OSCAR PREDICTIONS; CBS and Coyote Medicine

Hello World Family,
Falcon here. We have two big entertainment issues to tackle today: The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, and the CBS network karma of irony. Let's start with the latter.

There is someone in the upper eschelons of the CBS network right now that is wondering if maybe the network can get a do-over for the season. First, they cancel shows that are actually popular with heavy viewership (think 'Ghost Whisperer" and the NBC transfer "Medium"), and then the principle actor for one of their biggest cash cows "Two and a Half Men" does a meglomaniac self-implosion and they have to cancel taping for the rest of the season for 'reasons'.

This is what ya call ironic. CBS took two shows that had nearly 8 million viewers each and cancelled them with episodes still in the hopper. Why? Good question. I have a feeling someone doesn't necessarily like either show's subject matter, but you know what? Nothing speaks louder than ratings. What was Wednesday night's number three cable show in prime time? Syfy's "Ghost Hunters". Yeah, the plumbers from Rotor Rooter with an established hunt gone to television. They rock. The viewers certainly think so...so must the advertisers. I love that ghost hunting Turbo Tax commercial...hysterical.

And there lies the problem: it's about the money. CBS stayed quite vested in a sit-com that has Charlie Sheen playing....well, er.., um...himself. He's the highest paid actor on television (that's acting?). He has now tanked: addiction he believes he has conquered single handedly, a marriage eroding and Charlie's mouth on speed-spill about what he REALLY thinks about his bosses. Yikes...maybe the women centered murder shows with ghosts and psychics WERE alright after all:) Let's be honest here: when did 8 million viewers per show become a fail? 'Lost" had that many when they decided to renew for another season at ABC. Is it because they were shows were the protagonist was a woman? Now, before you dismiss that, name the other CBS shows with women at the center of the narrative plot...take your time....oh yeah, "The Good Wife". That's more ensemble, really, but you gotta love the title.

If I were an executive at CBS, and I was looking to May sweeps, I MIGHT consider bringing those "Medium" episodes out of the vault (or get them shot on the lot this late winter) and put that back in its usual slot. After all, what have you got to lose? Right now, on Fridays at 8pm, I am watching the Travel Channel...

One lesson may be learned from this: maybe a narrative program with 8 million viewers won't get cancelled again for awhile.

That's what you call karma, CBS...ain't that a b----?!
Hey, well, it's all good! You still have NCIS! Love that show!

Now, on to the Oscars! What will win, how many, and who may get passed by?
First of all, if you are nominated, you are awesome! Second, great hosts-Anne and James-how cool! So who do Falcon and Dove think will win?

Best Picture: The King's Speech
Best Director: probably Tom Hooper, but the Coen Brothers may pull off an upset for "True Grit"
Best Actress: Annette Benning, "The Kids are Alright" very tough category.
Best Actor:very, very tough category, but it's his time: Colin Firth, "The King's Speech"
Best Supporting Actress: impossible category; would love Helena, but Melissa or Amy got this.
Best Supporting Actor: Geoffrey Rush...Christian Bale or Mark Ruffalo would be cool, too.
Best Animated Feature: "Toy Story 3", but we would love to see a tie with "How to Train Your Dragon"
Best Foreign Language Film: "Biutiful"
Best Original Screenplay: The Fighter or The King's Speech
Best Adapted Screenplay: "127 Hours" or True Grit"
Best Documentary Feature: Well, now here's a tough one. We hope "Gasland" wins, but we know what a hard category this will be. "Waste Land" and "Exit Through the Gift Shop" may compete.
Best Original Score: Alexandre Desplat, "The King's Speech"
Best Visual Effects: Go old school-"HP: DH 7" or "Inception"
Best Cinematography: "Black Swan" or "The King's Speech"
Best Sound Mixing: "Inception" magnificent job
Best Sound Editing: wow...this is tough. Pittsburgh's shot, "Unstoppable" was extremely well done. "True Grit" was incredible, and "Inception" was a masterpiece.
Best Costume Design: "The Tempest"
Best Art Direction: Can't we just give it to all of them?:)
Best Make Up: "The Wolfman" old school wins again

We didn't do every category...some are just too close to call, and some we didn't see enough films in the category to make a real assessment.

We wish all the nominees well, and are so glad there was such a strong group of films, actors, and performances in both skilled and technical areas this year.

