Afrikaans/Eng/Nat
XFA
The family of the South African hostage, released in the Philippines on Sunday, have welcomed news of the release.

Muslim rebels freed five foreign hostages from a jungle hideout Sunday, but still held 19 other captives on the remote Philippine island of Jolo.

The Abu Sayyaf separatist rebels released four women, including South African, Monique Strydom, and one man after Libya agreed to pay 1 (m) million dollars in ransom for each hostage, negotiators said.

Monique’s parents in Pretoria, Monica and Heggie Aggenbag, described their daughter’s release as feeling like “Christmas”.

Their joy was lessened only by the fact that Monique’s husband Callie Strydom is still held by the rebels.

Callie’s brother, Sam Strydom said, however, that he believed his brother was stronger than Monique and would cope without her.

SOUNDBITE: (Afrikaans)
“It’s an absolutely wonderful emotional feeling that one gets when you hear something like that.”
SUPER CAPTION: Hennie Aggenbag, Father

SOUNDBITE: (Afrikaans)
“Now it’s Christmas, we’ve got the most wonderful, beautiful present”
SUPER CAPTION: Monica Aggenbag, Mother

SOUNDBITE: (English)
REPORTER QUESTION; “How do you feel about Callie (Monique’s husband who’s been left behind)?”
“Well actually that’s a sad story but what can you do. We thought that they would come out together, but one is a bargain and Callie is next, we know it”
SUPER CAPTION: Hennie Aggenbag, Father

SOUNDBITE: (English)
“I’m very happy that one is out, that’s a good sign, and I think Callie was more the stronger one than Monique and I hope he will cope without her and I’m so happy for Monique being out”
SUPER CAPTION: Sam Strydom, Callie’s brother

SOUNDBITE: (English)
“Monique said that she will not leave that place without Callie. Since then I think she got the message. The Foreign Affairs said that if she can get out she must get out, she must not stay there because we knew that Callie would follow just after her”
SUPER CAPTION: Hennie Aggenbag, Father

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Music video by Joe Nichols performing If Nobody Believed In You. (C) 2004 Universal South Records, LLC.

© 2012 WMG Download LIVING THINGS now on iTunes smarturl.it LYRICS: The cycle repeated as explosions broke in the sky all that I needed was the one thing I couldn’t find And you were there at the turn Waiting to let me know We’re building it up To break it back down We’re building it up To burn it down We can’t wait To burn it to the ground The colors conflicted as the flames climbed into the clouds I wanted to fix this / but couldn’t stop from tearing it down And you were caught at the turn caught in the burning glow And I was there at the turn Waiting to let you know You told me yes / You held me high And I believed when you told that lie I played that soldier / You played king And struck me down when I kissed that ring You lost that right / to hold that crown I built you up but you let me down so when you fall / I’ll take my turn and fan the flames as your blazes burn

“Like a Prayer” is a song by American singer-songwriter Madonna from her fourth studio album of the same name (1989). Sire Records released it as the album’s lead single on March 21, 1989. Written and produced by Madonna and Patrick Leonard, “Like a Prayer” denoted a more artistic and personal approach to songwriting for Madonna, who believed that she needed to cater more to her adult audience. The song is about a passionate young girl in love with God, who becomes the only male figure in her life. “Like a Prayer” is a pop rock song that incorporates elements of gospel music. A choir provides background vocals that heighten the song’s spiritual nature, while rock guitar sounds keep the music dark and mysterious. Madonna introduced liturgical words in the lyrics—which were inspired by her Catholic upbringing—but changed the context in which they were used. Thus, they had dual meanings of sexual innuendo and religion. “Like a Prayer” was positively received by critics, and was a commercial success. It became Madonna’s seventh number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, and reached the top of the singles charts in Australia, Canada, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Sweden and the United Kingdom. The single is also memorable for its accompanying music video, which Mary Lambert directed. It features Madonna as a witness to a murder, as she hides in a church for safety. The clip also portrays Catholic symbols such as stigmata and burning crosses, and a dream about …