AVATAR becomes worldwide highest grossing film EVER-

Hey World Family, Falcon here with the big news: Avatar has now passed even Titanic to become the all time number one. It hasn’t passed Titanic domestically at the time of this posting, but that’s days away. It is an amazing achievement for any film, but particularly in such a short period of time. It only took 38 days of release for Avatar to become the highest grossing film of all time.

The Hollywood Reporter.com

It's official. James Cameron's action-adventure epic Avatar is now the biggest-grossing offshore title in history. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the blockbuster reached a cumulative $1.288 billion internationally over the weekend, exceeding Titanic's 13-year international box office record of $1.242 billion.

Variety.com

Topping the frame with an estimated weekend gross of $36 million for a cume of $552.8 million, 20th Century Fox and James Cameron's "Avatar" has jumped past Warner Bros.' "The Dark Knight" with $533.3 million to become the second highest grossing film ever at the domestic box office.

Still behind "Titanic" in U.S. totals, "Avatar" made history overseas.
Pic earned $107 million from 11,803 screens in 111 markets at the foreign B.O., just enough to sink the ship, making "Avatar" the all-time champ in international receipts with $1.28 billion. Cameron's "Titanic" previously held the overseas record with $1.24 billion.

"Having been a part of the 'Titanic' phenomenon, we never thought this day would come in our careers," said Fox Intl. co-prexys Paul Hanneman and Tomas Jegeus. "But James Cameron created in 'Avatar' a film with such humanity and magic that it resonates with people of every culture."


"Avatar's" worldwide cume stands at $1.84 billion.

So, why this film? What is contained in its theme that seems to strike a chord in 112 markets worldwide? Some critics (and I would say those without a lot of cognitive depth, frankly) have simply called it ‘Dances with Aliens’…so then why is the appeal so much larger than Cosner with Wolves was?

It is also not about the white savior come along to save the poor savages. If that is all you got out of it, it is time you had a broader history lesson of why those 4to 6 genes that determine what wrapping paper we see has little to do with cultural soul. Immersion and surrender are necessary to truly understand and grow in a cultural context; Jake Sully got that lesson…are you up for the task?

I have heard a LOT of discussion concerning what Avatar is about, and not one review or critique I have seen has actually talked about the REAL story, just the tertiary supporting themes. Yes, there are broad strokes concerning honoring our planet and environment, respecting indigenous peoples, and the high costs paid for when the myopic become the policy writers. That is not the main thrust of the film, though. So… What is, you ask?

Avatar is about one central theme: initiating one man to manhood. That is something that every culture on the earth can relate to because it is the one thing that has almost died in modern culture. It is the most sacred act of human learning and consciousness expansion, and must be undertaken sacredly and deliberately, with full knowledge and consent in order to bring about true manhood. It is sorely lacking today, and that is why it resonates with so many. Let me explain…

Oh, if you are one of the two people on the planet who hasn’t seen Avatar yet, this critique is spoiler-rific, so you may want to wait to read this. On the other hand, if you are on the fence about whether to see it, then read on, this should give you additional information necessary to make an informed decision. The choice is yours…

Jake is a man who has been wounded; body and soul. He is physically injured, and he has lost his twin brother. He is not the most mature person on the planet at that point, but he has been thrown into ‘adulthood’ by these challenges, and he takes on the mantle of responsibility of assuming the role originally constructed for his brother. That is very mature, but he doesn’t necessarily do it for all the right reasons…but he will.

Jake is strong and undeterred. He doesn’t flinch in a fight, and he doesn’t let what people say about his disability impact his approach to doing his best. He is immature, however, and you begin to notice how much so when he talks smack to some of the huskier locals on Pandora, and runs into one he couldn’t talk his way away from (and almost loses his braid in the processJ).

