Steelers Nation Visitors to Pittsburgh this Weekend-Important Information

Hello World Family,
Well, it is Super Bowl Weekend, and in case you have been out of the loop, the Pittsburgh Steelers are playing the Arizona Cardinals for the world championship in Tampa, FL. Many loyal Steelers fans that don't live in Pittsburgh are coming here this weekend for the game.

WELCOME! It's great to have you here to celebrate with us!

There are a few things you should know. If you are not used to snow...you may have some trouble getting around. Park the car and take buses, the subway, and a taxi.

There are going to be specific streets blocked off for the Super Bowl and the celebration afterward when the Steelers win. Keep track of these closings at the following news websites:

www.thepittsburghchannel.com
www.wpxi.com
www.kdka.com

There are Steelers stores at most malls:
Monroeville Mall
The Mall at Robinson
Pittsburgh Mills
Galleria
You can also get merchandise at www.steelers.com

Also, you can go to the Strip District and get great Steelers merchandise at some classic shops.

Eat 'N Park restaurants are serving up black and gold Steelers cookies at any of their locations and on the Internet for shipping. Just Google them and get the address of a restaurant near you.

On Super Bowl Sunday

Many stores and restaurants are closing after 3pm Sunday. Pick up your orders, get groceries, and get your bakery goods before then.

After the Game

Party responsibly, and do not drink alcohol and drive. Pittsburgh Public Schools and Penn Hills School District will have a 2 hour delay on Monday, February 2 (Imbolc, St. Brigit's Day, Groundhog Day).

Weather
It is cold and snowy, so dress in layers (many layers of Steelers items is best) so that you don't get overheated indoors, but are appropriately dressed outdoors. Scarves and hats are a must. Saturday and Sunday will be mostly dry, with temperatures moderating into the 30's and maybe 40's on Sunday. MONDAY and into TUESDAY things change.

There is talk about a Noreaster possible overnight into Monday and through early Tuesday for the East Coast. A classic Noreaster will make the coastlines treacherous, but less snow for Pittsburgh. If the front comes up the Appalachian Mountains, well...we could get 6-12 inches in Pittsburgh, and much, much more in the Laurel Mountains and north heading toward Erie. Make your plans with a BIG Plan B incorporated into the mix. If you need to stay a couple of extra days, we will make sure we take care of you here...just relax; don't go out in that terrible weather. This is something we won't have a real good handle on until late Saturday of even early Sunday. We will post updates here, but also check in with the websites listed above as well as The Weather Channel for up to the minute changes.

Thank you, World Family for supporting the Steelers and for hanging out with us for the fun!

We will keep you posted.

Peace,
Falcon and Dove

Twas the Night Before the Super Bowl-A Fan's Tribute

Hello World Family,
This is a special posting. I got this in my email this morning, and I just had to share it. Steelers Nation member A.K. Young penned this on January 23, 2009, and it is simply lovely. Props to Tootie for sending this out.

It speaks for itself, and even if you are not a Steelers fan, the sentiment is something everyone can identify with. I will let this poetry speak for itself.

Peace, Family!
Falcon

Twas the Night Before the Super Bowl

Twas the night before the Super Bowl, when along the gulf shore,
Steelers fans were praying for just one more;

The players were nestled all snug in the sack,
With visions of the first NFL Six-Pack;

Coach Tomlin was young, but wise for his years,
So I drifted off to sleep without any fears;

When at the stadium there arose some strange chatter,
The Cardinals feared, what was the matter;

We heard â Okel Dokel, we heard â Double Yoi,
We jumped from our beds, our hearts jumped for joy;

He stood at the fifty with a grin ear to ear,
Steelers fans everywhere started to cheer;

Then in an instant to our surprise,
This little old man had tears in his eyes;

He went to the booth and there took his chair,
While Terrible Towels waved in the air;

Then over the airwaves came his shrill voice,
The Steelers Nation began to rejoice;

He said, I am back, but you know I can’t stay,
I just had to see my Steelers play;

From my home up above, I have a great view,
But I wanted to celebrate here with you;

So bring on the Birds, we’ll send them a flyin’
On the way back to Phoenix, they will be cryin’

Ben, Hines, Troy, Jeff and all of the rest,
No matter the outcome, to me you’re the best;

The airwaves went silent, the stadium still,
Was this just a dream, it seemed so real;

In our team we have faith, in our team we have hope,
But the game’s not the same without Myron Cope;


Written by:
A.K. Young
01-23-09

Protect PA Waters-Letter to Gov. Rendell

Hello World Family,
As some of you know, Falcon and Dove are strong proponents of conservation, green jobs, and protecting wildlife...and our lives, too. In Falcon's official position, I penned this letter earlier this week, and delivered it to the governor's office.

