CORD MUSIC MAGAZINE January 2012

CORD

SUPER

January 2012

HERO ISSUE

kis THE POWERPOP GIRLS CORD January 2012

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CORD January 2012

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Features

CONTENTS

10 KIS: The Powerpop Girls

KIS

16 Dan Peek: America and Christian Music

AMERICA

21 CORD Top Ten Superhero Movies 26 X Factor USA 2011 Review 31

Adele

Sections 5 Cord Hits/35 Music+Current/36 Cord Images/ 38 Poetry/ 39 Haikus/ 41 Sunog’s Fable/ 44 Best of Blotfree/ 45 Good Laugh/ 46 Kim & El/ 47 Mr Jeydi’s Witdom/ 48 Jam ‘n Dance/49 Movie Reviews/ 50 Guitar Chord Chart CORD January 2012

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From the Editor There is a child in every adult. While many put it away for good, there are those who allow it to live in their hearts, at times in their actions. The former grow old and dull, while the latter cherish each day until it is time to take eternal rest.

Adults tend to look back at the ‘good ol’ days’, when life was simple, more fun and more challenging. For as the years move on, individuals have to deal with complex situations, routine tasks and failed expectations. Often, the mature tend to smile less, laugh less even love less.

But such should not be the case. While people do age physically, they do not need to throw away their child-like enthusiasm, their innocent outlook and their idealistic mindset. In Luke 18:17, Jesus says that anyone who does not receive the kingdom like a little child shall not enter into it. As childlike faith provides entrance into the kingdom, it does bring about happiness on earth as well.

Among the joys of children and youths are literatures that open the mind to adventure, fantasy and superheroes. Often, the young at times model themselves after characters that they find fascinating and inspiring. I did. I read a lot of comic books – and my favorite was the Mighty Thor.

The God of Thunder as adapted by Marvel’s Stan Lee took the human form as a partially disabled doctor, who could transform into a hammer-wielding warrior to save those who are in danger. I guess, I may have subconsciously incorporated some his values to what I have been doing as a professional, as a writer and as a servant of the Lord.

In this issue of CORD, we feature the best superhero films that have in recent years revived interest of people going to the theatres. Many adults in the company of their children have been enamored not just by the cinematic effects that have enhanced movies, but also because the story follows the script that good prevails over evil.

Superheroes do stuff that are extraordinary. While we know that we can never have the power of superheroes; there is that child in each one of us that believes that nothing is impossible. And yes, nothing is impossible, if we have faith.

Love Peace and Harmony, Bro Mel B Libre CORD January 2012

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CORD

HITS

I SMILE Kirk Franklin

http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=j4VBhU7NqZU

A C#m Today's a new day Eb7 but there is no sunshine, F#m7 Nothing but clouds and it's dark in my heart B7 And it feels like a cold night.

C#m7 Today's a new day, Eb7 tell me where are my blue skies?

F#m7 Where is that love and the joy that you promised me?

B7 Tell me it's all right?

Pre-Chorus: F#m7 Eb7 I almost gave up at a power that I can't explain!

B7 Ab7sus Fell from Heaven, like a shower now.

Chorus: C#m7 C#7 I smile, even though I hurt see I smile, F#m7 I know God is working so I smile, B7 Even though I've been here for a while CORD January 2012

C#m7 I smile, smile!

C#7 It's so hard to look up when you've been down, F#m7 Sure would hate to see you give up now, B7 You look so much better when you smile!

Coda: F#m7 Fm Smile for me!

F#m7 C#m7 Can you just smile for me!

F#m7 Fm Smile for me!

F#m7 C#m7 Can you just smile for me!

And my people say F#m7 oh, oh, oh!

Fm You look so much better when you oh, oh, oh!

F#m7 You look so much better when you oh, oh, oh!

Fm You look so much better when you oh, oh, oh (GbM7) You look so much better when you smile!

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HOLD ME Jamie Grace

http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=ISgr8SgCYbY

B F# I love, I love, I love, I love the way you hold me Abm E I love, I love, I love, I love the way You hold me B F# I love, I love, I love, I love the way you hold me Abm E I love, I love, I love, I love the way You hold me B F# I love, I love, I love, I love the way You hold me Abm E I love, I love, I love, I love the way You, the way you VERSE 1: B F# I've had a long day, I just wanna relax Abm E Don't have time for my friends, no time to chit-chat B F# Problems at my job, wonderin' what to do Abm E I know I should be working, but I'm thinking of You and C#m Just when I feel this crazy world is gonna bring me down F# That's when Your smile comes around CORD January 2012

CHORUS:

B F# Oh, I love the way You hold me, by my side You'll always be Abm E You take each and everyday, make it special in some way B F# I love the way you hold me, in Your arms I'll always be Abm E You take each and everyday, make it special in some way C#m I love You more than the words in my brain can express F# I can't imagine even loving You less B Lord, I love the way You hold me F# Abm E B Whoa oh oh oh oh oh oh, oh whoa, I love the way You hold me F# Abm E Whoa oh oh oh oh oh oh VERSE 2: B F# Well Ya, took my day and You flipped it around Abm E Calmed the tidal wave and put my feet on the ground B F# Forever in my heart, always on my mind Abm E It's crazy how I think about You all of the time C#m And just when I think I'm bout to figure You out F# You make me wanna sing and shout (CHORUS) BRIDGE: C#m B E I'm so grateful and thankful for all You've done C#m Wish I could tell You in a short story or poem B E But all I have is my voice and this guitar Page 6

I LIFT MY HANDS

F# And You have my heart Chris Tomlin CHORUS 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbNK50T35wY B F# Oh, I love the way You hold me, by my side You'll always be Abm E You take each and everyday, make it special in some way B F# I love the way you hold me, in Your arms I'll always be Abm E You take each and everyday, everyday, everyday B F# Oh, I love the way You hold me, by my side VERSE 1: You'll always be Abm E G C9 You make each and everyday make it oh-so- Be still, there is a healer special Em7 C9 B F# His love is deeper than the sea I love the way you hold me, in Your arms I'll G C9 always be His mercy is unfailing Abm E Em7 C9 You take each and everyday, make it special His arms, a fortress for the weak in some way C#m PRE-CHORUS: I love You more than the words in my brain can express G F# Let Faith Arise I can't imagine even loving You less C9 D B Let Faith Arise Lord, I love the way You hold me F# Abm E B CHORUS: Whoa oh oh oh oh oh oh, oh whoa, I love the G way You hold me I Lift My Hands to believe again F# Abm E G C9 Whoa oh oh oh oh oh oh, oh I love You are my Refuge, you are my strength C9 Em7 OUTRO: As I Pour out my heart, these things I rememB F# ber I love, I love, I love, I love the way you hold Em7 C9 me You are Faithful God forever Abm E I love, I love, I love, I love the way You hold me VERSE 2: B F# G C9 I love, I love, I love, I love the way You hold Be Still, there is a river me Em7 C9 Abm E That flows from Calvary’s Tree Hold me, hold me G C9 A Fountain for the thirsty CORD January 2012

