The Region of Champions

Hello Black and Gold Family,
Wherever in the world you are, this is a time of reflection for us all. I know, there's a Super Bowl to be played, and another championship to be won. Stairway to Seven. I suggest that the championship has already been won. How? We have a team that exemplifies all that we are in this region and beyond: Champions.

This region is the place where sacred rivers meet to form a third that feeds the soul waters of a hemisphere. This is the place where an entire revolution was forged and wars were won. I congratulate the Pittsburgh Steelers for their talent, versatility, humility, faith, and determination. I also congratulate Steelers Nation, no matter where you are on the earth. This team is you, my brothers and sisters. They are you.

Do we make mistakes? Yes, and we take responsibility for them, too. We don't always get a fair shake, but we don't let that stop us. We are like a phoenix, rising out if its own ashes to rebuild, reinvent, rediscover ourselves...so is our team. Our teams are a reflection of us.

We expect greatness, we get it because we expect it. We fight, kick, and scratch for every bit for as long as we have...so does our team. Those men reflect what we inspire, and in turn, they inspire us. It is a symbiotic relationship. The Steelers have a foundation of the Rooney family, a coaching staff of tireless warriors, and a team of steel giants. I have news for you: so are you.

You, Steelers Nation have sacrificed and fought and built and thrived in some of the worst conditions imaginable to build a global world that understands the meaning of sacrifice and solidarity. We built ships, barges, unions, and green initiatives. We helped win wars, and even stopped a few along the way. We fight to honor our elders and our children because we know every person makes a contribution. Black and gold is not just our team colors, it is a symbol of who we are.

Our hands are blackened with work and sweat, but we don't complain. We sacrifice and struggle, but we get up and keep fighting. We have mined coal, dug ditches, climbed poles, changed diapers, stocked gunpowder and raised our fists high. We may have been afraid, but we never ran. We have died for what we believe. We have stood proud when victorious. We have prayed for winners and strugglers. We let go of regrets.

Our hearts are pure gold. Yellow means illumination and enlightenment, hope and constancy. We are black and gold. We are introspective, hard-working, and hearts of pure delight. We are the embodiment of passion.

This is who WE are. This is who the Steelers are. We are all one family. We always have been.
Where we are, goes the walk of champions. We are strong, and our teams reflect that, from little league and high school to college and professional sports.

They are us, Champions. They are we. Celebrate today. Celebrate every day. We are living the dream.

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

Dear Mr. Rooney: Ben Must Go

An Open Letter to the Rooney Family and The Pittsburgh Steelers:

Dear Mr. Rooney,
The mother and daughter team known as Falcon and Dove, born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA ask you to consider our following thoughts:

First, we applaud your caution and restraint during the period of heightened examination of the Steelers organization, and of a couple of players in particular. You have not escalated the media circus, and we appreciate that.

Secondly, we would like to mention that we recognize that this has been a difficult time, an we know that you have struggled with decisions concerning some of our most prominent and successful players, and some off the field behavior that has called their conduct into question. In the matter of Ben Roethlisberger, we humbly ask that you let him go from this franchise to pursue his career elsewhere. We understand that there are contract considerations, and we respect whatever solution you deem fit working in tandem with others to come to an equitable outcome, but for the sake of the Pittsburgh Steelers organization, Ben must move on.

Our reasons are: we simply do not trust this man to do the job he is in this city to do. We do not trust his moral code, and more alarmlingly, he seems to be able to cajole other men to become co-conspirators in his breech of conduct; whether in covert or overt acts, or by simple measures of denial-this is most disturbing.

The kind of leadership we expect of members of the Pittsburgh Steelers is high. We do not believe that Ben has exhibited an full understanding of that fact, and he seems more interested in being able to lie and deny, whether it is underaged coeds that he is buying drinks for, (apparently to take advantage of them), or to media, he shows a complete disregard for the high standards of this organization. He doesn't belong here.

We feel that he can make a better start elsewhere, learn from his mistakes, and hopefully, get help for what is apparently a compulsive and vile dysfunction.

Charlie Batch is a fine football player, and a good quarterback. He could be a great quarterback if given the chance. We know that during the draft, you and the organization will recruit players of high caliber and moral conduct, who understand what is expected of them. It is more important to have a great team of character that can win Super Bowls than a team of low conduct with a good win-loss record.

Thank you for your continued leadership.
Sincerely,
Falcon and Dove