College Loans bound to get tighter

Hi Everyone!
Attention all parents and students with college private or government loans: things are changing rapidly, and it is not good. The mortgage mess has been bundled with some student loans, and none of it could be sold at a recent auction, meaning that banks now have less money to loan students. This could spell disaster for some, so please contact your university's financial aid officer immediately so that you know where you stand...and do it now.

Here's the problem: without more cash, some major lenders are getting out of the loan business, even refusing to carry guaranteed student loans. Credit is getting tighter, and it will be harder to get money even from those costly private lenders. Get your FICO score up, because you are going to need a good 689 or better for lending. Students without credit will need a co-signer with a good FICO score.

Now here is where Suze Orman and I differ; I think it's fine to co-sign for your student because the loan they carry will have a lower interest rate than the loan you would get as parents, and the loan payments start 6 months after graduation for your son or daughter. The key is making sure that they understand that they are responsible for that loan, period. You know your child. If you think they aren't capable of that kind of trust, tell them to ask a relative you aren't too crazy about to be the co-signer, and see what happens. What Suze may not be seeing in this equation right now is that there could be thousands of young people who may not be able to attend college, or attend where they would like to because of this debacle.

So here is Falcon's latest rant: there is corruption spread throughout the industry, and it's terrible what is happening to our economy. Let me summarize. Greedy selfish originators wrote predatory loans to unsuspecting clients without sufficient income to support their 2/28 scam loans (who would have been fine in a classic FHA loan), and hoped that housing values would increase enough so that those caught in the trap would at least be able to sell their homes for a profit, or refinance their loan before the balloon came up (yeah, a balloon the size of a zepplin).

But here's the result: the housing bubble broke, and people in homes in neighborhoods historically red-lined for decades found themselves sitting on homes that had been appraised probably close to true market value, but would never get that in their neighborhoods. Home values began to fall like a rock and lendees found themselves 'upside down'. No sense in being in a home that has negative equity that you can't afford, so the slide begins...en masse.

Loans made by those who bundled student loans with other products like mortgages suddenly find themselves very unwanted. No sales at auction, no money to do new loans. Private lender credit terms will tighten, and their rates are likely to increase, as if it wasn't bad enough.

Oh, and one more thing about corrupt: many universities had 'relationships' with some private lenders, steering students away from government loans to private loans that are more expensive, and can raise rates and are largely unregulated. Some of those loans have also been descripbed as predatory. Greed created the crisis, and the price may be the quality of life and education of the American family. These loans are impossible to discharge, not even in bankrupsy.

PHEAA in Pennsylvania is no longer doing lending after March 7. They will service loans, but not issue new ones. Students and their families who thought that they would be able to get grants and loans through this agency may be very surprised. Grants, yes. Loans...er...um, no.
This is happening all over the country and the letters are going out to families now.

What can you do?
Well, if this is the first year you will have a child in college, I seriously suggest you take a look at your credit report (which you should do regularly anyway), your child's credit should be checked (to make sure no one is using their name and information fraudulently), and get ready to dig deep. Your home equity may be an education source to keep the loans away from your child, but banks are tightening up on that, too. Start now, so that you and your student will know where you stand.

Community colleges and for-profit schools may feel the burn first, because they depend more on private lenders. So , instead of looking at local community colleges to save money, look at small, private universities with Rolling Admission; they are usually very well funded and have lots of merit scholarship money to offer your brilliant son or daughter.

Outside scholarships are always around, and if your son or daughter is in eighth grade or higher, I suggest that they register on: www.fastweb.com. This is a free scholarship search website with around $22 billion dollars in scholarships listed. Register and get going! The more scholarships you earn sooner, the less loan money you will need. Here's the list:

Outside Merit Scholarships first

University merit scholarships

Local Organization Scholarships (local Rotary, clubs, businesses, etc.)

Athletic Grant-in-Aid (NCAA or NAIA athletics)

Grants-state and federal

Guaranteed federal student loans

Last resort: Private student loans

Students: Update your resume, do some commmunity work if you can, and get used to writing essays. This is no longer an option; scholarships are a must and the earlier you start, the better it will be for you and your family. This is your future; do it.

Alright, Falcon's rant is done, for today. We will talk more about this I am sure. Don't panic...call the admissions rep at your student's school, or financial aid officer, look at scholarships (even if you are already at a university), and make a Plan B.

