Jim Kissane, Storyteller

11/08/2025

Coming up on Saturday, Nov. 8, my friends and I will be sharing stories at the Heritage Village in Pinellas County (Largo).

We will be in the Pinellas Room 10 to Noon, and 1 to 2 pm.

05/07/2025

True story: I just figured out that Facebook’s algorithm has been quietly hiding my posts from a whole bunch of you. (Yes, I know… I write about history, but apparently, I’m not so great at keeping up with current events, especially on social media.)
If you actually want to get my latest stories, podcast episodes, or hear about upcoming events, without relying on Facebook’s mysterious feed, join my email list! It’s the only way to be sure you’ll hear from me, algorithms or not.

Sign up here: https://tinyurl.com/JimsHistory

Thanks for putting up with my slow learning curve. At least I can promise the emails will be more interesting than my tech skills!

Step Into History With Me Love stories from the past? Want to go behind the scenes and get exclusive historical stories (1850's - 1950's) and essays you won’t find anywhere else Early access to new podcast episodes and YouTube videos Behind-the-scenes insights into my research and live performance...

04/30/2025

Discover stories that bring America’s untold industrial history to life. On my Substack, you’ll find original narratives, insights, and ideas that delve into the people, places, and moments that shaped our nation’s industries and communities. If you value thoughtful storytelling and a fresh perspective on history you won’t find in textbooks, subscribe to jimkissane.substack.com and join a community of readers exploring the stories behind America’s industrial past

03/17/2025

You'll frequiently hear the terms "Céilí" and "Cèilidh" (that refer to traditional social gatherings in Ireland and Scotland, respectively), but they share many similarities while also having distinct characteristics:

Origin and Spelling:

Céilí is the Irish term, derived from the Old Irish word "céle" meaning companion, and later "céilidh" meaning visit.

Cèilidh is the Scottish Gaelic term, with the same etymological roots but spelled differently due to the divergence in the Gaelic languages.

Pronunciation: Both terms are pronounced similarly, as "kay-lee".

Historical Context:

In Ireland, the céilí was part of the Gaelic revival in the early 20th century, aimed at promoting Irish cultural independence. It involved traditional dances, music, and storytelling, often organized by the Gaelic League.

In Scotland, the cèilidh has a long history, initially serving as a social gathering for storytelling, poetry, and music, especially in rural areas where it was a significant form of entertainment.

Music and Dance:

Céilí: In Ireland, céilí dances are based on heys, round dances, long dances, and quadrilles. The music includes jigs, reels, hornpipes, polkas, slip-jigs, and waltzes. Step dancing, popularized by shows like Riverdance, is also a feature.

Cèilidh: Scottish cèilidhs feature dances like the Gay Gordons, Dashing White Sergeant, Virginia Reel, and Strip the Willow. The music includes strathspeys, reels, jigs, and marches, with a focus on Scottish traditional tunes.

Instruments:

Both events use traditional instruments like the fiddle, flute, tin whistle, accordion, and bodhrán. However, Scottish cèilidhs might also include Scottish smallpipes, while Irish céilís might feature more prominently the bodhrán and the uilleann pipes.

Cultural Significance:

In Ireland, céilís are deeply rooted in the cultural nationalist movement, promoting Irish identity through dance and music.

In Scotland, cèilidhs are a fundamental part of Scottish culture, often taught in schools and celebrated at various community events.

Modern Adaptations:

Both have evolved to include modern elements. For instance, bands might mix traditional tunes with contemporary rhythms, and the events are not strictly confined to their original cultural contexts, being popular in the diaspora communities worldwide.

In summary, while both céilí and cèilidh are social gatherings involving traditional music and dance, the primary differences lie in the specific dances, music, and cultural contexts of Ireland and Scotland.

However, the spirit of community, celebration, and participation remains a common thread, making both events vibrant and inclusive celebrations of their respective cultures

03/17/2025

My 5th Book in my expanding Collection, "The Story of Industrial America [1850's - 1960's] was published a short while back.
I invite you to embark on a mysterious journey through the heart of America's automotive past with my latest book, "Automobile Stories," where each page dares you to uncover the secrets that have shaped our world, from the pioneering spirit of the Duryea brothers as they built America's first gasoline-powered car, to the game-changing introduction of the electric starter by Charles Kettering, and the "true story" of the revolutionary assembly line that transformed mass production.
You can find it on JimKissane.com/my-books

03/17/2025

As a rule, I don't get involved in competitive events, but I was encouraged to tell a story for the River and Prairie Storyweavers' annual Deb Wallen Memorial Story Slam. Much to my surprise, they like this original, personal, true story. Go figure.
https://youtu.be/jPVx4OElOhQ?si=zMAFBvL3NczqN1C8
Hope you enjoy!

This is a true personal story about Jim Kissane's journey into the world of bear collecting. His focus on a particular aspect of bears becomes the centerpiec...