Falcon encourages all Pennsylvania residents to speak out about protecting our beautiful streams and waterways. The fax number for Gov. Rendell's office is listed below. Those of you who visit Pennsylvania, I would also encourage you to let the Governor know how you feel.
Thank you, Cousins!
Peace,
Falcon

Governor Ed Rendell
225 Main Capitol
Harrisburg, PA 17120
717-772-8284 (Fax)

Governor Rendell,
I applaud your efforts to continue to protect Pennsylvania’s natural resources. Thank you for standing up for all of Pennsylvania’s residents with respect to health care by protecting all our children, helping seniors better manage their prescription costs, and working to provide heath care for all. It is in the spirit of those efforts that I ask you to ensure that buffers to protect our waterways continue to be integral to the DEP’s review and permitting process.

Our Commonwealth has many riches, but among its greatest, and most sacred, are its waterways. We are a water rich region, and are very fortunate. It is sometimes easy to forget how fragile our relationship to that richness is when there are so many competing interests for our land use.

It is imperative to keep in the front of our minds that without mandatory buffers, it is likely that industry and developer interest, however well intended, may neglect safety and water quality for ease or profit. All of us have seen the collapse of many businesses and the struggles on Wall St. with balancing the need to make a profit with conscience and consistency. If the buffers of moral conscience failed to hold back the tide of foolish expenditures, Ponzi schemes, and worthless paper bundles, then we should not trust that in Pennsylvania those who answer more to bottom lines than pristine headwaters will not also fail in their ability to police themselves. We are given a great gift and with that comes huge responsibility.
The DEP must continue to review all stormwater plans from every developer because frankly, it is illegal not to. It is not asking too much to require 1oo feet of buffers on most streams and 150 feet on small headwater streams. A mere 300 feet of buffer to protect our most exceptional waters is sensible and lucid. Buffers help us maintain and improve water quality, reduce flooding, and control sediment. Technical reviews are necessary to keep a system of checks and balances in place. Public review and comment is essential to the process as well as maintaining the quality of life we have here in the Commonwealth. This is no time to abandon reasonable review and inquiry.

We are at a place in our history where the most important currency we will possess is our natural resources. If we do not have water of high quality, proper soil and breathable air, every thing else we will do for the rest of our lives will be in an attempt to make up for it. How high would the costs be to our state in health care, remediation, and land management if we degrade our standards? I ask you to please ensure that all Pennsylvanians for generations to come may enjoy the beauty of our waterways the way we do now. It is a promise to our future. I thank you for supporting the beauty and quality of life we enjoy in Pennsylvania.

Yours sincerely,
The Falcon and the Dove

SAG Awards, YES Top 40..er..um 41

Hello World Family,
Falcon here to review last nights Screen Actor's Guild (SAG) winners. First of all, I must say a personal congratulations to my girl, Sally Field. We share a birthday, and gosh, she is still at the top of her game on "Brothers and Sisters", and looks incredible! I hope I look that good when I reach her age...I better get to work!

Other winners include the no-surprise "30 Rock" and personal awards for Alec Baldwin and Tina Fey. Other expected winners included Laura Linney and Paul Giamatti for their portrayals of Abagail and John Adams in the HBO series "John Adams". (Just a note: why didn't Stephen Dillane get a nom this year from this series; he is fabulous). Hugh Laurie won again for his role in "House", and Gary Oldman emotionally accepted the Best Supporting Actor for Heath Ledger in his bruising portrayal of The Joker in "The Dark Knight".

