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Copyright 2009, 2010. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Links to Hear "Rally Song" and "Lend A Hand"

Lend A Hand lyrics by Casey Berna and Dan Carty Music by Dan Carty
http://www.geniusstrikes.com/lendahandproject/01_Lend_a_Hand.mp3

Rally Song Lyrics by Casey Berna and Dan Carty Music by Dan Carty
http://www.geniusstrikes.com/lendahandproject/01_Rally_Song.mp3

Coming Soon: Link to Hear Rally Song Reprise!

Monday, September 14, 2009

Links to Music of Established Songs

If you want to listen to the music of the songs I wrote the new lyrics to,you can go to these sites:

Jump In The Line by Harry Belafonte
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7zNlmzAo14

Say Hey by Michael Franti and Spearhead
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoaTl7IcFs8

Get a Job By The Silhouettes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoaTl7IcFs8

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

A Piece of Peace, a poem, by, Casey Berna,

The poem, A Piece of Peace, is read with Mexican instrumental music playing the background. The visual is a cartoon of a Latino boy walking through what is similar to Chicano park in San Diego. The character finds a piece of peace that has fallen off one of the murals and puts it on his heart. As he is transformed by the "piece", he passes picnickers in the park as the park transforms into an urban street, where he sees people in the neighborhood. The neighborhood transforms into a depiction of a beautiful clean earth (an Eden type place), drawn in the same style and colors of all the murals and she soaks in the beauty and peace of the world which is where it ends.

A poem, A Piece of Peace
I found a piece of Peace today,
I've added to my heart.
Already, I'm in a better way,
off to a peaceful start.
I've said hello to passersby,
smiles here and there.
I've given hugs,
you ask why?
Just to show I care.
I haven't gotten in one little fight.
Cranky, not am I!
No insistance I am right,
I've made no one cry.
This piece of Peace, placed in my heart,
has made my life quite grand.
If only others could have this start,
We'd have more peace in this land.

Incurable Optimist, a poem, by, Casey Berna

A poem, Incurable Optimist
The poem Incurable Optimist is read with instrumental music playing in the background. The visual is a character who sees an incurable optimist on a “main street” type place. The Main character eventually becomes another Incurable Optimist.

Oh No! Me oh my!
What is this that I see?
I have an Incurable Optimist
right in front of me!
Doctor, nurse, psychologist please,
somebody come here fast.
It seems this case is a serious one,
these symptons might just last.
See this fellow, an Incurable Optimist,
just as plain as day.
His cheeriness, his hopefulness,
just won't go away.
He keeps looking on the bright side of things,
no matter just how bad.
He rufuses to be gloomy, grumpy,
mean or down right sad.
No matter how things go in his life,
he seems to focus on the best.
Every challenge has a lesson learned,
and to heck with all the rest!
War, hunger, racism,
people living on the street,
are all problems the Incurable Optimist
feels that we can beat.
Oh no! What's this I am starting to feel,
deep inside of me?
Cheeriness, hopefulness,
pure positivity!
Arg! I have been infected,
there's just no cure in sight!
The Incurable Optimist has gotten to me,
I now have his plight.
Beware, all you passersby,
you never quite can tell,
if an Incurable Optimists'
infections grin, just might make you well!

The Universal Language, a poem, by Casey Berna

A poem, The Universal Language
The poem, The Universal Language, is read with instrumental music playing the background. The visual are pictures of smiles, hands holding, people hugging of all different races, nationalities, and ages.


A smile is part of the universal language, all can understand.
As is a hug, a pat on the back, the holding of a hand.
Actions can speak louder than words, kindness goes real far.
Age, race, and gender, matter not, just matters who you are.
You see someone looking different than you? Give The Universal Language a try.
Though you may not understand everything, I swear you will get by!

