OSCAR NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCED!

Hey World Family,
Falcon here with the assessment of the Oscar nominations announced this morning in Hollywood. No surprises with the Best Picture nominations, but some surprise snubs.

THE KING'S SPEECH, a film I absolutely loved gets the most at 12 nominations, with TRUE GRIT in at 10, no shock there. TOY STORY 3 becomes only the third animated film in history to be nominated for Best Picture, but we also have an expanded category to 10, so that also helps.
BLACK SWAN, FIGHTER, THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT, WINTER'S BONE, INCEPTION, 127 HOURS, THE SOCIAL NETWORK, all expected, and in the running...but with 10 films the category for Best Director remained at 5, so someone would be left out.

Christopher Nolan did not get a Best Director nomination for INCEPTION. Who did?
Aronofsky for BLACK SWAN
Russell for THE FIGHTER
The Coen Brothers for TRUE GRIT
Tom Hooper for THE KING'S SPEECH
David Fincher for THE SOCIAL NETWORK

Here's where the real surprises begin:
BEST ACTOR
Javier Bardem (Buitiful)
Jeff Bridges (True Grit)
Jesse Eisenberg (The Social Network)...WHAT?????????????
Colin Firth (The King's Speech)
James Franco (127 Hours)

I bet Jesse is just as shocked as we are! Personally, I am torn between his performance in ZOMBIELAND and ADVENTURELAND (filmed at Kennywood Park in Pittsburgh-West Mifflin, PA) as some of his best;) Yes, my tongue is firmly in my cheek, but this is so cool! Good for him!

Early predictions in this category are tough, and Dove and I will do our usual Oscar prediction blog right before the big event, but I am going with Jeff Bridges because we all love him so much. If I were going on performance alone, I would give it to Colin Firth. He outdid himself in this role.

BEST ACTRESS

Annette Bening (The Kid's are Alright)
Nicole Kidman (Rabbit Hole)
Jennifer Lawrence (Winter's Bone)
Natalie Portman (Black Swan)
Michelle Williams (Blue Valentine)

All as expected, and this is a very difficult category. I love Jennifer Lawrence, but no one can ignore Natalie Portman's chilling portrayal. Annette Bening was delightful and convincing, so this will be a category to watch.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

Christian Bale (The Fighter)
John Hawkes (Winter's Bone)
Jeremy Renner (The Town)....WHAT???? Seriously? They love you, Jeremy!
Mark Ruffalo (The Kid's are Alright)
Geoffrey Rush (The King's Speech)

So...basically some of my favorite actors are up against each other in this category. I am so glad Mark Ruffalo got a nom here...and Geoffrey Rush and Christian Bale are two of my favorite actors as well. John Hawkes made a believer out of me with his performance...
This category is a complete toss up...

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Melissa Leo and Amy Adams are up against each other (The Fighter)
Helena Bonham Carter (The King's Speech)
Hailee Steinfeld (True Grit)
Jacki Weaver (Animal Kingdom)

This is a fierce category. Jacki Weaver totally rocks, and I hope American audiences will see more of her. ANIMAL KINGDOM is one of those films you only really need to see once...that strong. You should see it, however. Hailee had HUGE shoes to fill, and she did it. Melissa and Amy have delivered two very different, but authentic performances...this will be tough. Helena-I don't care what role you are playing, you put a thousand percent in every portrayal, although my favorite is the completely barking mad Belatrix Le Strange:)

This category is too close to call.

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM

How to Train Your Dragon
The Illusionist
Toy Story 3

I know, TS3 has this wrapped up, but I really, really loved HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON.

BEST SCREENPLAY (Original)

Another Year
The Fighter
Inception
The King's Speech
The Kids are Alright

BEST SCREENPLAY (ADAPTED)
127 Hours
Toy Story 3
The Social Network
Winter's Bone
True Grit

I am sure Dove and I will discuss this at length. Very tough category.

BEST IN ART DIRECTION

Alice in Wonderland
The King's Speech
Inception
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (part 1)
True Grit

This is an impossibly difficult category, witnessed by the fact that we have 5, where in the past some of these technical categories are reduced to three nominations (I don't like that). Every single one of these films is beautifully shot...in very, very different ways. Personally, I would like to give an Oscar to every single one.