Some surprises: Best Ensemble for television went to "Mad Men" in a tough category featuring "Boston Legal", "Dexter", "The CLoser", and "House". Kate Winslet did pull out the Best Supporting Actress in film with a crazy tight battle between other highly qualified thespians Any Adams, Penelope Cruz, Viola Davis (you looked fantastic!), and Taraji P. Herman who did a spectacular job as Benjamin Button's mom.
Meryl Streep was the Best Actress Drama in an equally heavy category. Best Ensemble Cast went to "Slumdog Millionaire", and I wasn't sure it would for the SAG awards...this was nice to see.

How does this effect Oscars? Well, it does give you a better idea of where the pulse of voters may be. Remember, that the Academy now has specialized voting in technical categories, so only those associated with those areas vote on them. this has a good side, and a not so good side. It should mean that the winners are more competent, and not just well liked. The undersside is that outsiders and independents in these technical categories may get completely ignored, and never make the final cut for consideration. I certainly think that happened this year in animation. This is a good year for films of high quality; you can't go wrong with mot of these offerings.


YES TOP 40...41

Well, there have been a couple of these lists on You Tube lately, and actually it is long overdue. The Progressive Rock Band YES is celebrating their 41st Anniversary later this year, and what a four decades they have had!!!

To say that these guys rocked is an understatement. They have created trends, changed radio, changed rock (artistically and technologically) and it seemed that no matter what the changes in the band, they always had something powerful to say.

There are a couple of disclaimers I need to mention before I list the top 41 (one for every year that the band has been in existence).

First of all, I need to say that I bought the very first YES album (entitled simply, Yes) when I was just 8 years old. Some of the songs on this list are the direct result of the times that they were played on the radio, and the impact they had on me as a child, a teen, and then as an adult. I think that’s important because many people will talk about the aptitude of a piece, or its technical degree of difficulty or its lyric value, and all of those are important qualities to discuss when talking about YES. However, their discussion may be retrospective about the quality of the music and its Billboard placement, rather than on a direct experience with the music in its period. Since I have lived four decades plus listening to this music, though, I have to point out some of its impact personally at particular stages of my life, because that is what ultimately helps us love or not love a particular song sometimes.

I also want to point out that some of these songs literally changed my perceptions of the world in which we live. Literally. Some supported beliefs I already had, but some actually helped form them. I know that I have been a better person at times in my life because I could quote Yes song lyrics to my mind to keep it all together in times of challenge and struggle. Songs oftentimes become part of the overall fabric of our lives. Anybody think they are not impacted by art and music is crazy. I am willing to admit that I have been formed and supported by some pretty powerful stuff. It’s also pretty darn good.

Another disclaimer: I did not include any solo music by any of the YES members, or Anderson, Bruford, Wakeman, and Howe (ABWH), but I would have loved to. I consider the ABWH album a YES album, and most YES fans probably do as well. That album is so strong that most of it would be on this list, in particular, “Brother of Mine”, I’m Alive”, “Birthright”, and “The Meeting”. Of course, “Quartet”, The Order of the Universe” and “Let’s Pretend” are good tracks, too. The solo material by YES band members or former members over the years would be massive, and maybe we can do a list of the top songs by YES band members when solo or in collaboration with other artists. Nearly all the members have done incredible work away from the band. From Alan White to Chris Squire to Steve Howe and Trevor Rabin…there has been some very strong work done. The most proficient has probably been work by Bill Bruford and of course Jon Anderson. These guys have played with so many fantastic artists; it is hard to keep up.

I also have not included any of YES’ cover songs…so no Paul Simon, Beatles covers, or Richie Havens. They are incredible versions and I would actually rather listen to YES’ version ‘America’ sometimes than the original; it depends upon my mood.

One more thing, these songs are not in any particular order. That would be impossible. Falcon has said in the past that “The More We Live” may be my favorite song of all time. After doing this assignment, I am still strong with that although as a hard core YES fan, I have to say I could easily also say that at the end of my life, if I could pick a song to be playing as I breathe my last sighs, it would probably be the “Soon” portion of “The Gates of Delirium” from Relayer. That is just such an outstandingly beautiful capsulation of the reason for our existence and our divine participation in our hope, whatever your faith (or lack thereof). Although, I honestly don’t know how someone without faith could get to the end of “Soon” without becoming a weeping believer in something higher. Music just sometimes reaches a special chord in all of us, and this is one of those songs for me.

