Christopher Ciccone, the younger brother of pop icon Madonna, passed away, at the age of 63 after battling cancer. Christopher had a profound influence on Madonna’s career, working closely with her during her early days. He started as a backup dancer and later became her art director, most notably for her Blond Ambition World Tour (1990) and The Girlie Show (1993). He was also a production designer and interior designer, expanding his career beyond his association with his famous sister.
Born in 1960, Christopher and Madonna shared a complicated yet deep bond. Despite their professional and personal ups and downs, including public disagreements, their connection remained significant throughout their lives. Christopher was one of the key figures behind the scenes of Madonna’s ascent to superstardom, contributing to her visual style and performances. He was also known for his candid 2008 memoir, “Life with My Sister Madonna,” where he shared details of their complicated relationship and experiences growing up together.
Christopher’s death follows the passing of their stepmother, Joan Gustafson Ciccone, who also died from cancer in September 2024, and their eldest brother, Anthony Ciccone, who passed away in 2022. He is survived by his husband, Ray Thacker, and his siblings, including Madonna. His passing has left a deep void in the Ciccone family, especially given the close familial losses in recent years.
Despite their differences, Madonna paid tribute to her brother following his death, expressing that she believed he was “dancing somewhere,” a touching acknowledgment of their shared past in the arts. Christopher’s contributions to the creative world, particularly through his work with Madonna, have left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
Don’t toss those eggshells! Here’s why you should keep them
Here are some advantages that egg shells provide if you’re one of those persons who loves eggs for breakfast and eats them frequently. See why you should never again throw eggshells in the garbage by reading the article below.
1. All-natural insect repellent
Eggshells might be the answer if slugs, worms, and snails are regular garden visitors who eat your flowers and kill the plant. All you have to do is cover the plants with crushed eggshells, and you’ll soon notice a change. It turns out that the fragrance of eggshells repels these creatures, so you won’t see them in your yard again.
2. Drives away deer
Eggshells are a deer repellent, just like they are to insects. Using this tip may help keep deer away from your garden and your plants, which they tend to destroy, if you live in a wooded region where they are frequent visitors.
3. Bird Food
Some creatures find the eggshells repulsive, yet others find them to be a great delight. If you scatter eggshells across your yard, you could see a flock of feathered friends enjoying their favorite snack. Birds adore eggshells. This is a pleasant approach to draw birds, who deter unsightly insects in addition to brightening people’s days with their beautiful appearance and endearing tweets.
4. Improve Soil Health
Using eggshell dust or solution as fertilizer is a sustainable way to repurpose materials that would otherwise end up in your local landfill.
Their calcium carbonate content naturally lowers the pH of your soil, which is good for plants that like lower pH conditions. Because of this modification, the soil becomes more alkaline and these plants are better able to absorb nutrients.
5. Eat Healthier Veggies
Eggshells contain calcium carbonate, which can help plants that are susceptible to calcium deficiencies—like tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers—by lowering their risk of blossom end rot. Crushed eggshells added to the soil will keep the vegetables colorful, plump, and flavorful.
6. Bring Potted Plants’ pH Up with Pexels
A horticulture expert with the University of Illinois Extension points out that research conducted in greenhouses with plants growing in pots have demonstrated that adding eggshells to the soil can raise its pH. The enormous volume of soil in a backyard garden is very different from the tiny amount of soil in a pot.The typical homeowner is not likely to be able to produce enough eggshells to increase the pH of their soil.
7. Composting Made Simple
Eggshells and citrus peels break down gradually in a compost pile or container, which makes crushed eggshell material ideal for composting. They add nutrients and minerals to the compost material as they decompose and enhance it.
Rinse the shells well to remove any raw egg residue before composting. The decomposition process is accelerated when they are broken down into smashed shells because smaller fragments decompose faster than whole eggs.
The next time you have eggs, be sure to use the eggshells to add some beauty to your potted plants or yard.
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