BREAKING NEWS! FLIGHTS ALLOWED TO HAITI AGAIN FAA!

Hello World Family,
The flights have resumed into Haiti, but the airport handled more flights today than ever.

Can we do some air drops? Can we use planes with water capabilities?

Progress is being made, and the heavy equipment is coming.
If you are trying to find a missing person, please go to:
www.CNN.com/haitimissing


Okay, Brothers and Sisters with boats...use them to get into the ports and help unload those planes!!! The more people we have there to help unload, the quicker the planes can take off and new planes can arrive. Bring some medicine, water, etc. with you when you come! Please, let's all work together!

Keep aiding and praying.

Thank you!
Falcon and Dove

Funds Keep Coming for Haiti! Good Job, World Family!

$2 Million in Donations for Haiti, via Text Message
By JENNA WORTHAM
(courtesy of The New York Times)

Update | 12:48 a.m. The organizers of the mobile donations said on Twitter Thursday night that over $2 million had been raised.
Update | 6:51 p.m. Adding more information about the campaign and updating the total raised.

In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti on Tuesday, thousands of Americans are sending financial support — through their mobile phones.

Anyone with a mobile phone and an account with a major wireless carrier can text the phrase “Haiti” to the number 90999 and donate $10 to the Red Cross. That amount is charged to the donor’s cellphone bill.

The texted donations are being handled by a company called mGive, which started the campaign in a joint effort with the State Department and the Red Cross late Tuesday night. Thanks to a mention on the White House’s blog and lots of word of mouth on Twitter and Facebook, the campaign had raised well over a million dollars by Tuesday evening, mGive said.

“Today is a huge day for mobile giving,” said Tony Aiello, chief executive of mGive. “We are experiencing a tipping point.”

Each month, when people pay their wireless bills, the texted donations are collected from the carriers and shuttled into a nonprofit clearinghouse managed by an mGive foundation, which in turn cuts a check to the appropriate charity.

MGive typically charges a licensing fee for its software platform, $4 to $1,500 a month, depending on the scale of the fund-raising effort and the additional services the company provides. In addition, after the charity receives the total amount raised from the wireless carriers, mGive charges a transaction fee for each collected donation.

In the case of the Haiti disaster, however, Mr. Aiello said the company had elected to waive all software and transaction fees.

“Catastrophic fund-raising is different from the everyday fund-raising that we help facilitate,” Mr. Aiello said. “This is a huge tragedy, and we simply hope to help provide relief.”

It typically takes about 90 days from the time someone makes a donation until the charity receives the money, Mr. Aiello said, although the company is working with wireless carriers to reduce that delay.

Mr. Aiello said the widespread adoption of cellphones and social media Web sites was helping to foster this approach to fund-raising. “Mobile giving is currently outpacing the early days of online giving,” he said.

Awareness about the disaster in Haiti has swept through Twitter and other social media sites. Facebook, for example, said its users had posted more than 1,500 status updates a minute containing the word Haiti.

MGive, which was founded in 2005, works with more than 200 organizations and charities, including the American Heart Foundation and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Mr. Aiello said the Haiti campaign had “outpaced anything we’ve every done in mobile giving so far” and showed no signs of slowing.

“Everyone is still trying to gauge the scope of this tragedy,” Mr. Aiello said, “But I expect this campaign could run for months.”

In another campaign that Twitter users are publicizing widely, the Haitian-born musician Wyclef Jean is urging people to donate $5 to his charity organization by texting “YELE” to 501501.

NOTE: President Obama has pledged $115 million for relief for Haiti.

Peace, and stay safe and strong,
Falcon and Dove

HAITI: WHAT TO DO RIGHT NOW!

Hello World Family,
It is with tremendous sadness that Falcon and Dove report the devastation to our Brothers and Sisters in Haiti after a 7.0 earthquake and many aftershocks have hit that fragile yet beautiful country. Our prayers are with all of you, as well as with the family and friends of those impacted by this tremendous challenge. An African proverb says, "When you pray, move your feet", and so we ask this of our world community right now.

UPDATE: Google map post-earthquake link:

http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2010/01/haiti-imagery-layer-now-available.html

The Navy ship Carl Vinson has arrived with communications capabilities and medicine.
A search and rescue tam from Fairfax, VA is on the ground and already rescuing people.
New Red Cross supplies will arrive by tomorrow.(Friday)

KEEP THOSE DONATIONS OF FOOD, WATER, TOILETRIES, MEDICINES, and MONEY COMING!!!

Anyone have any of those cool packs that have the endothermic chemicals that get cool when you break up the intenal separate vessels? It's going to be like 90 degrees there today...those would help.

