MFSB (according to the "clean" interpretation, Mother Father Sister Brother) was a pool of more than thirty studio musicians
based at Philadelphia’s famed Sigma Sound Studios. They worked closely with the production team of Gamble and Huff and
producer/arranger Thom Bell, and backed up such groups as Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, the O’Jays, the Stylistics,
the Spinners, Wilson Pickett, and Billy Paul.
In 1972, MFSB began recording as a named act for the Philadelphia International label. "TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia)"
also known as the Soul Train theme was their first and most successful single. Released in March 1974, it peaked at number
one on the US Billboard pop and R&B charts. "TSOP" was influential in establishing the disco sound. The track sold over
one million copies, and was awarded a gold disc by the RIAA in April 1974.
American Hit Network Reviews and commentary about
popular music released from 1955 - present, with an emphasis on American "Hit Radio" releases determined by the Billboard
charts.
Backstreets Highway Magazine for Bruce Springsteen and Jersey Shore music fans.
Big Takeover One of the oldest independently produced music magazines of underground punk, pop, and rock music.
Black Velvet UK magazine featuring a wide array of rock music.
Decibel Metal, hardcore and extreme rock magazine with interviews, reviews, news and more.
JamBands.com Jam fans resource focused on improvisational rock and jazz-crossover
bands.
Mojo Online version of authoritative UK pop and rock magazine.
Music Emissions Music review community with focus on independent labels and artists that fit into the alternative music category.
New Musical Express (NME) Presents music news around the clock, reviews from around the world, interviews, and a concert guide.
NY Rock Rock and roll served up New York City style. Daily updates, music reviews and articles.
Modern Rock Magazine Rock music scene articles, news and reviews provided by industry professionals.
Rock Around the World Radio and newspaper archive of the nationally syndicated hit radio show from the 1970s featuring interviews and music
with the rock greats of that time.
Rock Over America Aiming to cover the most current music out there, as well as older rock music. Concert and album reviews, news, videos
and audio interviews.
Rolling Stone magazine is the definitive source for music
and pop culture trends. In addition, find culture and social commentary on current news and events in each issue of Rolling
Stone magazine.
Blues-E-News Monthly magazine aiming to educate, inform, support and enlist musicians and music lovers into the blues.
Blues Festival Guide Magazine and online directory of Blues festivals around the world.
Blues in Britain Reports on the blues scene, with emphasis on what's happening in the UK. Read archive articles and reviews online.
Blues Matters! British blues magazine featuring news, reviews, forums, gig guide and links.
Blues Music Now Blues and soul music music e-zine providing reviews, articles and a blog.
Blues Revue Popular magazine devoted to the full spectrum of the blues. CLICK HERE to subsribe.
Jazz and Blues Report Download back issues of magazine and search database of more than 8,000 reviews covering jazz and blues.
Living Blues America's oldest and most authoritative blues magazine. Sites featues current blues news, store and subscription info.
GENERAL INTEREST
Alternative Press Magazine includes information on music, videos, books, movies,
fanzine reviews, upcoming release listings, music charts, more.
Amazing Sounds Devoted to new age, avant-garde, and alternative music.
Appalachian Jamwich Music magazine focusing on music, art, culture and fans of the
"jamband" scene in Ohio, US.
Babble and Beat Free music magazine featuring band interviews, music reviews,
news, contests, and more.
Banter Zine Magazine includes alternative music news, reviews, upcoming releases,
video interviews and music videos.
Billboard News, current charts, artist information, and more from well
known music magazine.
Blender Covers everything from dance and hip-hop to rock, alternative
and R&B. Known for pictorials of female celebrities.
Glide Focuses to covering today's most innovative artists, regardless
of musical concept or artistic method. Also offers a glimpse into the world of independent filmmakers and progressive authors.
Innerviews Collection of interviews with some of the world's most interesting
and innovative musicians.