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

Inception
True Grit
The King's Speech
The Social Network
Black Swan

This one kinda has Falcon's feathers up...because of her personal BFA in Cinematography. Inception should definitely be here...as should Black Swan and The King's Speech. True Grit is a great film....in this category, I would have put something else in it's place. The Social Network...are you kidding me??? Come on?! Seriously?! Were there not other films during this year whose cinematography was not superior to this film? I can think of a few...more on that later.

COSTUME DESIGN

The Tempest (LOVE this film)
The King's Speech
I am Love
Alice in Wonderland
True Grit

Very difficult category.

DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
Exit Through the Gift Shop
Gasland
Restrepro
Waste Land
Inside Job

Being from PA, obviously HUGE props to Josh Fox for this nomination for GASLAND. We are fighting for our lives here literally in PA and 22 other states with black shale gas acquisition and production. Water is sacred and the industry apparently doesn't mind poisoning us for profit...again. EXIT THROUGH THE GIFT SHOP is mighty strong, so this category rocks, as usual.

BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT

The Confession
The Crush
Na Wewe
God of Love
Wish 143

This is the best category of the best films of this year, in Falcon's humble opinion. NA WEWE takes place in Burundi in the early 1990s around genocide time. 'Nuff said. THE CRUSH proves 15 minute short films can change your life as you watch an 8 year old fight over his emotions...and his teacher. WISH 143 is directed by Ian Barnes and shows a lot of depth in a compressed space. All of these films are Oscar worthy.

SOUND EDITING
Inception
Toy Story 3
True Grit
Unstoppable
TRON: Legacy

This is an extremely difficult category to make the final cut. High praise for UNSTOPPABLE, (shot in and around Pittsburgh) because it definitely deserves to be on this list. INCEPTION was magnificent, nearly flawless. TRON: Legacy was extremely well edited (even with that 1980 electronica soundtrack running nearly throughout, but that honors the original, so I can't complain too much), and TRUE GRIT has its work cut out for it. TOY STORY 3...look, guys, animation is done differently than live action where sound is concerned...I just don't think these are in the same group together. Seriously, HP:7.1 (Deathly Hallows) should be here instead. It just isn't the same thing. Maybe there should be a separate category for animation and sound...this just isn't it.

SOUND MIXING

Inception
True Grit
Salt
The King's Speech
The Social Network

All of these films had excellent efforts in this category. I wish this one could go to 10, too! :)

VISUAL EFFECTS

Alice in Wonderland
Inception
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (part one)
Hereafter
Iron Man Two

Okay, here is a real heavyweight category. ALICE is great in so many ways; we all know Tim Burton is one of the greatest creative geniuses of our time on film, and he just thrived with his team in this area. Inception is visually challenging and had some of the most challenging on location shoots of the year. Everything was seamless and a lot of this was OLD SKOOL-extremely high praise for this. HEREAFTER was beautifully rendered, especially recreating a tsunami; Iron Man II-fierce! HP: 7.1 has some of the strongest houses on the planet working on visual effects, and it was extremely impressive. Tough, honestly deserving films.

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM

Biutiful (Aljandro Gonzalaz Inarritu) Mexico
Dogtooth (Giorgos Lanthimos) Greece
In a Better World (Susanne Bier) Denmark
Incendies ( Denis Villeneuve) Canada
Outside the Law (Rachid Bouchareb) Algeria

Those of you who frequent the blog know Falcon loves BIUTIFUL and I think this may be the winner...but, wait! How about the 2009 release DOGTOOTH which took forever to get here, but is worth the wait! I am so stoked that OUTSIDE THE LAW made the noms-A magnificent film by a director previously nominated for an Oscar, Rachid Bouchareb about Algiers fight for independence from France through the eyes of three brothers. Then, there is the Canadian film INCENDIES which takes place more in the Middle-east than Canada. Although in French, the film has a global, yet personal message for us all-family, trust, truth, and fight. This is a very strong category.

For a list of all the nominations, visit some of our favorites like:
http://www.imdb.com/

SEE THESE FILMS! See as many as you can. It is very important for small, independent films to be seen. If you haven't seen BLACK SWAN, do Aronofsky a favor and see it; his team had a hard time getting this out in major distribution in a timely manner. It is worth the price...go.

