Can't Upload Photos with Facebook Photo Uploader

Here is a tip, if the new Facebook photo uploader gives you a hard time. I'll share my experiences to solve this problem with you. But first, let me release a little dissatisfaction from my chest. It refuses to upload my photos like the previous simple uploader. Arrgh!

Well, I shouldn't complain for something that is free, should I? But innovation only feels good, if it gets better. LOL

I guess we need to give this new Facebook photo uploader innovation more time to improve. In the meantime, I hope this post will help.

If you have the same problem with me, this is what you do when the photo uploader starts to act up. Just log out of your Facebook account and log in again to upload your photos. It usually solves the problem. But if not, you gotta restart your computer.

This solution works for me, tough takes some extra time than the usual. I searched for some answers on the web and it seems like there is still some unfixed bug, when you upload photos with software modification. Even of the slightest kind like in mine.

I love natural, unedited photos. But I always resize my photos, before I upload them to Facebook. Sometimes they also need light corrections. If I'm in the mood for frames, I add it to them as variation or accents. So, I really can't avoid using softwares like Photoshop. I hope that the Facebook team can solve this bug soon.

Music is expression of harmony in sound.

Love is the expression of harmony in life

~Stephen F. Gaskin

Keep a song in your heart.

Haiku to Meditate

Thanks Jenn for this haiku theme

Meditate

Burst of emotion.
Crumbling down inside of you.
Relax, take a breath.

~RA

There are these days in our life where everything seems to go wrong. Since early morning, it feels like getting off on the wrong side of the bed. Nothing... just nothing gets as you wish! Days like these make me wanna scream or even cry. But, screaming and crying actually won't bring you anywhere. So, what to do? Well, you could give yourself a break and start to meditate. It's the art to reach some peace of mind. Focusing on the positive rather than seeing the negative. Finding a way to release your stress or even anger, leading to clear thoughts that help you carry on and reflect on life. A media to energize!

On a side note I gotta tell you, sometimes I feel like Jenn can read my mind. It has been a couple of times that the given themes correlated so well with my present life.  Like today, I felt quite hectic from the start. But, thinking about this theme made me realize that I needed to relax from these burst of emotion, crumbling down inside of me. It really helped me to get back to my usual self with this meditate haiku theme. Thank you. If you feel in distress, may be you should try to take on haiku too?

The meme basics:

Haiku is simple!

It is 3 non-rhyming lines of 5, 7, and 5 syllables respectively

(a great way to use your fingers!)

I don't create poetry, I create myself,

for me my poems are a way to me.

~Edith Södergran

Keep a poem in your heart.

Dona Nobis Pacem (Grant Us Peace) 2011

It is this point of time again, where you can join the movement of Bloggers and people all over the world to promote peace through your blog or Facebook profile. This is my 400th post and the third participation in Blog Blast for Peace since 2009. I'm writing in the believe of hope, trust and love embedded in the human hearts. A prayer to see a world full of warmth and joy. A wish like Satish  Kumar's quote states, "Lead me from despair to hope, from fear to trust; Lead me from hate to love, from war to peace; let peace fill our heart, our world, our universe." As cliche as it may sound to you, I'm with John Lennon that love and peace are eternal.

Vote for Peace, everyone.
It's worth to try. Join us in one love. 

Thanks to Mimi Lenox

"If words are powerful...then this matters.
One subject. One day. One voice"

Debonnaire Definition & Haiku

Thanks Jenn for this haiku theme

Debonnaire

No worries in mind.
Little beings teach you bliss.
Blow bubbles of joy.

~RA

I love to learn something new, and with this haiku I went to find out more on the debonnaire definition. It turns out that the word was derived from the Anglo French language de bon aire, which means of good family or nature. So the debonnaire definition can be related to a carefree, cheerful, lighthearted, lively and self confident attitude. To my opinion, it's an attitude best found in the soul of pure and innocent kids.

There are times where I'm feeling like a prisoner of my own fears. It's distracting and puts your life on a hold.   Because you're busy building up a mind game of things that are actually not even sure to happen in the future.  Things that are not set in stone yet. Frozen to this point is really not a nice state to be. It's my kids who bring me back to earth most of the times. Looking at their smiles and sparkling eyes, the cheerful laughter... Who wouldn't feel some bliss and serenity, thus join into their bubbles of joy? Getting a grip on debonnaire.

The meme basics:

Haiku is simple!

It is 3 non-rhyming lines of 5, 7, and 5 syllables respectively

(a great way to use your fingers!)

I don't create poetry, I create myself,

for me my poems are a way to me.

~Edith Södergran

Keep a poem in your heart.

Savage Garden: The Animal Song Lyrics #MM

This week's Monday Music Moves Me theme is songs about animals or with an animal's breed in it. So my mind almost immediately went to "The Animal Song" by Savage Garden. The lyrics talk about some craziness that occurs in daily life. Sometimes we are being pushed to our limits and need to break away. Tell me about it, I have been through quite some turbulence these past months. Sigh.

It occurred to me that we like to refer free human spirits to careless and free animal habits, but on the other hand also like to give other negative references to animals in case of bad human attitudes. Which one do you think is more suitable? Depends on the situation, may be... But, I like to consider that the first assumption seems far better than the second. Why should we take it out on innocent animals for our own attitudes? It's just my weird, little thought. LOL

Savage Garden was one of my favorite bands in the 90's formed by Darren Hayes and Daniel Jones from Australia. They made their debut with the single "I Want You" in July 1996, which lead them to a nomination as "Breakthrough Artist" at the ARIA Award and finally got the attention of Columbia Records. Their single "To the Moon and Back" released with this company managed to reach the number one spot in January 1997.

"The Animal Song" is a movie soundtrack from "The Other Sister" released in 1999, starring Juliette Lewis, Diane Keaton and Tom Skerritt. The song was also added as the 7th track in their last album "Affirmation" released on 9th November 1999. The duo/band broke up in October 2001 through an announcement made by Darren Hayes. The singer gave a harsh statement in The Daily Telegraph, August 2007, indicating that a future reunion of the band would be impossible.