Music Arts Monthly Published in San Diego, California. Magazine has a local calendar
section but is viewed internationally for it's reviews of artists throughout the world.
Music Box Daily music magazine featuring reviews, music news, tour dates,
interviews, streaming audio and video, and more.
Music Magazine, The Online magazine that deals in all music, with reviews, news and
interviews appearing on both the site and the blog.
Musos Magazine Covers a wide range of genres like Folk, Rhythm & Blues,
Jazz, Celtic, Bluegrass, Reggae and Rock. Concentrates on the musicians and not the music industry.
Paste Magazine Covers a variety of genres with an emphasis on alternative, Americana
and indie rock. Features dozens of reviews of CDs, DVDs, and films, along with interviews and profiles.
Psytrance Online psychedelic music community, featuring psytrance festivals,
party info and photos, forums, chat rooms, profiles.
Rock Rap Confidential Monthly music and politics newsletter, covers culture and politics,
hiphop and heavy metal, racism and revolution, censorship and the phony war on drugs.
Rolling Stone Popular magazine contains music and entertainment news, videos,
photos, downloads, music and movie reviews, cover stories and online exclusives.
Spin Focuses on the progressive new music scene and the youth culture.
Gives the edge on film, art, and music, including ska, pop, R&B, rock, hip hop, and rap.
CANADA
ChartAttack Daily news and reviews from Canadian magazine covering rock,
pop, and alternative.
Soul Shine Canada's guide to new music filled with the latest news, features,
reviews, gig listings and indie radio.
UNITED KINGDOM
By Volume A UK-based music publication without the celebrity gossip, focused
on rock and indie music from every corner of the world.
Guestlist Network London based multi-media network comprised of a monthly newspaper,
TV network as well as online & mobile platforms.
Mojo Well written UK music magazine featuring reviews, news, buyer's
guides, features, classifieds, and more.
New Musical Express (NME) UK-based, the biggest-selling weekly music magazine in the world.
Presents music news around the clock, reviews from around the world, interviews, and a concert guide.
Q Magazine Music and entertainment magazine published in the UK. Has an
extensive review section, featuring: new releases, film and concert reviews as well as radio and television reviews.
Uncut Authoritative UK music and film magazine. Features hundreds of
music and movie reviews, interviews and news.
Wire, The UK magazine covering avant rock, breakbeat, jazz, modern classical,
electronica, and other sounds from the outer limits.
Sounds and Colours South American music and culture magazine, with regular news
updates.
HIP HOP & RAP
Down Covers world rap with a urban flava, latin rap, gangsta rap, more.
Hip Hop Rockz Magazine Features news, fashion, clubs, movies, celebrity spotlight and more.
Murder Dog Rap magazine with news, interviews, photos, and more.
Pound Canadian magazine featuring hip hop music and culture.
Rap Pages Magazine Information about Hip Hop, Rap, R&B, Sports, Fashion, News, and Rock Music, combined with daily updates.
Raw Roots Online hip hop and rap magazine featuring rap music from around the world.
Situation, The Covers US and UK hip hop, RnB and garage news, interviews, videos, reviews and more.
Sixshot Brings information about the world of hip-hop and rap. Features hip-hop community, a hip-hop MC Battle Booth and rap music
multimedia audio and video streams.
Source, The Magazine of hip hop music, culture, and politics.
Spate Hip-hop magazine with news, celebrity gossip, videos, cartoons, photos, interviews, more.
Spine Magazine Hip-hop magazine featuring news, reviews and competitions.
URB Alternative music magazine covering all aspects of hip-hop and DJ culture.
Vibe Premier urban music magazine. Along with coverage of art, style and social issues, focuses on the hip-hop music scene
and its musicians.
XXL Urban lifestyle magazine covering all aspects of hip-hop culture. Features music, style, sports, and politics.
JAZZ
All About Jazz Magazine serving both the jazz newbie as well as the jazz afficionado. Provides reviews of jazz from around the world,
interviews with international musicians, and jazz humor section.