His first meeting with Netiri is a volatile one, and costs lives. She gives him an earful, and describes him as being ‘a baby’. He asks her to teach him, but she would rather feed him to the locals at that point. However, the tree spirits with pure heart cover Jake and ask that she not slay him, and that demonstrates that his request to be shown how to grow up was heard by Eywa. When a young man (or a man who is youthful of maturity) makes the affirmation aloud to be shown how to grow up, it is a sign to all that is that he is ready for testing. So was Jake, and he was tested…

He was brought back to the village because of the blessing of the tree seed spirits. He was told to be trained, and could have easily perished with one misstep. He learned respect for all things, including those he didn’t see eye to eye with, and he learned to honor the challenges within himself as opportunities for change. Most importantly, when he demonstrated all the acquired skills, he was allowed to become a member of “The People”.

This ritual is honored in cultures all over the world, but few still celebrate it anymore past mere words. There is the Bar mitzvah for young men, which still has necessary code of conduct as well as sacred and scholarly learning that must take place, but this is an exception in western culture. Indigenous cultures still celebrate this time, but many tribes have forgotten their sacred roots, and taken to short-cutting a man’s initiation, and that is one that should not be sidestepped.

For those of you about to give birth to a cow because I haven’t mentioned women yet, there is a reason: women come fully equipped for the journey to we’ moon hood; men do not. This was recognized by every single culture on the planet at one time, before the arrogance of male dominance, testosterone poisoned contests without spiritual relevance began to flourish, and women and children were turned into chattel.

Women have the sacred cycle of the moon (and horses) that guides their cycle and their agriculture. Women were not the principal agrarians by accident; they understood the cycle of planting, harvesting, collecting seeds, and sacrifice. It was manifested monthly in their own bodies. Their purification lodges were shared with young girls who knew their roles and their responsibilities well, and being the embodiment of creation makes you less likely to turn your attention to mindless bloodsport simply for the sake of showing someone else who is more mighty.

That changed with the rise of the patriarchy, and with it came more wars, more death, more destruction, all in the name of something no one could put their finger on. There was a disconnect, and it has only grown.

The ritual of tying a young man to a tree and letting the fire ants crawl all over him wasn’t just to torture the poor lad, it was to let him know that in no uncertain terms, playtime was over. He was now going to be a member of The People, with certain requirements, and expectations. Childhood was over, and childish things were put away, forever. The culture could not survive with men acting like little boys. Jake found out fast why that was so on Pandora.

So, what is the moment of Manhood, in the truest sense of the word? Simple, really: it is the moment a man is willing to sacrifice all of his being for the sake of The People.

Men who put themselves in harm’s way for the sake of keeping communities safe, that is Manhood (I am not saying that every man is a mature male who does this job, only that the cause is right and that they have at least made that commitment to the community-personally and intimately is another matter). Women are always ready to die for The People-childbirth is very risky, and a balanced mother will fight to keep her children safe. They will also fight for the community, understanding that the whole is greater than any one of its parts, and should be protected.

Jake becomes a man not at the ritual, but when he risks all that he is to take on Turuk. That could have gone badly. He is not an alien of the Sky People at that point (or is he a white man come to save the savages) he is a member of The People; his sacrifice makes him so. It doesn’t matter if he is red, yellow, white, black…or blue; he is willing to die to save his people; he is willing to perish so that they may live. It takes courage. It takes sacrifice. It takes compassion. That is Manhood.

THAT is what AVATAR is about.

Peace,
Falcon and Dove

Call your Senators tonight! NO to Murkowski Ammendment if you Like Breathing

Hello World Family,and especially those in the U.S.: call your senators tonight! Tell them NO WAY AM I GOING TO TOLERATE AN EFFORT TO WEAKEN THE CLEAN AIR ACT WITH THIS AMENDMENT!!!

CLIMATE CHANGE AND GLOBAL WARMING DAMN WELL NEEDS TO BE REGULATED BY THE EPA!
They should understand your position after you say that.

Senator Murkowski wants to play on the sly by attacking the EPA's right to oversee Climate Change and global warming under the Clean Air Act.

