Savannah College of Art and Design opens Hong Kong Campus!

Hello World Family,
I got this email in my box this morning from the president of Savannah College of Arts and Design. There is a link included that you can follow to a new website with a nice retrospective of the history of the university as well as a sneak peak of the new campus in Hong Kong.

This is exciting news to our Brothers and Sisters in Asia considering college entry for 2010 and any students who may consider transferring, those who may want to teach at the school, and of course, guest artists and performers. Check your calendars!

The announcement appears below.
Have a great day, World Family!
Peace,
Falcon and Dove

From President S. Paula Wallace:

Today, I’m proud to announce plans to open a new SCAD campus in Hong Kong. This announcement is made possible through the awarding of the historic North Kowloon Magistracy building to SCAD by the Advisory Committee of the Hong Kong Development Bureau – a distinguished committee of business, cultural and government leaders appointed by the Hong Kong government. SCAD expects this recommendation to be approved by the Hong Kong government on February 24. When that happens, SCAD will become the first U.S. university to establish a degree-granting campus in Hong Kong. This is a historic moment.

SCAD-Hong Kong is made possible only because the SCAD family, working together, has made this institution the finest, most relevant, and most caring art and design university in the world. SCAD-Atlanta, our first branch campus, demonstrates the high quality of SCAD, while having grown to an impressive size in just four years. SCAD-Savannah demonstrates how the university can transform an urban landscape with award-winning programs and beautiful buildings. SCAD-Lacoste demonstrates the international character of the university. And SCAD-eLearning demonstrates the university’s commitment to innovation and technology. All these successes are harbingers of good results for SCAD-Hong Kong.

With a target opening date of Fall 2010, this new campus will be located in the heart of a sophisticated international city where SCAD students, graduates and professors can partner with organizations in burgeoning creative enterprises. The campus will be housed in the North Kowloon Magistracy, a seven-story former judicial building that SCAD will renovate and repurpose for students. SCAD-Hong Kong will offer degree programs in advertising design, animation, graphic design, illustration, interactive design and game development, motion media design (broadcast design and motion graphics), photography and visual effects; sound design will be offered as an undergraduate minor. To learn more about specific undergraduate and graduate degrees to be offered, visit www.scad.edu/hongkong.

The entire SCAD family knows that the university is committed to smart growth – which means that no resources will be taken away from other SCAD campuses to support this new campus. Rather, SCAD-Hong Kong will strengthen the entire institution, offering greater access to creative professions, a wider network of arts professionals and design-minded businesses, and new opportunities for students and alumni to make their dreams come true on a global scale. It’s a vibrant time to be a part of SCAD, and this news makes our 30th anniversary year even more monumental. Thank you for the important role you play at SCAD.

Loving ways to Honor St. Valentine

Hello World Family,
Falcon here!
It is that time of year where rose and chocolate prices go through the roof, where tissue boxes fill the aisles in fancy boxes for tear-jerking romantic comedies, and Scooby-doo and Captain Jack Sparrow grace the refrigerator door of those with small children. Yes, it's Valentine's Day. Some people love this mid-winter homage to love, and some just want to vomit. We here at Falcon and Dove have some suggestions to make the day more enjoyable, whether you are coupled or not.

First of all, nothing fills the heart with love more than helping others. Find a non-profit organization you can help that day; I am sure they will give you a big hug!

Thinking about adopting a pet? Maybe this is the weekend to give some space in your home to a dog, cat, bird, or other shelter animal looking for their forever home. The affection you get from them will more than make up for the extra stuff on the hips from the box of chocolate chip coolies that were previously being considered.

Visit a shut-in neighbor or relative this weekend. They would enjoy your company, and you may find yourself having some fun, too.

See a movie that inspires you, instead of one that leave you wondering why you actually handed them money at the gate, instead of the other way around. You can usually tell by the title if this film is a complete waste of coin or not; do the right thing: rent a Ghandi or Cry Freedom, not Saw, whatever number it is. If you are going to the theatre, see something like Slumdog Millionaire, a D minus slash thriller or not-so-romantic comedy. If you have children, Hotel for Dogs is perfect, while some of the proceeds go to help shelter animals.

If it's been ahile since you have done anyting on Valentine's Day, do something wonderful for yourself: a nice bubble bath, a massage, a good book. Don't curl up with a pound of chocolate and down the box! Don't take a half gallon tub of ice crean and work your way to the bottom! A little treat is nice, but don't overdo. As a matter of fact, get to the gym or take a nice walk with other friends who might join Chocoholics Anonymous. Again, a couple of pieces, cool...the entire selection of assorted varieties...not so much.