Culturekiosque - Jazz Features interviews, jazz memoirs, photographs, European club dates, books, and CD reviews.
Down Beat Popular classic jazz magazine offering news, artist biographies, music reviews, and more.
JAM Magazine of the Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors with feature articles, jazz club listing, events calendar, and CD reviews.
Jazz Break French e-zine mainly devoted to European jazz.
Jazz Dunyasi Magazine covering the jazz world in Azerbaijan. Containing information on new albums, jazz festivals, young talent and
stars.
Jazz Professional Online magazine written by jazz musicians, with jazz news, interviews and profiles of famous musicians, album reviews,
photos, and technical articles.
Jazz Review Magazine offering reviews of new jazz releases and concerts, interviews, photography, and jazz trivia.
Jazz Times Magazine for serious jazz fans and musicians, offering jazz news, CD and concert reviews, in-depth features, photography,
artist profiles, and interviews.
Jazz.com Features reviews, interviews, historical overviews, Visual Jazz galleries, and Encyclopedia of Jazz Musicians - reference
work focused on currently active musicians.
Jazzhouse.org Articles, photos, forums, news, and links from the Jazz Journalists Association.
Jazziz Provides life-style oriented jazz coverage with editorials, CD reviews, photography, art and design.
JazzWest Dedicated to jazz scene in Northern California and the San Francisco Bay Area.
Jazzwise Magazine In-depth interviews, features and reviews covering contemporary jazz and improvisation to mainstream jazz, world-jazz
and beyond. News, new talent, gig-guide, jazz on film, opinion, gossip and humour.
Jerry Jazz Musician Online jazz culture magazine featuring sketches of jazz greats, sound files, interviews, short fiction, poetry and art.
Just Jazz Guitar Features the greatest players, educators and writers in the field of jazz guitar.
Mister Lucky Retro style magazine featuring jazz, lounge and latin reviews, and cocktail recipes.
Nashville Music Guide Publishing independent singers, writers and musicians with a focus on country, folk, bluegrass, blues, americana, rock,
and roots.
Powersource Magazine Country music interviews, news, and CD reviews, editorials, columns and charts.
All Things Strings Offers violin, viola, cello, and bass resources for performers, teachers, and students, plus the latest from Strings magazine.
Bachtrack Largest classical concert finder online. Classical music database is well-structured and searchable by a huge number of
different criteria.
BBC Music Magazine World's best-selling classical music magazine featureing articles, CD reviews, news, competitions and concerts.
Classical Singer Carries up-to-the minute listings of auditions and competitions, forums, directories, and the magazine's articles.
Classical Source Comprehensive collection of information and news on classical music subjects including articles, interviews, concert and
CD reviews.
Culturekiosque - Klassiknet Magazine devoted to classical music in Europe. Find news, concert and festival reviews, interviews with leading composers,
performers and conductors.
Czech Music Quarterly Offers interviews and portraits of Czech composers and performers, information about current events, reviews and articles
from leading Czech musicologists.
I CARE IF YOU LISTEN Mainly focusing on contemporary classical music. Other interdisciplinary topics include art and technology.
FanFaire Online magazine celebrates today's great and upcoming classical artists through articles, artist profiles, audio clips,
mp3 downloads, reading lists, discographies, and performance calendars.
Gramophone Popular classical music magazine with monthly reviews, Gramophone awards, editor's choice, and more.
La Folia Online classical music reviews and review archives.
La Scena Musicale Free magazine with interviews, articles and CD reviews. Also contains Media Watch, Audio and Video links, and Canadian
classical music calendar.
Music and Vision Online magazine devoted to classical music, providing daily news, reviews, articles, interviews, fiction, editorials,
more.
Musical Opinion Britain's oldest classical music magazine featuring new music, composers, concerts, operas, festivals, CD's, DVDs, opera
houses and concert halls .