Please see below:
Senator Murkowski spoke today on the Senate floor in support of a Resolution of Disapproval (co-sponsored by Ds Blanche Lincoln (AR), Ben Nelson (NE) and Mary Landrieu (LA) and most Rs) which she introduced. The resolution disapproves of EPA's 'endangerment finding' (12/09 finding that CO2 threatens human health and the environment). The amendment was crafted in accordance with the Congressional Review Act, a law that enables Congress to veto federal agency rules (like the endangerment finding) using expedited procedures.

WHAT THIS MEANS: The endangerment finding essentially gave EPA the authority/responsibility to regulate global warming pollution under the Clean Air Act. Thus, if this resolution passes essentially overruling the endangerment finding, EPA no longer has the ability to regulate global warming pollution under the Clean Air Act.


The Murkowski amendment may be offered as early as tomorrow.

CALL YOUR SENATORS TONIGHT! LEAVE A MESSAGE!
In Pennsylvania:
Casey (202-224-6324)

Senator Specter has already said he will NOT support this amendment. Good job, Arlen!

Thank you for your quick action, Family! For those who like to breathe, this is too important to ignore.

Peace,
Falcon and Dove

HAITIAN CHILDREN ARRIVE IN PITTSBURGH!!!

Hey World Family,
Falcon here with BREAKING NEWS! The children from Bresma Orphanage along with one of the two sisters from Ben Avon who had been taking care of these beautiful babies since the horrific earthquake in Haiti last Tuesday have just landed in Pittsburgh and they are boarding buses and on their way to Children Hospital. They look like they are in good shape considering what has happened to them, and some are waving to everyone! Warms my heart...

Jamie is coming a little later; had to take care of one child; they will come tonight or tomorrow.
They don't seem to even notice it is cold here.There's Governor Rendell and Rep. Altmire.

They are wrapping up some of them in blankets...it's cold here, babies!
Welcome to Pittsburgh!

If you want to watch tape of the press conference:
www.thepittsburghchannel.com
www.wpxi.com
www.kdka.com

Those are the best local channels to get unique angles and stories on the ground. Of course, all the major national networks must be covering this story.

Falcon is full of tears...some happiness during this trying, prayerful time.
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WINTER CLOTHES
Many items were gathered for children ages 1 to age 4, but there are obviously going to need more, and some children are bigger and older than the original request for winter items. Right now, Falcon cannot get through to Catholic Charities to ask about specifics, but we can assume that there will be a major need.

There are 53 children here right now.


Peace, and much love,
Falcon and Dove

TOTAL RECALL: Tylenol and other J&J.McNeill Products-DO NOT TAKE

Hey World Family,
Falcon here with a widened Tylenol recall list. This is a voluntary recall, but could really sicken people, especially those with other health issues.

TELL YOUR PHARMACY ABOUT THESE PRODUCTS!
Your local drugstore or big box store may not know about this recall. Here is pertinent information below:

Johnson & Johnson's McNeil Consumer Healthcare unit broadened Tylenol recall because of complaints of a musty, moldy odor in some Tylenol products. As of Jan 15 2010, McNeil has expanded the Tylenol recall to include certain product lots of Tylenol, Mortin, Benadryl Allergy Ultratab, Rolaids Antacid Tablets, Simply Sleep, and St. Joseph products.

Just days before the New Year, McNeil announced a voluntary recall for all lots of Tylenol Arthritis Pain Caplet 100 Count with EZ-Open cap. The affected products have a moldy, musty smell, because of the presence of a chemical called 2,4,6-tribromoanisole (TBA). Some reported symptoms of nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. The chemical is associated with the treatment of wooden pallets used to transport and store product packaging materials.

Back in September 2009, McNeil announced a major recall for infant and children's Tylenol.

The product affected in the Tylenol Recall 2010 were sold in the Americas, the United Arab Emirates, and Fiji.