WHAT CAN YOU DO-if you are in emergency management, have IT technology and equipment, generators, food, water, medical expertise, rescue and recover experience, etc. you are needed in Haiti NOW! Time is passing and in order to rescue and save lives, anything you can do to be there, help organizations like Doctors Without Borders, Red Cross,OXFAM, the UN,the Salvation Army, and many, many other organizations, please do. If you can't go to Haiti, any donations you can make to the above named organizations or others on the ground or going to Haiti can help.

UPDATE: DONATION SITES LISTED BELOW:

www.UNICEFUSA.org

Keep the lines of communication open. If you don't have to be on the phone to government agencies right now, free up the lines for others who are in critical need to find family and friends.
IN PITTSBURGH: Brother's Brother Foundation is collecting toiletries right now for a shipment leaving Monday. Anything that cannot spoil will be accepted. Their warehouse is on the Northside of the city.
www.brothersbrother.org


UPDATES-this section will keep changing regularly, so keep checking back. I understand that the electricity is back on at the airport only. Medicine is completely gone. Donations are needed-if you work for pharma, here is your moment to be a hero-donate some much needed medicine.

It is now reported sadly that there may be as many as 500,000 casualties at this point. (11:30p EST)

SOCIAL NETWORKING-has been working when nothing else has. Scype, Wyclef's donation sites, Facebook, MySpace, and email is critical to communications. Anyone who can help send messages and receive messages for those who need it, please do. Thank you so much for your courage and generosity. Message boards are also important. Post what you need, many are trying to reach out. Tweet if you can get a phone signal or access to a computer and let people know you are alive. Any messages sent to Falcon and Dove will be posted as long as they pertain directly to the Haiti disaster.

ADVICE-if you can, donate through Wyclef or reputable websites; go directly to branches or organizations to donate if you can-it reduces the liklihood of scams.

Again, updates will be made repeatedly, so check back.
Keep you heads up World Family, and thank you in advance for your generosity, your prayers, your donations, and your concern for those impacted by this tragedy.
Peace...and prayers,
Falcon and Dove

AVATAR: An Indigenous Perspective

We at Falcon and Dove wrote a very general review about three weeks ago about James Cameron’s latest achievement, Avatar, and advised everyone, and we mean everyone…to see it.

Well, thanks World Family for apparently taking our advice! As of Wednesday, January 6, Avatar moved into the Number Two position of all time world gross box office receipts behind, you guessed it…Titanic, another James Cameron film. It passed The Lord of the Rings: the Return of the King, and as of Friday January 8 sits at 1.75 billion. Titanic is at 1.8 billion, so it seems entirely conceivable that it may become the top box office grossing film of all time. That is staggering, especially considering it is only 21 days into release.

Is it that good? Well, yes. Not just because of the landmark special effects breakthroughs, but because it tells a very important story in subtle, interpersonal, intimate ways without losing its character, or the larger themes it embodies. That task is rarely accomplished, yet James Cameron has done it repeatedly in his films.

Many reviews have been written about this film, and very few of them talk about what the film is actually about. Some have touched on the films deeper meaning, but even those have missed the mark in some respects, even though they were very well meaning. There is a message that is so deep that it is felt on a level that surprises many after seeing it. It reaches into our most sacred archetypes of connectedness, and asks us to remember our most sacred edict: thrive, respect all blessings, and help others to do the same.

It is extremely hard to put into words where this film can take you, and although most of this review doesn‘t spoil the overall film, I would caution those who haven’t yet seen it that there will be plot devices revealed here. It is my hope not to give away too much, while also providing a necessary perspective to the discussion that is so obviously absent elsewhere.

Avatar can be enjoyed by the masses because it has universal understanding and appeal. It is a very different tale for indigenous people, however. James Cameron placed elegant and respectful elements that he knew would not be seen by all, but would be appreciated by many. I am going to attempt to describe in words what is nearly indescribable, and hope that I do these elements some small justice. There are some I will not mention because they are so sacred to indigenous people that to attempt to use mere words would appear arrogant and inadequate.

Falcon appreciates the use of the braid of hair as a device of connectedness to other sacred creatures and to Eywa herself. It was a visual device to show an invisible but tangible and very real connection we all have with our earth, something I have noticed has not been mentioned in any review I have seen. I have even seen references that said we don’t have that kind of relationship to our earth. That would be woefully incorrect-it is in that forgetting that Avatar attempts to remind us of our sacred connection to all living things. We have a network very similar to that of Pandora-some of us have cut our chords, or they are lost. They must be regained.

Everything that exists physically already existed spiritually and non-physically. The chair I sit on was an idea; then a spark, that combined with materials of the earth and physical design and artistry became the chair it is. The Internet is simply a physical (technological, not touchable) manifestation of what already existed in the non-physical. The network of Pandora is the network of all things on earth; there is no difference. Many of us just don’t see it.