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

About Me, Casey Berna

In high school, I was exposed to community service and could not look at the world the same again. Majoring in social work, religious studies and completing a concentration in peace and justice studies taught me about the great people in the past who have fought for peace and justice. Amazing classes like, Liberation Theology and Martin Luther King Jr. Vs Malcolm X, had a profound impact on my view of the world. What impacted me most, was the service opportunities to places like Tijuana, Calcutta, and West Virginia, learning about the issues of poverty and justice first hand.
I learned many things from these experiences. I learned that to truly help people, you have to empower them, be empowered by them, and work along side of them, hand in hand. I was humbled by the beauty of the cultures, religions, and spirits of the people who I met all over the world. I learned to appreciate things in life that I once took for granted, like running water and the opportunity to be educated. I also learned that in every service experience, a piece of me grew, I became more self-aware, more confident in who I was as a person, even though many of these trips left me feeling less confident in the political and social structures around me that left so many without the basic necessities of life.
After completing a five year program for my Masters in Social Work, I started doing counseling at a high school. Participating in service projects with these kids, cemented my belief that no matter what a kid was struggling with personally, getting out and doing service work, made a huge impact on their life for the better. I felt I was exposing them to a “high” that they weren’t previously aware of! With the help of the Campus Ministry staff, I went on to establish the LOVE Program at Manhattan College, a program that organizes service learning trips for college students on their breaks. I again witnessed that transformation that occurred with each individual as they were exposed to the struggles and heartaches of their fellow human beings.
I am now a stay at home mom with my little girl, Annie. We watch many children’s programs that teach her to count, say the alphabet, learn colors, and shapes. All of these things are crucial to her survival in today’s world. What is crucial for the survival of the world, is for Annie to be a kind and compassionate human being. To be aware of the environmental issues, that may only be worse as she gets to be an adult, is imperative. Only through service, social action and a sense of thoughtfulness to our fellow human beings and our earth, can Annie meet the global challenges that she will face. My hope is that a television special like Lend A Hand Project can plant a seed that will encourage Annie to be a thoughtful citizen in the future.

"Rally Song: Reprise" Lyrics by Casey Berna

Final Scene:
The final scene brings us back to our main characters and the Bird Family. We see them complete the last part of their house together. The bird family is grateful, the main characters are grateful too. Everyone is happy and had a great time together. They sing Rally Song Reprise all together.


Chorus
Just when you think the day is done
and no others in sight.
Just when you've about given up
and lost all your fight.
Keep your head up, find your strength
remember hang in tight.
Somehow you'll always make it through,
there's always darkness before the light.
There's always darkness before the light.
There's always darkness before the light.

"The Recycle Song" lyrics by Casey Berna, to the music of "Get a Job" By the Silhouettes

Twelfth Scene: RECYCLE
Written lyrics are to the music of “Get a Job” by The Silhouettes. As we here the song we see the video of a young people in their different environments recycling. Putting bottles and paper in bins and then taking bins to the garbage men outside of their house. Also, kids recycling in their apartment buildings. We can also see kids recycling in their schools. We also can watch families taking bottles back to the supermarket.


"Recycle"
Sha na na na, sha na na na na,
Sha na na na, sha na na na na,
Sha na na na, sha na na na na,
Sha na na na, sha na na na na,
Yip yip yip yip yip yip yip yip
Mum mum mum mum mum mum
RECYCLE Sha na na na, sha na na na na
It is certaintly past the time
we shouldn’t even be
asking why RECYCLE.
We can do it, everyday,
shouldn’t just throw our stuff away,
Thoughtfulness is the way.
RECYCLE Sha na na na, sha na na na na
Sha na na na, sha na na na na,
Sha na na na, sha na na na na,
Sha na na na, sha na na na na,
Yip yip yip yip yip yip yip yip
Mum mum mum mum mum mum
RECYCLE Sha na na na, sha na na na na
Plastic, metals, paper
Sort it through and through
Put it in their respective bins,
For sanitation to take away.
You can even go to the store
Bring back bottles, cans or more
Will even have some worth,
and so good for the earth RECYCLE
It’s so much fun to do.
Sha na na na, sha na na na na,
Sha na na na, sha na na na na,
Sha na na na, sha na na na na,
Sha na na na, sha na na na na,
Yip yip yip yip yip yip yip yip
Mum mum mum mum mum mum
RECYCLE Sha na na na, sha na na na na

"Say Hey For Hope" Lyrics by Casey Berna, Music by Michael Franti and Spearhead

"SAY HEY FOR HOPE"
I changed the lyrics to Michael Franti and Spearhead's song, "Say Hey" which can be listened to at:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoaTl7IcFs8
The Endangered Species Puppets will perform the new lyrics with rich scenery depicting each of their fleeting environments. Listen to the music and read along with the new lyrics. Sit back and imagine this memorable performance.

