The Saturday Post: Yo-Yo/Jonze/Buck edition

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Spike Jonze is a talented director with an interesting vision. I enjoy his videos (Weapon of Choice, in particular) and movies (Being John Malkovich) but I wouldn't say I'm a huge fan.

Yo-Yo Ma is an amazingly gifted cellist, but I've never sought out his music, so clearly not a huge fan there, either.

And Lil Buck? Well, I never even heard of the guy before.

That said, after seeing this mesmerizing collaboration between Yo-Yo Ma and Lil Buck on "The Dying Swan" in support of art in inner-city schools — presented to the online world by Spike Jonze — I can honestly say I'm now a fan of all three.

Modern. Art.

Today's question:

What do you remember of school art offerings when you were a student?

The Saturday Post: Playing For Change edition

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Just a few posts ago, I let the world know how much I hate forwards. Then I received a forward about an organization called Playing For Change, and it changed my attitude ... at least about that one specific forward. Instead of forwarding its content, though, I'm posting it here.

Playing for Change is, according to PlayingForChange.com, "a multimedia movement created to inspire, connect, and bring peace to the world through music. The idea for this project arose from a common belief that music has the power to break down boundaries and overcome distances between people. No matter whether people come from different geographic, political, economic, spiritual or ideological backgrounds, music has the universal power to transcend and unite us as one human race."

The organization's movement kicked into high gear several years ago, thanks to the video below. Since then, numerous similar videos have been produced, and musicians associated with the project often travel the world for concerts.

If you enjoyed that, there's also a beautiful one of John Lennon's Imagine (featuring a clip of Lennon and Yoko Ono) you won't want to miss. I debated which to feature here, but figured I'd go with the one that started it all.

Today's question:

What causes, organizations, movements, charities matter most to you?

The Saturday Post: Human towers edition

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Bubby's here, making the most of Gramma and PawDad's Duplo building blocks. Like most kids, he gets a kick out of building towers. Having recently seen the video below, I'm envisioning him gearing up to one day trade the blocks for humans.

Lord, I surely hope not!

Casteller from Mike Randolph on Vimeo.

Regardless of whether Bubby's spot would be at the top or the bottom of the tower, this is far too scary a feat for this grandma's heart to take watching if my precious grandson were part of the plan.

Today's question:

What is one of the more dangerous feats you've undertaken?

The Saturday Post: Whistling edition

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I whistle. A lot. So much so that I'm concerned about getting "whistler's lines" around my mouth similar to the wrinkles smokers get from pursing while puffing.

I used to sing a lot. Then, for a variety of reasons, I lost my voice a lot. So necessity being the mother of invention -- the necessity being a way of musically expressing myself while toiling away on this task or that -- I started whistling. And continue to whistle ... in the car, while doing chores, while trying to annoy the cuss out of my cat Isabel, who thinks she's obligated to sing along every time I strike up a tune but makes it very clear she resents the obligation.

Yep, I'm a whistler. But I got nothing on world whistling champion Geert Chatrou:

Wow!

One of these days I just might shoot a video of my duet session with Isabel. YouTubers eat up that kind of thing.

In the meantime, I'm considering writing Mr. Chatrou for his secret on reducing whistler's lines; he's clearly escaped the plight of the pursed-lipped. So far.

Have a happy Saturday. I hope you'll whistle while you work!

Today's question:

What's your favorite tune to whistle?