Keep the faith.
Peace,
Falcon and Dove

Terrible Towel Creator and Broadcaster Myron Cope dies at Age 79

Hi Everyone,
Well, anyone who has every watched an American football game has probably heard of Myron Cope, Steelers broadcaster since 1970. He coined the term 'Immaculate Reception' in reference to the catch made by Franco Harris in the last 22 seconds of the now -famous 1973 game. He did crazy holiday videos, Steeler videos, Pirates promotions, etc. What many people outside Steelers Nation probably don't know was how big Myron's heart was, in addition to his color commentary. He donated the proceeds, and eventually the rights of his Terrible Towel creation to the Allegheny School and Autism research. He held celebrity golf tournaments, all to benefit his favorite charities. Myron Cope was a fine writer, before he became the voice of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1970. He loved and respected all people, and they had a ball with him. He was fun, enthusiastic, and genuine. He will be missed.

Myron, I hope they have Terrible Towels in heaven. I know you will be waving yours with all of us for every game. We love you, and we will pray for your family.

Our sincerest sympathy on your loss. He gave so many of us so much joy. We hope that you find comfort in the fact that he was and will continue to be, so well loved.

Hugs and kisses, Myron. Oi!!
Falcon and Dove

Oscar Update: Predictions Come True!

Hi Everyone,
We hope you have enjoyed the Academy Awards this year. Falcon and Dove are very happy: we only got 5 wrong! Okay, I guess we should have given The Bourne Ultimatum the rest of the Sound Catagory and Film Editing, and of course, Documentary is always a tough catagory. We were shocked that The Golden Compass got an Oscar, considering how it was orphaned by the entire critical industry, not because it was all that bad, but because no one seemed to like the religion of the book's writer. Bizarre...but it got Best Visual Effects. We thought Pirates: At World's End might have pulled it off. But, hey, it's a great night. Congratulations to the winners, all great work! Well, that was a nice distraction, but it's time to focus on the three E's again.

Economy, Elections, and the Environment.
Have a great week!
Peace,
Falcon and Dove

Oscar Predictions from Falcon and Dove

Okay, Everyone,
Here it is! Our predictions for the Oscars on February 24, 2008. The name in capitals is our choice to win; if there is a name in italics, that is the one we might like to win. If there are two names in italics, that is because we differ on who or what we think will win, and our individual choices are marked.

Everyone enjoy the show this Sunday. Have a great weekend!
Peace,
Falcon and Dove

Best Actor
George Clooney
Daniel Day-Lewis Falcon and Dove agree
Tommy Lee Jones
Johnny Depp Falcon and Dove agree
Viggo Mortensen

Best Supporting Actor

Casey Affleck
JAVIER BARDEM
Phillip Seymour Hoffman Falcon's choice
Hal Holbrook
Tom Wilkinson Dove’s

Best Actress
Cate Blanchett
Marion Coulliard Falcon's choice to win
Julie Christie
Laura Linney Dove’s preferred
Ellen Page (Juno) Dove’s Choice to win

Best Supporting Actress
CATE BLANCHETT
Ruby Dee Falcon says she might get it
Saoirse Ronana
Amy Ryan
Tilda Swinton Dove’s Preferred

Best Animated Feature
Persepolis
Ratatoille Should be a lockup
Surf’s Up

Art Direction
American Gangster
ATTONEMENT Falcon and Dove agree
The Golden Compass
Sweeney Todd Dove’s preferred
There Will be Blood Falcon says this film has a chance to win

Cinematography
Assassination of Jesse James Dove’s preferred
Atonement
The Diving Bell and The Butterfly
No Country for Old Men
There Will be Blood Falcon and Dove agree should win


Costume Design
Across the Universe
Atonement Falcon Dove’s Preferred
Elizabeth: The Golden Age Falcon's choice to win
La Vie En Rose
Sweeney Todd Dove’s Choice to win

Directing
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
Juno
Michael Clayton
No Country for Old Men
There Will be Blood Falcon and Dove Agree

Documentary
No End in Sight
Operation Homecoming
Sicko Should win, we'll see
Taxi to the Dark Side
War/Dance

All really great films. Very, very good.

