Advertisements In which I pose a rhetorical question Today is the feast of St. Cecilia, patron of musicians (also poets, less relevant to the forthcoming discussion). On an unrelated-yet-related note, I listen to a podcast called Punch Up the Jam wherein the hosts and guests end each episode by offering an ‘unpunchable jam’—a song theyContinue reading “Is “I’m a Believer” a Perfect Song?”
Author Archives: Cecilia Gigliotti
Marie Before Marian
Advertisements In which I spotlight an entertainer who made (largely untold) history My preexisting plan for this week’s post is serendipitously harmonious given the impending arrival of a Black woman in the White House. Because on this date in 1878, the White House welcomed its first Black musical performer, Marie Selika Williams. Williams, née Smith,Continue reading “Marie Before Marian”
38 Things I Love About NEW GIRL
Advertisements In which I take a leaf from a fictional Cece’s book and try being a little spontaneous So in between, you know, momentous global events of late, I am in fact catching the odd episode of a show or two. Having recently finished New Girl (again), I just had to expound on what makesContinue reading “38 Things I Love About NEW GIRL”
PSA: USA
Advertisements In which I say vote, yes For all my talk of immigration and expatriation, I couldn’t have a more opportune moment to speak to an urgent matter in my home country: Please, please, please, please, vote. Tens of millions of Americans have already cast their ballots by mail, at a dropbox, or in person.Continue reading “PSA: USA”
Mole Day!
Advertisements In which I redouble my vain effort to mark time with a chemical interlude “Chemical interlude” sounds like I mean drugs. LOL. Anyway, a happy Mole Day (scientific abbreviation: mol) to all! If you thought you’d never find something non-arts/humanities-based on this blog…well, I’m a multifaceted gal, and this is a legitimate holiday. MyContinue reading “Mole Day!”
A Far-Too-Close Reading of “Your Song”
Advertisements In which I, well, never mind This week we arrive at something that has been on my mind all year: the half-century of the release of one of the most special songs in popular music. I’ll execute a smooth transition out of last week by introducing it as the song that prompted Lennon toContinue reading “A Far-Too-Close Reading of “Your Song””
80 Years
Advertisements In which I renew my vows I fell in love with John Lennon a few months after turning thirteen. This might not sound like much to people who grew up in an era when everyone and their cat classified themselves by their favorite Beatle, a question that echoes through subsequent generations. But it wasContinue reading “80 Years”
Write What You Know?
Advertisements In which I question the sagacity of some so-called sage advice We writers have long had the adage “write what you know” lobbed at us, supposedly an encouragement to use our lives as fodder for crafting powerful stories. I started hearing it soon after expressing any sort of long-term interest in creative writing. It’sContinue reading “Write What You Know?”
The Apple of America’s Eye
Advertisements In which I look at an old legend through a new lens In an example of excellent seasonal timing, today is the historian-approved birth date of John Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed. Remember him? The guy who planted all those trees? Yeah, you know him. He was born in 1774 in Leominster, Massachusetts,Continue reading “The Apple of America’s Eye”
Girl Next Door
Advertisements In which I set something straight It came to my attention during a family phone conversation that I have misinterpreted the “girl next door” trope for most of my life. This stock character often appears in visual media as the primary love interest or counterpart (apparently) to the boy next door to her. TheContinue reading “Girl Next Door”