Latest news with #Cecilia
Dominion Post
6 days ago
- General
- Dominion Post
Cecilia Jean Graves
Cecilia Jean Graves, 69, of Morgantown, passed away in her home Monday, May 12, was the daughter of James and Frances Graves of loved learning and dedicated her life to inspiring that same love of learning in others. She graduated salutatorian of East Fairmont High School Class of '74, obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communications from Fairmont State College, and was part of the 1978 championship debate team at the Liberty Bell Debate Tournament defeating Harvard and the Naval Academy in the final rounds. After earning a master's degree from Ohio University, she was a professor and coached elite intercollegiate debate teams at James Madison University, and later pursued a PhD at the University of to Morgantown, Cecilia served as an academic mentor for the West Virginia University football team, providing academic support and guidance to student was a small business owner, operating The Needlecraft Barn in downtown Morgantown, where she sold high quality fiber arts supplies and offered classes in beginner to advanced needlework techniques. She was a member of the Morgantown Fiber Guild and a highly accomplished knitter.A deep commitment rooted in faith with the Catholic church guided Cecilia to be an outspoken advocate of social justice and animal welfare issues. She was an avid reader, rarely seen without a book in her hand, and an ardent supporter of public libraries and literacy. She loved all animals, providing refuge for many strays over the years. Cecilia was a guardian of the natural world and shared her love of nature with everyone she met, encouraging and inspiring friends and family to seek out meaningful connections to the earth. She especially loved was preceded in death by her is survived by her mother; siblings, Jim Graves, Cathy Meyer, and Cyndy Graves; brother-in-law Dave Hough; along with six nieces and nephews, a grandniece and grandnephew. All were very special to her.A graveside service will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 30, at Beverly Hills Cemetery. Friends and family are welcome to attend. Please contact Ford Funeral Homes or a family member for further details. Memorial contributions may be made to the Morgantown Public Library; Mountaineer Spay/Neuter Assistance Program (M-SNAP); or by planting a tree in her name.
Chicago Tribune
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Review: Paul Simon's ‘Quiet Celebration' is a night to lean into his music
'We are in a conversation,' a gracious Paul Simon announced Wednesday at the first of a three-night stand at Symphony Center, a proper location for his 'Quiet Celebration' tour. And what a memorable conversation it was. Opening the two-set concert with a full performance of 'Seven Psalms,' his 2023 album comprised of a continuous suite of seven songs, Simon presented a fearless meditation on mystery, mortality and the great beyond. Those weighty topics extended beyond the potent 'Seven Psalms.' They arose in almost all of the older selections he chose — work that took on new significance and intent given Simon's current reflections, his 83-year-old age and diminished voice. Though the iconic singer-songwriter never issued any overt statements linking the cerebral concepts of 'Seven Psalms' to material he wrote decades ago, common threads about loss, wonder, home and the constant search for meaning informed the 115-minute show. Simon explored tensions between disbelief and faith, envisioned the Lord as both guardian and saboteur, and seldom arrived at definitive answers to his probing thoughts. Seated on a stool with an acoustic guitar and surrounded by a semi-circle of 11 ace musicians, Simon delivered ruminations, deliberations and hymns via soft, deceivingly casual phrasings. Subtle hand gestures, spiritual tones and light rhythms emerged as undercurrents. Tranquil albeit unsettled, the nuanced approach represented the latest mutation of an artist for whom seeking adventure and rejecting stasis constitute career-long constants. The understatement suited his voice, which now demands that Simon play in intimate halls. Robbed of its former range and projection, Simon's once-flexible instrument displayed wear, thinness and frailty. Occasionally, it frayed and quivered, its raggedness somewhat concealed by the low volumes. Humble and sincere, Simon's singing invited the crowd to lean in as if it took the form of a whisper sharing secrets — and to meet it on its own terms before the words dissolved, offering wisdom as the reward. Under no circumstances would Simon's present vocal abilities succeed in an arena environment. It's also difficult to picture him pulling off the sort of greatest-hits routine typically dispatched by vintage artists catering to the whims of nostalgia. A number of his classic songs no longer fit the parameters of his voice and would probably suffer. He seems to understand that. Better still, he possesses the desire to find fresh ideas in the old and new. Particularly amid songs concerning death, mercy, eternity, and clarifying realizations that, if you're lucky, strike you when you can still act upon them. And so, on this evening, Simon skipped 'Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes' and 'Cecilia.' He bypassed the sure-fire favorites 