Falcon is not perfect, and it is quite likely I left your favorite YES song off of the list...I didn't mean to, but I could only put 41 on the list. I also probably made a mistake on a least one of these on which album they came from and which year. That's because I actually lived this stuff...and my own personal RAM disk is full (aka, my brain). I am lucky I can recall what I had for breakfast...what did I have for breakfast? Oh, yeah...I remember...

The songs are listed below in bold with the album they originally appeared on in parenthesis. So as not to confuse those who may want to explore YES music, and may not be familiar with album titles, let me explain: the first three albums are called, in this order, :Yes, Time and A Word, and The Yes Album. In 1983, there was an album whose title was its catalog number (not anything deeper, really…no mystery numbers to the universe). It is called 90125. That’s its name. I know, that’s weird, but it’s true. It was the reason long time friend, Eddie Van Halen teased his buddy Trevor Rabin with Van Halen’s 1985 album title: OU812. Hee-hee.

Without further ado…here they are:

Sweet Dreams (Yes)- I loved this song when I was a kid, and it’s theme has always given me hope…”Sweet Dreams control the future”.
It is not outstanding musically, but you can hear where the band would go in the future with some undercurrents of future themes that appear on The Yes Album in songs like “Yours is No Disgrace”, etc.

South Side of the Sky (Fragile)-this entire album could be on the list, and should be on anyone’s top album lists of all time. This is such a strong, diverse album. It does have some very strong “American” themes, but I also think it’s great how they combined some local flavor into the mix to make this piece very interesting musically. Some of what eventually became fusion years later can give a nod right here to this piece, as well as other YES songs.

Survival (Yes)-this is such a bright, pleasant piece with rolling melodic vocals and strong harmonies. Good message.

Silent Spring (Talk)-This album was not what you would call warm and fuzzy. It reflected the times of the mid 1990s and this song title is personal to those from Pittsburgh, since Rachel Carson, the author of the book by the same title in 1963 was born in Springdale. This is a powerful song, in segments that are reflective, yet unflinching. It is not an easy song to listen to, but a necessary one. It is not a summary of the book’s themes, but touches on some of the same concerns.

The Remembering (Tales From Topographic Oceans)-This was a double album with 4 songs on it, one for each side of vinyl. At the time, many in the music industry thought this project was professional suicide. They were all wrong. This project stands alone as one of the reasons the term ‘progressive’ was applied to rock music like this.

This double album pushed the limits of classification off the scale. This music was rock, was classical, was jazz, was fusion (that barely existed as a genre in 1973), was new age (that didn’t exist as a category until the 1980’s), and something other than we have a category for… and was written in about 22 hours of intense collaboration while playing shows in Japan. It completely, mind-blowingly rocks! This particular piece, referring not only to honoring our ancient, indigenous roots as people with ancestry, but our spiritual ‘remembering’, is a colossal piece of percussion (both drum and keyboards, as well as accessory instruments), guitar and bass blowout, yet is articulate and intelligent. This entire album, 36 years old, is still ahead of its time. It turned radio on its head, and this along with other Yes albums, made the AOR (Album Oriented Rock) genre have real teeth.

Saving My Heart (Union)- Okay, this is not musically deep, but it is a lot of fun. The reggae-touched piece is bouncy, completely danceable, and was very popular during the live tour in 1991 when the 8pc YES toured the Union project (on a rotating stage). This brings back a lot of happy moments with many friends when our children were young and they loved this song. It’s just an adorable little piece.

Madrigal (Tormato)-I cannot find another popular song (except in the Harry Potter “Prisoner of Azkaban” soundtrack) where a Celeste was used on a modern piece of music in the latter half of the 20th century. Rick Wakeman’s articulation on this song as well as it hopeful lyrics are why it’s on the list. Yes, I remember the reference to ‘celestial travelers’ in the song, but that doesn’t discourage me from it. My favorite line in this song is “cast off your garments of fear, replace them with love”.

Owner of a Lonely Heart (90125)-This was a huge hit, of course, and was a combination of lyrics and music written by the YES members who had reunited after a repast in 1980; they were going to call the band “Cinema” (which actually became the title of a Grammy Award nominated instrumental on the album) until Jon Anderson re-joined the foursome, making the sound unmistakably YES. Jon changed the lyrics a bit. Trevor Rabin said he composed this piece during an ‘extended visit’ to the privy. Pretty funny. Great video.

