you be on March 12, 2010? Come to Pittsburgh for music, food, and fun for a good cause.

Concert and delicious light fare for a good cause

Friday, March 12
Carnegie Science Center

7 pm Reception featuring food by Sausalido (a bistro in Bloomfield) and one free drink ticket (beer, wine, and soft drinks)
8 pm Concert

After the concert, the musicians will autograph and sell their CDs.

Guitarists Ken Bonfield, Steve Davison, and Tim Farrell will perform exquisite guitar music ranging from country blues, ragtime, and folk, to traditional Celtic, jazz, classical, contemporary, and even a couple of rock covers! Acoustic guitar fans know that having these three distinguished musicians appear together is a rare event.

A Good Cause

Proceeds from this event will benefit the environmental education programs of Carnegie Science Center and the Allegheny Sierra Club’s Water Committee. These funds will support educational programming and allow students from underserved schools and neighborhoods to participate, become inspired, and learn about career opportunities for their future.

The cost is $60, and tickets are sure to go fast.
Tickets must be purchased online by 4 pm, March 12; no tickets will be sold at the door.

To purchase tickets, just follow this link:
http://www.carnegiesciencecenter.org/newsletters/acoustic.html

Falcon has enjoyed the offerings of Sausalido and I can tell you, they completely rock! Dove and I saw these gentlemen in concert, and were blown away.

Remember, the St. Patrick's Day Parade is the next morning, so come on into Pittsburgh early Friday do the concert and the parade, come back to the Science Center with the kids, and enjoy a great weekend.

GREEN TECH DAY
Saturday, March 13
10 am to 4 pm
Carnegie Science Center

‘Tis the day for Pittsburgh’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the wearin’ of the green. At Carnegie Science Center, visit Green Tech Day to learn about “green” technologies and careers, and why Pittsburgh is a leader in this field.

Each year, SciTech Days attract thousands of high school and middle school students. Green Tech Day extends the fun to the entire family! Now’s your chance to try first-hand the amazing technologies being developed in the region and learn some of the secrets behind the latest scientific breakthroughs.


See you there,
Falcon and Dove

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

The Mary L. Stone Black College Tour-DEADLINE APPROACHES to REGISTER!

Hey Family,
Falcon, here with an important deadline for high school students who are currently in their Freshman or Sophomore years. Check it out!

The Mary L. Stone Black College Tour
Deadline to register approaches!




K i n g s l e y A s s o c i a t i o n ' s
2010 Mary L. Stone
Black College Tour
June 20 - 27, 2010

Application deadline for the 2010 tour is March 1, 2010


The Mary L. Stone Black College Tour is a dynamic experience for high school
juniors and sophomores. The program exposes students to public, private,
large and small colleges in rural and urban settings. Beginning with the
application process, the tour staff has developed a program that
familiarizes students and families with the challenges of pursuing higher
education.

Applicants are expected to be enrolled in their junior or sophomore year of
high school. Applicants may be enrolled in public, private, charter or
parochial school.

SPECIAL NOTE TO HOME SCHOOL STUDENTS:
The tour is open to you. The criteria is being evaluated. Please go ahead and apply.



~ TOUR ITINERARY ~


National Great Blacks
in Wax Museum,
Baltimore MD

Morgan State University,
Baltimore MD

Howard University,
Washington DC

Hampton University,
Hampton VA

Norfolk State University,
Norfolk VA

South Carolina State University,
Orangeburg SC

Claflin University,
Orangeburg SC

Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for
Non-Violent Social Change,
Atlanta GA


Morehouse College,
Atlanta GA

Spelman College,
Atlanta GA

Clark Atlanta University,
Atlanta GA

Tuskegee University,
Tuskegee AL

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute,
Birmingham AL

Tennesee State University,
Nashville TN

Fisk University,
Nashville TN

National Underground Railroad
Freedom Center,
Cincinnati OH

The Mary L. Stone Black College Tour has provided more than 2,600 students
with a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

http://www.thesoulpitt.com/images/kingsleycollegetour4.jpg

While most participants live in southwestern Pennsylvania, some have come
from as far as Minnesota and California to take the tour. Participants from
more than 40 area public, parochial, private and charter high schools have
enrolled in and graduated from a wide range of colleges, including
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). A number of
students and parents have returned to volunteer in various capacities.