'Kodachrome' and 'You Can Call Me Al.' Simon didn't entirely ignore his carefree side. A bubbly 'Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard' preceded the encore, which began with the singer rhyming on '50 Ways to Leave Your Lover.' The tunes stood as exceptions amid a set that dared to go deep on multiple levels, with Simon saying several compositions were seldom performed live. To hear him a few years ago, you would think his days on the stage were finished. The New Jersey native announced he would cease touring in early 2018, the same year he commemorated his legacy with a 'Homeward Bound: A Farewell Tour' that included an acclaimed stop at United Center. Save the sporadic one-off appearance, he stayed true to his word. Then the creative bug bit. Around the time he released 'Seven Psalms,' Simon revealed in an interview that he suffered near-total hearing loss in his left ear. But, having again started to write songs, Simon felt an urge to play the album in front of audiences. Reversing a prior decision, he announced his current 56-date outing after appearing on the 'Saturday Night Live 50th Anniversary' special in February. Initially dressed in a sports coat and later donning a ballcap, Simon made himself small in the service of the music. His exceptional group — which included the final surviving original member of the 'Graceland' band, bassist Bakithi Kumalo, plus multifaceted guitarists Gyan Riley and Mark Stewart — exhibited similar restraint and modesty. A rotating stable of woodwinds, strings, glass cloud-chamber bowls, shaken devices and xylophones complemented acoustic foundations built by guitars, pianos and percussion. Mindful of potential overkill, or of drowning out Simon's fragile voice, the collective let the arrangements breathe and valued the spaces between notes. With no one overstepping their boundaries and everyone serving the whole, the discipline and technique mirrored that of an orchestra. Ditto the classical-leaning fades and swells of the 'Seven Psalms' pieces. They eschewed pop conventions and traveled in directions whose fluid, sidewinding motions evoked the surrealism and unpredictability of dreamscapes. 'Your Forgiveness' haunted with Spanish-style accents and pointed chords as Simon posited that humans are merely droplets in God's massive universe. Aided by the smooth, soothing vocal harmonies of intermittent guest and Simon's wife, Edie Brickell, 'The Sacred Heart' drew from Biblical parables about refugees and place as it delved into empathy and the notion of music as a balm. The mantra 'Love is Like a Braid' addressed doubt, transition, innocence and home. They established thematic road maps for Simon's earlier songs, with the welcoming messages of the plucky 'Graceland' no longer confined to Memphis, Tennessee, but hinting at a peaceful destination not of this Earth — and affiliated with the beautiful heaven of 'Wait.' Home, and lasting comfort, further figured in the nimble 'Homeward Bound,' its connotations radically different from those of 60 years ago when Simon penned it as a road-weary folk singer traveling overseas. And they flickered in the detailed descriptions of the melodic 'Spirit Voices.' Enchantment, and the examination of factors outside our control, also instructed practical matters, whether the bedtime-lullaby episodes of 'St. Judy's Comet' or delightful scenes of the patient 'Rene and Georgette Magritte with Their Dog After the War.' That deep cut circled back to Simon's treatment of the passage of time and how it colors perspective, particularly when one looks back on what they cannot change and wish they knew long ago. He imagined such luck in the foot-tapping 'Rewrite,' the narrator's yearning for a redo so desperate that Simon framed it as a pleading prayer. Other protagonists overlooking fortune in their pursuit of 'the thought that life could be better' weren't granted wishful fantasy, while the trio — R&B singer Johnny Ace, John F. Kennedy and John Lennon — chronicled in 'The Late Great Johnny Ace' suffered a graver fate. Emotions as heavy and definite as mortality hung over a finale that found Simon solo and alone, singing his most timeless song in a weather-beaten voice. Coming across as a farewell, 'The Sound of Silence' chilled with its ostensible serenity, its observations about the lack of real communication and connections having evolved from urgent warnings to terrifying realities. And like to the tired fighter in 'The Boxer,' Simon still remained, his prescient lyrics echoing with deafening from Symphony Center in Chicago on May 21: First set ('Seven Psalms') 'The Lord' 'Love is Like a Braid' 'My Professional Opinion' 'Your Forgiveness' 'Trail of Volcanoes' 'The Sacred Harp' 'Wait' Second set 'Graceland' 'Slip Slidin' Away' 'Train in the Distance' 'Homeward Bound' (Simon and Garfunkel cover) 'The Late Great Johnny Ace' 'St. Judy's Comet' 'Under African Skies' 'Rene and Georgette Magritte with Their Dog After the War' 'Rewrite' 'Spirit Voices' 'Mother and Child Reunion' 'Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard' Encore '50 Ways to Leave Your Lover' 'The Boxer' (Simon and Garfunkel cover) 'The Sound of Silence' (Simon and Garfunkel cover)
Business Insider
22-05-2025
- Business Insider
At first, I hesitated to invite my mother-in-law on a trip with my wife and me. Now, we travel together every year.