Lift Me Up (Union)- Maybe it was because there are eight YES musicians featured in a variety of ways on songs on this album, and in the video you had all eight singing and playing (from a live show I believed that was filmed in Ohio), but this just makes me feel good when I hear it…even though it is thematically kind of a bummer. An indictment on the state of homelessness, it is a sensitive piece that asks for a humble hand in recovering strength, compassion, and love from those in a position to deliver it. It’s anthem like refrain puts it on the list.

The Ancient (Tales From Topographic Oceans)-Another side of this incredible album that uses ancient melodic approaches complimented with modern themes to make this piece all at once gritty, pounding, rousing, and progressive…all at the same time.

Shoot High, Aim Low (Big Generator)-this song’s lyrics follow an actual incident that happened to the band members. It was real (and real scary). The song documents the incident and personal feelings while searching for answers to some of the world’s most complicated dynamics. Listen carefully, you will get it.

Long Distance Runaround (Fragile)- ever have a long distance argument with your sweetheart? Well…then you get it. This song features wicked bass! It also has Chris Squire’s magnificent instrumental “The Fish” attached to it. (Trivia: why is it called, “the Fish”…well, Chris Squire is a Pisces. He also called his solo project, Fish out of Water.

Looking Around (Yes)- A nice piece on their debut album. This reminds me a little of period ELP; I guess it’s the Hammond organ. Nice little love song. I wore this one out as a kid.

Spirit of Survival (Magnification)-This is fierce New Age! Think that Nouveau Age cannot be strong? Listen to this song.

Miracle of Life (Union)- Trevor Rabin does a fine job on this song, and it is a really dynamic piece. This was one of the best tours ever. I would love to see those eight guys again as YES: Jon Anderson, Chris Squire, Bill Bruford, Alan White, Steve Howe, Rick Wakeman, Tony Kaye, and Trevor Rabin.

Mood for a Day (Fragile)- I always loved this piece, and can listen to it anytime. I also like “The Clap”, and it was hard to decide which one to put on the list. Steve Howe is a master guitarist, and his influence runs wide and deep.

Shock to the System (Big Generator)- This song is hard and nasty and I love it! The lyrics are particularly poignant to our recent politics (the end of an error) as well as the crooks of the financial markets. The fact that this song was released on Big Generator in 1987 shows how some things had not changed. Of course, this song ends optimistically…YES doesn’t do songs that just complain. There is always hope.

The Revealing Science of God (Tales From Topographic Oceans)
This is another magnificent piece and is the opening song from the double album. It is a powerful peace and should leave you feeling very good afterwards.

Roundabout (Fragile)- This is the biggest hit YES has ever had, and it’s just a simple song about a picnic atmosphere on a lake with mountains and a few profound observations included. Interesting introduction, breaks, coda…it simply rocks!

It Will Be a Good Day (The Ladder)- Simply beautiful, Asian influenced piece. It will inspire you every day that you hear it.

Turn of the Century (Going for the One)-This is one of the most bittersweet, tender, heartfelt songs that I have ever heard anywhere. Its storytelling is intimate and engaging. It is hauntingly gorgeous. The message: that love never dies. I personally know this to be true.

Close to the Edge (Close to the Edge)- Incredible song! Some YES members (including Jon’s son, Damien) did a rap version of this, and it hysterically worked! I don’t even know if you can buy that…but, listen to the original, see what you think. Oh, yes…another loooooong piece. It is worth every minute.

Wonderous Stories (Going for the One)-this album is another one of those that the entire album is a series of best songs. No, I did not misspell the title. I love this song, always have from the first moment I heard it. I used to sing it to my daughter when she was a baby and rock her to sleep. It just seemed like one of those songs. I have heard it in dreams and things always turned out well at the end.

Heart of the Sunrise (Fragile)-Transcendental movement of a singular individual through crowds in the city. Surrounded by herds of people, yet lost in an aloneness. It was so strong a piece that you could see the film playing out in your head…way before we had the technology to actually play out what you saw. One magnificent piece of music.

Changes (90125)- Describes the YES experience to a ‘T’. This band changed line up more than some people changed socks, yet it always sounded so good. The 1983 album 90125 sold a million copies upon its September 25 release in just 3 days. Every song on this album is good. It was extremely popular and summarizes the fact that everything indeed changes.