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Em7 C9 His Grace, that washes over me BRIDGE: G C9 Let Faith Arise (2x), Open My Eyes (2x) G Let Faith Arise C9 D Let Faith Arise CHORUS: G I Lift My Hands to believe again G C9 You are my Refuge, you are my strength C9 Em7 As I Pour out my heart, these things I remember Em7 C9 You are Faithful God forever VERSE 2: G C9 Be Still, there is a river Em7 C9 That flows from Calvary’s Tree G C9 A Fountain for the thirsty Em7 C9 His Grace, that washes over me BRIDGE: G C9 Let Faith Arise (2x), Open My Eyes (2x)

STRONG ENOUGH TO SAVE Tenth Avenue North

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8gsTLF9pL4

E You fought

A but you were just too weak E so you lost A all the things you try to keep C#m B now you’re on your knees, you’re on your knees E But wait,

A everything can change, E A in a moments time you don’t have to be E afraid, C#m cause fear is just a lie B open up your eyes Chorus: E And he’ll break A C#m open the skies to save B E those who cry out his name A C#m the One the wind and waves obey B He’s strong enough to save you Inst: E, A E Look

A now is not too late E lift up your head A let the rain fall on your face C#m B you’re not far from grace, you’re not too far from grace Chorus 2x

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C#m B I know the weight of this world A can take you down like gravity and C#m B I know the current of yourself A can take you out, out to sea C#m B A-B but hold on, hold on Chorus 2x

WHAT ARE WORDS Chris Medina

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQY4dIxY1H4 VERSE 1 F G Anywhere you are, I am near,

C Am Anywhere you go, I’ll be there,

F G C Anytime you whisper my name, you’ll see,

F G Oh, every single promise I’ll keep,

C Am Cause what kinda’ guy would I be,

F

G C If I was to leave when you need me most.

F G Standin’ right beside her tonight,

C Am And I’m gonna be by your side,

F G C I would never leave when she needs me most.

CHORUS F G What are words if you really don’t mean them C when you say them, F G What are words if they’re only for good times C then they’re dark,

F G When its love, yeah you say them out loud, C Am those words, they never go away,

F G They live on, even when were gone.

VERSE 3

F G Anywhere you are, I am near,

C Am Anywhere you go, I’ll be there,

F G C CHORUS F G And I’m gonna be here forever more, F G What are words if you really don’t mean them Oh, every single promise I’ll keep, C

C Am when you say them, Cause what kinda guy would I be, F G F G C What are words if they’re only for good times If I was to leave when you need me most.

C then they’re dark,

F G C

F G I’m forever keeping my angel close.

When its love, yeah you say them out loud, C Am those words, they never go away,

F G They live on, even when were gone.

VERSE 2 F G And I know an angel will say,

C Am Just for me and I know I meant,

F G Am To be where I am and I’m gonna be, CORD January 2012

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KIS: THE POWERPOP GIRLS

T

o create the perfect girl band, the professor used a mixture of sugar, spice and everything nice, then he purposely poured an ingredient of “X Factor” into the formula, that produced not one, but three cute, pretty and smart young ladies – KIS, the Powerpop Girls. That would be the intro of the make-believe TV series of Kayth, Ina and Shaine. To get a touch of this fantasy, they posed as superheroes for the cover of CORD’s special Superhero issue.

KIS is a vocal trio that has performed in vari-

CORD January 2012

ous social/community events around Auckland. The girls have many things in common: they are the only child of their respective parents; they love to sing and dance; they want to succeed as musicians.

And if they mean to conquer the world (like superheroes), they’ve trained themselves hard to gain that power, that confidence, that bravura. Each of them has taken piano lessons, sought mentorship from Lea Salonga’s vocal coach Ann de Guzman; and learned slick dance movements from champ choreographer Jam Parado.

It has been a busy 2011 for KIS highlighted by the group’s winning the People’s Choice Award in Pinoyz Got Talent in Hamilton and performing in West Auckland’s Christmas in the Park. Their first major project in 2012 is a guest appearance in “the biggest Pinoy Dance Party in Auckland”, Disco Diskoral on January 28 in the North Shore; and they wouldn’t need superpowers to get people to love them: they’ll be just themselves “a mixture of sugar, spice and everthing nice with an ingredient of X Factor!” (CORD) Page 10

CORD exclusive interview with KIS:

KAYTH: CORD: What superhero movie do you watch again and again?

The Powerpuff Girls Movie and The Incredibles.

CORD: If you were a superhero what power would you have and why?

I would want to be like Bubbles from the Powerpuff Girls. If I have powers I would be able to stun opponents and shatter glass or buildings with a Sonic Scream. With the Linguistic power, I would also be able to speak in many languages and communicate easily with non-english speaking people or even with animals.

CORD: If you could interview a superhero, who would it be and why?

Definitely, it would be Bubbles from the Powerpuff Girls. It is because I want to know how she acquired all the powers she has, how to maintain those powers and would it be possible for her to share her powers to me.

CORD: “With power come responsibility” is one of the memorable quotations in Spiderman, what can you say about this?

If you have a power, you have the responsibility to help others in need especially those who are abused and oppressed. You also have to be careful not to abuse your power by using it on bad things.

CORD: Do you believe that music has the power to change the world?

I believe that music has the power to change the world. Music is the language of the soul. It transcends and penetrates each and everyone’s heart and soul.

CORD: What do you hope to accomplish as an artist in the next ten years?

In the next ten years, I hope for KIS to have a debut album and to be known as a popular singing and dancing group.

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INA: CORD: What superhero movie do you watch again and again?

If you consider the Powerpuff Girls as superheroes then I loved them as a child and I remember watching them again and again.

CORD: If you were a superhero what power would you have and why?

I’d love to be able to read minds because I like knowing what everyone is thinking.

CORD: If you could interview a superhero, who would it be and why?

Is Harry Potter a superhero? If so, I’d interview him because I’d love to interview the boy who saved the wizarding world.

CORD: “With power come responsibility” is one of the memorable quotations in Spiderman, what can you say about this?

This is true because when you have power, you are in control of many people and things and therefore have to have their needs in mind too. You are responsible for whether their lives are good or not. With power, you have influence over people’s lives.

CORD: Do you believe that music has the power to change the world?

Definitely. Music has the power to make people feel so many different emotions and a simple melody with meaningful lyrics could change the world.

CORD: What do you hope to accomplish as an artist in the next ten years?

Hopefully performing more in the wider community. Maybe have a few original songs and just develop further the talents I’ve been blessed with and make lots of people happy through my music.

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SHAINE:

CORD: What superhero movie do you watch again and again?

To be honest I haven't seen a lot of superhero movies but enough to know which hero has what power. My favorite superhero movie though would be Hancock. I'd watch that over and over again. The storyline gets me every time, it’s really touching, surprising and swag at the same time.

CORD: If you were a superhero what power would you have and why?

I think I'd like to have the power of persuasion. It could really change the world and help those people with power and wealth to realize how much those less fortunate need help.

On a less serious note, it'd be really helpful with job interviews.

CORD: If you could interview a superhero, who would it be and why?

Batman. Obviously, he's just a human with gadgets. I really wanna know how his gadgets are actually made so that he's almost indestructible. Oh and if he's ever gotten sick, ‘cause then he'd have to take a day off and someone would be really unfortunate.

CORD: “With power come responsibility” is one of the memorable quotations in Spiderman, what can you say about this?

