Welcome - willkommen!


Blogging in English und auf Deutsch.
English: A key topic of this blog certainly is Bullying, and what can be done against it.
Deutsch: Ein Kernthema dieses Blogs is ganz sicherlich Mobbing, und was dagegen getan werden kann.
E: There are still lots of other topics here, too - feel free to cruise around and take a look :-)!
D: Es gibt aber auch noch viele andere Themen - schaut Euch einfach um :-)!
E: I look forward to comments on my blog entries!
D: Ich freue mich über Kommentare zu meinen Blog-Einträgen!

In the banner picture: Libera.

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

...cause it always gives me hope




"oh yea I all most forgot.
every day i watch this video
cause it always gives me hope.
i dont miss even one day.
i would like you to watch it mr michael."


"Ach ja, das hätte ich beinahe vergessen.
Jeden Tag schaue ich mir dieses Video hier an,
weil es mir immer Hoffnung gibt.
Ich verpasse das keinen einzigen Tag.
Ich möchte gerne, dass Du es Dir anschaust,
Mister Michael."


From / Aus
CONVERSATIONS WITH KELVIN
GESPRÄCHE MIT KELVIN

March 6th 2009 (EST)
7. März 2009 (GMT+1)

______________________________


Dies ist für die Zuschauer meines Videos

THINGS THAT KEL LIKED

die aus Deutschland kommen
und sich trotz der Einschränkungen auf YouTube
Kels Lieblingsvideo ansehen möchten.

.

Shayne Orok, COME HOME (by One Republic)




Hello world, hope you're listening
Forgive me if I'm young or speaking out of turn
But there's someone that I've been missin'
And i think that they could be the better half of me
They're in the wrong place, tryin' to make it right
And I´m tired of justifying
Come home, come home
'Cause I've been waitin' for ya, for so long, for so long
And right now there's a war between the vanities
But all I see is you an' me
And the fight for you is all I've ever known
So come home
I get lost in the beauty
of everything I see, the world ain't half as bad as they paint it to be
If all the sons, all the daughters, stop to take it in
Hopefully, the hate subsides, and the love can begin
It might start now, or maybe I'm just dreamin' out loud, but until then
Come home, come home
'Cause I've been waitin' for ya, for so long, for so long
And right now there's a war between the vanities
But all I see is you an' me
And the fight for you is all I've ever known (ever known)
So come home
Everything I cant't be, is everything you should be
And that's why I need you here
Everything I can't be, is everything you should be
And that's why I need you here
So hear this now
Come home, come home
'Cause I've been waitin' for ya, for so long, for so long
And right now there's a war between the vanities
But all I see is you an' me
And the fight for you is all I've ever known (ever known)
So come home
Come home
______________________________

visit
Shayne's YouTube Channel
______________________________

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Monday, December 28, 2009

Things that Kel liked


This is a selection of things that Kel liked,
in real life, and on YouTube.

Every topic in the video is presented by an original quote by Kel,
or by by his best friend, Cory,
who was of invaluable assistance to me,
by sending a list of things he remembered,
that Kel was fond of,
to add up to the things I knew about myself.

______________________________

I dedicate this video to you, Cory.
I could not have made it, without you.

~Michael

______________________________


Here's the trailer to Pixar's hilarious movie
UP

Here's the video
Bernard: Ice Climbing


Here's Kel's favourite YouTube video:
Billy Gilman, OKLAHOMA


Für Leser aus Deutschland:
Billy Gilman, OKLAHOMA

______________________________


Music:

Libera
ATTENDITE


Seo Sang In,
SARANGHAE SARANGHAL SU EOPSEUL MANKKEUM

Thank you very much,
Katy Maurer from KoME Germany

You have been of great help to me,
finding this song by Seo Sang In,
that Kel loved so much!

______________________________


Find the wonderful music of Libera
on CD and DVD 

here
______________________________


.

Friday, December 25, 2009

CAROL OF THE BELLS




A wonderful tune
fit for the holiday season ...

Although:

It's such beautiful music
that I can listen to it
every day of the year.

Does that make every day Christmas Day?

Hm ...

I guess, I wouldn't mind.

______________________________


In view:

Musicians from the Windham Hill label

among them

Michael Manring
(fretless bass guitar)

Andy Narrell
(steel pan)

Liz Story
(piano)

and others more

______________________________

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Thursday, December 17, 2009

The Christmas Shoes


It was almost Christmas time
There I stood in another line
Tryin' to buy that last gift or two
Not really in the Christmas mood

Standing right in front of me
Was a little boy waiting anxiously
Pacing 'round like little boys do
And in his hands he held a pair of shoes

His clothes were worn and old
He was dirty from head to toe
And when it came his time to pay
I couldn't believe what I heard him say

Sir, I want to buy these shoes for my Mama, please
It's Christmas Eve and these shoes are just her size
Could you hurry, sir
Daddy says there's not much time
You see she's been sick for quite a while
And I know these shoes would make her smile
And I want her to look beautiful
If Mama meets Jesus tonight ...

