In which I prepare to demolish a rightfully loathed tradition Okay, I’ll get straight to the point: Cover letters should never be mandatory. At most, they should be optional. Ideally we would do away with them altogether. This idea had been fermenting in my head ever since I began applying to Real Jobs/Internships as aContinue reading “A Valediction Forbidding Cover Letters”
Author Archives: Cecilia Gigliotti
Any Tom, Dick, or Karen; Any Tom, Karen, or Dick
In which I face the facts (i.e., the cold-hearted cynic I am inside) This title cleverly references not only a number from Cole Porter’s Kiss Me, Kate, but also the one-time husband of Karen Carpenter, Tom Burris. He serves no other purpose in this post. It came as absolute and very recent news to meContinue reading “Any Tom, Dick, or Karen; Any Tom, Karen, or Dick”
Why Is Love So Hard?
In which I indulge in a little armchair psychology Distinct non-philosopher that I am, I’ve lately had occasion to dwell on the idea of love and why that idea often differs so drastically from the reality. (Nothing in particular has happened; in fact it’s what hasn’t happened that constitutes, as a friend of mine soContinue reading “Why Is Love So Hard?”
Warren Beatty Reacts to “You’re So Vain” (A McSweeney’s Castoff)
In which I house a homeless monologue Here follows a piece which was rejected by not one but TWO online humor mags, one being the illustrious McSweeney’s Internet Tendency of Boston. Given the double distinction, I felt it merited self-publication. It is, I think, no meaner than the song. • It was a yacht party,Continue reading “Warren Beatty Reacts to “You’re So Vain” (A McSweeney’s Castoff)”
Album Review: SONGS OF INNOCENCE
In which I celebrate an uncelebrated curio Surprise! You thought you’d left this album in the dust, huh? Apple product users will remember it as the one that automatically streamed when U2 released it nearly six years ago. As an involuntary addition to millions of music libraries, it was also largely unwelcome; people griped aboutContinue reading “Album Review: SONGS OF INNOCENCE”
A Love Letter to José Carioca, Rio de Janeiro
In which the past catches up with me My dear Joe, We met at least twenty years ago, so I’ve always considered you a friend, but it’s different now. Aside from the standard byproduct of aging that causes one to see the hallmarks of childhood in a new light and with a new appreciation, IContinue reading “A Love Letter to José Carioca, Rio de Janeiro”
How *Am* I?
In which I do not seriously ask that question, thank God Language is weird. My relationship to language learning has always been marked both by eagerness and a measure of trepidation, an uncertainty born of having to consciously try. I grew up in a monolingual household—it’s been at least two generations since either side ofContinue reading “How *Am* I?”
Singular Sensation
In which Broadway’s Broadwayest musical turns 45 There’s no shortage of subjects I could chase this week. The album Taylor Swift surprised us with that no one was emotionally ready for. The utter circus my expat life is becoming as I wait on important answers from oversaturated offices. The fact that I’m using my limitedContinue reading “Singular Sensation”
Washington Irving, Berlin
In which I ruminate on an eerie visitation and the man behind it Excuse me while I congratulate myself on that terribly clever title. A writer I love overlapping a composer I love overlapping a city I love which happens to be where I live? Oh, Cecilia, you crack-up. *pats own back* Just kidding. (SortContinue reading “Washington Irving, Berlin”
A Moment Alone in the Shade
In which I contemplate a pilgrim’s progress I would bet a ten-dollar-Founding-Father bill that you expected my title to refer in some way to the room where it happens. Well, kids, I’m full of surprises. Besides, there is no longer one ‘room’: everyone who has witnessed the production of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton available on Disney+Continue reading “A Moment Alone in the Shade”