Savage Garden
The Animal Song Lyrics

When superstars and cannonballs are running through your head
the television freak show cops and robbers everywhere
Subway makes me nervous, people pushing me too far
I've got to break away
So take my hand now
Cause I want to live like animals
Careless and free like animals
I want to live
I want to run through the jungle
the wind in my hair and the sand at my feet
I've been having difficulties keeping to myself
Feelings and emotions better left up on the shelf
Animals and children tell the truth, they never lie
Which one is more human
There's a thought, now you decide
Compassion in the jungle
Compassion in your hands
Would you like to make a run for it
Would you like to take my hand
Cause I want to live like animals
Careless and free like animals
I want to live
I want to run through the jungle
the wind in my hair and the sand at my feet
Sometimes this life can get you down
It's so confusing
There's so many rules to follow
And I feel it
'Cause I just run away in my mind
When Superstars and cannonballs are running through your head
Television freak show cops and robbers everywhere
Animals and children tell the truth, they never lie
Which one is more human
There's a thought, now you decide
Compassion in the jungle
Compassion in your hands
Would you like to make a run for it
Would you like to take my hand
Cause I want to live like animals
Careless and free like animals
I want to live
I want to run through the jungle
With the wind in my hair and the sand at my feet
Cause I want to live like animals
Careless and free like animals
I want to live
I want to run through the jungle
With the wind in my hair!

http://www.sing365.com

Monday's Music Moves Me Blog Hop
thanks to XmasDolly

Visit also Denise for more music fun.
Keep a song in your heart.

Distance Sensational Haiku Wednesday

Thanks to Jenn for this week's theme

Distance

Now that we're apart.
I long for you in my dreams.
Missing the past.

~RA

I know that it has been a while since my last post, but I still haven't figured out how to manage time in my new life. It feels like 24 hours just aren't enough...

Anyway, the theme distance has quite an impact on me right now. It's a special month for us... And having moved to another country makes me wish that I could take a leap to my family and friends celebrating with them. Yes, it's true... You can't live in the past, but it sure doesn't mean that you don't miss it.  

The meme basics:

Haiku is simple!

It is 3 non-rhyming lines of 5, 7, and 5 syllables respectively

(a great way to use your fingers!)

I don't create poetry, I create myself,

for me my poems are a way to me.

~Edith Södergran

Keep a poem in your heart.

Anniversary | Sensational Haiku Wednesday

Thanks to Jenn for this week's theme

Anniversary

I found you, my friend.
Let our souls bond destiny.
Forever be one.

~RA

Congrats on the 100th week of haiku!

Your meme is a pleasant inspiration.

I can't remember since when I found the passion about haiku. But, I definitely remember that this meme has got me hooked on it and therefore receives a special place in my heart. I love the themes that most of the time seem to fit perfectly with my current moods and situations. Thank you for giving me a time to muse and empathize, Jenn.

I would like to dedicate this Anniversary haiku not only to Jenn's lovely event, but also to all my friends. The ultimate companions who give me courage and joy through life. I feel so blessed to have found you. May  our bonds grow even stronger in time. Bless you.

The meme basics:

Haiku is simple!

It is 3 non-rhyming lines of 5, 7, and 5 syllables respectively

(a great way to use your fingers!)

I don't create poetry, I create myself,

for me my poems are a way to me.

~Edith Södergran

Keep a poem in your heart.

Brandy: Best Friends Lyrics #MM

In times you are down, it's always good to know that there will be a lending hand of reliable family and best friends. For me, just the thought and knowledge of being surrounded by someone caring can brighten up a day and help to ease some burdens of the heart. People who you can count on, no matter if it's better or worse, are one of the most precious blessings in the world.

I really love that this week's Monday Music Moves Me theme is a dedication to the beautiful relation called "Friendship". So the song "Best Friend" by Brandy goes out as a tribute to all of my beloved friends who have been giving me strength and standing by my side, especially when I was struggling through hard times.

Brandy Norwood is better known as Brandy is a multi-talented American artist who made her first debut as the character Danesha Turrell, a supporting actress role in the 1993 sitcom "Thea". She also signed a recording contract with Atlantic in the same year, which lead to the release of Grammy award-winning duet "The Boy is Mine" with Monica in 1994. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has ranked Brandy as one of the top 20 artists of the '90s.

"Best Friend" is the third single taken from the album "Brandy" released in 1994. The song itself was released in June 1995.

Brandy
Best Friends Lyrics

Verse:
Whenever I'm down I call on you my friend
A helping hand you lend in my time of need
So I'm calling you now just to make it through
What else can I do won't you hear my plea
Friends may come and friends may go but you should know that
That I've got your back it's automatic
So never hesitate to call
Cos I'm your sista and always for ya and

Chorus:
I don't know what I ever do without you from the beginning 'til the end
You've always been here right beside me so I call you my best friend
Through the good times and the bad ones whether I lose or if I win
I know one thing that never changes and that's you as my best friend

Verse:
Whenever I'm down and all that's going on is really going on
Just one of those days to ya you said the right things
To keep me moving on to keep me going strong
What else can I say
Friends are there through thick and thin but I've been told that
And I believe in it's automatic so call me when you need a friend
Cos I'm your sista and always for ya and I don't what

Chorous:
I don't know what I ever do without you from the beginning 'til the end
You've always been here right beside me so I call you my best friend
Through the good times and the bad ones whether I lose or if I win
I know one thing that never changes and that's you as my best friend

I don't know (i don't know) what I'd ever do without you (from the beginning) 'til the end (Chillin)
You've always been here right beside me so I call you my best friend
Through the good times and the bad(good times and bad ones) ones whether I lose or if I win
I know one thing that never changes and that's you as my best friend

