In which I step out onto a limb So I’m trying something a little different this International Women’s Day. I thought I’d explore the life of a woman who came from the country I am living in and learning about. And, since women are such marvelously nuanced creatures, I chose a woman who wielded unusualContinue reading “Who Was Leni Riefenstahl Really?”
Author Archives: Cecilia Gigliotti
In Defense of the Kids Who Had the Nerve to Audition
In which, for once, inclusivity supersedes quality We all—of a certain age, anyhow—remember the scene in High School Musical where a procession of hopefuls audition for the winter musicale. They sing an excerpt from “What I’ve Been Looking For” accompanied by its composer, accident-prone musical genius Kelsi Nielsen, who is to East High what ColeContinue reading “In Defense of the Kids Who Had the Nerve to Audition”
Fine Arts Spotlight: Janelle Monáe
In which I watch the finest tightrope act around We end the month on a high note (pun intended) with a artist with a finger in every pie, who is tirelessly bringing joy and empowerment to our very own time. I’ve been an acolyte of Janelle Monáe’s for over two years now. Her acting rangeContinue reading “Fine Arts Spotlight: Janelle Monáe”
Politics Spotlight: Shirley Chisholm
In which a Brooklyn baby goes for it We’re jumping about a century forward from last week to celebrate a trailblazing figure in American politics. I have no doubt her name popped up in my AP U.S. History textbook, but by this point in the timeline we were glossing over a lot of things asContinue reading “Politics Spotlight: Shirley Chisholm”
Education Spotlight: Elizabeth Jennings Graham
In which a teacher leads by example This week’s spotlight is a misdirect. Elizabeth Jennings (Graham, although we’ll focus on her single-lady days) was a schoolteacher, but the incident and court case for which she became famous had nothing to do with her teaching. Rather, it got her a mention in the New York TransitContinue reading “Education Spotlight: Elizabeth Jennings Graham”
Poetry Spotlight: Phillis Wheatley
In which I return to a childhood heroine Happy February, all. My American readers will know that this month is Black History Month. I’m going to be spotlighting a few important figures, some of whom I’ve admired for years and others of whom I’ve only just learned abut recently. Also, they’re all going to beContinue reading “Poetry Spotlight: Phillis Wheatley”
A Shot in the HEAD, A Tip of the (Green Wool) Hat
In which the young generation is…still saying something I had reason to get the Monkees on the brain a couple months ago, so I wrote a post. I’ve had more reason since—reading Mike Nesmith’s autobiography Infinite Tuesday, catching references to them in The Queen’s Gambit—so here I am writing another post. Most of all becauseContinue reading “A Shot in the HEAD, A Tip of the (Green Wool) Hat”
BRAVE NEW WORLD is Not a Dystopia
In which I take arms against a sea of troubles and wind up drowning MIRANDA How many goodly creatures are there here! How beauteous mankind is! O brave new world, That has such people in’t! PROSPERO ‘Tis new to thee. : The Tempest, Act V Scene 1 *WARNING: SPOILERS* Friends, Americans, countrymen! We have enteredContinue reading “BRAVE NEW WORLD is Not a Dystopia”
The Strange Mirror of UNORTHODOX
In which I consider what makes a home *WARNING: SPOILERS* A couple months have passed since I watched Anna Winger’s four-part Netflix series Unorthodox, based on Deborah Feldman’s memoir, and I’m working through how close it hit to home. Not in terms of Judaism, in terms of my physical location. The action is divided betweenContinue reading “The Strange Mirror of UNORTHODOX”
It’s getting to the point…
In which it’s a matter of mind over music—or is it? Yesterday a favorite podcaster of mine who often engages in discussions of mental health issues—and who is herself studying to be a therapist—read out a message from a female listener who described her boyfriend’s unwillingness or inability to help her through an emotionally turbulentContinue reading “It’s getting to the point…”