12/21/2024

Hey friends! I'm thrilled to share my latest book with you. It's a collection of 12 heartwarming Christmas stories set in a bygone era, from the 1850s to 1950s. You'll journey through time, experiencing the holidays from unique perspectives that will surprise and delight you. Discover how innovation shaped traditions and explore the indomitable human spirit. It's a nostalgic trip that'll warm your heart and remind you of the true meaning of Christmas. And who knows? You might uncover a long-lost secret along the way...
Only $4.99 (ebook) - Visit JimKissane.com/my-books

10/18/2024

I think many (including many in the media do not understand Federal budgeting, where Committed and Obligated funding are separate line items, and thus are misreporting agencies "running out of money"

Based on the most recent federal budget data available, I can provide you with an explanation of committed and obligated funds, along with examples related to the Small Business Administration (SBA):

Committed Funds
Committed funds are monies that have been administratively reserved or set aside for a specific purpose but are not yet legally bound for payment. This internal control mechanism ensures funds will be available when needed.

**SBA Example:** In fiscal year 2024, the SBA might commit $3 billion for anticipated disaster relief loans following hurricanes Helene and Milton. This money is earmarked for disaster relief but not yet tied to specific loan applications or borrowers[8].

Obligated Funds
Obligated funds represent a legal commitment to pay based on a binding agreement. These funds are formally allocated to specific recipients or purposes, and a legal duty is created to disburse the money.

SBA Example:
As of the latest report, the SBA has made more than 700 loan offers for Hurricane Helene victims, totaling about $48 million. This $48 million is now considered obligated funds, as it has been specifically allocated to approved borrowers[8].

Key differences:
1. Legal status: Commitments are administrative, while obligations are legally binding.
2. Specificity: Committed funds are general allocations, while obligated funds are tied to specific agreements or recipients.
3. Timing: Commitments typically precede obligations in the spending process.

It's worth noting that the federal government's total spending for fiscal year 2023 was nearly $6.2 trillion, while revenue was about $4.5 trillion, resulting in a deficit[3]. The ability to quickly commit and then obligate funds allows agencies like the SBA to respond rapidly to disasters and other urgent needs, even as they await potential additional funding from Congress[8].

The Small Business Administration offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to businesses and people affected by disasters.

10/17/2024

On Monday October 21st, I will be one of the Suncoast Storytellers at the historic Tampa Theatre's annual "Nightrmare on Franklin Street" series. I will be telling an original historical story In 1900s Pasco County Florida, where a logging crew faces terrifying supernatural forces in ancient cypress groves. As workers vanish and eerie phenomena intensify, foreman Jake Cummings uncovers dark legends. He races against time to confront an awakened, vengeful presence lurking in the primordial forest.
Show details at

LIVE ON STAGE Since the beginning of time, humans have gathered around the fire to share stories and tell tales. If you’re not careful, your eyes start to play tricks on you, and your imagination...

10/05/2024

There is a set of principles often referred to as the Native American Ten Commandments

These are not a direct equivalent to the biblical Ten Commandments but rather a collection of traditional Native American teachings and values that guide their way of life and relationship with nature and spirituality. They emphasize respect for nature, spirituality, community, and personal integrity.

Significance
These principles reflect the holistic worldview of many Native American cultures, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all living things and the importance of living in harmony with nature and one's community.

Unlike the biblical Ten Commandments, which are primarily focused on moral and religious laws, the Native American commandments are more like guidelines for living a balanced and respectful life in accordance with traditional values.

09/14/2024

This week, I was excited to see coverage in my hometown paper about the new American Pioneer 220 cars being produced in Horseheads by Siemens Mobility.
https://www.stargazette.com/story/news/local/2024/09/13/what-to-expect-from-siemens-mobility-trains-made-in-horseheads/75193117007/

Brightline West shared new renderings of the interiors of the trains that will roll out of Chemung County in the coming years. The AP220 will be capable of carrying up to 450 passengers on the new rail line between Las Vegas and Southern California. It will feature a variety of creature comforts to make the trip a breeze. The journey is expected to take less than two hours, and the train is designed to hit speeds in excess of 200 miles per hour.

The Elmira, NY, area has a rich history of railcar production. Between 1870 and 1940, several railcar builders operated in the vicinity of Elmira, New York. The Elmira Car Works, established in 1851, began manufacturing railcars in 1862 and continued until 1886. This facility was initially a car repair shop but evolved into a significant manufacturer of railcars. In 1872, the Erie Railroad acquired the Elmira shops from the Erie & Atlantic Sleeping Car Company, using them for railcar construction and repairs until 1886. During this time, the Pullman Company also leased the Elmira shops, focusing on producing and repairing sleeping cars.

The AP220 trains will be rolling out of Chemung County in the coming years. Here's how the trains will create an exciting passenger experience.

08/24/2024

And keeps getting bigger each day