Muso Magazine aimed at classical music enthusiasts, professional musicians, and students. Offers the latest news, reviews,
celebrity interviews, Podcasts, blogs and gossip.
Sequenza21 Portal devoted exclusively to contemporary classical music and modern classical music composers and performers.
Strad, The Classical music magazine for all strings enthusiasts. Site features string news, CD and book reviews, string businesses
directory, and sample articles.
Culturekiosque - Operanet Provides coverage of opera performances, CDs and recordings, interviews with opera performers, and other opera-related
events and festivals worldwide.
Opera Contains news, letters, interviews, reviews of performances from around the world and a diary section giving listings
for all major opera-houses and forthcoming season programmes.
Opera News 12 issues per year Opera News magazine is beautifully illustrated and
intelligently written. Find profiles of bold new directors and designers, new productions, new singers and performance reports
from around the world in each issue of Opera Magazine.
Opera Now Perspective on the international opera scene as well as celebrity interviews, leadership profiles and other behind-the-scenes
features.
Opera Opera Austrialian magazine offering articles on opera and plot summaries of major operas.
Opera Today Website devoted to all things relating to opera and vocal performance. Provides news, commentary, information and other
resources.
parterre box Online opera magazine featuring news, reviews, humor and gossip with a queer edge.
US Opera Web Magazine devoted to American opera, featuring interviews with composers, conductors, directors, and singers.
Vocal Images Online magazine for those who sing, professionally and for fun, and their devoted audience.
SOTTILE PARK
In the Heart of Downtown
In The True Heart of The Berkshires
Pittsfield Massachusetts
WHITE 750
THE JACKIE & SHADOW STORY
THE BIG BEAR BALD EAGLE STORY
"JACKIE & SHADOW"
The Big Bear bald eagles, Jackie and Shadow, have been nesting in Big Bear Valley since 2013, This is the first time
in three years that they have successfully hatched eaglets. In 2019, they had two chicks; and in 2022, they had one. This
year they had three eaglets, but one of the three eaglets that hatched in early March did not survive a storm. It passed
away on March 13, 2025.
NAMING CONTEST
The "Friends of Big Bear Valley" (FOBBV) are hosting a naming contest for the two surviving eaglets.
The Friends are inviting the public to submit name suggestions until March 28, 2025.
The FOBBV is asking for gender-neutral name suggestions and is accepting donations of $5 for one entry, $10 for three entries,
or $25 for 10 entries. The final names will be chosen by Big Bear Valley elementary school students in 3rd, 4th, and 5th
grades. The winners will be announced on April 1, 2025.
EAGLE CAM
The FOBBV operates a 24/7 live webcam of Jackie and Shadow's nest, which has drawn thousands of viewers worldwide.
The organization relies on donations to maintain the livestream, which is free from advertisements. Donations are appreciated!
The Bald Eagle is a large, powerful bird that has been the national symbol of the United States since 1782. It is a member
of the Accipitridae family and is found near large bodies of water throughout North America. Here are some key facts about
the Bald Eagle:
EAGLE BEHAVIOR & HABITAT
SIZE: 3 feet in length, 6-7 feet in wingspan, and 10-14 pounds in weight.
HABITAT: Found near large bodies of water, such as lakes, rivers, and coastlines.
DIET: Primarily feeds on fish, but also eats other small animals and carrion.
CONSERVATION STATUS: Listed as a species of Low Concern, but was once endangered due to habitat destruction, hunting, and
pesticide use.
INTERESTING BEHAVIORS
Bald Eagles are known for their impressive eyesight, which allows them to spot fish up to a
mile away. They are also skilled thieves, and have been known to steal food from other birds.
NESTING: Bald Eagles build large nests, called eyries, which can weigh up to 2,000 pounds and measure 10 feet wide and 6 feet
deep. These nests are often used for many years and may be added to over time.
MATING: Bald Eagles form long-term monogamous relationships, with some pairs staying together for up to 20 years.