Documentary Short
Freeheld
The Crown (la Corona)
Salim Bara
Sari’s Mother

Film Editing
Bourne Ultimatum
There Will be Blood
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
No Country for Old Men
Into the Wild

Foreign Language Film
Beaufort
The Counterfeiters
Katyn
Mongol
12

Makeup
La Vie En Rose Falcon's Choice
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End Dove's Choice
Norbit

Music (Score)
Atonement Dove's Choice
Kite Runner
Michael Clayton
Ratatouille
3:10 to Yuma Falcon's Choice

Song
Once
Enchanted has Three
August Rush

Best Picture
ATONEMENT Falcon and Dove agree
Juno
Michael Clayton
No Country for Old Men
There will be Blood Dove’s preferred

We are not reviewing the shorts, we didn’t see any of them

Sound Editing
Bourne Ultimatum
Ratatouille Dove's Choice
No Country for Old Men
There Will be Blood Falcon's Choice
Transformers

Sound Mixing
Bourne Ultimatum
No Country for Old Men
Ratatouille
3:10 to Yuma
Transformers

Visual Effects
The Golden Compass
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End Of the three, this is the best.
Transformers

Writing (adapted Screenplay)
Atonement
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
No Country for Old Men Falcon and Dove thinks it may have a chance
Away from Her
There will be Blood

Writing (original Screenplay)
Juno
Lars and the Real Girl
Michael Clayton
Ratatouille
The Savages Honorable Mention by Falcon and Dove

This is a really strong category

Priceless Music Collection on Auction at Ebay!

Hello Everyone!
This is Falcon, letting those of you who have money burn about an extraordinary opportunity. Paul Mawhinney of Record Rama is selling over 3 million albums and CD's of his collection. Paul, an awesome music master has been in this business for a long time, and once drew attention from the Library of Congress for his exceptional collection. He is ready to retire, after years of sharing his passion and deep love for music with the world.

The collection is up for grabs on Ebay, and the deadline is 6pm on Feb. 21, 2008! Bid now!!!! Come on, Mr. Gates (who will be in Pittsburgh Thursday), come on classic collectors...come on Tiger Woods! Buy this collection and make it available to the world! There is music that shouldn't be lost or fogotten. I have been in his archives and amazing doesn't begin to describe it!

Pass the word around. If you can afford it, don't let it pass you by...

Good luck, Paul! You and your fantastic family deserve the best, always.
Thanks for sharing the love of music to thousands like me over the years.
You completely rock!

Peace, family
Falcon and Dove

Oscar Week: Falcon and Dove's Honorable Mentions of 2007

Hi Everyone!
Well, the emails are beginning to pour in; it seems some of you are waiting for our Oscar predictions for this year. Well, we have almost finished our predictions. In the meantime, we thought we would give you our Honorable Mentions...films we think you should see, even if they didn't get an Oscar nomination. Enjoy these 2007 films that have earned a special place in our memories. These 25 films are in no particular order; we love them all. Most of the films on the list are fine for most audiences; pay close attention to the ratings if you are planning on viewing some of these with young children. Some are unrated; all are excellent.

We Are Marshall: Story of the Marshall University Football team plane crash in 1971 I remember it vividly. The personal stories of the individuals who moved forward from the tragedy. Really well acted and authentic film, not really about football, but about the spirit of a team and a town to move forward after tragedy. There is a lot to be learned, and may help others as they struggle through tragedies… it is a very moving film.

God Grew Tired of Us: tremendous tale of genocide and the journey of a refugee. I know, not a spirit lifter, but a must-see for those who really want to understand how war and internal warfare displace and hurt cultures.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix: If you have read Harry Potter, you know the story, If you haven’t, this is one of the films in the franchise that is extremely enjoyable, even for the un-informed. Well organized compression of the over 800 page book, great effects and strong performances by the kids and adults alike. If you can see this in IMAX, do it; the last 20 minutes will blow your mind. I don’t know why this film was completely ignored everywhere except the BAFTAs, but it deserved more. My gosh, Norbit got an Oscar nom for ‘Best Make-Up”, over this film! I am astonished! A film that sweeps the Razzies that probably killed Eddie Murphy’s Oscar chances for all time should be buried, not acknowledged. HP:OOTP made it to the short list in this category, and should have made the final 3.

The Great Debaters: Excellent period film starring Denzel Washington. I was on the Debate team in high school, and this film warmed my heart, and brought back memories. Can we only get acknowledgement for African-Americans in film where it’s about gangs, drugs, and sports? Wait…sometimes, not even sports, especially if it’s not an ‘accepted’ sport among the chronically xenophobic (see ‘Glory Road’ or “Pride” listed below). How about a film about striving Black intellectuals?