Tour information and the application may be found
at the website:

www.kingsleyassociation.org
(Click on Special Programs | College Tour)

Kingsley Association's
2010 Mary L. Stone Black College Tour
June 20 - 27, 2010
Application deadline for the 2010 tour is March 1, 2010


The Kingsley Association
6435 Frankstown Avenue
Pittsburgh PA 15206
412-661-8751

This Just In: Women in Business Scholarships for Saturday

Just got this. Falcon hopes some of you can attend:

The goal of the YWCA Greater Pittsburgh is to reach out to the larger community of women entreprenuers and provide education and resources to empower their success in business. With that said, we are offering 100 partial scholarships to women who desire to attend the 2nd Annual Microenterprise Symposium. The details of the symposium:

Carnegie Mellon University
Tepper School of Business,
Saturday, February 20, 2010
8:30am - 5:00pm


The registration cost has been reduced to $20.00 for 100 women who register by the end of the day Wednesday, February 17, 2010 (6:00pm). Includes lunch.

Registrations can be made online at http://www.micro2millions.eventbrite.com/ or by calling 412 255-6749

Registrations can also be made by email: awilliams@ywcapgh.org. Please provide detailed contact information to receive a call confirming your reservation.

Pittsburgh will Break a Snow Record Today! Dogs and Shelters

Hello Pittsburgh Region Family members,
This will come as no surprise to you, but the rest of our World Family may be shocked. Today, February 17, we will pass a record established in January of 1978 for the largest snowfall in a single month. Oh, and the month is only half over!

The old record was 40.2 inches of snowfall. Falcon remembers January of '78. It was snowing constantly, and it was extremely cold. I also remember going to Animal Rescue League with my father and getting a puppy-she was lethargic in the cage, but immediately came to life in a big way as soon as she was out of the kennel.
She was a challenge, having been abused terribly before we adopted her, and she had her issues, but she brought so much joy and celebration to our family for over 13 years.

As we celebrate Sadie's victory as Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club, let's not forget the over 4 million animals in shelters around the country. During this bad weather, numbers have increased. Please, if you have the room, take a shelter pet into your home, or donate to those organizations in your community that keep pets safe, and offer no-kill locations.

Also, Tim Mitchell is missing his service dog, Runt a chihuahua, brown in color, from the Greyhound Bus Depot in downtown Pittsburgh. There is a reward offered. Please help him out in bringing his special family member back home.

Thank you, Brothers and Sisters.
Stay warm!
Falcon and Dove

Sunday, February 7, 2010

SW PA SNOW STORM UPDATES

Hey Storm Family,
Here are some Southwestern Pennsylvania updates as of Sunday evening:

STAY OFF THE ROADS FOR TONIGHT-again, unless you are emergency, hospital, or security personnel, please stay home.

100% of main roads have been reached, but only 10% of tertiary roads, so...it's dangerous, be careful tomorrow.

Bad news, there is more snow expected Tuesday into Wednesday for the mid-Atlantic region. Yikes-3 to 6 inches.

34 municipalities are still under a state of emergency. Allegheny County believes it may last for 7 days.

The National Guard is on its way to Pittsburgh to help out. Snow removal is a top priority, as well as getting the lights and heat back on for so many. Keeping warm is essential.

IF YOUR HEAT IS OUT-you can dial 911 for a ride to a Warm Center. Please check on your neighbors and elders.

DO NOT PUT GENERATORS INDOORS!!!!!!!!!
Carbon Monoxide will build up and it will KILL YOU! A father and daughter in McKeesport have already died from a gas/propane generator. It needs to be outside and away from the house.

REMOVE HEAVY SNOW FROM YOUR FURNACE EXHAUST. CO can build up because of that blockage, too.

TRASH PICKUP IN THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH HAS BEEN HALTED INDEFINITELY!
Don't risk injury trying to put your trash out.

Vehicles blocking streets in the city of Pittsburgh will be towed beginning Monday. This is so they can plow and open up streets. Try to get your vehicle early in the day if you can and move it.

8,000 Duquesne Light customers still have their power out. Monday evening by midnight for most; those who have individual problems between their home and the pole will be addressed by Wednesday.

82,000 Allegheny Power customers have their power out. Here's the worse news: they will not commit to a schedule of how long it will take to get it on.

Schools are closed-if yours hasn't yet reported, give them heck, because they should be now.

It is entirely possible that depending on where you live and how much snow you have and will get between Tuesday and Wednesday, you may not ever get those kids in school this week. Get ready.