BREEDING: Bald Eagles typically breed between March and May, with the female laying 1-4 eggs per clutch.
HUNTING: Bald Eagles are skilled hunters, using their sharp talons and strong wings to swoop down on their prey. They can
also steal food from other birds, such as osprey and hawks.
MIGRATION: While some Bald Eagles are migratory, others are resident birds that stay in their year-round territories.
Some Bald Eagles migrate from Canada and Alaska to the contiguous United States each winter, while others remain in their
year-round territories. Those that migrate typically travel in large groups, often with other species such as osprey and hawks.
HUNTING TECHNIQUES: Bald Eagles are skilled hunters, using a variety of techniques to catch their prey. Some of their methods
include:
DIVING: Bald Eagles will swoop down from high altitudes, using their sharp talons to snatch fish right out of the water.
PERCHING: Bald Eagles will perch above a body of water, scanning for fish and other prey below.
STEALING: Bald Eagles will steal food from other birds, such as osprey and hawks.
PREY: Bald Eagles primarily feed on fish, but will also eat other small animals such as; rabbits, squirrels, mice, and
carrion.
The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and The Migratory Bird Treaty Act Overview
The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA) and The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) are two federal laws of the United
States that protect birds, including eagles. Here's a brief overview of each act:
BALD EAGLE CONSERVATION STATUS
The Bald Eagle is no longer considered an endangered species in the United States. In 2007, the federal government removed
the Bald Eagle from its endangered species list, and in 2024, New Jersey removed the Bald Eagle from its endangered species
list, citing a remarkable comeback for the species.
Regardless, the Bald Eagle's status remains of "special concern" in New Jersey, and the species is still protected under The
Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Additionally, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has
proposed listing three subspecies of the Bald Eagle as endangered and two species as threatened under The Endangered Species
Act.
It's worth noting that while the Bald Eagle is no longer considered endangered, conservation efforts are still necessary to
protect the species and its habitats. Ongoing monitoring, habitat preservation, and public education are key to ensuring the
species' continued success.
THE PROTECION LAWS: Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act
The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA):
was enacted in 1940 to protect Bald Eagles and Golden Eagles
The Law prohibits the taking, possession, sale, purchase, barter, transportation, and exportation of bald and golden eagles,
including their parts, nests, and eggs
The Law allows for certain exceptions, such as: •
Permits for scientific research, education, and conservation
• Permits for Native American tribes for cultural and spiritual purposes • Permits for the use of eagle parts
in traditional crafts and ceremonies
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA):
was enacted in 1918 to implement international treaties with Canada, Mexico, and Japan to protect migratory birds
The Law prohibits the taking, possession, sale, purchase, barter, transportation, and exportation of migratory birds, including
their parts, nests, and eggs
Covers over 800 species of birds, including waterfowl, songbirds, raptors, and game birds
The Law allows for certain exceptions, such as: • Permits for hunting and trapping under specific regulations •
Permits for scientific research, education, and conservation • Permits for the use of bird parts in traditional crafts
and ceremonies
KEY PROVISIONS & PENALTIES
Both acts have similar provisions and penalties for violating the laws. Some key points include:
Penalties: Up to $100,000 in fines and/or up to one year in prison for individuals, and up to $200,000 in fines for organizations
Permits: Required for activities such as hunting, trapping, and possession of bird parts
Reporting: Required for the sale, purchase, and transportation of bird parts
Import and Export: Prohibited without a permit from the US Fish and Wildlife Service
Sottile Park Online Worldwide (SPOW) is a virtual cybercast park, offering users the ability to explore various locations
around the world through established web links. The cyber portal is named after Anthony W. Sottile, civic leader & family
man from The Heart of The Berkshires of New England. Virtually located in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, SPOW! allows users to
"travel around the world in one day" or "visit the world in 80 seconds." The website provides media links, add-ons, and promotional
tools for users to enhance their knowledge and experience, online.
Copyright 2010 to Present JDS / John David Sottile