Every corner of Avatar’s Sci-fantasy world is filled; yet it appears as natural as a workroom in our own world, or a laboratory we have visited with better equipment. There are little things that no dialog is added to-some funny, some not so funny. Jake obviously had some Jarhead buddies put a bumper sticker on the back of his wheel chair so that where his name once appeared, the ‘Jake’ was covered up with ‘Grunt’. You just had to catch it. There is a dream catcher handing up on the wall in the office of the corporate pin-head, although Grace probably put it there…and yes, it is on the correct wall. Pretty cool.

Indigenous people understood Netiri’s initial anger with Jake concerning his ‘rescue’-sacred 4-legged lives were lost because of his foolishness. She offered a prayer up over their bodies, and reduced their suffering. This is something inherent in our indigenous spiritual system of understanding and practice of the hunt. Even in my rural home location, anything that was hit along the road I would go out, assist them along their way, and offer a prayer with tobacco and sage. We are never without them. We understand the concept and practice of a clean kill, and never wasting a life. We know that the animal’s or plant’s sacrifice is so that we can live, and we honor that. Cameron made sure the Na’vi honored their kills as well.

After Jake’s manhood ritual, The People formed a sacred web around him, demonstrating that he was now a scared part of all with the Na’vi. Again, no words are used; it is understood by those who recognize it, yet not necessary to those who don’t and not needed to understand the overall plotline. It does enrich the experience, however, if you do.

It takes three strands of the sacred chords to hear the voices of the ancestors-that is a natural law, and a spiritual one-honored in James Cameron’s vision on Pandora. Healing happens there-prayers are made, and always heard. Sometimes, the answer is no to the request. Sometimes the answer is ‘not yet’. Jake’s prayers are heard when Eywa clearly has animals respond to defend their most sacred site, and even the most fierce acquiesce to being ridden by warriors in order to preserve the balance of the world. Netiri announces that loudly during the battle and is offered a ride by one fierce predator after her sacred beast is slain.

The most difficult scene in the film for me personally was what happened at Home Tree. It is a life moment nearly every living indigenous person has a personal reference for; not from stories, but from loss in sacred space, flesh, and blood. It is the same for Falcon, and these atrocities continue in our world. Even some of the sternest souls had their eyes betray them in the theatre and wept at this scene. The real pain was not in the destruction alone, but the short-sightedness and arrogance with which the acts play out. So out of balance with divine consciousness was this moment, that some of the characters involved in the fray turn away from the battle and refuse to participate. So powerful have some of these images been that people have stood up in theatres at the end of screenings and spoke out against the atrocities that are paralleled on our own world.

Falcon has NEVER seen that in a movie theatre before.

The sacred tree seed spirits that are considered blessings by the Na’vi are a delightful presence, as are the scenes of beautiful rainforest, day and night that delight the senses. There are subtle sounds that are reminders of our collective sacredness, and asks us to get back to the proverbial garden.

The key message to all in Avatar in Falcon’s opinion: remember our own sacredness, our connections, and our resourcefulness. Do not squander our sacred gifts, but learn to share them and protect them with fierce determination, and do not fall victim to hubris and myopic arrogance. It is a hopeful film, exquisitely beautiful, and profoundly paradigm shifting-in effects, technology, and consciousness. Cameron could have hedged and blinked, he didn’t. Neither should we.

Remember who we are and why we are here.

Peace,
Falcon

To read Dove’s review, go to:
www.areyasimmons.com

Like Eating? Start Your Garden Plans Now!

Hey World Family,
This is a note for Brothers and Sisters who are in the depths of winter right now...start planning your garden now. Food prices are bound to go up this year due to the billions in lost crops due to the deep freeze, and besides, wouldn't you like to know what you are eating? The best way to do that is to grow it yourself.

I know...you don't have time. It takes so little time to garden small, but the yields are large-go for it! It is certainly not expensive. For the price of a latte, you can have seeds for a 10'by 10'garden, pronto. No space, use containers-plenty of plants can be grown for food or beauty in containers, especially microgreens and herbs. Not a green thumb, that is what books, friends, family, community, and the Internet are for!

There are lots of resources for great seeds-Google for organic sources, and pick ones close to your climate for less shipping and a smaller carbon footprint.

Nothing will taste better than food you grow-get the kids involved-they will love it. Get an empty lot in your community or some grassy wasted space at your church or holy place and see if you can plant in that bit of earth. Get your community group or congregation involved. Everyone loves fresh fruits and veggies, and you will be growing food that is delicious, nutritious, and a whole lot less expensive.

Okay, so let's say you are completely hopeless, just too busy, or supernaturally lazy: join a local farm co-op. Help local farmers bring the food to you!!! Buy a share and get fresh produce delivered near you all summer and fall! Wholesome, organic food delivered to you that you didn't have to grow with lots of wonderful options and choices...that's the ticket!

They key is to think about sustainability. What can you do to get what you need at less cost to you, your community, and the environment? No matter how young or old your are, you can do this! Reach out to others and make this a priority for 2010.