I agree with this. It’s basically saying that we have limitations with our power. Be it the actual power we have or how far we do things with our power. There has to be a boundary constructed by our conscience. If we cross that line it’s still our job to own up to it.

Whatever we do will have consequences whether it’s good or bad and this is something we should be prepared to receive.

CORD: Do you believe that music has the power to change the world?

Yes of course! I believe that music has always been a part of us. It’s something that we hold on to, and it gives life more meaning. I think that even though we may not be connected because of race and other issues, we can still be connected with music and that in itself has potential to change the world.

CORD: What do you hope to accomplish as an artist in the next ten years?

As any other artist, I'd really like to be successful and record hits since right now we've mostly been advertising ourselves out to the public. Being able to have a recording contract, we'll be able to show our talents in composing as well as covering songs.

Fame isn't on the top of my list of goals, but satisfaction and knowledge. I want to produce something really great and be proud of it even if it doesn't get to be famous. I'm sure the journey to that will really help me learn and I'd be satisfied with that.

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Because You Love Me Performed by KIS http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLJHiA bkCqs&list=UURUFKVmXJmUJm5Qq4S_ QxPw&index=5&feature=plcp G C For all those times you stood by me G C For all the truth that you made me see G D C For all the joy you brought to my life G C D For all the wrong that you made right G D For every dream you made come true A D E For all the love I found in you C G I’ll be forever thankful baby Ab(or A) D E You’re the one who held me up A Dm E Never let me fall G D D Dsus4 D You’re the one who saw me through through it all CHORUS G C You were my strength when I was weak G C You were my voice when I couldn’t speak G D C You were my eyes when I couldn’t see G D C You saw the best there was in me G D Lifted me up when I couldn’t reach A D E You gave me faith coz you believed C G I’m everything I am G C D Because you loved me G C You gave me wings and made me fly G C You touched my hand I could touch the sky G C I lost my faith; you gave it back to me G C You said no star was out of reach CORD January 2012

G D You stood by me and I stood tall A D E I had your love I had it all C G I’m grateful for each day you gave me A Dm Em Maybe I don’t know that much G D But I know this much is true G D D Dsus4 D I was blessed because I was loved by you G C You were my strength when I was weak G C You were my voice when I couldn’t speak G D C You were my eyes when I couldn’t see G D C You saw the best there was in me G D Lifted me up when I couldn’t reach A D E You gave me faith coz you believed C G I’m everything I am G C D Because you loved me Abm C#m You were always there for me Ab C# The tender wind that carried me Am Em A light in the dark shining your love into my life F You’ve been my inspiration A D E Through the lies you were the truth G C D My world is a better place because of you G C You were my strength when I was weak G C You were my voice when I couldn’t speak G C CHORUS 2x C G I’m everything I am G C D Because you loved me Page 14

AD

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Dan Peek: America and Christian Music America, composed of Gerry Beckley, Dewey Bunnell and Dan Peek, was one of the finest vocal groups during the 70s. The folk-rock band’s signature song, Horse with No Name, reached no. 1 in the record charts that gained for the teenagers the Best New Artist award in the 1972 Grammys. The album that had the iconic cover featuring three American-Indians spawned other hits including “I Need You” and “Sandman”.

But as the years lingered on, America became a duo as Dan Peek left the band in 1977 to pursue a career as a Christian artist. Peek passed away on July 24, 2011, and it was only lately that he was recognized as a “pioneer in contemporary Christian music.”

As a member of America, he composed such anthems like “Don’t Cross the River”, “Lonely People” and “Today’s the Day”. He wrote in his autobiography, An American Band: The America Story, that he was "a spectrum drug abuser, alcoholic, you name it" at the height of the group’s popularity.

He turned his back from his rock star persona and signed up with Pat Boone's Lamb & Lion Records as a pioneering artist in the emerging Christian pop music genre. All Things Are Possible, his first solo effort was released in 1979. The album reached the Billboard charts, making the Top 10 in the A/C Billboard chart and number 1 in the Christian charts. The song, "Love Was Just Another Word", had his former America buddies Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell contribute to the background vocals. In 1984, he released the follow up album "Doer of the Word" that became a number 1 Christian hit. Two years later in 1986 the Electrovoice album was released featuring a remake of "Lonely People", changing some of the song's lyrics to reflect his Christian faith.

In later years, he collaborated with Ken Marvin and Brian Gentry as “Peace” that produced three albums. Dan Peek’s spiritual journey ended on July 24, 2011, when at age 60 he died in his sleep at his home in Farmington, Missouri. Yes, he had found his peace. Goodbye Dan. (CORD) CORD January 2012

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(Dan Peek) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19BqLyfr l9Q&feature=related DM7-Bm (2x) DM7 Bm When you turn misty blue DM7 G I have my eyes on you DM7 Bm The good things will come true A Just believe in your heart Bridge:

Em F#m There’s nothing too much for you Em A With me there to help you through Chorus: F Bb All things are possible F Bb With you by my side F Bb All things are possible F A With you to be my guide DM7 Bm And now the time has come DM7 G To put away those things that made you run DM7 Bm Keep your eye on the Son A And your feet on the path (Repeat bridge and chorus) Ad lib: A-DM7-Bm-F#m (2x) G C All things are possible G C With you by my side G C All things are possible G D With you to be my guide

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DON’T CROSS THE RIVER http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ck79hCzPp68 Em A There’s a little girl out lyin’ on her own F#m7 Bm She’s got a broken heart Em A She’s not the kind to take you down for long F#m7 Bm She knows and plays it smart Em A F#m7 Bm (Ah--) And if she’s comin’ she’s showed no mark Em A F#m7 Bm (Ah--) She’s heard no whistle blowin’ from the dark Em A F#m7 Bm (Ah--) She feels like leavin’ and she don’t know why Em A7 (Ah--) Without no bridges she’s trapped, so I sigh D G D G Don’t cross the river if you can’t swim the tide D G D G Don’t try denyin’ livin’ on the other side A All your life G C G Em F#m7 Bm You were on your own Bm G D If you want you can ride my train F# D And soon forget the reason that you’re leaving G Em7 A7 D You’ll lose yourself and then sometime D7 G Maybe even save yourself some grievin’ Em7 A F#m7 Bm Em7 A7 D Oh, oh, oh, oh D G D G Don’t cross the river if you can’t swim the tide D G D G Don’t try denyin’ livin’ on the other side D G D G

CORD January 2012

Don’t cross the river if you can’t swim the tide D G D G Don’t try denyin’ livin’ on the other side D G D G Don’t cross the river if you can’t swim the tide D G D G Don’t cross the river if you can’t swim the tide D G D G Don’t cross the river if you can’t swim the tide

LONELY PEOPLE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqeZfxJYbps G Em Bm This is for all the lonely people G Em Bm D Thinking that life has passed them by C D G Don’t give up until you drink from the silver cup C D G D And ride that highway in the sky G Em Bm This is for all the single people G Em Bm D Thinking that love has left them dry C D G Don’t give up until you drink from the silver cup C D G You never know until you try C G/B Am Well, I’m on my way C G/B Am Yes, I’m back to stay C G/B Am D G D Well, I’m on my way back home