Pride: As mentioned above, great film, no attention about a black coach who inspires young men on a black swim team in 1970’s Philadelphia. Check this one out, really.

Amazing Grace: This is probably the Best Ignored Film of 2007. It has an impressive cast, telling the tale of the British movement toward abolishing slavery, and the real story behind the lyrics to “Amazing Grace”. I think every living human being should see this film, and there are a few deceased ones I wish could have seen it.

300: Okay, it’s historically inaccurate. It was 300 Spartans and 1200 actors, hookers, and out-of work artists. It was shot in a studio in Toronto, and almost nothing in the landscape was real, and it was a little too heavy on the sepia-tone, but it was fun, wasn’t it…considering the Spartan lifestyle, war, death…yeah, lots of fun.


The Namesake: Tremendous tale about generations, culture, ethnicity, and heart. Everyone can relate to this film, they just don’t know it yet.

The Wind that Shakes the Barley: This was the Palm D’Or of Cannes two years ago, and is kind of between movie years here, but was worthy of mention. Two brothers, one on each side of the Irish fight for sovereignty in turn of the 20th century Ireland. Cillian Murphy has two films on my Honorable Mention wall, and this one is well deserved. An extremely excellent film.

Disturbia: ‘Rear Window” with Shia LeBoeuf…nothing wrong with that.

Snow Cake: Delightfully thoughtful film starring Sigourney Weaver and Alan Rickman. She is high functioning autistic and he is working through his attractions and some confusion. It’s great to see these strong actors in non-traditional roles for them.

The Last Winter: This stars Ron Pearlman (Hellboy) and is an environmental horror movie. ‘Nuff said.

Paris” Je t’aime (Various Directors): A Collection of vignettes by various directors (including ‘Children of Men’s Alfonzo Cuaron) about the city of Paris, and why it is so endearing. Very well shot throughout.

1408: John Cusack is not normally your first choice for scary movies, but he’ great in this one, and Samuel L. Jackson is his usual creepy wonderful self. See the unrated version, it rocks.

A Mighty Heart: A hear-breaking tale, well acted and has one of my favorite actors, Dan Futterman playing Daniel Pearl. Angelina Jolie does an admirable job.

Labyrinth (re-release): This is the 1980’s film starring David Bowie. It was re-released in theatres at the beginning of summer. Looks great on screen, good for older children and fantasy fans alike.

Blade Runner: Final Cut (anniversary release): Well, I love David Lynch and Harrison Ford is pretty cool, and Rutger Hauer is excellently vicious. It’s a great DVD collection, too. Holds up well despite the years of special effects advances. Vangelis soundtrack is a dark, brooding compliment to the futuristic urban, yet emotionally hollow environment.

Sunshine: This is the second film on the Honorable Mention list with Cillian Murphy, one of the most versatile actors alive today. Sci-fi between “2001” and” Battlestar Gallactica” in a slick way.

This is England: This is a boy’s coming-of-age skinhead film set in 1980’s England. He is a significantly younger boy that his posse and that makes this nakedly honest film much more dynamic. Director Shane Meadows wrote and directed this film about his life growing up. Dynamic, powerful, and highly honored at the BAFTAs.

Becoming Jane : McAvoy did more than “Atonement” this year. This film is a treat, along with the wonderfully talented Anne Hathaway . Jane Austen’s letters help compose this film, and if you like romance, this is the one film you want to see this year…and maybe Gerald Butler’s dance in “P.S. I Love You.”

December Boys: This film takes place in Australia, and revolves around a vacation for orphan boys, who treat each other as family, but what happens when that family is threatened by separation? Harry Potter star Dan Radcliffe plays the eldest boy in the group who is coming of age and realizes that after the holiday, things may never be the same. Beautiful cinematography, and a nice little film.

Things We Lost in the Fire: Hallie Barry and Benicio del Toro are fantastic in this superbly-cast and richly acted film about a woman who looses her husband, and the flawed best friend who comes to her rescue. The children are great, the screenplay was well written. I love this movie. Genuinely emotional, fine portrayals.

Black Irish : This film stars Brendan Gleeson, and a great cast of actors. Boston, baseball, Irish…kid tries to stay out of trouble and stop a legacy of trouble. Great film.

Joe Strummer (doc of Clash member) The Future is Unwritten: Wonderfully free delightful romp retrospect about the Clash music and the now departed member of The Clash. Great doc.