Write a letter, send a card and personalize it. Not an email...an actual letter (if you can). You know with paper and an ink pen or pencil. Why? Because letters are beautiful, and it shows you really took the time to care. I know I love hand written things, or hand made items. Paper, pen, postae stamp...perfect price: priceless!

Above all, be good to yourself, and by extension, be good to others. Keep that in your heart all year. This is the time of year to dream the dreams you want to make real. Put your throught into planning, and then, action. You may surprise yourself how well things come out.

Here's hugs and kisses from your Sisters here at The Falcon and the Dove! Be ever beautiful: Walk in Beauty, Walk in Light, Walk in Love.
Peace,
Falcon and Dove

New Somerhill releases! Falcon sings background vocals

Hello World Family,
Falcon here! I received an email from a producer I worked with on two projects that have just been released. The band is called Somerhill, and the two released are titled, Free Your Mind (Tara Na), and Today or Tomorrow. I sang backing doubled tracks on the song, Tara Na, and on “We’ll Keep Going” on Today or Tomorrow. It was great to have the opportunity to work with these guys. They are wonderful. Both are available on Amazon. The singles are available on iTunes. Below is some copy from the press release.
Peace,
Falcon and Dove

‘Free Your Mind (Tara Na)’ and ‘Today or Tomorrow’ now available

On ..December 14, 2008.., Core Media House L.L.C. released Free Your Mind (Tara Na), a new song performed by Somerhill. Core Media House released a second new Somerhill song, Today or Tomorrow, on December 28, 2008. Free Your Mind (Tara Na) and Today or Tomorrow are available on the Internet at Amazon.com.


Somerhill is:


Chad Gontkovic: lead vocal; backing vocals; electric guitar


Greg Kehl: backing vocals; electric rhythm guitar; electric guitar solo; synthesizer strings; synthesizer electric grand piano


Bill Rose: backing vocals; six-string and twelve-string acoustic steel guitars


With Somerhill were


Charles Constantino: electric bass guitar; acoustic nylon guitar; acoustic drum kit; synthesizer piano solo; synthesizer electric pianos; synthesizer shaker/triangle


and other performers

Winner of the 2006 Rockin’ in the Valley original music contest held by Our Town, Somerhill was the closing act for American Idol finalist Chris Daughtry in March 2007 in Pittsburgh Charles Constantino and Chad Gontkovic wrote the lyrics for Free Your Mind (Tara Na) that include the phrase, “..Tara na,” which is “Let’s go” in the Tagalog language of the Philippines. William Rose and Charles Constantino wrote the music for Free Your Mind (Tara Na) and the lyrics and music for Today or Tomorrow. Digitally tracked, mixed and mastered at 24 bits/96 kilohertz, the guitar-and-drum-driven Free Your Mind (Tara Na) and Today or Tomorrow combine rock, funk and jazz elements with four-part vocal harmony, vintage keyboard sounds, and unconventional mixdown touches.


“I learned a lot just being around him during pre-production and recording sessions. I also learned the definition of meticulous,” remarked Chad Gontkovic of Somerhill about Core Media House cofounder Charles Constantino, who mixed and produced Free Your Mind (Tara Na) and Today or Tomorrow. “He’s awesome.” Greg Kehl noted, “Charles showed us how to turn our basic riffs and melodies into layers and layers of beautiful sounds. It was fun to see someone with so much knowledge of music in his element while we were in pre-production and in the studio.” “He’s just a musical genius,” Bill Rose said of Constantino in an interview for Our Town. According to Rose, Constantino added “multiple harmonies, different back-up vocals, different types of singing, and different instruments that we hadn’t even considered.” “The determination of Somerhill to evolve as musicians and songwriters impressed me. I enjoyed my time with the group,” Constantino stated.

Super Bowl Champions Pittsburgh Steelers!

Hello World Family,
Thank you, Pittsburgh Steelers for a heart pounding finale to the toughest schedule in the NFL this year! So many counted you out, and we never did. Steelers Nation around the world, we salute you! This was a tough game, hard fought, and humbly won.
As a native PIttsburgher, I am amazed and proud of you every minute! Proud of our sports franchises, proud of our city, proud of our people.

Steelers...you are now the winningest team in NFL history: 6 Super Bowl victories!

TONIGHT
Dick's Sporting Goods and Macy's is open this evening to sell Steelers merchandise with the World Champions logo on everything. Get out there and get your gear.

President Obama, thank you for being a member of Steelers Nation! We all appreciate your support.

Enjoy tonight! Have fun! Stay safe!

Congratulations, STEELERS!!!
Peace, World Family
Falcon and Dove

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