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G Em Bm This is for all the lonely people G Em Bm D Thinking that life has passed them by C D G Don’t give up until you drink from the silver cup C D G D And ride that highway in the sky G Em Bm This is for all the single people G Em Bm D Thinking that love has left them dry C D G Don’t give up until you drink from the silver

TODAY’S THE DAY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKc6-cU1-0Y E F#m7 Hold me close E/G# F#m7 You turn nighttime into day E F#m7 And you’re the most E/G# F#m7 Brightest star that lights my way G#m7 F#m7 So come home to me now G#m7 A ‘Cause it won’t matter anyhow E G#m7 F#m7 B7sus4 B7 E I’ve got this feeling that today’s the day G#m7 F#m7 B7sus4 B7 I’ve got this feeling today’s the day

E/G# F#m7 All the people like to play G#m7 F#m7 So come home to me now G#m7 A ‘Cause it won’t matter anyhow E G#m7 F#m7 B7sus4 B7 E I’ve got this feeling that today’s the day G#m7 F#m7 B7sus4 B7 I’ve got this feeling today’s the day E G#m7 F#m7 B7sus4 B7 E I’ve got this feeling that today’s the day G#m7 F#m7 B7sus4 B7 I’ve got this feeling today’s the day G Bm7 C D G Bm7 C D G Bm7 C D G Bm7 C D Bm B7 Oo, oo ...

E F#m7 Hold me close E/G# F#m7 You turn nighttime into day E F#m7 And you’re the most E/G# F#m7 Brightest star that lights my way G#m7 F#m7 So come home to me now G#m7 A ‘Cause it won’t matter anyhow E G#m7 F#m7 D7sus4 B7 E I’ve got this feeling that today’s the day G#m7 F#m7 B7sus4 B7 I’ve got this feeling today’s the day E G#m7 F#m7 D7sus4 B7 E I’ve got this feeling that today’s the day G#m7 F#m7 B7sus4 B7 I’ve got this feeling today’s the day E G#m7 F#m7 B7sus4 B7 I’ve got this feeling today’s the day E G#m7 F#m7 B7sus4 B7

E F#m7 Turn me out E/G# F#m7 Turn me out on this fine day E F#m7 ‘Cause all about

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CORD

TOP TEN

SUPERHERO

MOVIES

The screen is exploding like never before – thanks to the league of superheroes that have come to save the ebb of theatres since bluecreatures called Navi blew us away in “Avatar”.

Comics are boys’ best reads, and the movie adaption of popular superheroes is a treat not to be missed, and easily dissed if lacking in imagination, effects and coherent story lines.

We just want to forget Seth Rogen’s “Green Hornet”, Billy Zane’s “The Phantom” and Josh Brolin’s “Jonah Hex”; and celebrate some of the finest cinematic takes on masked and unmasked heroes who take on the most vicious villains.

CORD in this special issue selects the Top Ten Superhero Movies.

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1. Batman Bruce Wayne/Batman is no match to most superheroes who have extraordinary powers; he doesn’t have any. But he has the heart and the courage, and cool equipment that make him not just the champion of Gotham City, but also in the movies. The telling and re-telling of his origin, the fascinating caricatures that make up his enemies; and the superb cinematic effects have turned this franchise as enduring as the comic strip.

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2. Spiderman When Toby Maguire, a character actor, took the role of Peter Parker, it seemed odd. But the story of a geek transforming into a wall-climbing superhero is analogous to the frog that turned into a prince.

The web-slinging between skyscrapers was awesome, and add to that the romance angle then you’ve got a long-running winner.

3. Superman The most handsome superhero is the man of steel – Superman. As played

by Christopher Reeve, Superman flying smoothly and realistically carrying Lois Lane, accompanied by John William’s majestic symphony, is one of the most magical love scenes ever.

This groundbreaking movie became the barometer of succeeding superhero movies.

4. Ironman Robert Downey Jr perfectly suits Ironman. You hate him, you love him. Arrogant and overconfident Tony Stark undergoes through a life-changing experience that moved him to pursue an extra-career as a crime-buster, while continuing with his flashy lifestyle. The first movie was produced at a time when technological breakthroughs in filmmaking made flying flawless, destruction more explosive and the impossible look real.

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5. X-Men/Wolverine

With the all-star cast of the Justice League and the Avengers taking a long time to put into film, the X-Men established themselves as the most worthy team to conquer the cinema. While the wheelchairbound Professor X holds the mutant heroes together, it is Wolverine who gives the angst

that makes interesting and edgy storytelling.

6. Captain America The story of a sickly guy whose courage and goodness made him the choice for an experiment to create a super soldier, Captain America: The First Avenger has old school action sequences stamped with modern-day filmmaking techniques. The film is not just about Steve Rogers/ Captain America as it is about Johann Schmidt/Red Skull. Captain America as the glamour boy of the US military doing stage shows was hilarious. The scriptwriting was brilliant, incorporating Captain America’s connection to Ironman, the formation of his own squad of commandos and his joining the present-day Avengers.

7. Thor Vikings are such fascinating characters, what more with Norse gods. Thor, the favorite son of Odin, has more connection to the modern ages than any of the gods of Greek or Roman mythology. Thanks to Marvel’s God of Thunder who took an earthly form as the partially disabled Dr. Donald Blake (but not in the film) This is a prelude to possible sequels, as it dealt more on character-development, yet it is still engaging, having injected humor to what could have been a dull Shakespearian take.

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8. Hulk The first major Hulk film was directed by Ang Lee (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) with high expectation, but then the cartoonish appearance of the raging green monster was a big letdown. The second one with eccentric actor Edward Norton not only got the right imagery of the Hulk, but even the storyline had more substance, and the fight scenes were pretty huge.

It’s just toobad that Norton won’t be doing Hulk’s next appearance in the Avengers 9. Green Lantern By having a popular actor, Ryan Reynolds as test pilot Hal Jordan/ Green Lantern, the producers needed to distance from the rom-com image of Reynolds who was able to do that. With the Marvel heroes’ (Ironman, Hulk, Thor and Captain America) onslaught, this secondrate DC hero needed the power of the lamp to conquer the competition, and did it decently. While the story-telling was predictable, the characters had all the shades of a rainbow. This should lead to a sequel as Green Lantern battles the yellow-ring bearing Sinestro next. The producers should get new writers to give a darker hue of green.

10. Daredevil If it wasn’t poker-faced Ben Affleck playing Matt Murdock / Daredevil, this film would have spawned sequels, but no need to cry over spilled milk. The origin story of “the man without fear” has emotional angle that leads toward the transformation of a lawyer who overcomes his blindness, as a result of radioactive exposure that heightened his other senses. I thought Collin Farrell’s character Bullseye and Jennifer Garner’s Electra stole the show from Affleck.

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X FACTOR USA 2011 REVIEW

When Simon Cowell left American Idol, it was with reason: he had two successful franchises in UK, namely Britain’s Got Talent and X Factor, and thought it was time for him to be producer/judge in an American version of X Factor.

Building on his fame as American Idol judge, he brought along another AI alumnus Paula Abdul and added two interesting personalities, record producer L.A. Reid and Pussycat Doll’s Nicole Scherzinger, and Briton Steve Jones as counterpart to AI’s Ryan Seacreast. The series obtained an average of 13.5 million viewers per episode, enough to interest Fox to order another run in 2012.