He counted pennies for what seemed like years
Then the cashier said, "Son, there's not enough here"
He searched his pockets frantically
Then he turned and he looked at me

He said "Mama made Christmas good at our house
Though most years she just did without
Tell me, sir, what am I going to do,
Somehow I've got to buy her these Christmas shoes ..."

So I laid the money down
I just had to help him out
I'll never forget the look on his face when he said
"Mama's gonna look so great!"

Sir, I want to buy these shoes for my Mama, please
It's Christmas Eve and these shoes are just her size
Could you hurry, sir
Daddy says there's not much time
You see she's been sick for quite a while
And I know these shoes would make her smile
And I want her to look beautiful
If Mama meets Jesus tonight

I knew I'd caught a glimpse of heaven's love
As he thanked me and ran out
I knew that God had sent that little boy
To remind me just what Christmas is all about

Sir, I want to buy these shoes for my Mama, please
It's Christmas Eve and these shoes are just her size
Could you hurry, sir
Daddy says there's not much time
You see she's been sick for quite a while
And I know these shoes would make her smile
And I want her to look beautiful
If Mama meets Jesus tonight ...


______________________________
sung by
Vinny Bonina
and his brother Joey
______________________________
.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Reinhard Mey, DIE KINDER VON IZIEU


Reinhard Mey

Words and music
by Reinhard Mey
______________________________




I include the German lyrics, and I also made an English translation that you can find further down below.

I am deeply impressed by this song, which tells about events that actually happened in 1944 ... I am saddened, yes - but not made helpless by it.

It is so important not to forget these things. It is true that decades have passed, and we, sadly, cannot change any of the atrocities that our forbears have caused.

But: We can and  must  remain always aware of those events, so that we are able to prevent them from happening again. And to do so, we have to be able to see the signs in time, and not let any of that happen again.

This is our heritage, and responsibility.

______________________________

Sie war‘n voller Neugier, sie war‘n voller Leben,
Die Kinder, und sie waren vierundvierzig an der Zahl
Sie war‘n genau wie ihr, sie war‘n wie alle Kinder eben
Im Haus in Izieu hoch über'm Rhônetal

Auf der Flucht vor den Deutschen zusammengetrieben
Und hinter jedem Namen steht bitteres Leid
Alle sind ganz allein auf der Welt geblieben
Aneinandergelehnt in dieser Mörderzeit

Im Jahr vierundvierzig, der Zeit der fleiß‘gen Schergen
Der Spitzel und Häscher, zur Menschenjagd bestellt
Hier wird sie keiner finden, hier oben in den Bergen
Die Kinder von Izieu, hier am Ende der Welt

Joseph, der kann malen: Landschaften mit Pferden
Théodore, der den Hühnern und Küh‘n das Futter bringt
Liliane, die so schön schreibt, sie soll einmal Dichterin werden
Der kleine Raoul, der den lieben langen Tag über singt

Und Elie, Sami, Max und Sarah, wie sie alle heißen
Jedes hat seine Gabe, sein Talent, seinen Part
Jedes ist ein Geschenk, und keines wird man denen entreißen
Die sie hüten und lieben, ein jedes auf seine Art

Doch es schwebt über jedem Spiel längst eine böse Ahnung
Die Angst vor Entdeckung über jedem neuen Tag
Und hinter jedem Lachen klingt schon die dunkle Mahnung
Dass jedes Auto, das kommt, das Verhängnis bringen mag

Am Morgen des Gründonnerstag sind sie gekommen
Soldaten in langen Mänteln und Männer in Zivil
Ein Sonnentag ... Sie haben alle, alle mitgenommen
Auf Lastwagen gestoßen, und sie nannten kein Ziel

Manche fingen in ihrer Verzweiflung an zu singen
Manche haben gebetet, wieder andre blieben stumm
Manche haben geweint und alle, alle gingen
Den gleichen Weg in ihr Martyrium

Die Chronik zeigt genau die Listen der Namen
Die Nummer des Waggons und an welchem Zug er hing
Die Nummer des Transports mit dem sie ins Lager kamen
Die Chronik zeigt, dass keines den Mördern entging

Heute hör‘ ich, wir soll‘n das in die Geschichte einreihen
Und es muss doch auch mal Schluss sein, endlich, nach all den Jahr‘n
Ich rede und ich singe und wenn es sein muss, werd‘ ich schreien
Damit unsre Kinder erfahren, wer sie war‘n