There will be more from us as the time for the awards draws near.
Peace,
Falcon and Dove

SUPER BOWL TRAVEL: Need a place? Check These Out!

Hello Steelers Family,

Falcon here with some breaking news for those who are traveling to the Super Bowl near Dallas, TX and need a place to stay. Falcon has some special hideaways for you!:)



Here are some great spots in Arlington, TX to stay where you can practically walk to the Super Bowl!!! They aren't cheap, but that's not new news. Are they beautiful? You bet!



http://www.homeaway.com/



This is one of Falcon and Dove's favorite sites to acquire overnight stay in some beautiful places at great prices. Go to the site and put in the numbers below and call FAST to get these extraordinary offers before they are gone!



HOME ON A LAKE

#348047

5 Bedrooms/3 baths, sleeps 11

Great property near a lake, golf course, restaurants, and of course...the stadium!

Grab this one!

$2,500/night



WALK TO THE SUPER BOWL

#327682

3 Bedrooms/1 and 1/2 baths, sleeps 8

PET FRIENDLY!!!!!

Yes, you can avoid parking fees and walk from this property to the big game! Beautiful kitchen, lovely bedrooms, and only 12 miles from the airport. This is a STEAL! GET THIS PROPERTY NOW!!!

$2,989 for the entire weekend!

That's $373.64 per person for the entire weekend!!!



REMODELED TOWNHOUSE

#360468

3 Bedrooms/ 2 full baths and one half bath, sleeps 6

Ultra sleek and lean, very nice upscale property in the heart of it all. For discriminating tastes.

Price for 4 nights Super Bowl Weekend:$10,000 with a 10G deposit.

This property is not privately owned, but under management. To contact the manager:

Brad Kennedy, between 9am-5pm CST 817-784-8351



Wanna see more?! Go to http://www.homeaway.com/

Have fun, Steelers fans!!!

Stay Warm-Tips for Bundling Up

Hello World Family,
Falcon here with some tips to help you stay safe and warm this weekend in these frigid temperatures. Many of you work outside in this brutal weather, and you probably know how to keep yourself warm. Lots of you in the US may be outdoors for the AFC Championship in Pittsburgh, or the NFC Championship in Chicago. Let me tell you, it is going to be very cold with some significant winds at times, so here's some tips to keep your fingers and toes attached:)

One: dress in layers. Now, I know you all dress in layers, but here's the thing: in this case, natural fabrics may be your enemy. Cotton and fleece hold on to moisture, and that means when you sweat, you stay wet. That will make you feel colder. Get out the wool, or the wicking insulated long johns to stay warm (you pick your brand), and you will be much more comfortable.

Two: take a piece of carpet or cardboard around 18-24 inches square with you to your outdoor tailgate or to the game to stand on. That will keep your feet warmer...really.

Three: wear gloves, not mittens to keep fingers warmer and safer. I know it is harder to hold your...apple cider;) when you have on mittens, but think of the years of pleasure those fingers will give you when you protect them.

Four: Cover your head with multiple layers, too. Cover ears with one layer, then a close fitting hat, and then your black and gold Steelers hat for the game...er..um..whatever additional adornment you may need to wear during this frigid weekend:D

Five: Wear a thick, insulating coat over your multiple layers of warmth. Down feather coats are good, long wool coats, or down alternative. A scarf is mandatory.

Six: put hand warmers in your gloves and boots. I have even put one up around the back of my neck between the coat and scarf. This provides warmth on a significant pressure point that will help to warm your entire body. When you put on the hand warmers, make sure that a part of them touches the inside of your wrists (as long as it is comfortable). Again, touching pressure points that keep you cool in summer, but warm in winter.

This is a tip that most of you won't want to hear but...don't drink alcohol. I know, a waste of time, but seriously, it really isn't good in weather like this. Beer is better than hard liquor. If you're going to have a nip, scotch is better than just about anything else. (Note: This is Falcon's personal opinion, and should not be associated with any health tip whatsoever.)

DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE. Please, people...have a designated driver, get a taxi, call a friend...just don't get behind the wheel and drive if you have been drinking. Seriously.

Enjoy your activities safely and securely. Keep you limbs happy and GO STEELERS! I mean, have fun this weekend...yeah, that's it...