Verse:
Buddy
I can always call on my bestfriend
I'm lettin go, I'm lettin go (don't know what I'd )
Buddy
I can always call on my bestfriend
I'll be there for you when you're going through
times that you may think that you need a friend
You can count on me call me when you need
Won't you call me up cos I

Chorous:
I don't know what I ever do without you (don't you know)from the beginning 'til the end
You've always been here right beside me so I call you my best friend(that your my best friend)
Through the good times and the bad ones whether I lose or if I win
I know one thing that never changes and that's you as my best friend

I don't know what I ever do without you(don't know what I'd do) from the beginning 'til the end
You've always been here right beside me so I call you my best friend
Through the good times and the bad ones (through the good and bad ones) whether I lose or if I win
I know one thing that never changes and that's you as my best friend

http://www.sing365.com

Thanks to Amanda who is temporary hosting Music Monday

& Diane@goodmourningglory who is taking a break.
You can also visit XMasDolly and Denise for more music fun.

Keep a song in your heart.

DBSK Homin: Keep Your Head Down English Lyrics

Thanks for the honor of this week's "Spotlight Dance" at the Monday Music Moves Me Blog Hop. Since the theme is "Freebie", I thought that I would go for a song with an energetic dance choreography to start of the new days. I love the fact that the performance of "Keep Your Head Down" by DBSK Homin actually begins with an amazing spotlight dance.

Did you know that it might take years of training experience for Korean singers to finally debut in a group? Well, may be this explains some of their powerful dancing skills. DBSK, Super Junior and 2PM are just a few popular groups to mention in this category.  It's good to know their hard work really did pay off. I feel a great delight in transforming their enthusiastic dance moves to my own energy.

Right now the beat and moves of "Keep Your Head Down" are on top of my favorite dance performances, though the lyrics of this song usually wouldn't match my personal preferences for messages of warm feelings. I don't think that leaving someone special behind would be easy for me. But, I guess it's something you gotta do once in a while to save your soul from destructing heartache. To be honest, the thought of shooting out "keep your head down" at someone does occasionally cross my mind and I don't want to deny the fact that it could be me who sometimes needs to keep my head down. So, this song suits as great reminder in both ways. LOL

The lyrics of "Keep Your Head Down" have been a great controversy due to DBSK's recent split.  I find it quite sad that the group finally got divided into Homin (Yunho & Changmin) and JYJ (Jaejoong, Yoochun & Junsu), after the latter members filed an ongoing lawsuit against their former company in 2010. Some people like to believe that the song lyrics were actually directed toward JYJ, though representatives of Homin already tried to deny those rumors.

FYI, the boys were one of the most famous Korean pop groups during 2003-2010. So, it's no wonder that some of their fans are still hoping for a possible reunion. After all, who wouldn't love to see five hot refreshing faces, voices and dancers perform together on one stage again. You can count me in for sure

DBSK / TVXQ Homin
Keep Your Head Down English lyrics

Keep your head down U-Know time (Max)
You know what time it is?
This is return of the king

(Everything has ended) I didn’t even start yet
(We broke up) I haven’t even heard the reason yet
Everyone around me keeps asking me why I’m like this
Why are you like that, why are you like that? I’m already the bad guy

(If it’s a sin) If loving you was a sin
(If that was a shin) If being genuine is a sin
(I’ll keep it low, I’ll keep it low) I’ll hold it in and stand my ground

(Keep your head down)
You look pretty, but inside you’re so different, that’s what I’m afraid of
(Keep your head down)
I said I loved you but I’ll let you go

(Why?) Did you leave me so easily
(Why?) Did I look easy to you?
(Why?) My heart is ripping to shreds
(Why?) If every moment was a dream
(Why?) If only I had the time to set it right
(Why?) I prayed for your happiness

I was always satisfied with having you
I was happy to dream the same dream as you no matter what they said
I had to let you go, but I’m just walking my path anyway
Now I’m just chillin’, Feel like I’m healing

It’s too late, you said you can’t come back
You’ve always believed that I’d crumble without you
That’s a misunderstanding, why would I do that? Why, why, I told you I wouldn’t

(Hey) I was really, really sad, because you were so immature
and I was afraid you’d meet someone bad (Why? baby)

(Keep your head down)
You’re really pretty, but that’s all there is to you, there’s nothing important inside of you
(Keep your head down)
A nail is driven into the heart that is holding in the pain of love

Ha~ Don’t play with people like that
In front of me, all you do is speak of lies
You’re such a two-faced person
(Why why why) Since when did our crystal-like feelings become so opaque?
Our love has ended, I’ve let you go, and now my heart is empty
But my future is gesturing towards me to get up and smile
I’m letting you go, live happily (why why why)
One day far from now, far from now, I want to just smile comfortable

(Why?) Why
(Why?) You let go of our love so easily
(Why?) Did you ever think that someone would get worried?
(Why?) I don’t think you know yet
(Why?) Exactly just what you let go of
(Why?) Just remain there and watch me grow

(Keep your head down)
Erased, disappeared, you’ve burned to death in my heart
(Keep your head down)
Erased, disappeared, you’ve died in my heart and you no longer exist

http://yeppopo.wordpress.com

Thanks again for this week's Spotlight Dance at the
Monday's Music Moves Me Blog Hop hosted by XmasDolly
  Check out Dolly's sidebar for a surprise theme of April 18th.

PICK A TUNE, GRAB OUR  BUTTON, FOLLOW US, 
SIGN OUR LINKY, AND FIND FELLOW ROCKERS 
AND BRING THEM BACK  

Thanks to Amanda who is temporary hosting Music Monday

& Diane@goodmourningglory who is taking a break.
You can also visit Denise for more music fun.

Keep a song in your heart.

Growth | Sensational Haiku Wednesday

Thanks to Jenn for this week's theme

Growth

To each his own mind.
Embrace people with a big heart.
Why battles of view?