Love your Mother, love your community, love yourself, and save some money!
Grow some food:)

Peace,
Falcon and Dove

DGA Nominations Announced! Five Wonderful Directors

Hey World family,
Falcon here with a quick mention: The Directors Guild of America nominations for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Film are out. The list will not be surprising to most of you, but it is one of the strongest in recent years:

James Cameron-yeah, the man who is truly King of the World at the global box office. Of course, you all know Cameron for TITANIC, the number one grossing box office film of all time, but in a mere 21 days, his masterpiece, AVATAR has moved into second place, passing THE RETURN OF THE KING on Wednesday. AVATAR has now earned a staggering 1.13 billion in just 3 weeks. TITANIC earned 1.87 billion. It appears that a new champion is on the horizon. For bringing this stunning, visually intoxicating, magnificent tale to the screen, Cameron makes the cut for the nomination.

Kathryn Bigelow-for THE HURT LOCKER, an intense, never-lets-up film with war and psychological clastrophobia in the extreme. Yes, she is Jim Cameron's Ex-and she rocks!She also did MISSION ZERO and K-19: THE WIDOWMAKER, and shows a strong eye and an unflinching courage to do the tough stuff, yet her vision is balanced. Every frame is important.

Lee Daniels-for the most unblinking film of the year, PRECIOUS. He has done the best job with material that moves the soul and ignites the desire to change the human condition for the precious people in our lives. Lee, you are local (from Philly) and strong, I am so glad you are getting the attention you have longed deserved, and Falcon and Dove personally congratulate you for being the first African-American director to be nominated by the DGA.
For those of you who don't know about Lee, he built his own business by age 21, then sold it to fund his film interests. He has also managed some of the top talent in the industry, as well as direct this tremendous film. He is a model man, not only because he has industriously managed to finance his career, but also because he raised twins as his own who were a niece and nephew. He handles material and people with respect and with an intimate vision missing from so much modern filmmaking.

Quentin Tarantino-what can we say about him: daring, creative, scary, seductive...and nominated for INGLOUROUS BASTERDS. Quentin has a history of insane, controversial films, some of them excellent, and some we were sure he left the building on. All of his projects from PULP FICTION, to KILL BILL are smooth as silk, and deadly if you blink. That style gives him a spot on this distinguished list of the best of 2009.

Jason Reitman-he is nominated for his job on the vast ensemble cast sort-of comedy, UP IN THE AIR. He is the son of Ivan Reitman, as you might has gathered, and did the wildly entertaining, THANK YOU FOR SMOKING, with Aaron Eckhart and J.K. Simmons. Obviously, we thik of this Canadian's work on television more than for films, but he has ambitiously taken on a great piece and delivered the goods. It is well shot, edited well, and has some spice to it. He is in pretty powerful company, and we give him props for making the cut.

Congratualtions, all. You have done some of the finest work of the decade; thank you for your dedication to the craft, and your visionary fortitude.

Peace,
Falcon and Dove

Avatar: This One Goes to 11

You have heard all the hype: here is Falcon and Dove’s spoiler-free preview/review of AVATAR. Simply put, it is the best film of the 21st Century. It is performance driven, although the world of Pandora is magnificent, reminds Falcon of Roger Dean artwork from all those YES albums over the decades. The world is rainforest, indigenous (including the diverse cast, including Zoe Saldana, Michelle Rodriguez, and Tsalagi actor, Wes Studi, who played Geronimo in a film of the same name back in the 1990’s), gorgeous. There is so much beauty in this film, you may weep just from its images, but there is so much more that may moisten your eyes in this film, especially if you look at the edges, and pay attention to some of the subtle symbols in every frame.

We didn’t catch a single technical error, which is impressive. We usually see some piece of film with the image spliced backwards, some continuity problem, some special effect that just didn’t work, or some boom in a shot. Not here. Not anywhere on the first view, and we saw it in 3-D IMAX.

The acting is strong, and in a special effects laden film, that may surprise some. The secret is in the three layers that bring authentic action to the forefront: visual effects with motion capture and rotoscoping, along with performance capture technology. If you haven’t heard of third option, that is because James Cameron pushed the special effects teams to the limit, and created a new way of getting the effects in front of the director in real time while capturing the performance of the actors. It is nothing short of incredible, and will change filmmaking. For those of you who missed the beginning of the STAR WARS dynasty, this is your moment-a new dawn has emerged. Celebrate.

You won’t want to miss anything, so get your munchies before the film starts.

There is a lot we could say about the film’s content, but it would give too much away. It is a film nearly everyone can enjoy, although very young children (under 4) may not like the length. There is action, drama, lots of tense moments, and some very thoughtful ones.
‘Nuff said. Simply put, see this film. Everyone else will.

Peace,
Falcon and Dove