Each year, my 75-year-old Texan mother-in-law and I go on trips together — usually in the US. She's outlasted partygoers in Nashville, walked miles in DC museums, and had beers in Melbourne. These trips have transformed our relationship from in-laws to enthusiastic travel companions. I met my wife, Cecilia, on a business trip to Austin. After dating long distance, she eventually moved to Australia to be with me and my children. As an only child, leaving her parents behind was tough, so we made it a priority to travel back to Texas each year, usually for Christmas. During one of our early visits, we planned a four-day trip to Seattle and invited her mother, Liz, to join us. I wasn't entirely sure how traveling with my mother-in-law would work out, but that trip became the first of many memorable adventures. My 75-year-old travel buddy has more stamina than most Despite being in her 70s, Liz keeps up with us on our travels. In Seattle, she joined every walking tour without complaint and was game for full days of exploration. She never mentioned being tired, even when the rest of us were. Our trip to Washington, DC, further proved her stamina. Many of the area's biggest attractions are spread out, which can require a lot of walking. This didn't deter Liz. We explored museums and historical monuments and covered miles on foot each day. On top of that, traveling with her improved our experience by encouraging us all to take in the views and exhibits at a more thoughtful pace. We've made so many incredible memories together in the US and outside of it Our recent trip to Nashville was an unexpected highlight, too. Music City has a reputation as a party destination, and I was concerned the late-night bars along Broadway would prove too much for a septuagenarian. It was quite the opposite. After a moonshine tasting session that had us all laughing, we hit the bars, danced the night away, and had a fantastic time. Watching Liz enthusiastically show younger revelers how to boot scoot like a Texan proved that spirit matters more than birthdate. She outlasted many visitors half her age, and I was the one who eventually suggested heading back to the apartment! At one point, after years of traveling to the US, Liz finally made her first trip Down Under to watch Cecilia graduate from her master's program. Although she was worried about the long flight, she powered through and stayed in Melbourne for three weeks. We had a wonderful time. At our local brewery, she surprised me by enjoying the beer so much that she bought a T-shirt and a six-pack to take home. A highlight of the trip was watching her face light up at her first sip of a proper flat white after years of hearing me talk up Australian coffee. I loved introducing my home country to Liz the way she's shown Texas to me. These travels have strengthened family bonds across continents What started as an uncertain invitation has become one of our favorite traditions that benefits each of us in different ways. Liz gets to travel (something her husband typically avoids), Cecilia spends more quality time with her mom, and I see more of America. The most rewarding part of most of these adventures, though, is getting to watch mother and daughter connect outside the usual family visits. Plus, my children have joined us on several trips — it's been priceless creating memories across three generations and finding activities that work across age groups has been surprisingly easy. For now, we're planning our December trip to Charleston. I'm looking forward to trying authentic Southern food and learning about a part of America that's entirely new for me, just as Australia once was to Liz.