~RA

Talking about the process toward maturity, the growth of my heart is something I still would like to work on throughout the journey of my life. Coming to a certain state of acceptance is sometimes much easier to talk about than to do. But I believe that with an open mind, a person will be able to come to peace and move forward without having too many burdens on all those differences.

So what contributes to a heavy heart? I think one big factor is that you think something or someone is quite unacceptable toward a set of values. Well, like it or not you gotta keep in mind that not everything or everyone can be put on the same page. We need to try embrace these facts with a big heart or at least acknowledge that differences do exist. No need for useless battles of view. 

The meme basics:

Haiku is simple!

It is 3 non-rhyming lines of 5, 7, and 5 syllables respectively

(a great way to use your fingers!)

I don't create poetry, I create myself,

for me my poems are a way to me.

~Edith Södergran

Keep a poem in your heart.

Wedding | The Muffed Target 21

My sister had been going through her wedding vows on last Sunday, and I really had been looking forward to take as many photos as I could on this special event. I did manage to shot some wonderful moments, but most of the others unfortunately got blurred. The thing is that I didn't expect my hands to become so shaky on this once in a lifetime experience. Note to myself: You are not suitable to become a photographer on emotional events like this. It is good to know that there were also more professional photographers or we would be in big trouble. LOL   

A traditional Indonesian wedding consists of several parts. You can say that two of the main ceremonies are the vows and the reception afterward. But, there might also be held other unique ceremonies at separated places by the family of both sides. Nowadays, things have been kept more simple without neglecting the sacral parts. 

I don't know why, but the part of a father giving away his daughter to her future husband has always been my weak moment while attending weddings. It is considered as a very sacred moment here in Indonesia, where a bride is send off by her parents to go on a new journey with her husband. May be like a bird who flies for the first time out of her nest. Anyway, I couldn't bring myself to hold the camera straight and gave it to my husband. It turned out that even he shook a little. My father's face got blurred.

Submitted to Thom's Muffed Target taken over from

Gattina @gattina-keyholepictures.blogspot.com. 

Thanks for hosting, my friend.

Kim Tae Woo, Rain & JYP: Brothers & Me (Eng Sub)

Friends who mean like family to you are one of the most precious blessings in life, especially in hard times. I feel as if they are angels in disguise sent from heaven. That's why the song lyrics of "Brothers & Me" performed by Kim Tae Woo featuring Rain and JYP have me moving this week. I have been going through rough moments and needed something to express my gratitude toward loving friends. Thanks to all of you for being there, standing by me on this journey, blowing away sadness and loneliness.

"Brothers & Me" is a song taken from Kim Tae Woo's newest album "T-School" released on March 22nd, 2011. It speaks about the special value of friends who know you better than yourself. Remarkable persons who can make you feel stronger even without saying a word.
 
Kim Tae Woo is the former lead singer of Groove Overdose a.k.a g.o.d, a Korean pop group that was very popular from 1999 to 2005. "Chapter 4 Road" was released in 2001 and belongs to one of the few albums, which were able to hit a million sellers in the Korean music industry.

Rain is a famous Korean R&B singer and actor who has been trying to pursue an international career by participating in the movies "Speed Racer" and "Ninja Assassins" in 2008 and 2009. He is the first Korean artist who has won an MTV award due to his leading role in "Ninja Assassins". His drama "Full House" with Song Hye Gyo still belongs to the most popular Korean dramas to watch.

JYP alias JY Park or Park Jin-Young is a singer, songwriter, producer, and founder of JYP Entertainment, which is a major Korean artist management and record label. Mentor of Rain, The Wonder Girls, and many other famous Korean artists, he has been acknowledged as the only Asian producer who has been able to get into the US market until now. 

Rain, JYP & Kim Tae Woo

Brothers & Me English Lyrics

yeah~ it's been a long time 

three brothers, this is our story

brother and me, brothers and me, my brother JYP

Where am i coming from, what road did i take

How far it was, whatever happens,the person who know everything

To that person, i miss to meet you

Not pretending to be strong, Not even worry

In my vision there is you, every time i see you

Whatever, the person who wont worry

That person, when i misses you

Without a words, the persons who already knows my heart

My brothers and Me, together, we wont feel lonely even for a bit

In this world, if living for one more day too

If i stumble, whatever wounded i had, the first person who comes in mind

To that person, i miss to meet you

When i lost my everything, the first thing i turn to

The same looks in the eye that looking at me

The person who always laugh

That person, when i misses you

Without a words, the persons who already knows my heart

My brothers and Me, together, we wont feel lonely even for a bit

my brothers, my brothers

my brothers come on

Before it's too late, Embraces the importance, That's a great blessings, thank you

that's why we will always be together in many kind weather

Without a words, the persons who already knows my heart

My brothers and Me, together, we wont feel lonely even for a bit

The person who knows me better than me

It seems those strange and special person hard to believe to be exist

Credits: music.cyworld, bemyrain@blogspot, Kakakcashier.blogspot

Thanks to Amanda our Musical Monday host

& Diane@goodmourningglory the creator.
Visit XMasDolly and Denise for more music fun.

Keep a song in your heart.

Paradox Poem | Sensational Haiku Wednesday

Thanks to Jenn for this week's theme

Paradox

Attention seeker.
Angelic smile wishes fame.
Mask of Lucifer.

Deeds unseen, but felt.
Unwilling to hit spotlight.
Hero in disguise.

~RA

I don't know, if these haikus really suit the given theme. But, I hope they still fit for the definition of paradox as "one exhibiting inexplicable or contradictory aspects". Something or someone that you think is good for real, but is actually not. Or, it could also be the other way around. Trying to define between good or bad, right or wrong might always result as one of the ultimate confusions in life. Ah, now I'm getting confused about my own words. If I'm wrong on all of this, the whole post might become a paradox. Because, I'm making "a statement contrary to received opinion." Please, someone help me out of this. LOL

The meme basics:

Haiku is simple!

It is 3 non-rhyming lines of 5, 7, and 5 syllables respectively

(a great way to use your fingers!)