“Say Hey for Hope” lyrics To “Say Hey” music by Michael Franti and Spearhead

A Very Cool Hippo
This one goes out to endangered species
worldwide

All Animals Singing Chorus
I say hey I could be gone today
But things don’t have to go that way
In all of you we see some hope
I don’t know how
Else we will cope.
But I know one thing
You can save us
Can save us
Can save us
Can save us

Tiger (Deep Voice)
There used to be a lot of us here in the wild.
Now we’re less than 4, 000! Can you believe it child?
We are now living in disappearing habitats.
We are considered the largest of all the cats
We need lots of room to sleep and eat every day.
We also need lots of space to run, leap and play.
From the woodlands of Russia to the forests of Asia
We need to hear you shout out, “Hey tigers, we’ll save ya!”

All Animals Singing Chorus
I say hey I could be gone today
But things don’t have to go that way
In all of you we see some hope
I don’t know how
Else we will cope.
But I know one thing
You can save us
Can save us
Can save us
Can save us


Monkey Singing
Now I don’t want to sit here and be the judge of man
But there are things that can be changed, sing it “yes we can”
There are lots of us monkeys swinging in the trees
That will soon be out of branches, vines and leaves.
If that becomes the case, not sure where we’ll go
and where our little babies will find a place to grow.
All of our faith is left in you
We really do rest our lives in you

All Animals Singing Chorus
I say hey I could be gone today
But things don’t have to go that way
In all of you we see some hope
I don’t know how
Else we will cope.
But I know one thing
You can save us
Can save us
Can save us
Can save us

Baby Polar Bear Singing next to His Parents
And I said rocking in the Arctic moving with you
I said Hey momma hey momma close to you
Rocking in the Arctic moving with you
I said hey papa, hey papa close to you
Rocking in the Arctic moving with you
I said Hey Momma Hey Momma close to you
Rocking in the Arctic moving with you I said
hey momma, hey momma, hey momma, hey momma
hey momma, hey momma, hey momma, hey momma

Papa Polar Bear Deep Voice
what you gonna do?

Baby Polar Bear
My momma told me don’t lose hope
Cause’ you are here to help us cope.
And I know one thing you can save us.

All Animals Singing Chorus
I say hey I could be gone today
But things don’t have to go that way
In all of you we see some hope
I don’t know how
Else we will cope.
I say hey I could be gone today
But things don’t have to go that way
In all of you we see some hope
I don’t know how
Else we will cope.
But I know one thing
You can save us
Can save us
Can save us
Can save us

"It's Fun To Be Kind" lyrics by Casey Berna to the music of Harry Belafonte's "Jump In the Line"

IT”S FUN TO BE KIND
These lyrics are to the music of, “Jump in The Line”, by Harry Belafonte
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7zNlmzAo14
The main character, a dynamic puppet will sing all of the verses, other puppets will help out act the verses with that puppet. For the chorus, I picture the main puppet dancing around and singing along with different celebrity guest stars. (Sort of like the video for “Put Down The Duckie”)


It’s Fun to Be Kind lyrics by Casey Berna

Help, Help, Help, your neighbor, help them if you can
Help, Help, Help, your neighbor, lend a helping hand.
Reach out to your neighbor, a fun thing to do.
Reach out to your neighbor, to be the best you.

I had this neighbor named Harry,
He had too much to carry.
To help him not to feel weary,
I gave him a hand and helped him feel cheery.

(It’s fun to be kind, help your neighbor all the time) OK, I will help you.
(It’s fun to be kind, help your neighbor all the time) OK, I will help you.
(It’s fun to be kind, help your neighbor all the time) OK, I will help you.
(It’s fun to be kind, help your neighbor all the time)

Help, Help, Help, your neighbor, help them if you can.
Help, Help, Help, your neighbor, lend a helping hand.
Reach out to your neighbor, a fun thing to do.
Reach out to your neighbor, to be the best you.

I had this neighbor who’s named Fred.
Was feeling sick and stuck in bed.
I stayed with him for awhile,
And cheered him up till he start to smile.