Yours Is No Disgrace (The Yes Album)-the first song that I can recall (written in 1971) that supported the position of troops sent to war, but not the war. Back then, everything was pretty black and white; you either supported the Vietnam War or you didn’t. I was amazed how this song was completely alone in its ability to acknowledge that those who have to go to war for governments and leaders are not the ones who are responsible for its ills. It was a song that separated the war from the men and women who fought it. Instrumentally suave in its construction, it was one of the best songs on an album filled with best songs. It is a masterpiece.

It Can Happen (90125)-One of my favorites; the light and dark of what can happen to people when they don’t participate in their own enlightenment. Take the tips from this song and be strong.

I’m Running (Big Generator)-“A simple peace just can’t be found; waste another day, blasting all their lives away…I heard the thunder underground, tunneling away at the very soul of man”. My God-son used to recite this particular passage when he was three. I asked him what he thought it meant. He said,” War breaks off pieces of man’s heart. You shouldn’t do it.” Out of the mouths of babes…
This piece has Chris Squire on a five string bass playing an opening lick that made grown men cry. Including xylophones along with the regular smorgasbord of instruments, this song is impossibly complicated as well as inspiring. By the end... “all the world will Race as One this time” (as in human race). This is progressive rock at some of its most dynamic. It’s hard to believe that this is on the same album as “Rhythm of Love”. No, it’s not one of my favorites. I didn’t like the video, either.

Hold On (90125)-Hold on contains…dare I say it…sarcasm. I love its construction! It points out some of the problems, gives someone the proverbial bird at the end of the second verse, and then ends on a bright and happy note about sunshine. What more could you ask for from a Yes song?

Starship Trooper (The Yes Album)-Yes concerts used to end with this song for good reason. It rocks out! Words will not do it justice. Just listen.

Onward (Tormato)-composed by Chris Squire for his wife, Nikki, simply one of the most beautiful pieces every written. Hear it, and it will move your soul.

Perpetual Change (The Yes Album)- The more things change…
Great song; loved it when it came out, and I still love it. It used to make my fingers bleed when I played the bas part on this one over and over again. I know why Chris Squire uses a pick!

Parallels (Going for the One)- One of my favorite songs ever, period. Self love, and universal love rises in a really cool hard rock song with an organ recorded in a magnificent church in Switzerland.

I’ve Seen All Good People (The Yes Album)- A strong, diverse piece that so many people love…me, too. A moving song about love, self love, and a chess game.

Ritual/Nous Sommes du Soleil (Tales from Topographic Oceans)-This is the fourth side of the double album on the universal truths of life. This song is a musical battle between the forces of negativity and pure love. Sexual love, Tantric love…the kind that heightens our consciousness when experienced with someone we truly adore. Love wins.

Hearts (90125)- Another top ten song in my book. Beautiful, strong, rocks out, then decrescendos into a beautiful, powerful conclusion that floats into the celestial. This song live is a truly magical experience.

Time and a Word (Time and a Word)- I love the organ introduction, the vocal range of Jon Anderson, and the simple yet poignant lyrics…all wrapped up in one package. I will never get tired of this song. As a child, I broke up a fight in a class singing this song.
The power of music should never be doubted.

The More We Live (Union)-One of the most beautiful life anthems I have ever heard by anyone, anywhere. It is encapsulated and complete in its message of hope and love.

And You and I (Close to the Edge)- One of the best YES songs ever. I have thought for months what I would say about this song. I cannot articulate how thought provoking it was for me as a girl of 12. Of course, then Tales and Relayer came out. Talk about mind blowing…and I was not doing any botanicals. I was sure that the Doobie Bros. borrowed the Preacher and the Teacher line in ‘China Grove”. I think everyone comes away with different interpretations and impressions of all YES songs, and this one you just have to experience for yourself. You smile, you sigh, you think. It’s a cool piece.

The Gates of Delirium/Soon (Relayer)-I have already mentioned what I think about the end section affectionately called “Soon”. Listen to the entire song to get the full effect. The song runs the range of sound, expression, and genre in a heavy, then rugged, then climatic, and finally ethereal experience. Your eyes may betray you and you may weep without really knowing why. A raw, engaging, and beautiful composition.