Love in the Time of Cholera: A beautiful film shot in South America, based on the Gabriel Garcia Marquez novel. A man waits six decades for the women he loves. Mike Newell directs this touching period tale. Benjamin Bratt still looks great and pulls off the difficult role of the first husband, and Javier Bardem, who is a strong favorite for an Oscar for his twisted portrayal in “No Country for Old Men” is great in this film as well.

We hope you enjoyed the list. Our Oscar predictions are coming...
Enjoy your week!
Peace,
Falcon and Dove

The Safety of Our College Students

Hi Everyone,
This is an official Falcon rant.

I have waited a couple of days to write the rant, hoping that it would give me more clarity, and a bit more balance. I don't think it has, frankly. I am so angry, and sad that yet another four, yes four school shootings occured during the past week! Our young people are in crisis, and in their illness, imbalance, disconnection, and sorrow, they are taking others with promise, vitality, and future success with them in horrible fashion down a hole of despair and agony.

This is a viral sneeze of a much larger pandemic. Why are there so many emotionally ill young people not receiving greater supervision while dealing with their illnesses? And here is the 900 pound elephant in the proverbial room: how is it that these individuals are able to legally buy guns that can be used, in this case as well as others, as weapons of mass destruction?! I just don't understand.

Here's something else I don't understand: why are large college campuses so security weak? Now, I don't mean the response to the calamity at NIU; I think the security and police did an excellent job in response time, and getting students to area hospitals. I don't think there is anything else they could have done, given the set of circumstances they found themselves facing, and they are to be applauded.

Here's what I don't understand. All of you loyal Falcon and Dove listeners and bloggers know I am a parent of a college age student, so you know these tragedies are making me especially nervious at all times. My kid's campus has security guards at every door, with smart cards for every student, and cameras and monitors everywhere.Students are fine with it; they know it's for their protection. Why doesn't every campus have this equipment? I know it's a little pricey, but if you can have 25,000 students on campus, you can have some smart cards and security guards. If you told me as a parent that tuition would go up $2,000 next fall because of security updates, I would be okay with that, and I don't know any parent who would question that expense, if that is where it was going.

I am sure in this important election year, that some enterprising politican would be willing to write a bill with tons of Congressional support giving colleges and universities with large student bodies, and acres of grounds to cover additional funding to reduce the number of individuals able to get on campus, or access student buidlings without proper authorization.

At my daughter's university, once a term is over, the Smart Card must be updated.As a matter of fact, it can have its access changed at any time. A former student would not be able to access dorms, etc. because their card won't work. I have visited some urban campuses where the security room looks like the Pentagon, with cameras watching everywhere, and computers that track the movement of every campus body. There are also paper 'smart tags' that are great for visitors that can be read just like the smart cards by buidling sensors.

This troubled young man would have never gotten into a building had there been a Smart Card system and a security guard on the door. I normally don't try to second guess under these curcumstances, but this has now become such an epidemic, I feel as a parent I have to say something.

I understand that only so much can be done in these cases by universities when these 'lone wolf' dispondent youth with guns have a plan, but I also know that they might be discouraged or even derailed if they cannot get to their target, and they are on camera 24/7. It may not take care of every attack, but it might reduce them.

I think we owe it to all the beautiful, gifted lives that have been lost in these attacks; all the injured students and faculty, famililes, and friends to investigate any and all ways we might be able to make our campuses more secure: from keeping guns out of the hands of those who clearly cannot handle them responsibly to securing buildings and grounds of large campuses.

Ironically, yesterday in Pittsburgh, there was a 10 university conference of security from each school, discussing ways to protect students, respond to emergencies, and reduce the liklihood of having a catastrophe on campus. Again, no one can guarantee complete safety at all times, but working toward reducing these kinds of attacks is critical.

One more thing: if young adults are still college students, there needs to be a sharing of information concerning the health, welfare, and actions of that young adult as long as they are attending school in some capacity somewhere. Families are under-informed in some cases, or out of the loop completely on what crisis their son or daughter might be experiencing. There needs to be some transparency in records of those who are still in school to their families, since those will be the first ones called when a tragedy strikes. Better informed families, with university resources, may seek more concrete solutions that could prevent an unspeakable tragedy.

My prayers are with all of those who are suffering.

I am calling on all parents to rise up and become proactive on this issue. Whether your child is in a public school, private school, Home School, or university or college, let's demand some comprehensive action to increase security, and decrease apathy and dispair.

Falcon's rant is done...for now.

Peace all our family, because we are One Family,
Falcon