(It’s fun to be kind, help your neighbor all the time) OK, I will help you.
(It’s fun to be kind, help your neighbor all the time) Help somebody child!
(It’s fun to be kind, help your neighbor all the time) Somebody, help me!
(It’s fun to be kind, help your neighbor all the time)

Help, Help, Help, your neighbor, help them if you can.
Help, Help, Help, your neighbor, lend a helping hand.
Reach out to your neighbor, a fun thing to do.
Reach out to your neighbor, to be the best you.

I had this neighbor named Tommy.
Was always missing his mommy.
I put his mom in a picture,
He carries that and now doesn’t miss her.




(It’s fun to be kind, help your neighbor all the time) OK, I will help you.
(It’s fun to be kind, help your neighbor all the time) Reach out and help someone!
(It’s fun to be kind, help your neighbor all the time) You’ll feel better if you do!
(It’s fun to be kind, help your neighbor all the time)

Help, Help, Help, your neighbor, help them if you can.
Help, Help, Help, your neighbor, lend a helping hand.
Reach out to your neighbor, a fun thing to do.
Reach out to your neighbor, to be the best you.


I had this neighbor who’s named Grace
Who tripped and fell on her face.
Instead of laughing and staring,
I helped her up so I could be caring.

(It’s fun to be kind, help your neighbor all the time) OK, I will help you.
(It’s fun to be kind, help your neighbor all the time) Help somebody child!
(It’s fun to be kind, help your neighbor all the time) Somebody, help me!
(It’s fun to be kind, help your neighbor all the time)

Help, Help, Help, your neighbor, help them if you can.
Help, Help, Help, your neighbor, lend a helping hand.
Reach out to your neighbor, a fun thing to do.
Reach out to your neighbor, to be the best you.

"Lend A Hand" Lyrics by Casey Berna, Music by Dan Carty

LEND A HAND
At the start of the song, the singer is playing the guitar and singing, while kids are dancing around. As the song progresses, still pictures appear showing a Habitat for Humanity build. There are breaks in the pictures to show the kids dancing. Eventually, a complete Habitat build is shown. Link to listen to "Lend a Hand":
http://www.geniusstrikes.com/lendahandproject/01_Lend_a_Hand.mp3


Lend a hand to one another.
The whole world is our brother.
Show respect for each other,
and the world will be as one.
When we help out each other,
its ourselves that'll change and grow.
The more we reach out now, the more we know.
So watch our hearts get bigger.
Watch our hearts get bigger.
Watch our hearts get bigger,
the more love we show.
So let's everybody work together,
to make the whole world a little bit better.
I believe it'll last forever,
and the world will be as one.
When we help each other, its ourselves who will change and grow.
The more we reach out now, the more we know.
So watch our hearts get bigger.
Watch our hearts get bigger.
Watch our hearts get bigger,
the more love we show.
Our neighbors need our kindness.
Small actions will lead to greatness.
Show compassion and forgiveness, and the world will be as one.
When we help out each other,
its the world that will change and grow.
The more we reach out now, the more we know.
So watch our hearts get bigger.
Watch our hearts get bigger now.
Watch our hearts get bigger, the more love we show!
The more love we show!
The more love we show!
The more love we show.

"Rally Song" Lyrics by Casey Berna and Dan Carty Music By Dan Carty

Fifth Scene:
We see the main characters walking along with Mama Bird and the baby birds. They get to Mama Birds house and see the terrible damage that has been done. They are all sad. They ask Mama Bird what can be done to help. Mama Bird shows them a picture of how the house used to look. She then gives them directions on how to start. They sing “Rally Song” as they get started rebuilding. Link to listen to "Rally Song":
http://www.geniusstrikes.com/lendahandproject/01_Rally_Song.mp3



“Rally Song” Written By Casey Berna and Dan Carty
In the past I dreamed a dream
And although everyone it seems
Said it was so impossible.
But I can’t spell impossible!

Chorus
Working the day and night away
Working for a cause today
Coming together in every way
That’s how dreams come true.

So we’ll roll up our sleeves
But we’ll have to add some laughter
Because having fun
Will make things go much faster.

Chorus
Working the day and night away
Working for a cause today
Coming together in every way
That’s how dreams come true.

So let’s be strong as we go along
So no one will prove us wrong,
And maybe some will follow
As we build our new tomorrow

Chorus
Working the day and night away
Working for a cause today
Coming together in every way
That’s how dreams come true.