I don't create poetry, I create myself,

for me my poems are a way to me.

~Edith Södergran

Keep a poem in your heart.

Earth Hour | The Muffed Target 20

We participated for the 3rd time on Earth Hour this year, and like always there were many great shots for the Muffed Target as a result of no lights for one hour in an event to raise awareness about environmental and global warning issues. I hope that we will be able to dedicate more than one hour to care for mother earth in our daily life.

LOL about all the blurred photos. Night photography is a very tricky subject to me. The use of flash usually results in too bright photos, while the light of a candle doesn't quite help much. I have been laughing myself off to try focus with my camera, when I could barely see through the viewfinder eyepiece. So, where was the supposed object now?

Can you mention two items in the following photo? I don't have eagle eyes, but may be you are able to notice something.

Here is a brighter version of the same shot slightly edited with Photoshop. Can you see the elementary school mid semester schedule taped to the wall? The shadow of my son waving a flashlight to tease his sister? How about the toes of my husband laying on the bed? Happy searching.

Submitted to Thom's Muffed Target taken over from

Gattina @gattina-keyholepictures.blogspot.com. 

Thanks for hosting, my friend.

Ne-Yo & Charice: Earth Song @ David Foster's Hitman Returns Concert

We went through Earth Hour on Saturday, March 26th, and I still felt like giving highlight to raise awareness on environmental and global warming issues through Ne-Yo & Charice Pempengco's "Earth Song" performance at the "Hitman Returns: David Foster and Friends" concert on October 15th, 2010 at the Mandala Bay Events Center, Vegas. It needs more than 1 hour to preserve the beauty of mother earth, so let each of us join in daily life. I truly believe it will make a difference.

"Earth Song", which was released by Michael Jackson as third single of his album "History: Past, Present and Future, Book I" in 1995, is one of the most beautiful songs to convey a message about environmental and animal welfare. Finding a refreshing new version of it as one of the performances in "Hitman Returns: David Foster and Friends" was a pleasant surprise. The DVD has been officially released on March 1st, 2011.   
 
David Foster is a phenomenal Canadian musician. His DVD "Hitman: David Foster and Friends" from 2008 belongs to one of my favorite collections and I'm looking forward to add "Hitman Returns" on my list. Charice Pempengco is known as one of his high-talented mentees who comes from the Philippines. Her duet with American singer and songwriter, Ne-Yo, has been stated as one of the greatest highlights of the concert. I really think that it is a powerful music collaboration.

Ne-Yo & Charice
Earth Song

What about sunrise
What about rain
What about all the things
That you said we were to gain...
What about killing fields
Is there a time
What about all the things
That you said was yours and mine...
Did you ever stop to notice
All the blood we've shed before
Did you ever stop to notice
This crying Earth its weeping shores?

Aaaaaaaaah Oooooooooh
Aaaaaaaaah Oooooooooh

What have we done to the world?
Look what we've done.
What about all the peace,
That you pledge your only son?
What about flowering fields?
Is there a time?
What about all the dreams,
That you said was yours and mine?

Did you ever stop to notice,
All the children dead from war?
Did you ever stop to notice,
This crying Earth its weeping shores?

Aaaaaaaaah Oooooooooh
Aaaaaaaaah Oooooooooh

I used to dream
I used to glance beyond the stars
Now I don't know where we are
Although I know we've drifted far

Aaaaaaaaah Oooooooooh
Aaaaaaaaah Oooooooooh
Aaaaaaaaah Oooooooooh
Aaaaaaaaah Oooooooooh

Hey

what about yesterday
(What about us)
What about the seas
(What about us)
The heavens are falling down
(What about us)
I can't even breathe
(What about us)
What about everything
(What about us)
I given you
(What about us)
What about nature's worth
(ooo, ooo)
It's our planet's womb
(What about us)
What about animals
(What about it)
Their kingdoms in dust
(What about us)
What about elephants
(What about us)
Have we lost their trust
(What about us)
What about crying whales
(What about us)
We're ravaging the seas
(What about us)
What about forest trails
(ooo, ooo)
Burnt despite our pleas
(What about us)
What about the holy land
(What about it)
Torn apart by creed
(What about us)
What about the common man
(What about us)
Can't we set him free
(What about us)
What about children dying
(What about us)
Can't you hear them cry
(What about us)
Where did we go wrong
(ooo, ooo)
Someone tell me why
(What about us)
What about baby boy
(What about it)
What about the days
(What about us)
What about all their joy
(What about us)
What about the man
(What about us)
What about the crying man
(What about us)
What about Abraham
(What was us)
What about death again
(ooo, ooo)
Do we give a damn

Aaaaaaaaah Oooooooooh

www.elyrics.net

Thanks to Amanda our Musical Monday host

& Diane@goodmourningglory the creator.
Visit XmasDolly and Denise for more music fun.

Keep a song in your heart.

WWF Earth Hour 2011 Participation

I know this is a close call. However, you can still prepare yourself for a WWF Earth Hour 2011 participation. Tomorrow on Saturday, 26 March 2011 at 8.30 PM of your local time, this wonderful event will take place to raise awareness about issues of climate change. People all over the world will unite to switch off their lights for one hour.

This will be my family's 3rd WWF Earth Hour participation. They say, you don't need to be an expert to join billions of people in one voice. A cause that started out in one country, Australia, has now become a global celebration for our beloved mother earth.

I'm quite aware that it will take more than just one hour to take care and save the beauty of earth, but the spirit behind the huge WWF Earth Hour event is something that should be kept in the heart. Millions of voices coming together for the sake of mother earth should mean something. To me, it is a great sign to start making a change. Let's be a part.

Have a great time at the WWF Earth Hour 2011 Participation. 

Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect

~Chief Seattle, 1855

Roots | Sensational Haiku Wednesday

Thanks to Jenn for this week's theme

Roots

Send off with blessings.

No one gets alone to top.

Try not to forget.