News18
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
New Restaurants and Menus Heating Up Delhi NCR'S Dining Scene
Last Updated: As the city's culinary scene continues to evolve, these new destinations are setting a high bar for creativity, authenticity, and experience. From fine dining opulence to bold cocktails and comforting slices of Italy, Delhi-NCR's culinary landscape is abuzz with fresh openings and inventive menus that promise to elevate every dining experience. Here's a curated look at what's new and noteworthy this season. Tinos Gurgaon: A Slice of Italy A cozy newcomer in Gurugram's Sapphire Mall, Tinos is already making waves with its perfectly blistered Neapolitan pizzas and creamy burrata toppings. The casual-café vibe is ideal for both lazy brunches and hearty dinners, with comforting dishes like aglio olio pasta and fresh Italian coffee rounding out the menu. Tinos is a new favourite for those seeking unfussy yet flavourful Italian fare in a chic, relaxed setting. Odella: A Renaissance of Flavour in Green Park Delhi welcomes Odella, a luxurious fine-dining restaurant in Green Park that redefines gastronomy through the lens of art, history, and innovation. Inspired by the grandeur of the Baroque era and the philosophical brilliance of Giovanni Pico della Mirandola, Odella blends opulence with modern finesse. The interiors exude a timeless elegance, transporting diners to an era where beauty and indulgence reigned supreme. The globally inspired menu showcases refined techniques and artistic presentation from smoky Gucchi Galouti and Truffle Parmesan Arancini to indulgent Mansa Ghee Roast and Sambal Seabass. Desserts like Biscoff Tres Leches and Burnt Cheesecake offer a decadent finale. The beverage program is equally exquisite, with signature cocktails like The Venice Sunset and Seville Heat Wave adding drama and depth to the experience. Think golden waffles, crispy churros, and indulgent thick shakes, all served with the same attention to detail as their slow-dripped coffees. This new outlet is designed to provide a welcoming space where coffee lovers can come together and indulge in the finest blends. Cecilia's Pizzeria: Spreading the Warmth of Italian Tradition to Kailash Colony Beloved for its nostalgic charm and handcrafted pizzas, Cecilia's Pizzeria has now opened a new outlet in Kailash Colony. With its roots in heartfelt Italian family recipes and the vision of founder Cecilia; whose kitchen memories with her Nonna shape the brand. This third outlet continues the legacy of comfort and authenticity. Curated by Chef Sabyasachi Gorai, the menu features classic Neapolitan-style pizzas, fresh pastas, and homemade desserts, all served in a homely setting reminiscent of a Nonna's kitchen. Cecilia's is a journey through flavours, memories, and the warmth of home-cooked food. Gurgaon's Sorbo isn't just revamping its cocktail menu, it's turning drinks into an immersive cultural journey. The restaurant, already known for its Moroccan-inspired cuisine, now brings an avant-garde bar experience with a menu steeped in spice, aromatics, and theatrical flair. Curated by brand, the new cocktails like the Casablanca Sunset, Riad Royale, and Med-ina Muse; combine handcrafted syrups, global spices, and visual drama to elevate the drinking ritual. The focus? An immersive narrative in every glass, with guests encouraged to tweak flavours for a truly bespoke experience. Whether you're seeking a regal fine-dining escape, a modern cocktail adventure, a caffeine fix, or a wood-fired pizza straight out of Italy, Delhi-NCR's latest openings have something to suit every palate and mood. As the city's culinary scene continues to evolve, these new destinations are setting a high bar for creativity, authenticity, and experience. First Published: May 20, 2025, 17:40 IST
The Sun
19-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Cecilia Chang, CEO of Generali Hong Kong, Named ‘Best Woman CEO – Insurance' at Women's Tabloid Awards
HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 19 May 2025 - Cecilia Chang, Chief Executive Officer of Generali Hong Kong, has been named the 'Best Woman CEO – Insurance' at the Women's Tabloid Awards, a global honor recognizing exceptional female leadership. This accolade highlights Cecilia's vision for driving sustainable business growth and advancing the insurance industry. Cecilia's dedication to creating an inclusive and empowering environment drives the success of the Generali Hong Kong team, underpinned by Generali's Lifetime Partner commitment to always delivering excellence for our customers. Cecilia Chang, Chief Executive Officer of Generali Hong Kong, said, 'I am honored to be recognized as the 'Best Woman CEO – Insurance' by the Women's Tabloid Awards. This recognition is not just a personal milestone, it reflects the shared success of the incredible team at Generali Hong Kong. Together, we have accelerated innovation, deepened our customer focus, and expanded our market presence, all while staying true to our Lifetime Partner commitment. Leadership, to me, is about more than performance. It's about purpose - driving sustainable growth, creating impact, and empowering the next generation of leaders. Thank you to Women's Tabloid for this meaningful recognition. It inspires me to continue leading boldly, with inclusion and excellence at the core.' The Women's Tabloid Awards recognize exceptional female leaders who are redefining the standards of excellence across industries. Organized by Women's Tabloid, a global publication dedicated to showcasing the achievements, challenges, and contributions of women in business and leadership, the awards honor executives who are shaping the future of their industries through innovation, leadership, and a commitment to excellence.