Peace,
Falcon and Dove

BREAKING NEWS: Judge Holds Up Treaty in Cherokee/Freemen Case; Appeal Expected

Hello World Family,

Busy day. Yeah to Judge Cripps-boo to my tribe still trying to expel people on the basis of blood. I say, let's get out the swabs and do EVERYBODY'S cheek...

I wonder how many of them FBIs (Full Blooded Indians) would there be then, eh?



I am willing to bet that there are more Cherokee with more blood than we know...and those who think they have no Native blood, probably do...among other things.





From our nation's news:

www.cherokee.org/NewsRoom/FullStory/3464/Page/Default.aspx



Praying for acceptance and peace,

Falcon and Dove

No, There are NOT 13 Signs in the Zodiac; Here's Why...

Hello, World Family!
This is why astrologers and modern astronomers don't talk so much...because sometimes they just don't know enough about certain things to comment on them, and yet, someone did...

Just to historically clarify, the Sumerians made the first mathematical associations to astrology, not Babylonians. The xenophobia continues...

Two, Astrology is NOT constellation associated, although I know it seems that it is. It is all about the math.

Three, the reason the Babs got so upset with the whole snake thing had more to do with matrifocal issues and the rise of male arrogance than with the sign itself.

Four, we have 13 moons a year, always have; we only have 12 signs because the seasons are three FULL moons each, and fall in the Cardinal aspects.

This is why I follow the ancient calendars of my ancestors (the Mayan and the Sumerian Saturn Return charts) rather than more modern measurements. The Pleadian and Southern Hemispheres charts of India are also MUCH more accurate.

Since the most recent medical studies in Seasonal Effect Disorders have affirmed the basic premises of astrological associations of predispositional biological and personality imprints, much of this seems moot, but since I happen to know a very good astrologer, and he just emailed me some information, I am sharing with you, with his permission, what this is all about, in his humble opinion.
I personally am done with all the amateur hour.
I know one thing...I am NOT a Libra;) Anyone who knows me knows I am not a Libra...

Here is what an authority says:
http://www.starself.com/the13thsign.txt

Peace,
Falcon and Dove

A New Year, A New Natural Frito Lay

Hello World Family,
Falcon here with some good news (I figured at this point, I don't need to go over the bad; you already know).
The Lay's line of products has not only devised a quieter green product bag for 2011, they are going all natural...well, everybody but two-I'll explain.

The entire line of products: Sun Chips, Frito's, Potato Chips (Baked, too), etc. will be completely natural in 2011...that's right, the msg will be gone! This is huge news for those who either can't snack or wouldn't because of certain ingredients. Here are the exceptions:
Cheeto's
Dorito's Nacho Cheese Flavor

Now, before you panic-here's the thing-it's some of the cheese components may contain artificial ingredients, but that's it.

Hey, BIG props to them for making an effort to rid an entire product line of all that is unnatural.

No preservatives, all natural oil, no trans fat, and in bags that biodegrade-that is HUGE!

The company is focusing on a 'zero landfill' goal. they have reduced waste by 90% at some plants and have one that in 2011 will be completely run on renewable energy-the good stuff, not the fossil fuel crack. They are reducing their water usage and recycling water. That is something you know Falcon greatly admires since water is our sacred currency for the planet, anyone making a sincere effort to reduce that use stands tall to me.

They are using organic fertilizers, maintaining as much natural habitat at growing sites as possible, use oven heat recovery systems, and remember Family: they were one of the first companies in North American to start recycling their shipping containers...in 1939!!!!

Do you know about TerraCycle? Frito Lay is asking large institutions to recycle their snack bags to TerraCycle. They will even pay for the shipping and donate 2 cents per bag to a school or non profit institution! For more information, please go to:
www.fritolay.com


We rarely compliment companies here on the blog, but we give Frito Lay and their parent company, Pepsico big props for their bag design and Pepsi's THROWBACK line made with all natural sugar and no HFCS (high fructose corn syrup). Recent research has shown just how horrible the additive HFCS is to the human body, and you have heard our call to have it removed from everything. We cheer Frito Lay and Pepsico for their efforts to reduce energy use, switch to renewables like solar, reduce landfill waste, and recycle water while reducing use...and making:

GREAT TASTING CHIPS!!!!!!

Keep up the good work...and make Throwback ALL YEAR! Please?! Pretty Please?!

Peace,
Falcon and Dove