~RA

You know these persons send off with blessings to succeed or make something better in life? It might be affection and trust given toward family, friends or even politicians. So, it's always a little bit heartbreaking to see someone forgetting about their roots. Dishonest politicians who have the power to change many lives might be the worst. As much as it takes someone's own effort and qualities, I don't believe that anyone can make it alone to the top. Humans are social beings who need to support each other, even in the smallest groups. Forgetting lending hands, just doesn't make sense. It keeps me thinking, how they have become this way? It's really, really sad.   

The meme basics:

Haiku is simple!
It is 3 non-rhyming lines of 5, 7, and 5 syllables respectively
(a great way to use your fingers!)

I don't create poetry, I create myself,

for me my poems are a way to me.

~Edith Södergran

Keep a poem in your heart.

In Focus | Muffed Target 19

It seems like ages, since the last time I participated in a photo meme. It feels good to join some fun again. Last night, I actually had another shot in mind. But when I took a batch of shots this morning, the following photo appeared to be a perfect fit in contrast to Thom's submitted 'tree' photo this week. I say both of us gotta learn more how to get in focus, even though mother nature can be hard to beat. LOL

Mr. Hubby had bought me a telephoto zoom lens for my Canon on my birthday, and I had almost no chance to try it out in the hectic circumstances we have been going through these weeks. Therefore it was a nice change to ease my mind, when I went on a little photo hunt around the house.

I saw the man on his bike approaching my position, so I stood in anticipation toward the street to wait for a right moment. But, I totally forgot that I was standing under our Indonesian cherry tree. The naughty wind decided to play with me and began to blow at the same time I triggered my camera button. Getting leaves of a branch right in front of the man's features as result. I definitely would prefer to have less of the tree in focus, while Thom wanted to have more tree in his focus. Well, there you have our contrast.
 

 Submitted to Thom's Muffed Target taken over from

Gattina @gattina-keyholepictures.blogspot.com. 

Thanks for hosting, my friend.

EXILE: Michi, The Road English Lyrics #HelpJapan

I'm still trying to give highlight on Japan's crisis after the March 11th earthquake and tsunami, so I have chosen the song "Michi" by EXILE. The beautiful lyrics emphasis on hope, dreams, love, heart, courage, friends and smile. Special times and memories that will lead you back on the road to the future. A feeling like spring to stop cry and move on. Because, things you took for granted will change and the sky will be blue again.

This week's 4M theme is "Your Favorite Male Artist" and I was eager to find out more about Japan male singers. EXILE is a Japanese 14 member male band who has been winning the Billboard Japanese Music Awards 2010 for a second time in a row and according to their music sound, I really can understand why. The band also has received many other awards, like the MTV Icon Award and Japan Gold Disc Award in the same year. "Michi" was their 23th single released on February 14th, 2007.

I also recommend you to check out their song "Futatsu no Kuchibiru", which was chosen as Video of  The Year 2010 and is the closing theme of the Japanese Dorama "Tokyo Dogs" starring Oguri Shun who became popular for his role as Hanazawa Rui in "Hana Yori Dango" and young Shinichi Kudo in "Detective Conan". Unfortunately the video has no English subtitles yet, but I still enjoyed watching it on Youtube. 

EXILE
Michi, The Road lyrics (English subtitle)

“My memories stopped time”
As if to say “Don’t forget today”
A road in my memories
Where we’ll never again walk together in the familiar scenery

I met you on this road
Spring enveloped us
You taught me what love and tenderness were
Don’t cry, move on

The sky is blue again today
That time when you smiled tearfully
Things you take for granted change in the future
I want to talk about “hope”, “dreams”, “love”
Don’t let time move
I scream into the sky
I won’t forget you

When I found that tenderness
I wasn’t alone
Nobody can erase this album in my heart
Maybe it’ll make me smile

“The final time has moved on”
Words I want to say to you
When my tears got in the way and I looked up at the sky
I heard the sounds of spring

I walked this road with you, up to today
My lips move just a little
Thank you for this special time
“Heart”, “courage”, “friend”, “smile”
I’m so happy
That tears have overflowed
And I can’t stop them

I’ll walk on slowly
This road leads to my future
Goodbye, don’t cry
I won’t forget you
Even when we’re apart, I’ll love you

I walked this road with you, up to today
My lips move just a little
Thank you for this special time
“Heart”, “courage”, “friend”, “smile”
I’m so happy
That tears have overflowed
And I can’t stop them

By Cori

Thanks to Amanda our Musical Monday host

& Diane@goodmourningglory the creator.
Visit XmasDolly and Denise for more music fun.

Keep a song in your heart.

Japan Crisis: Translation of Siaran Pers PPI Jepang, Indonesian Student Association Statement to Press

This is a raw translation of Siaran Pers PPI Jepang only shared for informative purposes, because I saw that there was still no English translation available. Hopefully it can help to reduce the anxiety and fear of anyone in need. No copyright infringement intended. Lets help and pray for Japan.

Statement of The Indonesian Student Association in Japan (PPI Japan) about Unprofessional National Media Coverage Related to Japan Disaster, March 2011

Regarding the 9 Richter earthquake in the Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, followed by the tsunami and nuclear radiation threat, we the Indonesian students in Japan deeply regret the news on several national medias that are considered non-professional broadcast information. We found these news as wrong and inconsistent to the facts in Japan, resulting to excessive anxiety for people and families in our homeland.

Therefore, on behalf of all Indonesian students in Japan, the Central Board of PPI (Indonesian Student Association) Japan submits the following statements, including a warning toward the press and information about the state of Indonesian citizen in general.

Warning for the press

Considering:

1. that we found a lot of news on the national media that are excessive and disturbing. The news are generally wrong in expressing and understanding data context, giving misinterpretation to Indonesian people.

2. some examples that we consider to be fatal among the spread news are titled:

- "881 Indonesians in Japan Survive, 30,636 Still Unknown" on March 15th and,

- "Japan Tries to Turn Back On Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant Electricity" on March 17th.