Awaken (Going for the One)-the most existential YES song ever. You may visit another dimension while listening to this one. Live or studio version, this is a top song in my book. Is it the top YES song ever? Well…I said I wasn’t going to qualify them that way, so I still won’t. I will admit though that as I was preparing this post, I changed the order of some of my songs, and was surprised that this was the last one left. I guess to my subconscious, that means something.

There they are: forty-one songs, one for each year of YES…FOR THE MEMBERS OF YES:

I don’t know if I have said it enough times, but…thanks, guys. I really, really mean it. Thanks for the late nights, the discussions over 2 or 3 notes in a bar…the changes and the affirmations. Thank you for the long road trips and the impossible tour schedules. Although you are masters at your craft, you are forever humble students, and that is what makes your music so special. We wish you the best, and we love you all, always.

Falcon and Dove

Oscar Nominations Announced: Button gets 13, Slumdog Gets 10! Dark Knight has 8!

Hello World Family,
Well, the Oscar nominations are out and most of the films you and Falcon and Dove have been discussing since the beginning of November are in the mix.

On the one year anniversary of his death, Heath Ledger gets a nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. There are seven additional noms for The Dark Knight including Visual Effects, Film Editing, and Cinematography, to name a few. This was the number one film at the box office for 2008, and it should be honored for the hard work and superb acting that came out of this project.

Slumdog Millionaire is rocking and rolling! Falcon and Dove consider this to be the front runner for Best Picture, although the films selected are top notch: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Milk, Frost/Nixon, and The Reader round out the category. This will be a bit of a horse race, and all of these films are excellent! See them all at matinee if you can.

Some surprises:

Kate Winslett did get her Best Actress nom, but in The Reader. Falcon and Dove discussed this on the blog and in our podcasts that we thought she might get a Best Actress and a Best Supporting Actress nom, and that possibly The Reader would go Best, rather than Supporting. That is exactly what happened...but she only got one nomination. She is endearing and strong in this film, we think she is a frontrunner to get the win, even with Meryl Streep in Doubt. Anne Hathaway is in the mix, and we are so happy to see her there.
Revanche from Austria got in the Best Foreign Film finals, and we are glad to see that one rise to the top. It will have some serious competition from the animated Golden Globe winner,Waltz With Bashir.

Courtney Hunt's original screenplay is nominated for the film Frozen River. We are so proud of you! It will have some heavy competition from Martin McDonagh for In Bruges (Falcon just saw this film and it is hysterical), and Dustin Lance Black for Milk.
Pete Docter getting a nom in this category for WALL-E surprised us greatly, especially considering some of the 'plot' was considered a bit controversial (and cruel) by some. Ironically, that probably helped it. Our opinion: it wasn't that good, and there are a lot of original screenplays that could have made the cut in place of this one.

Tropic Thunder nominations for OSCARS? Well, we guess it's good to have a sense of humor, too.

Falcon and Dove are not surprised that Gran Torino didn't get one of the top main category nominations...wasn't even on our radar. There were lots of excellent films this year, so the competition was just too stiff for something like that to be in top consideration.

Michael Shannon for Best Actor in a Supporting Role was a nice surprise. He is with a tough group, including Heath Ledger.

Milk got a ton of nominations in many categories across the board, including Best Costuming. It should be. We hope this film gets a couple of Oscars before the night is over on February 22, 2009.

Art Direction is an extremely difficult category, maybe the toughest of the entire year. Changling, The Dark Knight, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Revolutionary Road and The Duchess are all competing for top honors. Yikes! We are glad that we won't have to decide the winner, otherwise there would be five Oscars handed out right here. Can we have a tie?

Falcon and Dove wanted Taraji P. Henson to be part of the final group for Best Supporting Actress, and she made it!!! This is a world class performance in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. The range she had to play was extreme, and she is with some very talented actresses in this category, but we believe she has a chance to win.

Let us know who you think will win. We will discuss more about these nominations as the date approaches. Again, if you can, see some of these incredible films.

Personally, Falcon and Dove thinks there should be an "Oscar Season" discount on nominated films on weekdays so that more people could go to see quality films with their families.