CONSUMER INQUIRIES:
1-888-222-6036 (Mon-Fri 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. EST, and Sat-Sun 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST)
MCNEIL CONSUMER HEALTHCARE ANNOUNCES VOLUNTARY RECALL OF CERTAIN OVER-THE-COUNTER (OTC) PRODUCTS IN THE AMERICAS, UAE, AND FIJI

PRESS RELEASE
Fort Washington, PA (January 15, 2010) In consultation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), McNeil Consumer Healthcare, Division of McNEIL-PPC, Inc., is voluntarily recalling certain lots of OTC products in the Americas, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Fiji (FULL RECALLED PRODUCT LIST BELOW). The company is initiating this recall following an investigation of consumer reports of an unusual moldy, musty, or mildew-like odor that, in a small number of cases, was associated with temporary and non-serious gastrointestinal events. These include nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, or diarrhea. This precautionary action is voluntary and has been taken in consultation with the FDA.

Based on this investigation, McNeil Consumer Healthcare has determined that the reported uncharacteristic smell is caused by the presence of trace amounts of a chemical called 2,4,6-tribromoanisole (TBA). This can result from the breakdown of a chemical that is sometimes applied to wood that is used to build wood pallets that transport and store product packaging materials. The health effects of this chemical have not been well studied but no serious events have been documented in the medical literature. A small number of the product lots being recalled were associated with the complaints of an unusual moldy, musty, or mildew-like odor, and some of these lots were found to contain trace amounts of TBA. In December 2009, McNeil Consumer Healthcare also recalled all lots of TYLENOL® Arthritis Pain 100 count with EZ-OPEN CAP related to this issue. McNeil Consumer Healthcare has now applied broader criteria to identify and remove all product lots that it believes may have the potential to be affected, even if they have not been the subject of consumer complaints.

In addition to the product recall, McNeil Consumer Healthcare is continuing their investigation into this issue and is taking further actions that include ceasing shipment of products produced using materials shipped on these wood pallets and requiring suppliers who ship materials to our plants to discontinue the use of these pallets. We will continue to closely monitor and evaluate the situation and consult with the FDA.

Consumers who purchased product from the lots included in this recall should stop using the product and contact McNeil Consumer Healthcare for instructions on a refund or replacement. For these instructions or information regarding how to return or dispose of the product, consumers should log on to the internet at www.mcneilproductrecall.com or call 1-888-222-6036 (Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Time, and Saturday-Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time). Consumers who have medical concerns or questions should contact their healthcare provider. Any adverse reactions may also be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Program by fax at 1-800-FDA-0178, by mail at MedWatch, FDA, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20852-9787, or on the MedWatch website at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

The affected product lot numbers for the recalled products can be found on the side of the bottle label.

FOR THE COMPLETE PRODUCT RECALL LIST, PLEASE GO TO THIS LINK:

http://www.mcneilproductrecall.com/page.jhtml?id=/include/press.inc

Just to mention, Falcon could NOT get any of the recall product lists to open, maybe that is because their site crashed, so be patient getting the list, or just avoid the products until you can access the information.

Safety first.

Peace,
Falcon and Dove

HAITI UPDATES: THE BISCUITS ARE FINE, HILLARY ARRIVES TOMORROW

Hey World Family,
Falcon here with some important updates.

EAT THE BISCUITS-the biscuits being distributed by World Food are fine; there are two dates on the package. The first date is the date they were PACKAGED. They have NOT EXPIRED-THE FOOD IS GOOD! Brothers and Sisters, you need water and nutrition to keep up your strength; the food is fine.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is arriving with the head of USAID, Dr. Rod Shaw tomorrow (SATURDAY). There are 2,000 Marines who should be there shortly to help the Haitian military and agencies with food and water distribution, as well as water purification.

Stay strong! We are with you! Don't give up!

Help the weaker injured family get food and water. Everyone work together.
We love you!

Peace,
Falcon and Dove

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