The episodes on the audition were fascinating, and early on, identified potential finalists like Melanie Amaro and Josh Krajcik. Other than the top three – the following were connected with viewers: Lakoda Rayne, Astro, Rachel Crow and Marcus Canty. The hastily formed Lakoda Rayne was like having four Taylor Swifts in one group. If the show needed a villain, it had bad boy-rapper Astro for the role, when he put L.A. Reid on the spot by threatening not to perform as required. That talented and bubbly singer Rachel Crow, crying like a baby, in her early exit shocked viewers and the many times lucky gospel singer Marcus Canty sure had the groove.

The three finalists had something more to offer other than their unique talents. They each had a story to tell: Cris Rene in his continuing fight against substance addiction; Josh Krajcik on his job slinging boritos; and Melanie Amaro from the Virgin Islands who was cut from the final 12 only to be invited back by Cowell.

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It was only a matter of time that Amaro would be declared the winner, what with her flawless performances that should give Christina Aguilera and Mariah Carey a run for their money. Chris Rene had charm, the hip and the hop, but he was mediocre as a vocalist, though brilliant as a rapper. Josh Krajcik had the voice of a young Joe Cocker, but in most instances, he barely pronounced the lyrics of the songs. Melanie Amaro could not lose, with her power ballad singing, with Simon Cowell as mentor and with God at her side. The only time that she turned people off was her spontaneous declaration of her ancestry, but you can’t blame the lady after what she’s been through. Her final song – Listen – was deservingly the $5 million worth performance.

The initial series though pales in comparison to AI. While the stage dazzled with outstanding video background and most of the numbers had standout props and showgirlinfluenced choreography, the contestants had to contend with minus-one accompaniment (with exception to a few instances). I did not see a full-band as AI has nor did the contestants ever thank this-or-than accompanist. I guess that is the reason why Josh Krajcik settled with his acoustic guitar for his final competition song “At Last”. And did you not notice that Simon Cowell was more tame less acerbic? We loved to hate him, but in X-Factor he was like a teddy bear.

With the overcrowded talent competition shows on television, X Factor may have to introduce new things to make a more attractive series and do away with unwanted elements starting with presenter Steve Jones. (CORD)

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MELANIE AMARO GOT X-FACTOR

19-year-old Melanie Amaro took the long road towards winning X Factor USA 2011. It was her mother who pushed her to join the competition, and she nearly missed the first round of the audition failing to get a Fast Pass at the local FOX news in Florida, resulting in her joining the line with all the thousands of other contestants. When she passed her audition with the judges, she wasn’t chosen by Simon Cowell in his select three finalists, only to be visited by Cowell in her home in Florida to join in the finals.

From thereon, it wasn’t so difficult to shine – for truly she had the X-Factor that as her mother puts it, “God gave you this gift and he wants the whole world to hear.” And who did Melanie thank most for her victory? God. (CORD)

LISTEN http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KR6mHM GLVnk&feature=related VERSE 1: A E Listen F#m C#m7 To the song here in my heart D E A melody I start but can't complete CORD January 2012

A E Listen (mmm) F#m C#m7 To the sound from deep within D E It's only beginning to find release C Oh, the time has come E7 For my dreams to be heard Page 28

Am G They will not be pushed aside and turned F E (or E7) Into your own, all 'cause you won’t listen CHORUS: A Listen E I am alone at a crossroads F#m I'm not at home in my own home E And I've tried and tried D To say what's on my mind E You should have known A E Oh, now I'm done believing you You don't know what I'm feeling D/F# E/G# I'm more than what you made of me C#m7 F#m I found the voice you gave to me D/A E But now I've got to find my own VERSE 2: A E You should have listened F#m C#m7 There is someone here inside D E Someone I thought had died so long ago C Oh, I'm screamin out E7 And my dreams will be heard Am G They will not be pushed aside or worse F E (or E7) Into your own, all 'cause you won't listen CHORUS: A Listen

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E I am alone at a crossroads F#m I'm not at home in my own home E And I've tried and tried D To say what's on my mind E You should have known A E Oh, now I'm done believing you You don't know what I'm feeling D/F# E/G# I'm more than what you made of me C#m7 F#m I found the voice you gave to me D/A A - Ab - G - F# - C But now I've got to find my own BRIDGE: C E7 I don't know where I belong Am G But I'll be moving on F E (or E7) If you don't, if you won't A E Listen F#m C#m7 To the song here in my heart D E A melody I start but I will complete 2nd part of CHORUS: A E Oh, now I'm done believing you You don't know what I'm feeling D/F# E/G# I'm more than what you made of me C#m7 F#m I found the voice you think you gave to me D/A E A But now I've got to find my own, my own

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FACT SHEET: ADELE Real name: Adele Laurie Blue Adkins Date of Birth: 5 May 1988 Place of Birth: Tottenham, England Occupation: Singer-songwriter Genres: Soul, Blues, Pop Albums: 19 released 2008; 21 released 2011 Awards and Accolades: First recipient of the Brit Awards “Critics’ Choice” Best New Artist and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance Grammy Awards 2009 First living artist to achieve the feat of two top five hits in both the UK Official Singles Chart and the Official Albums Chart simultaneously since the Beatles in 1964 Longest ever by a female solo artist on the UK albums chart, surpassing Madonna’s nine weeks at number one in 1990 CORD January 2012

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SOMEONE LIKE YOU

http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=hLQl3WQQoQ0&ob=av2e Verse 1

A A/Ab I heard that you’re settled down F#m That you found a girl D And you’re married now A A/Ab I heard that your dreams came true F#m Guess she gave you things D I didn’t give to you A A/Ab Old friend why are you so shy F#m It ain’t like you to hold back D Or hide from life Bridge E F#m D I hate to turn up out of the blue uninvited but I couldn’t stay away I couldn’t fight it E I’d hoped you’d see my face F#m D Dmaj7 D And that you’d be reminded that for me it isn’t over Chorus A E F#m D Never mind, I’ll find someone like you A E F#m D I wish nothing but the best for you too A E F#m D Don’t forget me I beg I re-member you said A E F#m D Sometimes it lasts in love but sometimes it hurts in-stead A E F#m D Sometimes it lasts in love but sometimes it hurts instead, yeah CORD January 2012

Verse 2 A A/Ab You’d know how time flies F#m Only yesterday D was the time of our lives A We were born and raised A/Ab In a summer haze F#m D Bound by the surprise of our glory days Bridge Chorus Break E Nothing compares no worries or cares F#m Regrets and mistakes their memories make D Who would have known how Bm C#m D Bitter-sweet this would taste Chorus A E F#m D Never mind, I’ll find someone like you A E F#m D I wish nothing but the best for you too A E F#m D Don’t forget me I beg I re-member you said A E F#m D Sometimes it lasts in love but sometimes it hurts in-stead A E F#m D Sometimes it lasts in love but sometimes it hurts instead, yeah Chorus / Outro A E F#m D Never mind I’ll find someone like you A E F#m D I wish nothing but the best for you too Page 32

Verse 1 A A/Ab I heard that you’re settled down F#m That you found a girl D And you’re married now A A/Ab I heard that your dreams came true F#m Guess she gave you things D I didn’t give to you A A/Ab

G# D# Should I give up,

Fm C# A#m Or Should I just keep chasing pavements?