Both news were published by one of the national news portals.

- the first news, though later revised, is considered wrong in understanding the demographic context of the existing distribution of Indonesian citizens in Japan. Since, except for the four prefectures of Miyagi, Iwate, Fukushima, Aomori, the condition of citizens in other locations did not experience significant disruption. The number of 30,636 people is a wrong context.

- The second news is considered as not following journalistic rules by giving the impression that blackouts are experienced all over Japan, whereas they are not.

3. news like the above mentioned cause excessive anxiety, particularly in the homeland. One result is that the Crisis Center of The Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo receives many confirmation requests related to these reports, whereas the Embassy in Tokyo has already provided information on their official website.

Request:

4. to the national media to be more professional in referring to the Journalistic Codes of Conduct (Kode Etik Jurnalistik, KEJ) and Journalism Acts. Among them are broadcasting informative, balanced news from credible sources.

General conditions of Indonesian citizens in Japan

5. PPI Japan urges that all information regarding the condition of citizens in Japan can be referenced through one single source, that is the Crisis Center of The Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo. Please, refer to the KBRI official website, Twitter @ KBRITokyo and Facebook KBRI Tokyo.

6. earthquake, tsunami, and the Fukushima nuclear power plant explosion only have direct effect on the prefectures in the northern part of Honshu Island, such as Miyagi, Iwate, Fukushima, Aomori. While the general conditions in other areas, including Tokyo, Osaka, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, where most Indonesians reside are reported safe and without casualties.

7. The Indonesian Embassy has managed to evacuate and repatriate more than 100 Indonesian citizens from Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture to Indonesia. And until recently, the Embassy is evacuating other citizens from cities in the north, such as Iwate, Fukushima, Kesennuma, and so forth. More can be accessed on the KBRI Tokyo Official Website.

8. regarding the threat of nuclear radiation from the Fukushima nuclear power plant, based on meeting results between KBRI Tokyo with Indonesian nuclear experts in Japan on March 16th 2011, it was stated that the threat of nuclear radiation is still within the scope of the city of Fukushima (0-50km radius from the NPP), so there is no serious threat to the cities in outer radius of 50km. However, it was reported that the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo continues to perform evacuation of citizens residing in a radius of 0-100km to Tokyo. Keep in mind that KBRI Tokyo is located within 250km from the Fukushima nuclear power plant. Learn more on the KBRI Tokyo Official Website.

We convey the statement of attitude in good faith towards positive change. May this be a warning to members of the press in Indonesia to be more careful in publishing their news.

Tokyo, March 17th, 2011

Chairman of PPI Japan
Faisal Fithra Hastiadi
fithra.faisal@ppijepang.org
HP: +81 9064762891

Integrity | Sensational Haiku Wednesday

Thanks to Jenn for this week's theme

Integrity

Hold on to morals.

Once power is in your hands.

Be one to rely.

~RA

Sometimes it's easy to forget about idealism, when your hands get on power. Sadly but true, even the most vocal warrior can become quiet as a mouse once sitting in a comfortable seat. It is my biggest hope to see more people using their power to help others rather than to suppress them. Representatives who can hold on to their morals and become someone to rely on for the sake of people who have put trust in them.  

The meme basics:

Haiku is simple!
It is 3 non-rhyming lines of 5, 7, and 5 syllables respectively
(a great way to use your fingers!)

I don't create poetry, I create myself,

for me my poems are a way to me.

~Edith Södergran

Keep a poem in your heart.

Akanishi Jin: Care English Lyrics #PrayForJapan

A terrible disaster hit Japan through an 8.9/9.0 magnitude earthquake and tsunami on March 11th around 2:46pm, which was followed by the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant explosion. Thousands have been announced death or missing, and the toll keeps on rising. My heartfelt sympathy and deepest condolences go out to all the victims. Let's send our continuous prayers and good thoughts to everyone affected. If you are an Indonesian citizen searching for updates on your family or evacuation schedules, you can go to the Indonesian Embassy Twitter account at https://twitter.com/KBRITokyo or their official website at http://www2.indonesianembassy.jp. Hopefully, you'll find some good news. Be strong.

To give some highlights to this heart-crushing event, I have chosen the song "Care" by Akanishi Jin for this week's Musical Monday. I hope that the lyrics of "Care" can add more motivation to a difficult situation like this. It is a beautiful song that gives a message of courage to keep on walking, even though you're about to collapse. Because everyone carries sadness and weaknesses within. There are smiles waiting for you to the many tears you shed. Lean on someone at tiring days. Hold on and believe in yourself.

Akanishi Jin is a Japanese singer, songwriter, and actor who was a lead vocalist of KAT-TUN, a J-Pop boy band formed in 2001 and debuted in 2006. "Care" was the 7th track on their fourth album "Break The Records: By You & For You" released in April 2009. Akanishi Jin left the band in July 2010 to pursue a solo career under the same company. His first single "Eternal" is currently the number one hit at the Oricon Japanese music chart.

Akanishi Jin

Care lyrics (English subtitle)

Amid conspiracies and lies I carry this clumsy love
On days when I was pushed for time and hated it
I felt a little freedom

In a few years this will be a memory, so
I suddenly tried to put now together with the memories I was beginning to forget

Today I’m carrying so many precious things that it’s hard to walk

Surely all of us are always
Carrying around countless sadnesses and weaknesses
Even if you’re about to collapse, have the courage to keep walking
Surely as many smiles as the tears you’ve shed are waiting for you

As days went by I lost sight of something
I hope I never be let go
Of your hand like that

Even if, for example, you get hurt
Everyone’s love changes its colours countless times
On days when you get tired and lean on me
I’ll hold you, however you are

Surely all of us are always
Carrying around countless sadnesses and weaknesses
Even if you’re about to collapse, have the courage to keep walking
Surely as many smiles as the tears you’ve shed are waiting for you
Believe in yourself

www.kiwi-musume.com

Thanks to Amanda our Musical Monday host

& Diane@goodmourningglory the creator.
Visit XmasDolly and Denise for more music fun.