Falcon and Dove wishes all of you well. Stay safe, and be careful.
Peace

Saturday, February 6, 2010

PennDOT to PA Residents: STAY OFF THE ROADS

Hello Pennsylvania Family,
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has a message for you this Saturday night: STOP DRIVING ON THE ROADS! Really. They are pissed. They can't clean the snow off the roads if you keep trying to drive on the roads. There is a State of Emergency for the entire commonwealth, so it is important that unless you are emergency personnel (police, fire, EMS, hospital personnel, security, military, etc.) you are not supposed to drive.

If your boss says you are, tell him or her that the penalty right now for getting stopped driving tonight is a suspension of driving privileges; yes, your license can be suspended. That would suck, so here's a solution: don't drive. It is not worth the risk or injury to be driving when the roads are so bad. There are people who haven't been home for at least 24 hours because they can't get home. If they can wait until tomorrow, so can you:)

Be safe Family. We care.
Peace,
Falcon and Dove

SNOW DISASTER UPDATES IN PENNSYLVANIA

Hey Everyone,
Some important updates:

Penn-American has lost their water treatment plant, so all 180,000 users are supposed to conserve water. Includes baths, showers, etc. Sorry. They had a power outage.

PENNSYLVANIA TURNPIKE IS CLOSED westbound from Breezewood to the Ohio line. There are disabled vehicles everywhere, but particularly from Somerset to Donegal. Advice, stay off the roads.

Gov. Rendell has just declared a Sate of Emergency and an Emergency Declaration. Stay off the road unless you are emergency personel, and don't try to clear this all at once.

Southwestern PA is socked in with about two to three feet of snow, depending on where you are. Shovel carefully and take frequent breaks. Don't try to go anywhere in a car, period. Give yourself plenty of fluids and stay warm.

IF YOUR POWER IS OUT
bundle up and stay warm. If you are CLOSE to a fire hall, they have been turned into Warm Centers. I mean, like you can walk to the fire station in less than 5 minutes on a normal day. Any further than that, stay put. A short walk in this depth of snow would be like a decathelon for many of you. Take care of yourselves.

Peace, and love to you all.
Falcon and Dove

SNOW SLAPPING EVERYWHERE IN THE EAST!

Hello World Family,
State of Emergency everywhere in the eastern portion of the U.S. Family, don't even think you are driving anywhere. If you have a snowmobile and live near an interstate or main road, please check and make sure that no one is freexing in those abandoned cars.

PITTSBURGH-we have around 19-23 inches, depending on where you live. In the Laurel Highlands, I can't even count...maybe approaching 30. We are completely buried.

Family, do not try to shovel everything at once! It is a heavy, wet, dangerous snow.
YOUNG PEOPLE-we need you! Help your neighbors. Take shifts, don't do too much at once. By tonight, this stuff will cool in the temps and turn into a concrete like substance. You need to move it, but do it slowly-I don't want any of you having to make a trip to a hospital.

Speaking of hospitals, some have a code black in the Pittsburgh area. If you need to go, call on the way to make sure they are open.

We will get through this. World Family, thanks for your prayers and support. Everyone pull together.

Peace,
Falcon and Dove

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Oscar Nominations: Some surprises

Hey World Family,
The Oscar nominations have some surprises, some omissions, and some downright…huh?!

So, for the most part, the major nominations were predictable. Having 10 Best Picture nominations this year, but still only five Best Directors meant someone was going to be left out. Although the top pics have expanded, I still think they missed a few.

Of course, Avatar, An Education, A Serious Man, and Inglorious Basterds made the cut-Precious did, too, and Falcon is thrilled about that. Up in the Air is still going strong, and The Hurt Locker, one of the most powerful films Falcon and Dove have seen in a long time is also in the hunt. The Blind Side and Up round out the 10, along with District 9.

Okay, I just don’t get it. I admit it. District 9 is full of visual flaws every time I see something from it. I don’t like the story, I thought the editing left something to be desired. If we were gonna go sci-fi to round out the top 10, I would have had Star Trek in there: very well produced and directed. J.J. Abrams is a stone cold genius, and the ensemble actors assembled were perfect-something that is very difficult to do with a franchise like Star Trek has been. Star Trek has 4 Oscar nominations by my count, that is pretty darn good. District 9 is also nominated for Visual Effects, along with Avatar of course, and Star Trek, which left out Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, which got a Best Cinematography nomination, and should have. I can’t believe voters sat in the 15 minute bake-off of each of the seven remaining films and decided District 9’s visual effects held up to the stuff done in HP: HBP’s use of Squirt and Maya. If I have left some of you behind on this one, don’t worry; just pick up a couple of copies of Cinefex magazine and it will explain it all.