A#m C# D# Even if it leads no where,

G# D# Or would it be a waste?

Fm C# Even If I knew my place,

A#m D# should I leave it there ?

G# D# Should I give up,

Fm C# A#m Or should I just keep chasing pavements?

C# A#m D# G# Even if it leads nowheeeeeeee--ere VERSE:

CHASING PAVEMENTS http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08DjMTqR9g&ob=av2e Cm I’ve made up my mind,

Gm Don’t need to think it over,

G# If I’m wrong I am right,

Gm Don’t need to look no further,

G# This ain’t lust, A# D# Cm Gm I know this is love but,

D# If I tell the world,

Gm I’ll never say enough,

Cm Cause it was not said to you,

Gm And that’s exactly what I need to do,

G# A# If I’m in love with you, CHORUS: CORD January CORD January2012 2012

Cm I’d build myself up,

Gm And fly around in circles,

Cm Wait then as my heart drops,

Gm And my back begins to tingle

G# A# Finally could this be it CHORUS:

G# D# Should I give up,

Fm C# A#m Or should I just keep chasing pavements?

A#m C# D# Even if it leads no where,

G# D# Or would it be a waste?

Fm C# Even If I knew my place,

A#m D# should I leave it there ?

G# D# Should I give up,

Fm C# A#m Or should I just keep chasing pavements?

C# A#m D# G# Even if it leads nowheee eeeee--ere

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ROLLING IN THE DEEP

http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=rYEDA3JcQqw&ob=av2e

Cm Gm There’s a fire starting in my heart Bb Gm Bb Reaching a fever pitch and it’s bringing me out the dark Cm Gm Finally I can see you crystal clear Bb Gm Bb Go ahead and sell me out and a I’ll lay your shit bare Cm Gm See how I’ll leave with every piece of you Bb Gm Bb Don’t underestimate the things that I will do Cm Gm There’s a fire starting in my heart Bb Gm Bb Reaching a fever pitch and it’s bringing me out the dark G# Bb Gm The scars of your love remind me of us G# They keep me thinking that we almost had it all G# Bb Gm The scars of your love they leave me breathless G I can’t help feeling [chorus]

Cm Bb We could have had it all (You’re gonna wish you never had met me) G# Bb Rolling in the deep (Tears are gonna fall rolling in the deep) Cm Bb You had my heart inside of your hand (You’re gonna wish you never had met me) G# Bb And you played it to the beat (Tears are gonna fall rolling in the deep) Cm Gm Baby I have no story to be told Bb Gm CORD January 2012

Bb

But I’ve heard one on you and I’m gonna make your head burn Cm Gm Think of me in the depths of your despair Bb Gm Bb Make a home down there as mine sure won’t be shared G# Bb Gm The scars of your love remind me of us G# They keep me thinking that we almost had it all G# Bb Gm The scars of your love they leave me breathless G I can’t help feeling [chorus]

Cm Bb We could have had it all (You’re gonna wish you never had met me) G# Bb Rolling in the deep (Tears are gonna fall rolling in the deep) Cm Bb You had my heart inside of your hand (You’re gonna wish you never had met me) G# Bb And you played it to the beat (Tears are gonna fall rolling in the deep) Cm Bb We could have had it all G# Bb Rolling in the deep G# You had my heart inside of your hand Bb And you played it to the beat Cm Gm Throw your soul through every open door Bb Gm Bb Count your blessings to find what you look for Cm Gm Turn my sorrow into treasured gold Cm Gm You’ll pay me back in kind and reap just Bb what you’ve sown Page 34

MUSIC + CURRENT

Jesus Freak Hideout.com released its list of Top 10 Albums of 2011: 1. Vice Verses, Switchfoot; 2. The Reckoning, Needtobreathe; 3. With Shivering Hearts We Wait, Blindside; 4. Your Sparkling Death Cometh, Falling Up; 5. Children of Fire, Oh, Sleeper; 6.

Young Love, Mat Kearney; 7. Ghosts Upon the Earth, Gungor; 8.

All Things Bright and Beautiful, Owl City; 9. The Valley, Eisley; 10. We Do What We Want, Emery…On the heels of releasing their highly acclaimed rock worship project, God's Not Dead, Newsboys will embark on their biggest tour yet, the "God's Not Dead Tour" starting Jan 12th and running through May 5th, in over 60 cities across the U.S. Joining Newsboys on the tour will be special guests The City Harmonic (winners of GMA Canada's New Artist of the Year award), the high-energy pop foursome Anthem Lights, and the rock-driven group Abandon….All Sons & Daughters, the Franklin, Tennessee-based duo of Leslie Jordan and David Leonard, returns in 2012 with a second digital EP, Reason to Sing, following their first full-length album, Season One. Working again with producer Paul Mabury (Hillsong/Brandon Heath/One Sonic Society), Jordan and Leonard, who serve as worship leaders for Franklin's Journey Church, offer up six new songs for Reason to Sing, which releases January 17. The track list includes the modern psalm "Buried in the Grave," co-written with Hillsong's Mia Fieldes, and "Oh Our Lord," a celebration of the God of Creation penned with Dove Award-winning writer Paul Baloche...Rachel Chan's highly anticipated debut project, Go, hits stores on January 10, 2012, released through in:ciite Media and its distribution partner EMI-CMG Christian Music Distribution. The 16-year-old daughter of New York Times Best-Selling Author, Pastor and Speaker Francis Chan, is excited to step into the spotlight to share her fresh, youthful sound and lyrics with an audience to which she can relate - teens."I'm excited to share my new music with everyone, especially people my age," said Rachel. "If one of my songs impacts an individual in a positive way and inspires them to spread the name of Jesus Christ, then I've accomplished my Goal for Go. Teens need to hear from someone who ultimately understands and can relate to their struggles”...

Five-time Gospel Music Association Group of the Year, Casting Crowns adds another honor to its list of accolades with a 2011 American Music Award.

The band won for “Favorite Artist” in the Contemporary Inspirational category, announced during a live broadcast of the 39th annual AMAs on ABC.Casting Crowns’ second win, from six career AMA nominations, the group shared the category with other Alist Christian artists tobyMac and Third Day. For the fifth year, winners were determined by online voting.

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CORD IMAGES

by Peter Gayaman

OG: Open Gathering 2011 The True Meaning of Christmas December 18, 2011 Blessed John Paul II Mass Centre Albany, Auckland

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CORD Wishes Readers and Sponsors A Blessed New Year

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POETRY A Song for New Year’s Eve William Cullen Bryant (1859) Stay yet, my friends, a moment stay‚— Stay till the good old year, So long companion of our way, Shakes hands, and leaves us here.

Oh stay, oh stay, One little hour, and then away.

The year, whose hopes were high and strong, Has now no hopes to wake; Yet one hour more of jest and song For his familiar sake.

Oh stay, oh stay, One mirthful hour, and then away.

The kindly year, his liberal hands Have lavished all his store.

And shall we turn from where he stands, Because he gives no more?

Oh stay, oh stay, One grateful hour, and then away.

Days brightly came and calmly went, While yet he was our guest; How cheerfully the week was spent!

How sweet the seventh day’s rest!

Oh stay, oh stay, One golden hour, and then away.

