The Safety of Our College Students

Hi Everyone,
This is an official Falcon rant.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My prayers are with all of those who are suffering.

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

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

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

NIU, Our Prayers are with You

To our friends and family at NIU,
Falson and Dove would like to express our deepest sympathy at your extraordinarily painful loss. No words can truly express our sadness about this tragedy, nor truly comfort you during this time; but hopefully our prayers, along with the millions around the world, give you strength in the knowledge that you are not alone. Your family members, classmates, and friends will never be forgotten. Our prayers are also with those who are trying to recover physically and emotionally from this attack. May all of you be blessed with a quick and complete recovery.

In sincere condolence,
Falcon and Dove

Super Sunday and Tuesday

Hi Everyone,
Falcon and Dove would like to wish you a Happy Super Tuesday! If you are having primary elections Tuesday, vote please. If you aren't, well, we might as well watch the returns, it's likely to be as interesting as all those Super Bowl commercials.

Was it me, or were the Super Bowl commercials this year, well...not that super. I enjoyed the horse named Hank trying to make the team over the course of a year, with the Dalmatian helping him train. That was interesting. Underarmor's ad looked like a really cool video game with excellent shoes, and the giant pigeons on the Fed Ex commercial were hysterical, as was the baby on trading stocks, but otherwise, I wasn't blown away. None of them were really awful except the Sales Genie ads, and I understand that they were trying to suck, so in that case, they were successful.
Even Big Ben trying to sing for his American Idol fantasy, while funny...could have been better.

I still think one of the best ads ever was the Mean Joe Greene ad with the little kid giving him a Coke. Oh yeah, the coke commercial with the rivals of The Hill was nice on Sunday, too. But, nothing beats Mean Joe. If you haven't see that old ad from the 1970's, you know where you can find it...You Tube probably.

Congratulations to the NY GIANTS!!! You did it! Plex, we miss you in The "Burgh, but you did an outstanding job! We were cheering right with you.

Tiger Woods...a come from 4 strokes behind to win in Dubai?! Yikes, I think Ernie Els thought it was Groundhog Day all over again. For real. He keeps having this nightmare where he and Tiger are neck in neck (or in a sudden death playoff) in Dubai and he has his second shot on 18 over the water and...pluck! The ball goes in the water, and Tiger wins.

Sunday in Dubai, Ernie was holding a 5-wood, hoping that he was awake and that it really wasn't Groundhog Day, but the Day After. Alas, Sonny and Cher was probably playing in his head, just like in the movie "Groundhog Day" with Bill Murray and Andie McDowell as the ball got caught up in the wind while sailing for the green and went...ploop! Right in the middle of the lake. It was awful for Ernie. All I can say is, if Tiger is going to be this good every time he comes out to play (he has now won 4 straight times beginning back near the end of '07), the rest of the field may indeed be playing for second this year...especially in the Majors, where Tiger has been quoted as saying that he may in fact garner the Grand Slam. Yikes, again.

Ye have been warned. The odds are with the man in red named Eldrick on tournament Sunday. I think his baby daughter Sam is helping him with his putting. How else do you sink a 25-foot downhill toward-the-water, three-feet-outside into the hole birdie on the 18th hole to win after a week's worth of play and a 20 hour flight?! Even when he's not in the fairway, it doesn't matter; he still gets the job done. His daughter is a cutie, and her dad...amazing.

All you Super Tuesday states...now is your time. Vote, participate, and make sure your neighbors get to the polls, too. After all, it's our country. Put the remote down, and get out there and let your voice be heard.

Time for movie predictions...the final nominations for the season (Empire Awards) have been announced, so Falcon and Dove are busy preparing our predictions for the award season. What are your predictions? We want to hear from you! Tell us who you think will win what, in which awards: Oscar, BAFTA's, Empire.

Be safe, and have a great week!
Peace,
Falcon and Dove

Our First Anniversary

Hello friends and family,
Well, it's our first anniversary! Rather than getting out the drinks and party balloons, we are focusing on this year, 2008. It is an important year, politically and environmentally, and we here at The Falcon and the Dove will continue to discuss some of the more difficult issues, and hopefully get answers to some hard questions.

There will be interviews this year with people who are making a difference in our communities and around the world. We hope their information will inspire you to do something significant in your corner of the world this year.

This is a very important year in politics in the U.S. We must make our voices heard in ways perhaps that they never have been. Speak up, or stop whining about what's not right with the world. Participate, don't be a spectator. Do something proactive, not always reactive. My new motto for the year is: "Get a spine, and helps others to do so." For those of you who have always been bold and fearless, I salute you! Your courage, hopefully, will be acknowledged and rewarded.