Falcon also wants to go on the record for saying that we all enjoyed Up a lot. Should it be nominated for Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay when Avatar isn’t for the latter? Heck, no. Sorry, it just wasn’t that good. Cute, entertaining, but just not that good. Yes, I liked the love story, and I get the whole ‘wanting to get away from it all’ and ‘hero failure’ (Christopher Plummer will work forever-love you!) and I loved Dug the dog-I quote him frequently, but it just isn’t what I would have considered Oscar worthy in nomination for Best Picture, sorry. If I was going to nominate an animated feature from 2009 for Best Picture, it would be Coraline (which is nominated for Best Animated Feature Film, along with Up, Fantastic Mr. Fox, The Princess and the Frog, and a surprise, The Secret of Kells, very cool) hands down. Magnificently realized stop-motion hand built animation with a strong story (although subtle, which may have left some in the dark about a couple of thematic overtones), organic POV, and stunning visual effects-Falcon just doesn’t think this film got enough attention. Glad it is nominated for Animation, though.

Most nominations is a tie between Avatar and The Hurt Locker. Both these films rock so no worries there. Did you know that Kathryn Bigelow, the director of The Hurt Locker and also the winner of this year’s Director’s Guild of America award (DGA) is the ex-wife of James Cameron? I think it’s hysterical that they are nominated against each other frequently for Oscar-they are both good natured about it, and wish the best for each other. That’s nice.

Favorites nominated: Colin Firth, in A Single Man-he is very talented and versatile: Falcon and Dove are glad he is getting some strong recognition recently for his outstanding work. Lee Daniels for Precious-enough cannot be said about how great this work is. Mo’Nique is nominated for Best Actress in a Supporting Role, along with Gabby Sidibe for Best Actress and Lee for Best Director. This has been an outstanding year for film, and this film, its director, and its talent, stand high above the din. Lee Daniels is a gifted visionary, and deserves all of the accolades he receives. Stanley Tucci is one of my favorite actors, ever-he is superb in The Lovely Bones. Meryl Strep did Julia Child well, and this is coming from one of Julia’s biggest fans, Falcon. Stanley Tucci is also in Julie and Julia, and we loved him in that as well.

It is great to see The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus (go Chris Plummer, again!) get a couple of noms, as well as Sherlock Holmes got one-we thought this one might get a little more. Documentary Feature nominee, Food, Inc. is an insightful work-nice to see it acknowledged for its strong character and unblinking interviews. The Messenger is nominated for Best Original Screenplay, and yet not Best Picture? A strange omission, me thinks. Woody Harrelson was outstanding in this film; nice to see his Best Actor in a Supporting Role nomination.

CUROSITIES:
Best Makeup-just how much makeup difficulty was there in Il Divo? I didn’t see it, so I don’t know…someone let me know.

About The Blind Side…great story, good film. Oscar is pushing it. Do I love Sandra Bullock? Absolutely. Do I think this is a Best Actress performance? Nope. She was very uncomfortable with a lot of this role, and frankly, it shows. I love her films, and believe that she will one day be cast in a role that truly shows all of her spectrum. This is not the role, and this is not the film.

It feels good, it’s a true story, but when aligned with such strong performances in this category, Falcon would be disappointed that an Oscar would go to someone who has said time and time again in interview that they didn’t do their best work. We hope this category is given its full consideration and this isn’t a gimme. There are some tremendous performances nominated this year; let’s look at the ones that feel good… and the ones that don’t. I think the woman she portrays should have a bronze statue in her honor, but this category is stiff this year with tremendous performances.

Gabby Sidibe should not be written off as a one time; she is incredibly gifted and versatile-I hope she works a whole lot more. Screenwriters: write some strong women roles for these talented actresses. Hollywood: put some money behind the projects. Helen Mirren is stellar, and Carey Mulligan should get more than a passing glance for her performance in An Education. It is a Best Picture nomination-a joy to behold.

Missed-well, there’s a lot. It was a great year for film. The technical categories being narrowed down to three every year bothers me. Why three? Why not five? Five would be better. Art Direction is five; Cinematography is five-let’s do five (at least five) in all of them.

Quentin-now what are you going to do now that you are accepted by the establishment?! Hehe

The Academy Awards will be on March 7. Until then, everyone place your proverbial bets. There will be lots of discussion. In the meantime, we will be back to the issues of the day.
Every day is a new day.
Peace,
Falcon and Dove