Enjoy!
Peace,
Falcon and Dove

Charles Constantino Publishing Acquires Song Catalog

Charles Constantino Publishing acquires song catalog of Core808 record label

By Core Media House L.L.C.

Dated: Jan 12, 2011

Charles Constantino Publishing becomes exclusive administrator of catalog of original songs released onCore808 labelCharles Constantino Publishing has become the exclusive publisher of the catalog of original songs released on Core808, the California-based record label and multimedia-production company.

The original songs released on the Core808 label include As Close as This, written by Taisen Abreu, Tony Anthony, Duncan Osorio, Paul “LP” Yang, and Jason Zulueta; Childhood Games, written by Taisen Abreu, Tony Anthony, Duncan Osorio, Travis Stine, and Paul “LP” Yang; and Easy, written by Brian Gallagher, Tony Anthony, Paul “LP” Yang, and Renee Hums. The original songs also include Know My Name, written by Jonathan Jury and Alex Taimanao, and Miss Us, written by Taisen Abreu, Tony Anthony, Duncan Osorio, Paul “LP” Yang, and Jason Zulueta.

The recordings by Pure N8ive of As Close as This, Childhood Games, and Miss Us are available on the Internet at iTunes.com. Easy, performed by artist Core808, is available at Amazon.com. Know My Name, performed by Pure N8ive featuring J. Jury, Alex Taimanao, and Travis Stine, is available at iTunes.com. In addition, Pure N8ive has a merchandising deal with Lost Kingdom Klothing. Charles Constantino Publishing—a member of ASCAP, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers—is also the exclusive publisher of the songs, Free Your Mind (Tara Na) and Today or Tomorrow. Charles Constantino, Chad Gontkovic, and William Rose wrote Free Your Mind (Tara Na), performed by Somerhill and available at Amazon.com. William Rose and Charles Constantino wrote Today or Tomorrow, also performed by Somerhill and available at Amazon.com.

The Recording Academy selected Free Your Mind (Tara Na) and Today or Tomorrow for inclusion on the 52nd Grammy Entry List in the categories of Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals and Best Rock Song. “The Core808 record label approached me with the idea that Charles Constantino Publishing administer he original songs released on the label,” says Charles Constantino of Charles Constantino Publishing. “I welcome the Core808 label to Charles Constantino Publishing.”

Visit Core808, the record label and multimedia-production company, at

http:// www.facebook.com/Core808?v=wall

Visit Charles Constantino Publishing at http://www.charlesconstantino.com/

Listen to clips of Pure N8ive at http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/pure-n8ive/id412034920

Listen to a clip of Easy at http://www.amazon.com/Easy/dp/B002CDCW8G/ref=sr_shvl_album_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1294780602&sr=301-1

Listen to a low-fidelity clip of Free Your Mind (Tara Na) at

http://www.amazon.com/Free-Your-Mind-Tara-Na/dp/B001NS9D7E/ref=sr_shvl_album_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1294781376&sr=301-1

Listen to a low-fidelity clip of Today or Tomorrow at http://www.amazon.com/Today-Or-Tomorrow/dp/B001OKJOJI/ref=sr_shvl_album_2?ie=UTF8&qid=12947813

Tags charles constantino publishing, core808, pure n8ive, somerhill

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

OSCAR NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCED!

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

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

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

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

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

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

BEST ACTRESS

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

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

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

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

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

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

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

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

This category is too close to call.

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM

How to Train Your Dragon
The Illusionist
Toy Story 3

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

BEST SCREENPLAY (Original)

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

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

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

BEST IN ART DIRECTION

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

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

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

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

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

COSTUME DESIGN

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

Very difficult category.

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

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

BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT

The Confession
The Crush
Na Wewe
God of Love
Wish 143

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

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

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

SOUND MIXING

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

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

VISUAL EFFECTS

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

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

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hello Steelers Family,

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



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



http://www.homeaway.com/



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



HOME ON A LAKE

#348047

5 Bedrooms/3 baths, sleeps 11

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

Grab this one!

$2,500/night



WALK TO THE SUPER BOWL

#327682

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

PET FRIENDLY!!!!!

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

$2,989 for the entire weekend!

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



REMODELED TOWNHOUSE

#360468

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

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

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

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

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



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

Have fun, Steelers fans!!!

Stay Warm-Tips for Bundling Up

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Peace,
Falcon and Dove

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

Hello World Family,

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

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



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





From our nation's news:

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



Praying for acceptance and peace,

Falcon and Dove