Der Älteste war siebzehn, der Jüngste grad vier Jahre
Von der Rampe in Birkenau in die Gaskammern geführt
Ich werd‘ sie mein Leben lang sehn und bewahre
Ihre Namen in meiner Seele eingraviert

Sie war‘n voller Neugier, sie war‘n voller Leben,
Die Kinder, und sie waren vierundvierzig an der Zahl.
Sie war‘n genau wie ihr, sie war‘n wie alle Kinder eben
Im Haus in Izieu hoch über'm Rhônetal



______________________________






They were full of curiosity, they were full of life
The children, and they were forty-four in numbers
They were just like you, they were just like all children
At the house in Izieu, high above the Rhône valley

On their flight from the Germans rounded up,
And behind every name, there is bitter misery
They all stayed back all alone in this world,
Huddled together in these murderous times

In the year forty-four, during the time of the busy henchmen,
Of the spies and the bloodhounds, destined for the man-hunt
Here, no one will find them, up here in the mountains
The children of Izieu, here, at the end of the world

Joseph, he can paint: Landscapes with horses
Théodore, who brings fodder for the chickens and cows
Liliane, who can write so neatly, she shall be a poet one day
Little Raoul, who is singing the live-a-long day

And Elie, Sami, Max and Sarah, and all the others there
Every one  has  their gift, their talent, their part
Every one  is  a gift, and none shall be torn away
From those who look after them and love them, each for their own

But for long already, a dark foreboding hovers over every game
The fear of discovery overshadows each day
And behind the laughter, there resounds a dark warning
That every car that arrives might bring an ill fate.

On the morning of Maundy Thursday they came
Soldiers in long coats, others civilian-clothed, too
A sunny day ... they took them all, every one
Shoved them on trucks, not saying where they were bound

Some started to sing in their despair
Some were praying, and others remained silent
Some have been crying, and all went away
On the same path, into their torment

The chronicle shows exactly the list of their names
The number of the freight car, and to which train it was joined
The number of the transport, that took them to the camp
The chronicle shows, that none got away from the murderers

Today, I hear that we should leave it all be part of history
And that there finally must be an end to it, after all of these years
I speak, and I sing, and if I must, I will scream
So our children will know, who they were

The oldest one was only seventeen, the youngest only four
Led away from the Birkenau ramp to the chambers of gas
I will see them for all of my life, and I will keep
Their names, engraved in my soul

They were full of curiosity, they were full of life
The children, and they were forty-four in numbers
They were just like you, they were just like all children
At the house in Izieu, high above the Rhône valley

______________________________

.

Friday, December 4, 2009

Yes, WHERE WILL YOU BE


Where will you be when you're not here
How many lives in this earth time
You are my soul and this you are
Two souls intertwined that's what we are

We can we walk hand in hand
All the life
Be the one everything to me
You I am dreaming

We have lived and known before
I feel it
Where will you lie

When will I know
When you are gone
Where I be and I will miss you
We are this love in this life
Two souls intertwined like once before

See this meeting, hand in hand
Every life
Be the one everything to me
You are my feeling

No need to fear this love of life
We are the truth of every earth life
No need to fear this life at all
We are the sun and everlasting life

Where will you be hearing this song
How many lives in this earth time

You are my soul and this you are
You are my soul and this you are

Where will you be

.

Jon Anderson STATE OF INDEPENDENCE


Jon Anderson, co-founder and long term lead vocalist and lyricist of the British Art Rock / Prog Rock band Yes, was my first real favourite singer. This fancy started back in the mid / end 1970's, and over the decades (... oh my gosh - I am OLD!), he has kept me fascinated with his work, and his voice.

In the 1980's, Jon Anderson collaborated with Greek composer and multi instrumentalist Vangelis, and the albums of "Jon and Vangelis" brought forth several pop classics.

One of those songs is STATE OF INDEPENDENCE, which many out there will know better from the cover version sung by Donna Summer. The original, though the song was composed and recorded by Jon and Vangelis in 1981, and released on their album THE FRIENDS OF MR CAIRO.

The version in view here comes from the project CHANGE WE MUST from 1994, in which Jon Anderson recorded songs from his catalog of compositions anew, accompanied not by the musicians of a rock band, but by a fully fledged orchestra, which I personally find awesome!

The images on the video represent not really any kind of visual ideas I would possibly have, combined with this song. But the video by YouTuber vzqk50, who is a devoted Yes fan, gave me the chance to put this song here.

Well, okay:
Some of the images, I like pretty much - although I'd rather see them "independent" from this song :-)!


.

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Anti-Bullying: Respect the Snowflakes! (Blog entry #100)


The above video is an impromptu collaboration between YouTuber Peter Oaklay aka geriatric1927 (the number here being his year of birth!), that we made on the occasion of the "No Bulling" week in Great Britain last November.


