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Friday, January 15, 2010

~ Yo-Yo Ma ~


by Tina~in_ut

My sister isn't the obsessive type, nothing like me in that respect, but if you mention Yo-Yo Ma, she just melts. It's really rather strange because she isn't ga-ga over anyone else, doesn't have to be first or the best (maybe because she usually is in everything she does), and doesn't really have any hobbies, like I do. She is a High School Spanish teacher at an all girls school. In her classes, while the girls are taking their tests, she plays Yo-Yo's music. She makes up practice dialog lessons for her students using their new vocabulary words, verbs, and Yo-Yo. They practice telling him that they love him and he tells them that they make him nervioso (nervous). She give extra credit questions on her tests like:

  • Where was Yo-Yo Ma born? or
  • Where did Yo-Yo Ma earn his degree from? or
  • When is Yo-Yo Ma's birthday?
The girls don't know the answers and it drives them nuts. Our entire family knows that Yo-Yo was born in Paris on October 7, 1955 and graduated from Harvard. Why do we know this? My sister asks her neice and nephews these same questions and more, and if they get the answer right, she will give them a stick of gum. All the kids love gum. Do you know what "award" Yo-Yo won in 2001? In People magazine's "Sexiest Man Alive" issue, he "won" Sexiest Classical Musician. Oh brother! I purposely cal him yo-Yo ma (with emphasis on the second Yo!) and I say that he was born in Perris, CA (we used to go camping there when we were little!) Drives sis batty~ (which is what I'm here for!) Don't worry! She rolls her eyes and calls me an idiot!

All of her students know about her love of Yo-Yo and his music. She has a poster or two of him in her classroom. The girls bring her Yo-Yo related gifts. One year, a group of girls got together to make her a t-shirt and included Yo-Yo on it. A couple of months ago, one of her former students came running into her classroom in between classes to tell her that Yo-Yo was playing at a benefit and since all the tickets were not sold, they were going on sale to the public. It was to be held at a small theater in Irvine, CA and you had to call the theater directly to get the tickets. Now how did this precious girl know this? Her grandmother heard it on the radio and thought of her granddaughter's teacher. She immediately texted said granddaughter with all the information. (I'm rolling my eyes just remembering!) Said granddaughter read her granny's text during class even though it's against school policy to use cell phones during the day, and after class made a mad dash to my sister's classroom! (I'm shaking my head now!)

For Christmas this year, my daughter and I made my sis a Yo-Yo Ma t-shirt. My lovely sister does not do crafty. In fact, I usually make it a point to create some sort of masterpiece to give her every Christmas just because she can't stand crafty! :D But I digress. It was my daughter's idea to make the t-shirt, but of course, I had to do all the work. The picture above is the t-shirt we made her. When we went to CA after Christmas, we gave it to her almost immediately. Neither one of us could wait! She laughed so hard. She actually liked it and planned on wearing it to class. I felt kind of bad because I never asked her about the concert. She loved it and I asked her how many songs he played. Since it wasn't an actual "concert", I wondered how many he'd play. I felt awful for her when she told me that he only played three songs. Then I laughed my head off when she looked at me funny and said, "He played three, but they were each a half hour long and there was an intermission after the second!"

Yo-Yo seems like a sweet man with an extraordinary gift. I had a hard time choosing a video, but I think this one captures the essence of him~

You'll have to click here
because this one doesn't allow posting~

34 comments:

DeeDee said...

BAM!!

DeeDee said...

YO MAMA!

DeeDee said...

Yo Yo Ma is is a pretty decent cellist.....and hes hot too! There aren't that many living cellist that are considered great and he is definitely at the top of the list.

His career has been incredible but I am sure that of all the experiences he has had.....playing with Condelezza Rice was the highlight so far.......I'm kidding....she begged....lol

He played at Ted Kennedys funeral mass and Barak Obamas inauguration....both huge honors...

He is am American born heterosexual...married with kids living in Massachusetts so I don't think Pat Robertson or Rush Limbaugh have had anything negative to say about him....yet.

I think I would like Tina's sister best.....shes not a redneck like Tina.....

Lynn D said...

Morning Glories!

Well Deedee is the prettiest this morning! Take that Tina!

I just like saying his name Yo Yo Ma. It is a name you can even sing or rap very lyrical.

I do think he is one of the finest classical musicians of our time.

Tina quit teasing your sister. I think it is cute and wonderful that she is crazy about the Yo Yo. Refreshing actually in this day and age of TMZ and celebrity worship. Hmmmm Your sister has class!

Were you adopted? :)

whabbear said...

LOL! I'd never even heard of him! I thought "yo yo ma" was street slang!

bonachichi said...

This is a new one for me too, Whab. I'm always happy to find something new.

Hi to DeeDee & LynnD and all coming later! Janice must have armed herself this morning. Or maybe she installed a shock device on her keyboard and Tina's lying on a floor somewhere.

Just_Lin said...