As an aside...this is far from an Oscar nom, but if you get a chance, go see Hotel For Dogs in theatres with your kids. This is a fun, heartwarming film full of talented teens and a variety of great dogs. This film shines a light on the issue of homeless pets, and a portion of the movie ticket purchase goes to help shelters.

Next post: After nearly 8 months of periodically looking at this list, narrowing and agonizing over choices...in celebration of their forty years (almost 41 now) of progressive rock music, we will have our YES Top 40.

I am sure we will get some feedback about that one: which songs made it, which didn't and why...

Enjoy the rest of this great week, World Family!

Peace,
Falcon and Dove

Pittsburgh Symphony-Special Performance January 27

Hello Family!

There is a special concert scheduled by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra for January, 27 at 8pm that you must see if you are in the region.

It is called TRIBUTE: A Symphonic Celebration of African American Culture, Daniel Meyer, Conductor. This performance features the Marcus Roberts trio and the Mount Ararat Baptist Church Mass Choir. There is a special jazz combo performance before and after the PSO performance. This concert will conclude with Igor Stravinsky's Suite of the Firebird (If you aren't a classical music fan, but like the group YES, then you have heard this piece open every YES TOUR for the past 40 years, and in honor of that 40 years, we will post a special list...very soon).

The best part: tickets for this event start at a mere $5!!! That is for adults! Bring the kids, bring friends, and have a nice night out of fantastic music in beautiful Heinz Hall.

Falcon and Dove did not want you to miss this incredible opportunity! Contact Heinz Hall at 412-392-4900 or on the web at: www.pittsburghsymphony.org

We will post our special YES list, and some OSCAR information later this week!
Stay strong, World Family!

Peace,
Falcon and Dove

Change We Must-Welcome, President Obama

Hello World Family,
Falcon, here. I wanted to take a few moments away from what will be a hectic day of celebration for so many of us to pause and honor what an extraordinary day this is for the Unites States of America.

This is a prayerful day for Falcon. I have seen a lot happen in this country in my lifetime that has amazed me and at times, challenged me. When I was a little girl, in many places in this nation, I could not have sat in the front of the bus. I couldn't get a drink of water unless a sign gave me permission to do so. I was lucky being raised in Pittsburgh, where there were no signs, but make no mistake...there were whispers. You knew where you could go, where you could live, and what was completely off limits.

When I was three, my caregiver took me to the Carnegie Library in the Oakland section of the city. The BIG library. I got my first library card that day. I was told that I could take out books; if there was a limit, they never imposed it on me. There were special books that couldn't leave the library, but I could look at them...all of them. This was amazing to me, since there were so many places that had limitations outside of my Hill District neighborhood. This place was different. As I strolled with her past the large oaks and chestnuts, and walked with the granite steps, I noticed the letters engraved across the top of the doorway. I asked her what it said. He said," It says 'Free to the People'. That means anyone can come here."

I found myself thinking about that day this morning. It has been America's dream to live up to its proclamations, The Gettysburg Address, and even our Pledge. When I was child, the pledge didn't match what I was experiencing as an American, and my people have been here for thousands of years. I yearned for a day that "indivisible, with liberty and justice for all" would actually mean what it says. Today, we get closer to the realization of that pledge.

I used the title today (with its obvious nod to YES vocalist extraordinaire, Jon Anderson) to thank all of us for recognizing that we have to collectively grow up. It is time to change, and for the better. It must be better.

We have come together to elect a president on the basis of his content, not the color of his skin, so today, it is better. We have a collective vision that we will not go backward, no matter what challenges lie before us to days of division for division's sake...so today, it is better.

Today, we must commit to the idea of personal service to our communities in ways we never have before. I know some of you are weary; we have been doing this a long time...but, I would ask you to continue to put out just a little longer, so that our children know how to do the job well, and can carry the tasks forward. They are willing and able...so today, that is better.

There will be tough times ahead, there's no way around it, but we are going to keep our heads up, our hearts light, and our perseverance in place. Regardless of the challenges that come, today...because we have decided it will be a 'United' States of America in the truest sense of those words, it is better.

Change, we must. Change, we have. Change, we will continue... because we must.

The world is watching. Our children are watching. Our ancestors are watching...and today, they are smiling.
Peace,
Falcon