We had a talk about two ideas I had, how YouTube could finally start to offer people who get harassed by cyber-bullies, trolls and whatnot real support and show them that not they, the victims, are the ones who need to change things (for example by giving up their channels, to get rid of bullies!), but that the YouTube community, represented by the site's provider (aka YouTube!) has to stand up to the responsibilities they have for the safety and well-being of their community members.


In response to that, I was contacted by a student, who had to hold a lecture on Bullying at her school. She asked me for a few thoughts on the subject, and so, I wrote the following kind-of essay on Bullying.

______________________________


I think it is most important that victims of bullies need our attention, our support and our help. But not to fight battles in their stead!

We need to, say, "empower" victims, boost their self-esteem, and their trust in themselves — because that's what gets shattered so much, by being bullied.

They need to see that there are people ...

1.) who listen to what the victims have to say, and take them for serious

2.) who try to also feel what the victims feel (their fear, their sadness, their shame, and their need for help), and take them for serious with that as well

3.) who, after listening and feeling, start to think about what they got to know and

4.) who then try to say things that might be of help

All of those four steps are needed, have to be done in that particular order, and none may be omitted.
And the important thing is: Superficial advice like "Shrug it off!" or "A boy does not cry, be tough!" is of no worth at all - better save your breath, if nothing better comes to your mind. Be honest instead, and admit that you share the victim's feeling of being clueless and speechless about the gruesome situation at this moment.

You have to show the victim that ...

- he / she can and must get help (by informing the school authorities, for example, who are in charge and responsible for the safety of their students, and will have to answer if someone gets abused!), so they do not stand alone on the situation that is so terrible for him.

- what a bully says and does is NOT RIGHT, and the bully HAS NO RIGHT to treat anybody like he does — mental and physical abuse are substance for criminal persecution, as soon as someone is old enough to be persecuted, but they are NOT RIGHT, either, as long as this person is still too young for that!

- someone who gets bullied is no second class person who "deserves" to be anyone's toy, just because he cannot stand up alone against physical or mental brutality.

- he / she is able to stand up against abuse, because he / she is not alone, even if they may feel lonely.

For those who become witness to others being bullied, it is important to not look away, but to be there and help. And the more do that, the easier it gets ... this is a golden rule for so many things in life!

Be there ... object ... say "Stop!" ... get help ... stand in the way of a bully.

This will force the bully to re-think his strategy - and they don't like doing that :-)!

One person who helps a bully victim is awesome ... but why not have five, ten or twenty people be there, stand together and support someone? To show the bully that basically everyone except he himself disapproves of what he does, and that you will not leave your friend behind and alone in his troubles, but that you will get help and stop the bully from having his way?
______________________________

Those who bully are dangerous. They bring harm, and in what they do, they are strong ... because they act unfair to the max.

Those who do not bully others, and do not use methods of physical and mental abuse to stand up against others, may seem weak.

These people are like, say, snowflakes.
If a bully tries to catch and crush a single snowflake, he will do so without problem. He will also manage to do so with two or three snowflakes falling from the sky at a time. But let him try doing that with ten snowflakes at a time he wont be able to. They are too many, and they can do things he can't prevent. They will get past him, at least a few, and reach their goal!

The goal of a snowflake is to fall to the ground. If we see ourselves as human snowflakes, our goal should be to help someone in need, not by using force, but by getting help, by outweighing a bully in sheer numbers, but without fighting back, and, by this, making it impossible for him to keep up his reign — simply because he  is only one person, but the snowflakes are many … too many for him to handle, if they all act on a common goal.

Ever seen what an avalanche does?
An avalanche is a gazillion of snowflakes, being set into motion by a trigger, and doing so by simply following the laws of gravity.
And if we think of someone who goes skiing in the mountains, and yells around loud and nasty, although the sign posts say "Quiet, please" etc., to prevent any damage that is causes by a single person, this person's noise will maybe cause an avalanche to go down. Not to fight that person, not to harm him — that's not the intention of those snowflakes. They start sliding down the mountain only in reaction of what this person did, and because he did not stop, although there were rules and signs that told him otherwise.
And then, this person will be in trouble, and he will NOT be able to withstand this force with his usual strategies. He will have to retreat, and better do so quickly!

Why not be ... Human Snowflakes? Beautiful and soft, sweet to look at, not harming anyone - but in case of need, one Snowflake gets the support of many other Snowflakes, who are just there and stand in harm's way, or go around him, to get help from people who can help?

If many of us come to think that way, it is time for the Bullies to change their ways, finally, and to respect the Snowflakes :-)!

______________________________

A different and very important issue, though, is, that basically every bully somehow and at some point in his life has been, or still is, a victim, too. It may be in his family, by being abused and mistreated there, or in various other ways. These things, and specially the devastating effects they have on him, will be the best kept secrets of a bully.