Keep a song in your heart.

Hope | Sensational Haiku Wednesday

Thanks to Jenn for this week's theme

Hope

Reach out for the stars.

Not all is written in stone.

Believe in a chance.

~RA

There are times where you might keep thinking back and forth. Hesitate too much, thus finally decide to drop it all because of being afraid to fall. Well, sometimes you just have to gather your courage to reach for dreams. Whereas, not everything that we paint in our minds is fated to become true. There are still many possibilities to go for.

The meme basics:

Haiku is simple!
It is 3 non-rhyming lines of 5, 7, and 5 syllables respectively
(a great way to use your fingers!)

I don't create poetry, I create myself,

for me my poems are a way to me.

~Edith Södergran

Keep a poem in your heart.

DBSK / TVXQ: Survivor Live Performance (Eng Sub)

The life performance of DBSK / TVXQ "Survivor" seemed to be a perfect fit for my mood this week. It is a talented and popular Korean group consisting of five members who made their debut with the single "Hug" in 2003. Too bad that they had to go on their own ways in 2010. The boys had real good chemistry and actually went through a very long road together to reach their success. Jaejoong, Yoochun and Junsu filed a lawsuit against their former company and performed under a new group called JYJ. Whereas, Yunho and Changmin decided to stay. You can find many articles on this ongoing battle, if you are interested about further facts. As I am trying to stick on the neutral side and respect each for their decision. Though, I must admit that I also would love to see them perform as one again.

It has been a while, since my last post. We are taking a big step in our life right now, and I'm hoping that it will turn out as the best. Thanks to the loving support of family and friends, it has been easier on us to search for some light on our path to pursue dreams and happiness. I'm positive that with great love like this, whatever comes will be alright. Bless you all.

DBSK / TVXQ
Survivor lyrics (English subtitle)

Everytime, everyday
everybody now is a survivor
Looking for everywhere
In this case, don’t give up

Standing up from here
searching for the light
Together we have a chance
to change, so let’s try
oh baby let’s try

With One Smile
you find a heart Shine on me
Two Smiles
that we can join, Shine on me
Shine like the world does
Smile, Smile
Survive, Survivor!

Even if you’re going
on a u-turn, it’s not so bad
remember something important
Being alone is too hard
We can unite our feelings / thoughts to begin
Oh baby we can

Somewhere there’s One Dream
With the main aim to Still (going) on
Two Dreams for a Brand new world
and someone to love
Dream Dream
Let’s hug

With One Love
Tomorrow can be So easy
Two Love(s)
that we can join to Be happy
believe in yourself
Love Love
Survive, Survivor

Everyone is a Survivor
Together we are Survivors
Smile and dream now
Everybody Everybody night

With One Smile
you find a heart Shine on me
Two Smiles
that we can join,
Shine like the world does
Smile, Smile
Let’s hug

With One Love
Tomorrow can be So easy
Two Love(s)
that we can join to Be happy
believe in yourself
Love Love
Survive, Survivor

Credit: Kenoa @ youtube.com/kenoa83 & frapbois @ DNBN

Thanks to Amanda our Musical Monday host

& Diane@goodmourningglory the creator.
Visit Denise for more music fun.

Keep a song in your heart.

11th Wedding Anniversary Song Dedication

Every year when this day comes, it fills my heart with joy and pleasure. It's a special event in my life to celebrate the moment I became complete, being bound to my dear soulmate in holy matrimony. Eleven years have passed since then, and I can say for sure that I have been blessed with a loving, caring husband who has graced my life through peace and comfort to the soul.


Happy Anniversary, Love  My joy, my delight, my treasureEvery year that I'm with you has been better than beforeMay God bless us with many, many more yearsTogether in His light and holy matrimony This song is dedicated to you

Spend My Life With You lyrics
Eric Benet feat. Tamia

I never knew such a day could come
And I never knew such a love
Could be inside of one

And I never knew what my life was for
But now that you're here I know for sure

I never knew till I looked in your eyes
I was incomplete till the day you walked into my life
And I never knew that my heart could feel
So precious and pure
One love so real

Can I just see you every morning when
I open my eyes
Can I just feel your heart beating beside me
Every night
Can we just feel this way together
Till the end of all time
Can I just spend my life with you

Now baby the days and the weeks
And the years will roll by
But nothing will change the love inside
Of you and I

And baby I'll never find any words
That could explain
Just how much my heart my life
My soul you've changed

Can you run to these open arms
When no one else understands
Can we tell God and the whole world
I'm your woman, and you're my man
Can't you just feel how much I love you
With one touch of my hand
Can I just spend my life with you

No touch has ever felt so wonderful
(You are incredible)
And a deeper love I've never known
(I'll never let you go)
I swear this love is true
(Now and forever to you)
(only for you)
To you
Can I just see you every morning when

I open my eyes
Can I just feel your heart beating beside me
Every night
Can we just feel this way together
Till the end of all time
Can I just spend my life with you
Can you run to these open arms

When no one else understands
Can we tell God and the whole world
You're my woman, and you're my man
Can't you just feel how much I love you
With one touch of my hand
Can I just spend my life with you

Can I just spend my life with you
Can I just spend my life with you
(Forever here with you)
Can I just spend my life with you
Can I just see you every morning when I
Open my eyes

http://www.azlyrics.com

Eric Benét is an American singer who released his first album "True To Myself" in 1996.  The second single "Spend My Life With You" featuring Canadian-American R&B and soul singer, Tamia, from his second album "A Day In The Life" in 1999 hit great success, was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America and nominated in the category of the 2000 Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group.

Oh, the comfort, the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person, having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but pouring them all out, just as they are, chaff and grain together, certain that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping, and with a breath of kindness blow the rest away.

~Dinah Craik