DeeDee Congrats on BAMing your way past Tina this morning. I can't say that I consider Yo-Yo hot, but he is definitely a genius musician.

LynnD LMAO @ asking Tina if she is adopted!

Bear and Bonach I am very suprised that you brainy folks have never heard of Yo-Yo as he has been around for years.

Tina I think it's great that your sister has all that Yo-Yo related stuff in her classroom. It makes her unique to her students and exposes them to something other than the rap crap.

Shirley(NCC-1701) said...

For those of you that don't have Facebook and may not have heard, here are a couple comments from Jodi on FB. Jusdt thought you might want to know.

"SHIT DAMN ASS!!! I think I just broke my arm.....stupid ice!"

"It's official. broke upper left arm and its impacted in the ball joint."

"No surgery needed. arm in a sling and vicoden 4 the pain"

goldie said...

Thanks Shirley- was about to let you all know. She called me.

she fell on the ice in front of her house. Left arm went kittywompus and she heard it crack. She called Mr. Jodi to take her to the ER. IT is broken just below the shoulder, and it impacted into the joint pretty good. They can only sling it for now, but luckily no surgery needed. She got a shot of pain killer at the hospital, and now is on vicodin and iboprophine. Will be off work until the 24th.

I plan on going over on Sunday to drop off some meals for them, so let me know if you need me to pass on any. I am sure she will be online though- a probably pretty effed up too!!

goldie said...

and p.s. where the heck is everyone today!!??

bonachichi said...

Well, Goldie... I just ran into Bebbi on FB. I saw Tina there earlier as well. I think we are all being lazy today.

Poor Jodi... I don't think I've ever seen anyone break the top of their arm before. It sounds incredibly painful. Was she making any sense when you spoke to her, or just talking about butterflies or something?

Bebbilane said...

Tina: Never heard of Yo Yo Mama. I haven't checked out the link yet. Interesting to learn something new.

Jodi: So sorry to hear about your arm. I was over on FB when Bonachichi told me. :( Hope you get well soon. Was it right or left? Cast?


Congrats on first DeeDee

Maureen said...

TINA...you and your sis crack me up! I have always enjoyed the Yo Yo!

DEE DEE...so pretty today!

GOLDIE and SHIRLEY...Thanks for the update on JODI. Did she slip on the ice because she was wearing her stilettos and tassles?

HODI...Sorry for your pain. I hope you feel better soon. {{HUGS}}

BEBBI...Goldie answered your questions at 5:19.

LYNN..wish Mr.LYNN a happy belated birthday from me.

CHI CHI...LOL@ Janice rigging her computer!

WHABBY...hello

Tina~in_ut said...

I don't work on Fridays~ No Janice~ I like to sleep all day to make up for the entire week~ I've been in bed watching tv....it's been fabulous~

DeeDee~ my sister thinks ur nuts~ You'd prolly get along famously~ bish~

LynnD~ Adopted? ur a bish too....hanging around with DeeDee too much!!!! My brothers are adopted...everyone knows that! My sister and I went to Starbucks when I was there last time and the person taking our order asked if we were sisters....I said, "Yes, but I'm the prettier one!" lol~

Bear~ You need to get out more~

Bonachichi~ You need to get out more too...but to all the RIGHT places~ ijs~

J/L~ yup...that's my sister...all about the exposing~

Bebbi~ he is nice to listen to...in moderation~ :)~

Mo~ would you like a sister? :D

Hi Shirley and Goldie~

Jodi~ who did you hit?

Zona said...

TINA: I've seen Yo-Yo Ma on PBS..he really is incredibly talented. I don't usually listen to classical music..except when I have a bad headache. It seems to soothe me then. I had one today..so the music was perfect for me. I liked the video too..it was interesting to see him play when he was so young..thanks for posting the link. I watched some of the videos on the side too..well..I closed my eyes and listened anyway! I'm just surprised that you don't tease your sister by calling him Yo-Ho Ma.. ;)

DEEDEE: Congrats on Bamming into FIRST!

LYNN: OK..let's hear that rap!! ;)

BEAR: Street slang for..?? ;)

JODI: I am so sorry to hear that you got hurt..please try to take it easy and rest. Returning your gentle {{Hugs}} from Arizona.

Waving HI to MO, J/LIN, GOLDIE, SHIRLEY, BEBBI and BONACHI!

Just_Lin said...

Jodi CRAP! I am SOOOO sorry to hear about your arm! I sure hope you are right handed! I would call you but I don't want to bother you in case you are resting. Those pain meds should help you nod off. Gentle (((HUGS))).

sacBarb said...

Hellooo? Where is everyone?

Tina, I sent this vid to Sharon 'cause she really likes Yo Yo Ma. A few years ago, her brother gave her tickets to see him and she was in Yo Yo heaven. He is very talented. Thanks for sharing this early vid with us.

sacBarb said...

Jodi, I am so sorry to hear about your injury. Were you not wearing your Yak Trax? This is a heck of a way to get a vacation from work.

