Spring Celebration of the Arts in Wilkinsburg-FREE!

Hello Brothers and Sisters,
If you live in the Pittsburgh area, or will be Pittsburgh the end of April, this will be a fun family event you should not miss. You know Falcon and Dove love environmental events, but we also love the arts...and it's free!

On Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at 7pm in the Wilkinsburg High School Auditorium there will be a performance from the district's music students: choirs, elementary and high school bands, Steel Pan Ensemble, African Drumming Ensemble, and artwork on display. There will be a reception immediately following, so there will be an opportunity to meet these talented young people. Sounds like a great way to bring in May and celebrate spring with the entire family.

Need more information? Contact the Instrumental Music Director, Shawn van Mastrigt:
svanmastrigt@wilkinsburgschools.org

Come out and have some fun, and see some talented artists!
Peace,
Falcon and Dove

New Scholarship just announced!

Hi Global Family!
Falcon here. We hope you had a great Spring Break and Easter holiday. Now, it's back to work, and I have information on a new scholarship that is available to Pennsylvania Seniors and those already in college majoring in areas that focus on Environmental Sciences. Good luck!

Also, I know this is Official College Announcement Week, so for those of you who just found out if you have been accepted to the university of your choice...congratulations!!! If you didn't get in, don't sweat it; there are lots of excellent schools out there, and there are always other options. The sun will still rise tomorrow, and you are much too talented to be thwarted by one admissions committee, right?

Smile through it, and don't think it's the end of the world. Regardless of what your parents, guidance counselors, and friends may say...there are more important things in the world. The important part is that you find your passions and find a way to get the proper training and support to make your dreams come true. There is only one you, and you are here for a special reason. Find it, and don't let anyone get you down.

Now, on to that new scholarship...
The Wyona Coleman Scholarship

The Sierra Club - PA Chapter has established the Wyona Coleman Scholarship Fund, which will offer one, (1) $1,000 scholarship for the 2008-09 school year. (There will be more next year).

Wyona Coleman spent her childhood on a farm, and developed a love of the outdoors early on. She joined the environmental movement during the first Earth Day, 1970 and was instrumental in starting her own Sierra Club Group and then the Pennsylvania Chapter.

Her concern about surface mining destroying farms and forests led to her work on the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act, which was passed in 1977.
When emphasis changed from surface mining to longwall mining in southwestern Pennsylvania, she organized the Tri State Citizens Mining Network (now the Center for Coalfield Justice).

Wyona’s other love was reading. As a librarian, she held learning in high esteem. It is a fitting tribute to her memory to encourage students to pursue environmental education.

The scholarship is open to all Pennsylvania residents who are seniors in high school or above and accepted or enrolled into any college-level program in environmental studies.
Applicants should have a 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher.

Applications can be down loaded from the Sierra Club’s Web site at: http://Pennsylvania.sierraclub.org/

Applications should include:

1. A letter of application indicating the student’s academic record, contact information, and a copy of the acceptance letter for high school seniors.
2. Two letters of support: one academic and the other from a community group in which the applicant has done volunteer work, and

3. A 300-word essay on how the student intends to use their environmental education to protect the environment.

Applications are due May 15 and should be submitted electronically to:
pennsylvania.chapter@sierraclub.orgPlease place the word “Scholarship” in the subject line.

The scholarship will be awarded by May 30, 2008.

Happy St. Patrick's Day Movies

Hello Brothers and Sisters,
Silante! We hope you are having a great St. Padraig's Day, whether you are Irish or not. Enjoy some Colcannon, dance a wee bit, and enjoy one or all of our favorite top five films of Irish heritage, humor, and culture:

Waking Ned Devine
Can a dead man win the lottery? He can in this film of fun and frolic!

The Secret of Roan Inish
This is a wonderful film for the entire family, centered in the early 20th century of coastal Ireland, directed by John Sayles. You just have to see it! Get the family together, sit back, and enjoy.

Some Mother's Son
This is the story of two moms and their sons during the hunger strikes of the late 1970's and early 1980's. I know, it sounds depressing, but it really is worth the viewing. The acting is strong, and the story is eomething that should be known. Bobby Sands and his story are only part of the equation.

In the Name of the Father
Until you have heard Jimi Hendrix' "Voodoo Child" played with some of these images, you have not yet seen everything cinema has to offer. This is a dramatic adaptation of the trial and eventual dismissal of the Gilford Four: four teenagers, an aunt, a father, and some children, charged with an IRA bombing that they of course, did not commit. Emma Thompson and Daniel Day-Lewis are part of an exemplary cast of actors who have dotted the Oscars, Empires, and BAFTAs for years. A great soundtrack and powerful performances make this a must-see film.

Michael Collins
This film stars Liam Neeson (born in Belfast) and as I understand it, shot during the hottest summer in Dublin, while the actors had to wear wool suits. That alone gets some of my high respect. This is a film that explains the equation: 26+6=1.
If you don't know what that means, you might want to see this film.

Enjoy the holiday with a little less brew and some good films. Stay safe, everyone.
Peace,
Falcon and Dove

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