Someone who gets hurt and feels miserable ever so often, will seek ways to relieve some of the pressure in his life. And if he (or she) cannot solve the problem that is at hand, cannot escape the situation that is painful and terrible, they will try to find people who feel just as bad as they themselves do, or possibly even worse. They will try to MAKE people feel that way, and therefore feel, all of a sudden, like they are STRONG, that they are not only doomed to endure pain, but also can inflict pain on others.

This may be a powerful motive for a bully to establish and keep up his reign of terror on others. Just to relieve some of the pressure that the bully feels.

And as long as the bully does not start working on his own situation there, he will remain in the position he is in — simply because he needs to have this vent for his heart and soul.

Therefore, punishing bullies, by, for example putting a bully into a boot camp, to mentally break him there and "reconstruct" him, will only lead to him (out of fear!) acting in different ways, and this means that the "game" starts anew, and nothing will really change:
The bully will only see that he acts more carefully, and will be more effective in threatening his victims from then on, to keep them from reporting him, so he won't get caught.
______________________________

Bullies are victims, too, and they need help, not only reprimands. They have to be stopped hurting people, yes - but they need more than that. They need help in the effort of getting to the source, and to solve the real, the basic problem. And this is ever so often an even far more complicated task.
Still: It is just as important as to help the victims.
______________________________




______________________________

.

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Water is Life


WATER IS LIFE

Let's make a gift
Please donate ... still before Christmas this year ... everyone can help ...

A charity campaign by Ali Holden

______________________________


I made this video for a young woman named Ali Holden, who barely survived a car crash in April 2009. Feeling that she had been given a second life, so to speak, she wants to make something from this:

Make a difference, and get something good going, still before Christmas this year,
she joined the online campaign network mycharitywater and launched her own campaign:



I invite you to take part in her cause, which is raising $5000 for digging a well and thereby bring clean fresh water that will support 250 people in need.

Ali hopes to bring up the sum needed by finding people who are willing to spend a small amount of money:
$36, which is Ali's current age - $1 for every year she has been alive before she got her second life, by surviving the terrible crash.

Whoever can contribute to this noble cause ... please do.

Thank you.


______________________________



Music:

WHAT DOES IT TAKE

Music and lyrics by
Chaz aka
magicalchazwick

Music arranged and performed by
Michael aka
Truedantalion

Song used courtesy of magicalchazwick


______________________________
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Saturday, November 21, 2009

A Child's Epitaph (by Michael R. Burch)



A Child's Epitaph

by Michael R. Burch


I lived as best I could, and then I died.
Be careful where you step: the grave is wide.




______________________________

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Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Don't

Yesterday, I found the following poem on the blog of a dear friend. He had found it himself elsewhere, and re-posted it.

I do the same here on my blog now, because I never found words that express better what I felt back in the weeks after April 19th 2009, and still do now, at times.


______________________________


Don’t

Don't look at me with pity
I need your strength

Don't crowd me with words
Just let me talk

Don't touch me
I will reach out when I'm ready

Don't call me
I need time to think and work it through

Don't tell me how I should feel
Feelings are beyond my control at this time

Don't stop my tears and screams
They are my path to release and healing

Don't cross the road to avoid me
Just smile and say hello

Don't say you understand
Just thank God that you can't

Don't be hurt by what I say or do
My pain is clouding my judgment

Don't think I'm going mad
I'm doing the best I can do to retain my sanity

Don't tell me I will forget
His memory is all I have left

And whatever you do
Don't think I don't appreciate you being here



______________________________

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Monday, November 16, 2009

BEFORE I GO - A Poem (Author unknown)

About a year ago, I found the following poem somewhere on the Internet. I don't remember where, and I don't know any more what I was searching for at the time.

Today, I was searching for something on my computer's hard drive, and I found the poem, that I, back then, had saved there.

So I decided to now put it to this blog ... May it be found by others, too.

______________________________


BEFORE I GO


When my life has reached it's very end,
And I take that final breath,
I want to know I've left behind,
Some "good" before my death.

I hope that in my final hour,
In all honesty I can say,
That somewhere in my lifetime,
I have brightened someone's day.
That maybe I have brought a smile
To someone else's face,
And made one moment a little sweeter,
While they dwelled here in this place.

Lord, please be my reminder
And whisper softly in my ear...
To be a "giver", not a "taker",
In the years I have left here.
Give to me the strength I need,
Open up my mind and my soul.

That I might show sincere compassion,
And love to others before I go.
For if not a heart be touched by me,
And not a smile was left behind...
Then the life that I am blessed with,
Will have been a waste of time.

With all my heart, I truly hope,
To leave something here on Earth.
That touched another, made them smile
And gave to my life worth.

