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?

The Saturday Post: Time flies edition

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Believe it or not, January will soon come to a close. Already. Time does indeed fly.

This video beautifully shows the passage of time. One year to be exact. In less than 90 seconds. Yet it's not frenetic and harried. It's surprisingly peaceful and relaxing. And I just love the little kids in the snow at the end.

Today's question:

If you were magically given a full BONUS day this coming week to do with whatever you choose, what would you do with your day?

The Saturday Post

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While still feeling bad about myself for being such a cry baby, I experienced a moment of serendipity in coming across a post from Sandi at Deva Coaching on finding our signature strengths. Her post directs readers to Authentic Happiness, an awesome site filled with personality and character assessments and more.

So to pump myself up a tad, I took the Brief Strength Test to find my signature strengths. Here's what I learned are my top five character strengths (out of 24):

Love of Learning
You love learning new things, whether in a class or on your own. You have always loved school, reading, and museums - anywhere and everywhere there is an opportunity to learn.

Love
Capacity to love and be loved - You value close relations with others, in particular those in which sharing and caring are reciprocated. The people to whom you feel most close are the same people who feel most close to you.

Fairness
Fairness, equity, and justice - Treating all people fairly is one of your abiding principles. You do not let your personal feelings bias your decisions about other people. You give everyone a chance.

Humility/Modesty
Modesty and humility - You do not seek the spotlight, preferring to let your accomplishments speak for themselves. You do not regard yourself as special, and others recognize and value your modesty.

Gratitude
Gratitude - You are aware of the good things that happen to you, and you never take them for granted. Your friends and family members know that you are a grateful person because you always take the time to express your thanks.

Nary a word about crying ... which is just fine with me!

If you'd like to learn a bit about yourself, head on over to Authentic Happiness. You do need to register on the site in order to take tests, but nothing intrusive. Then I'd love for you to come back and share your tops strengths with the rest of us!

Today's question:

What is your top character strength, based on either the test or on what you personally consider it to be?