Für...Elise?
sometimes, things are not what they seem
While my unusual first name has been a bit of a cross to bear, I was always proud that Beethoven wrote a famous piano piece and dedicated it to me—or at least, a love interest with my same name. Imagine my shock and disappointment to learn that Ludwig’s honey bun…never actually existed!
ARTICLE: BEETHOVEN’S “FÜR ELISE”-HISTORIAN CONCLUDES SHE NEVER EXISTED
MUSIC: FÜR ELISE by Ludwig von Beethoven (arr. Batiste)
Real muse or no, “Elise” is still universally popular. Here’s a unique interpretation, as Jon Batiste gives it a little New Orleans flair!
COMICS: STRANGE PLANET
Ya-Jhu introduced me to the hilarious work of cartoonist Nathan Pyle. His “Strange Planet” comic strips play with language by imagining a cast of extraterrestrial beings who interpret English words and phrases differently, but with total logic. I wonder if “Strange Planet” resonates with Yaj as an ESL speaker. Though she’s more fluent than I am at this point, I’m sure there were many challenges along the way as she learned our quirky tongue! Enjoy…
ARTICLE: COMMONLY CONFUSED SONG LYRICS—OR, WHAT ARE SOME “MONDEGREENS”?
Wait, what? You mean Electric Light Orchestra’s hit song is NOT called “Medieval Woman?” And Elton John doesn’t ask Tony Danza to hold him closer? I swear, these pop singers need to learn to ENUNCIATE! Again, things musical are NOT always what they seem…but Johnny Nash definitely sings “I can see clearly now, Lorraine is gone,” right?
MASTER ILLUSIONISTS
No newsletter about perceptions would be complete without a few magicians! Here are a few of my personal favorites, the fabulous team of Penn and Teller…
and, to MY mind, the equally (!) talented Aiden Seyfried (at age five)
ART: TROMPE L’OEIL
In French, “trompe l’oeil” means “deceives the eye." In art, it describes works that use illusion to create the impression of three dimensions in a two-dimensional work. Like these amazing pieces:
BLOG PREVIEW: AT THE GRATITUDE MEETING
This week’s blog post was inspired by a funny poem. Am I (often) late for the gratitude meeting? Hop on over to Working Title for the answer!!
INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
Yet it may be the hardest thing to do. Can we try, my friends, in this oh so important week, to see through appearances, to the truth?