(Author unknown )

______________________________

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Thursday, November 12, 2009

Libera, O SANCTISSIMA (new video on Kelvinwontcry2)


 Libera
O SANCTISSIMA
Solo: Benedict Philipp


O sanctissima, O piissima,
dulcis virgo Maria
Mater amata, intemerata
Ora, ora pro nobis

Ora, ora, ora pro nobis

Virgo respice, Mater adspice
audi nos, O Maria
Sicut liliam inter spinas
Sic Maria inter filias

Jubilate Cherubim
Exsultate Seraphim
Consonante perpitim
Salve, salve Regina

O sanctissima, O piissima,
dulcis virgo Maria

Ora, ora, ora pro nobis

Sancta Maria
Sancta Maria Mater Dei
Sancta Maria
Sancta Maria Mater Dei

Jubilate Cherubim
Exsultate Seraphim
Consonante perpitim
Salve, salve Regina

Ora

______________________________


Libera
PEACE
(Deluxe Edition, 2011 - CD)


______________________________


Please also visit

Libera's official YouTube channel

Libera's official Website

Truedantalion's YouTube Playlist "Libera"


______________________________

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Friday, November 6, 2009

Allan Clellard-Goddard, STREET CHILDREN (new version)


I discovered the first upload of the original song STREET CHILDREN, sung by back then 11 year old Allan Clellard-Goddard (and written by his Mum Deborah), as a video response to the YouTube video FOR THEM by Troye Sivan.

The very powerful lyrics of the song and the very special singing talents of Allan captivated me. I subscribed, and, by mutual video comments and messages, Deborah, Allan and I have become good friends over the months. And it was Allan who, on my request, recorded a rendition of Billy Gilman's song OKLAHOMA, as a tribute for Kel (as this was Kel's favourite song on YouTube), doing a wonderful job there that moved me beyond words.

So I was tremendously happy today, when I received this new version of STREET CHILDREN, remixed and edited by a fellow YouTuber, christoff555 aka Chris.

And Chris did a wonderful job here: All the original elements are still in place, and as stunning as they were, but the audio remix plus the very well edited video footage enhance the important message, that Deborah and Allan want to pass on, tremendously.

This video is really a wonderful start into the upcoming weekend :-)!


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Friday, October 23, 2009

Dylan Cragle, BLESS THE BROKEN ROAD


A wonderful rendition of a wonderful song.
Lyrics that hold am intense and personal meaning to me,
brought to life
can't stop listening ...


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Sunday, October 18, 2009

Dear Kel - A Letter from Igor


"Dear Kel" is a letter that was written by a young a young YouTuber named Igor .

He wrote this letter to Kel, who he never got the chance to meet here on YouTube or in real life, but with who he would have become good friends, of that I am sure.

Igor asked me to make a video in honor and in memory of Kel from his letter, and I gladly agreed.


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DEAR KEL - A LETTER FROM IGOR

Words by
Igor

Selection of images and editing by
Michael


Music:


"Somebody out there"
by
Troye Sivan


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Thursday, October 15, 2009

Libera, AVE MARIA (Soloist: Tom Cully)



Libera
AVE MARIA
Solo: Thomas Cully

by Gulio Caccini

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Libera
NEW DAWN
(2008 - CD)









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Monday, October 12, 2009

Amazing Instruments ...

Over the years, I have have developed a fancy for instruments that are a bit off the common grounds of what you see in music videos and on stages at a pop concert. So let me just note down a few things I found that might be worth "a look and a listen".

Praise be to YouTube, because I have the possibility to compile playlists on topics that interest me - "Amazing Instruments" being a series that I started some time ago. Apart from that, I'll also note down the official websites of the manufacturers.

If anyone wants to take a trip to wondrous realms of music, then please be my guest ...

P.S.: Sorry for the kind of frame breaking size of the pre-set YouTube video player - I decided to leave it that way, because, at least at times, size DOES matter :-)!

Hope you enjoy.


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The Chapman Stick



(Official Stick Website)

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Teuffel Guitars



(Official Teuffel Guitars Website)

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The Haken Continuum Fingerboard



(Official Haken Website)

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The Korg WAVEDRUM



(Official Korg WAVEDRUM Website)

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Hope you enjoy :-)

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Saturday, October 10, 2009

Two (no, 3!) Short Thoughts on Chief Wheezing Weasel, and other Career Plans that did not pan out


If you have the time, then please visit
Kelvinwontcry2

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I made this vlog the other day, dealing with some musings about what twists and turns my life did NOT take, due to the fact that I had been ridden with Asthma since around the age of 6 or 7. Simply check out the video, then you know how serious (or not, haha!) this influenced my life.


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By the way: I got pretty much rid of my Asthma over the years. Here's how:

I acquired Asthma at the age of around 6, and it was really mega-bad. A cousin of mine had Asthma too; she was some 9 years older than me and died at the age of 14, while she had to take a cure in Davos (Switzerland).