Tina~in_ut said...

J/L~ I don't give a rats ass if she's up or not.....so I called her...I don't feel sorry for her one bit....she's high! It was all for the drugs!!!!! ijs~ :)~

SacBarb~ That's cute that Sharon likes him, too~

Lynn D said...

Evening all!

I was going to have a lazy day at home today but that did not work out at all. Had to go to....you guessed the food bank and open it up for an unexpected delivery and while I was there one of the volunteers who runs the thrift store asked if I could help sort items for the baby bank we are starting. I am such a sucker. I could not say no.

Jodi I don't think you are reading this but dang girl! What the hell did you have on your feet? I am in pain reading what happened.

Mo I will tell him.

Sacbarb I will catch you on the phone I am determined!

Ok going to see if Jodi posted any stoned pearls of wisdom on FB.

bonachichi said...

Tina, next time I'm sick or hurt, would you come take care of me with your gentle touch and infinite empathy?

I was reading J/Lin's post about not wanting to bother Hodi and thought SOMEONE should have some fun before the drugs wear off. Why does Tina always get to do it?

whabbear said...

Quiet today! Zona, for, like, "Yo Momma" - like, the verbal equivalent of getting the finger.

I know. I have to get out more!

Sandie said...

I wanted to let you all know that I received the necklace today (among other goodies from sweet Turtle, including 69 cents, LOL!). I'm pretty sure it started its journey last January. I hope everyone who wore it had fun and wore it in good health!

I'm going to wear it to my Dad's funeral next week so that I have all of you owls with me. Thank you all for your support and love.

whabbear said...

Oh, just realized... what DeeDee said in the second post today! LOL!

goldie said...

CAROL- Check your email!!

Jodi did fall on the ice. She is currently in vicodan land...

The first time she called she was in the ER- I talked to her after she got home too.

Whoever said (sorry, too lazy to go see who)- my sil did the same thing, she fell off a chair and broke the top of her arm. Only other person who I ever hear of do it. Incredibly Painful!!!! Long recovery time- told her that hubby is going to shave her pits and hook her bra- no way is she going to be able too. The good news- it was her left arm and she is right handed.

Going to see her this weekend, take some food for the family.

goldie said...

25! BAM

Tina~in_ut said...

Goldie~ Hope you don't kill them~ lq~ lol.....omg....I'm so sorry...that was so funny~ :D

night.owls.sb said...

Hi Everyone..

I just got home from a wedding.. I worked all day, ran home, freshened up and changed.. and now after a amazing wedding with a amazing cocktail hr, dinner and then a venetian table.. here I sit.. I have to farm I will be back..

goldie said...

tina~ I will try not too. I plan on making a dinner, some dessert and I bought one of those FANTASTIC chicken pot pies and some french bread form COSTCO- can't go wrong with that!!

Dianne/Denver said...

JODI: I am so sorry that you fell down today. I thought that snow was melting up there in WESconsin. You are going to have to cheer for football teams this weekend with one arm swinging. I hope you will be better soon.

ZONA: Thank you so much for the tassels. I received them in the mail today. They are beautiful and yes I will swing them for the Cardnals this weekend. What a thoughtful gift to receive in the mail today. Imagine the surprised look on MrD's face when I opened them and read the message you sent?

Hope all are having or had a nice Friday night and are ready for the weekend...some of you probably even get a three day one. We will get the girls on Sunday afternoon but plan on watching the playoff games this weekend and of course...the Golden Globes on Sunday night.

Dianne/Denver said...

Remember GOLDIE....You are going to say a dinner is from me...the best cooked one!

Just_Lin said...

Sandie It was fun and very special to wear your necklace. Thank you for sharing it with us. Our hearts will be with you at the funeral next week. I'm keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. (((HUGS)))

Goldie What a considerate friend you are to take meals to Jodi's family. If you happen to burn anything, just say you were following Dianne's cooking instructions.

Carol What's a Venetian table?

Mary/MI said...

I haven't had a chance to read the comments, but I wanted to tell Tina that I love me some Yo Yo! I love the strings. Itzhack Pearlman is another fave. of mine. I mostly love tenors. I loved Luciano. He was amazing with Placido & Carrera.
Oh yes Maria Callas too!
Your sister at least has more class than you Tina lol!!!

I am going to read the comments and get to bed. Jim & I will be volunteering at our VFW steak dinner tomorrow. I bus tables & he washes dishes and loves to show everyone his dish pan hands, like a frikin suffering man would lol!!

Have a great week end everyone!!

And the same to all those sweet lurkers :)

Just_Lin said...

It's beend very quiet around here lately. Is everyone still recovering from the holidays or something? I know I'm not quite over it. I still have 1 1/2 lbs to show for it, too.

I hope everyone had a nice evening. You, too, Jodi. I hope the drugs are keeping you pain free and that you are able to sleep.

Sweet dreams, HOoters.