For many of you, this is the first time you will be old enough to vote in a presidential election. Remember, it's not just the president who makes decisions. Those making some of the greatest impacts in your life are those on the local and regional level, so get out there and tell them what you think, and what you want them to do. After all, there are public servants; they work for YOU! Vote accordingly.

Be strong, vibrant, and dynamic. If you have an opinion about something that can help your community, region, the environment, etc. find out all you can about the subject, and then move forward with that conviction from an informed position. Study, ask questions, and demand a timeline for action. Be persistent.

If you are looking at an opportunity for advancement, this is the year to go for it. Knock on the proverbial door again and again. If they won't let you in, don't be discouraged, go to a different door. Or, as that wise sage Lee Trevino says," if you can't get in the door, break out a window and climb on in..." hehe

We will also be having some fun this year with some of your favorite subjects: movies and film, Oscar predictions and follow-up, pet stories, and craziness from around the world.

Stay strong, my Brothers and Sisters. Keep the faith, and don't let the stupid ones get you down. You are powerful and beautiful, remember that. Share that sentiment with someone you love.

Peace,
Falcon (Dove is studying for mid-terms)

Actor Heath Ledger Dies at Age 28

Hey, this is Falcon,

We were supposed to be discussing the Oscar nominations today, and will in the near future, but I couldn't let the day go by without acknowledging the loss of Heath Ledger, passing today at the age of 28. Apparently, there was a problem with some pills, it may be accidental, and I will wait until the toxicology test comes back to comment further...but, what a shame!

Heath was a tremendous talent who brought us a variety of portrayals, amoung the most recent, as one of the Bob Dylan actors in "I'm Not There", and I am sure he will bring a new dimension to The Joker this summer in "The Dark Knight".

To his family, friends, and loved ones, our deepest, sincerest sympathy. I cannot imagine your sorrow. Please know that love never dies, and that all that was wonderful about Heath will be with you always.

As a parent, my thoughts went immediatly to his beautiful little daughter. I hope that she and her family are given the proper space to mourn, and that comfort and grace be given to them all, but to her in particular.

Dove, my daughter sends her sympathy as well. We will cover the Oscar noms soon, but today...we bow our heads.

May you be at peace, Heath. We will miss your spirit.

In love, and respect,
Falcon and Dove

TFATD: An Interview with Lillian Brummet

Hello everyone! The Falcon and the Dove is back, well at least Falcon is! I (Dove, aka Areya) am away at college (but on break at the moment). So we both now present Falcon's (Steph's) interview with Lillian Brummet, just in time for the holidays!

As for our regular show, it looks like Falcon will take over and post an article on the blog when she can. We won't be able to record together because I will be more than 700 miles away from her most of the time. Therefore, we have arranged this compromise. Falcon is an excellent writer, and she hopes to provide the same valuable information that we both brought you through the podcast! But for now, enjoy her interview with the charming and wonderful Lillian Brummet!

This show, Stephanie (Falcon) speaks with Lillian Brummet, co-author with her husband Dave of 'Purple Snowflake Marketing - How to Make Your Book Stand Out in a Crowd', 'Trash Talk - An Inspirational Guide to Saving Time & Money through Better Waste & Resource Management', and 'Towards Understanding - A Collection of 120 Poems on Society, the Environment & Overcoming Trauma'. They disuss writing, drumming, music, gardening, the environment, and much more! Enjoy!

- Check out The Many Hats of Dave and Lillian Brummet, their website!

- Check out Dave and Lillian's radio show, Conscious Discussions on BlogTalkRadio!

- Also, check out Lillian Brummet's MySpace Profile!

My Review of SpringHouse Greenhouse

Originally submitted at All Greenhouses

The SpringHouse is perfect for improving climatic conditions in all geographic locations. The greenhouse environment makes it easier to keep your plants green. Now your plants can bloom earlier with a head start on the Spring and Summer months and you can garden year-round! The SpringHouse design i...

SpringHouse Greenhouse

Great Greenhouse

By Steph from Pittsburgh, PA on 11/3/2007

 

5out of 5

Pros: Weather Resistant, Keeps Animals In/Out, Attractive Design

Cons: Difficult to Set-Up

Best Uses: Protect Garden, Storage

Describe Yourself: Gardening Addict

The greenhouse is sturdy, and portable. It has its own carrying bag! The UV plastic is excellent grade, so you do need more than one person to set it up. The anchors are great, and I love the doors on each side. I put in my solar light, and I was set. Keeps animals out, plants secure.

(legalese)