Due to my Asthma, I was a regular wreckage most of the time for 5 years to follow.

It was decided then that, partially due to my illness, my family would move to another area of Germany, which was located on a high altitude (1000 m above sea level) and had a much better air quality.

Apart from the change to that location (where the air is really better!), I got tested anew, and was from then on treated with new medication:

The Asthma Spray Berotec (against Asthma fits) was my first real life saver and let me breathe like a normal human being again!

Over the following years, while I lived in that region, I got pretty much free of symptoms.

Moving to Augsburg as a grownup changed the situation again (air quality much lower!), and so, after some years of getting a worse and worse condition again, my new doctor prescribed me Budesonid(e), another spray, against the constant inflammation of my bronchi.

And THAT did the trick! I really HIGHLY recommend this medication combi:

Budesonid(e) reguarly (twice a day), and Berotec used wisely in case of need (serious breathing problems / Asthma fit).

Used twice a day, Budesonid(e) reduced the distress, because it was working at the cause of the problem that could be done something about (= the inflammation in me, not the allergy triggers - can't kill off all furry animals just because of me, right?).

I had to use Berotec less and less due to that, and finally the day arrived that, by these two medications used wisely during some years, I could say that I was and am completely symptom free, for good and up to the present day.

Two things bring back the problems, though:

When I get a cold, it will always also make my Asthma come back with a vengeance. No fun time for me. then. But when the cold wanes again, my Asthma leaves me alone some time later again, too. Phew!

And animal hair still triggers my Asthma within a few hours. So I still am respectful of animals and really love them, but I keep a healthy distance to the furry ones to them whenever possible.

Well, except for cats. Cats are the greatest, and they don't trigger my Asthma. I'm not kidding! With them, I have been stable now over the years - and I love that the most about my illness :-)!


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Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Thomas Feiner, YONDERHEAD



There's seriously not a single day passing by,
that I do not watch this video.

Although I must say that
"listen to the video"
nails it better.

Repercussions from the Soul
don't need no pictures
from the outside.

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Taken from the album

Thomas Feiner
THE OPIATES  -  REVISED


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Saturday, October 3, 2009

DREAMTIME


"Tempus fugit - Time flies" ... yes, indeed, but I can only walk!

These last weeks have been very busy for me, in so many ways. Apart from many things going on in the daytime / job etc. area that consumed time, I have made so many new contacts, got new YT friends and got new subscribers for Kelvinwontcry2, and I received so many wonderful comments and messages and answered to them ...

I thank you all so much for this.

Still, I did not manage to catch up on all my subscriptions, and so, I only today discovered this amazing video, that my friend Stephen aka philishave63 made as a present for Kelvinwontcry2.

It is a beautiful gift for Kel, but also for you and me, and so I invite you to watch it, and hope you enjoy. And please, leave a comment, if something comes to mind, to say hello to Stephen.


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In the Dreamtime is a marvellous place to stay.
Kel may be gone, but he is never far away.
To feel his presence in my weary heart and soul
Gives me strength and joy, and makes me whole.

--Michael

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Tuesday, September 29, 2009

MANUEL AND LUKA - the video series



Hope you enjoy!

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MANUEL AND LUKA - the Audio Book




MANUEL AND LUKA
by Michael Eckstorm

Audio Book

Read by
Michael Eckstorm

Music and Atmospherics
Michael Eckstorm

All pictures in the mind's eye
You

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Watch the video series
on YouTube

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Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Sungha Jung, ART OF MOTION (by Andy McKee)


I got something pulsating and stunning here,
 to charge your day with energy.

Don't want to say anything else now,
because I don't want to stand in the way of the video ...

Therefore:

Hope you enjoy :-)!

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Sunday, September 20, 2009

Jaylen Arnold and Hollywood actor Dash Mihok hit the news: "Bullying? No Way!"



Watch this news feature from


on a presentation that

nine year old activist
("Bullying? No Way!")

and

Hollywood actor
(ROMEO AND JULIET, I AM LEGEND)

made at


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And please don't forget to take a look at


and subscribe :-)!

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Saturday, September 19, 2009

Dylan Cragle, HOME (by Michael Bublé)


A wonderful song, performed by
Dylan Cragle,
a 13 year old singer from America,
with a remarkable voice
that makes my soul swing.

I discovered Dylan's channel on YouTube on Friday evening,
and this video really captivated me.

Watching it, and listening to Dylan sing,
was the perfect start into a well deserved weekend.

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Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Sungha Jung, ORDER OF MAGNITUDE (by Doug Smith)



A video by Sungha Jung always is good news,
and my heart and soul rejoice

whenever he puts up something new
on YouTube.

Hope you enjoy :-)!