Dear friends were with us, some who sleep Beneath the coffin-lid: What pleasant memories we keep Of all they said and did!

Oh stay, oh stay, One tender hour, and then away.

Even while we sing, he smiles his last, And leaves our sphere behind.

The good old year is with the past; Oh be the new as kind!

Oh stay, oh stay, One parting strain, and then away.

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HAIKUS M Batulan

Typhoon Sendong comes Like a thief in the dark morn Great water he dumps *** Sound asleep at dawn Flash flood in river of life Death has come to town *** A mother’s embrace She cries helplessly, ‘My child’ So strange are God’s ways *** Do you hear the screams?

Muffled by the Christmas bells Let us sing the hymns *** People marching in Shovels on hand, loving hearts In land of ruin *** In the worst of times The best in us springs alive Love, O, Love Divine CORD January 2012

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TO SENDONG VICTIMS: HELP IS ON THE WAY

Typhoon Sendong killed 1,200 people with still many unaccounted for. The damage estimated at P1 billion, has affected 100,000 individuals mostly in two major cities, Cagayan de Oro (CDO) and Iligan in Mindanao.

Telibert Taoc, a ranking official of NAMFREL, went on a mission in Iligan and wrote one account: “Friends Gemma and Lorena were seated beside each other in the auditorium of the Iligan City National High School. They, along with 300 others who have evacuated to the Iligan Institute of Technology gymnasium, were bussed to the auditorium to be with the president (Noynoy Aquino).

Gemma relates that the flood waters came rushing in barangay, village of Pindugangan at one o’clock in the morning of December 17, Saturday. A log struck the house! She tried to get out but the strong flow of the water had held the door shut tight. Trapped down by the dresser and the ref that were dislodged from their places, she had to push away and made her way out through the window. She swam until she was able to hold on to a coconut tree and climbed up to safety. One of her neighbors had a seven-month old child, another had a four-month old baby -- she wonders where they are now.”

According to Telibert, other than sending of donations, volunteers and victims need hope and encouragement and writing them a note of inspiration and support would be a great help as well. Mae Melchor whose sister was spared from the devastation in CDO, was so moved by what she saw and heard,proposed a little reach out and was moved by the positive responses from relatives and friends: “Pledges were overwhelming... It was an extraordinary experience… more than the relief goods we gave, the victims need a listening ear and a comforting hug.”

While Telibert, Mae and countless other volunteers have lent their hands during the most critical times, a lot of Filipinos in other parts of the Philippines and the world have extended help to those affected. As of December 28, the donations and pledges from abroad have reached some $12.613 million (P554.362 million), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

In Auckland for instance the 1,600-strong Auckland NZ Pinoy yahoo group raised more than P60,000; while the Katilingbang Bisaya sa New Zealand generated cash donations of nearly P25,000.

The good news really is that Filipino communities throughout the globe have responded to the distress call; and if the remitted funds will reach the beneficiaries, then outbreak of diseases will be prevented; rehabilitation of damaged infrastructure can be fast-tracked; and basic necessities will be provided to those in need. Hopefully, normalcy can be restored sooner than later. There is hope for the victims of typhoon Sendong; there is hope for the Philippines. (CORD) CORD January 2012

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Sunog’s Fable The Firefly and the Mosquito

The typhoon left the forest in disarray. Firefly and Mosquito found themselves together in the deepest part of the forest.

“Mosquito, would you want to join me as I seek the moon tree where I come from?” asked Firefly.

Replied Mosquito, “No, thank you.”

“Very well, I respect your decision. I shall leave you to start my journey,” continued Firefly as he flew away from the leaf where he and Mosquito stayed for refuge.

Feeling afraid and alone, Mosquito began his flight as he shouted, “Wait for me, I have nobody with me here anyway.”

As they went their way, Mosquito told Firefly, “Since you are the one leading me into this journey, it is your responsibility to make sure that we shall arrive safely.” Countered Firefly, “Since this is our journey, we must share equal responsibility. It is just fair. As we share in the sacrifice, together we shall reap our reward.”

With an evil smile, Mosquito nodded, yet at the back of his mind all he wanted was to get away from the deep forest and go to a place where children lived. For Mosquito had missed the taste of children’s blood.

The night had fallen and the forest grew darker. As Firefly lighted a lamp, he asked Mosquito to do likewise. But Mosquito shot back at him, “You have been dictating me on what to do. I refuse.”

At that moment, three fireflies carrying their lamps chanced upon the travellers. “Can we join you?,” chorused the trio. “Please join us as we seek the moon tree,” replied Firefly, “but may I request you to carry your lamps as we travel?” “Of course, of course,” answered the trio gleefully.

“Why do you seek the moon tree?”, Mosquito questioned suspiciously.

“The moon tree gathers the children of the village. And when they come near the tree, they sing, they dance, they laugh. It is such a joyous experience, “ explained Firefly. And the trio added, “We would not want the children to be unhappy.”

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The group reached the end of the forest. The sky was dark without the moon and with only a few stars. The village laid ahead. One solitary tree stood on a hill overlooking the village. “It’s our moon tree!, It’s our moon tree!,” loudly proclaimed the trio. Mosquito was disappointed. He saw nothing unusual with the tree. “That is nothing, but a dark and ugly tree,” he mocked the fireflies.

Suddenly, voices of children moving toward the tree were heard. “Aha! Food, glorious food!,” Mosquito told himself silently. Without saying goodbye to the fireflies, he broke away from the group and hid behind a bush, prepared to choose his prey. Firefly and his threesome friends hurriedly proceeded to the moon tree. And as the children gathered around, the moon tree lighted up brightly and beautifully just as Firefly and his friends were welcomed by other fireflies, who had gathered among the leaves of the moon tree, bringing with them their tiny lighted lamps. While the children merrily danced around the moon tree, Mosquito was filled with excitement for he had chosen a child-prey. But, then, he failed to notice that behind him was a hungry frog. Poor, selfish Mosquito, he became the frog’s supper that night.

Firefly was happy for he was back with his loved ones and that he had seen once more the happy faces of the children. His fellow fireflies in the moon tree, who truly cared for him, were glad for their brave lost brother Firefly was home at last. (taken from the book, “The Rooster whose Crow was a Bleat and Other Short Stories”) CORD January 2012

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We Need You TawagAwit invites you to help in spreading God’s Word through music and other acts of love.

You can be a: (1) member; (2) supporter or (3) organizer A member is one who can attend to the regular activities of the Ministry.

The minimum participation are: attendance during practice sessions of songs, usually once a week or once every two weeks AND singing with the group during the assigned mass usually once a month or once every two months.

A supporter is one who can donate services or resources to the Ministry.

There are special events that TawagAwit organizes and the events need finances or helping hands.

Email: librelaw@yahoo.com for more information CORD January 2012

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BEST OF BLOTFREE

By Bro Mel B Libre

(Published on June 16, 2008)

Iron Man

Accustomed to having domestic helpers in the Philippines, most Filipinos who reside in foreign lands feel burdened with household chores waiting for them after work hours. Residing in Auckland, New Zealand, my family has managed to carry out the tasks at home through division of labour. Thus when I learned that a film on Marvel Comic hero Iron Man was released in cinema houses, I was excited. You see, I carry the name “Iron Man” for myself as far as work at home is concerned: I may not have superpowers to save the world, but I do keep all the clothing of family members tidy and well pressed. My weekly assignment is to iron clothes, pants and others.