And please make sure to visit

Sungha Jung's channel on YouTube!


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Monday, September 7, 2009

RONAN'S ESCAPE - Official film trailer (High Definition)



January 2012 - Update
Please also read my new article

As of now,
you can watch the entire short movie
on

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This is the official HD version of the trailer to the Australian short movie RONAN'S ESCAPE, put online on the official YouTube channel of Smooth Motion Films, who produced the movie.

Even if you have seen the first edition of the trailer already, you should take a look at this one here ...

After the final image processing of the footage has been done now, you will find even more inteniety and atmosphere in the scenes, and get a first-hand impression of how disturbingly beautiful RONAN'S ESCAPE will look like.

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Saturday, September 5, 2009

Carlos Nunez, SAINT PATRICK'S AN DRO.


I am downright amazed every time I hear this tune ...

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Monday, August 31, 2009

"Bullying? No Way!" - Get Your Avatar Banner Today!


Bullying ...
... a serious issue, that affects more and more people around the globe, offline and online, young and old.

You have the possibility to make a statement, to make yourself heard and known, to put your foot down and say:


"Bullying? No Way!"

Every one of us is only a single person. But so is every Bully out there.

Bullies are aggressive, derogative and mean. Bullies hurt people.

But they are only so many.

We, who disapprove of what they do, and who possibly even got bullied ourselves once on a while (or still are?) - we are many. We are legion

And yet: We are like Snowflakes. Is that a bad thing?
Well, yes and no ...

Each single one of us may be weak, and no match to a Bully. We may get hurt, and, very well, even crushed by them.

But: We are many. Many Snowflakes, who can be there for each other, support each other and help each other out. Many Snowflakes, who can unite, and set a powerful sign.

Many Snowflakes ... who can create an avalanche - just by being there, and by no longer accepting the ways of those who overstep rules, who torment those they deem weak and who get their kicks from making other people feel bad.

Let's create this avalanche. Let's set a sign. Let us all be a part of this, and say:


"Bullying? No Way!"

Respect the Snowflake ...

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You can find all information and the respective links
in the video's info box.

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Sunday, August 30, 2009

David Archuleta, SOMEBODY OUT THERE - sung by Troye Sivan

Note: Find this song by Troye Sivan also in the video
"Dear Kel - A Letter from Igor"
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SOMEBODY OUT THERE
(by David Archuleta)


Sittin' all alone in your room
Thinkin' that the world's let you down
All you ever wanted to do is trust someone to always be around
You've had a lot of lessons to learn from
Some of them hit you so hard
And I keep believing someday you'll see, you don't have to be alone

CHORUS:
There's somebody out there, somebody somewhere
To show you the tenderness you need
Somebody to hold you when worries control you
I'd give anything if only you knew it was me
Ohh... mm..

I've been watchin' you go through all of these things for a while, oh
There's gotta be a way to bring you back
'Cause it's worth it when you smile, oh
It doesn't have to hurt you forever
It doesn't have to last too long, yeah
If you're wondering where to turn to
I hope that you know

There's somebody out there, somebody somewhere
To show you the tenderness you need
Somebody to hold you when worries control you
I'd give anything if only you knew it was me

I wanna be there when you're in need
I would never be long if you were waiting
When you gonna see, if you could only see

There's somebody out there, somebody somewhere
To show you the tenderness you need
Somebody to hold you when worries control you
I'd give anything if only you knew it was me

Hmm...

I'd give anything, oh
Anything at all
I think it's time that you knew it was me

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Tuesday, August 25, 2009

THE HORSE BOY (2009) Trailer




A Film by Michel Orion Scott and Rupert Isaacson

Official Selection 2009 Sundance Film Festival


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How far would you travel to heal someone you love?

An intensely personal yet epic spiritual journey, THE HORSE BOY follows one Texas couple and their autistic son as they trek on horseback through Outer Mongolia in a desperate attempt to treat his condition with shamanic healing.

When two-year-old Rowan was diagnosed with autism, Rupert Isaacson, a writer and former horse trainer, and his wife Kristin Neff, a psychology professor, sought the best possible medical care for their son — but traditional therapies had little effect.

Then they discovered that Rowan has a profound affinity for animals (particularly horses), and the family set off on a quest for a possible cure.

THE HORSE BOY is part travel adventure, part insight into shamanic tradition and part intimate look at the autistic mind. In telling one family's extraordinary story, the film gives voice to the thousands who display amazing courage and creativity everyday in the battle against this mysterious and heartbreaking epidemic.

The filmic companion to Isaacson's best-selling book of the same name and a festival favorite, this ravishing documentary odyssey gives insight into how, in lifes darkest moments, one can find the gateway to joy and wonder.

(Description courtesy of Zeitgeist Films)


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Please check out

(official website)




(US only)

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And please visit


(official website)


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