Last Wednesday, I did my usual job but had to spend more than an extra hour getting things done, as most of the clothes were not totally dry. The sun had been hidden for days as clouds poured rain endlessly. It was obvious that clothes hung out and dried by the sun are far easier to iron than those partially wet. But even with dry ones, it is difficult to iron certain areas like the upper part of sleeves and the hip portion of pants. But the most demanding are the long towels and thick blankets.

By analogy, people ought to be out in the sun – interacting with fellow beings. God washes us of our sins upon baptism and sends us into the world. “(A)nd this water symbolises baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 3:21) We are to become light to others with our words and our deeds. “You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.” (1 Thessalonians 5:5) But there are many occasions that our brightness and warmth are dimmed with sins thrown our way by Satan. “Woe to the world for such temptations to sin and influences to do wrong! It is necessary that temptations come, but woe to the person on whose account or by whom the temptation comes!” (Matthew 18:7) The more sins we are contaminated with, the more that we distance ourselves from God. “See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.” (Hebrews 3:12) But what is most wonderful is that God is a forgiving God. “Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.” (Micah 7:18) For it is His desire that when we come before Him we are in our Sunday’s best, not only from without, but more importantly from within. “People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7) CORD January 2012

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GOOD LAUGH Q: What makes a superhero?

A: Comic writers and illustrators. *** Q: Who is the most powerful superhero of all?

A: In which universe, Marvel or DC? *** Q: Why doesn’t Superman wear a mask?

A: He doesn’t want to hide his good looks. *** Q: Bats fly why doesn’t Batman?

A: Actually, it’s only his costume that says he is Batman, but he isn’t really – for he doesn’t have wings. Have you seen a bat with a cape? *** Q: If you are afraid of the dark which superhero do you call on?

A: It’s a toss between Green Lantern and the Torch. *** Q. What’s the favourite season of the year for the X-Men? A: X-mas. *** Q: Will Captain America be ever promoted?

A: He is always promoted -- as a brand. *** Q: What would happen when Ironman grows old?

A: People will junk him. *** Q: What is the occupation of Thor?

A: He must be a carpenter; he always has a hammer. *** Q: Who is Hulk most afraid of?

A: An anger management therapist.

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KIM & EL

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MR JEYDI’S WITDOM

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Jam n’ Dance

By Jam Parado

Q: What new project are you pursuing in 2012?

A: I’m helping out the cultural group of KBNZ in their presentation for the annual Sinulog festival in Auckland.

Q: Can you describe it to us?

A: Since the festival organisers are adopting a regional theme, KBNZ has been assigned to the birthplace of Christianity in the Philippines, Cebu which is home to the biggest festival of the country, the Sinulog. So we are presenting the origin of the first Sinulog when Ferdinand Magellan gifts the Queen of Cebu with the image of the Sto. Nino. It will not be in a historical context, but with a bit of fantasy.

Q. Can you expound on that?

A. Without revealing so much of the presentation, let us just say that it’ll blend dancing with singing. So there’s a bit of theatre, a bit of the traditional Sinulog dance and a bit of modern touch.

Q. How are the preparations?

A. We are working on a very tight schedule and budget, so we have to be more creative in our designs so that it’ll be affordable without taking away the colour and festivity of the presentation.

Q: Will the group be as big as last year’s award winning presentation?

A: While there will be fewer dancers, we are making sure that we won’t compromise the presentation because of the number.

Q: Is the presentation competing with those of other participants?

A: I don’t think so. And that is for the best. While contests do bring the best out of dancers, the Sinulog is not an ideal stage, as it is meant as an offering to the patron saint of Cebu, the Child Jesus. The dances are one of faith, and you don’t compete for God’s attention, rather you offer your best to Him.

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Adventures of Tintin This movie is a collaboration of two superstar producer-directors Steven Spielberg (Indiana Jones, Jurassic Park) and Peter Jackson (Lord of the Rings, King Kong) as such there was much hype prior to its theatrical release. Based on three stories of the popular comic books created

by Belgian artist Hergé (Georges Remi), the film adoption was shot in performance capture 3D. This is Spielberg’s first attempt to direct an animated film, and his masterful strokes keep us glued to every sequence that most often sees the investigative boy reporter pursuing clues to solve the puzzle. Actually, Tintin is like a young Indiana Jones who crosses oceans, journeys deserts, rides through the sky, and secures the prized treasure; only that he is a journalist and he’s got a dog, Snowy, that is far more intelligent than the Thompson twins. So in the hands of director Spielberg, Tintin is safe and secure – and the audience will surely want a sequel.

The good news is that two sequels have been lined-up with Peter Jackson directing the next one, and the third instalment with Spielberg and Jackson co-directing. Tintin fans waited patiently for decades to see this worthy interpretation of the comic books, and three-five years won’t be too long a wait for the next.

CORD January 2012

Mars Needs Moms

New Year’s Eve

This film cost Disney $150 million to produce, with only $39,549,758 box office receipt.

Shot in motion capture the movie is based on the Berkeley Breathed book of the same title. In summary, the story is about a nine-year old boy whose mother was abducted by Martians, and he pursues a rescue with the help of a stranded adult and a rebellious Martian girl Ki. Robert Zemeckis who worked on such films as Polar Express, Beuwolf and A Christmas Carol, served as producer.

Featuring some of finest actors of Hollywood, this film is a brilliantly tied-up vignette of interesting people as the clock nears 12midnight of December 31, 2011. Among the characters are Claire Morgan (Hilary Swank) who is responsible for the ball drop in Times Square; secretary Ingrid (Michelle Pfeiffer) who quits her job wanting to fulfil in one day her wish list; costumes designer Kim (Sarah Jessica Parker) who is loveless and is having a problem with her daughter Hailey (Abigail Breslin); and comic book illustrator Randy (Ashton Kutcher), who hates New Year’s Eve after his girlfriend left him on a date, gets stuck in an elevator with Elise (Lea Michele), an aspiring singer. It takes the genius of director Gary Marshall to put together a big ensemble and deliver a touching film that makes us reflect on how precious time is, how important relationships are, how life can be so short, yet meaningful. What is intriguing in the film is the connection of some characters to the other; and the conclusion leaves one a good feeling. This is a must see movie.

The film is quite engaging, as it follows the adventure of Milo who never gives up to save his mother from death. Ki is a delightful character who has absorbed earth pop culture circa 1960s Flower Power; and leads in the re-establishment of couple power as against women empowerment. While I was engrossed on the film, my 4-year old grandson started to do other things, having lost the plot of the story.

And I guess this is why the movie tanked in the box office; it was too heavy on issues for children and youths to appreciate. Also, the novelty of motion capture animation is starting to wear off. If you missed it in the theatres, you ought to buy or rent the video.

MOVIE REVIEWS Page 49

GUITAR CHORD CHART

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Read Past Issues. http://issuu.com/meel/docs/cord_october_2011

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CORD January 2012

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CORD

CORD is an experimental digital publication.

Its mission is to promote love, peace and harmony through positive music and inspiring articles and literary works under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

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CORD January 2012

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