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Nominate your favorite Virginia blogVirginia Living Magazine's currently collecting votes for its "Best of Virginia" issue. Since QuailBellMagazine.com is native to Virginia (founded by Arlington, VA's Christine Stoddard during her time as a college student in Richmond, VA), it's eligible for nomination. That being said, won't you vote QB as your favorite Northern Virginia blog? You could win an iPad! The Breadcrumbs widget will appear here on the published site.
The BasiliskBy Jade Miller QuailBellMagazine.com By Synnabar -- synnabar.critter.net _ Let’s be honest here – the only reason many of you know about this creature is because of Harry Potter, myself included. J.K. Rowling picked one of the two possible types of monster for her story, with its vile yellow eyes able to strike a person dead with one glance. The other legend goes that the basilisk burns everything it approaches. Both of the myths agree that its breath can wilt plants and break stones. Its poison is so strong that if a man of horseback pierces the skin of the basilisk, not only will it kill the man, but the horse as well. That is some serious venom. Stemming from Greek mythology, the basilisk is usually described as having the head and body of a rooster, the wings of a bat and tail of a snake, ending in an arrow point…not especially horrifying by today’s standards. Then again, when something manages to not only scare off spiders but is also used to get rid of birds in the temples of Greek gods, that must be something truly frightening. If you ever find yourself having to fight a basilisk, then I’d suggest arming yourself with a weasel, which is immune to its glance or a rooster, whose cry it fatal for the snake-like creature. There’s also the brave Harry Potter method, with a sword through the mouth, but the most traditional way to kill a basilisk is to catch its reflection in a mirror – when the monster sees its own likeness, it dies of fright. Quite an awful way to go, killed by your own face that truly fulfills the saying of ‘a face only a mother could love.’ The Breadcrumbs widget will appear here on the published site.
A [Feminist] Western QuestBy Christine Stoddard QuailBellMagazine.com Though Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, and Josh Brolin make mighty fine cowboys in The Coen Brothers' “True Grit” (2010), the film is really the bildungsroman of Hailee Steinfeld's character, Mattie Rose. She's a regular 14-year-old feminist in pigtails and britches. Well-spoken, educated, and, more memorably, precociously confident, Mattie has one goal: to hunt down the man who killed her father and see him hanged, even if it means hopping on a horse and stirring up all the dust in the West herself. Mattie is outspokenly smart and defiant, two qualities women of her age, station, and era tended to hide, at least in the presence of male company. Even in the Wild West, where the bodices ran loose and tongues wagged even looser, people didn't completely reject Victorian norms, which dictated women's subservience to men. Today it's easy to accept the romanticism of the Wild West—the galloping ponies, hair flying in the wind, whiskey aplenty. It's easy to assume that simply because women had more legal rights there than they did back East, such as the right to vote and own property, that they received fair treatment in practice. “True Grit” shows that making such an assumption means ignoring the reality of women's lower status even in the Ol' West. Just look at how Jeff Bridges' character, Rooster Cogburn, patronizes Mattie from their earliest encounters. He says she's no “bigger than a corn nugget” and that she better go home to play with her dolls and take care of her baby brother. Matt Damon's character, LaBoeuf, isn't any more enlightened. He spanks Mattie not long after meeting her. To the annoyance of Rooster and her other male elders, Mattie disregards her “place” as a woman and demands that they help her get justice. She leaves home by herself, responsibly deals with money matters, and asks for no one's permission except her own. You know what we at Quail Bell have to say about that? Atta girl, Mattie! You're one of those young ladies who makes history so fascinating. The Breadcrumbs widget will appear here on the published site.
Nonsense NewsBy Julie DiNisio QuailBellMagazine.com _ There are some couples so creative, inspired, and just darn adorable, they are easy to hate (as much as you want to love them all the same). That’s Martin Obakke and Celena Cavala, the creators of TheFiligree.com, a website and publication geared towards “fairy tale nonsense news.” Danish Obakke and American Cavala met in Florence, Italy, and experienced an instant chemistry in their dealings with the imaginary and otherworldly. Essentially, The Filigree is the New York Times for fairy tale fans. According to the website, each edition includes fictional (or are they?) pieces dealing with “breaking news, arts and entertainment, sports, full page event calendar, obituaries, classifieds, horoscopes, and more," all with a fairy tale twist. The duo splits up the creative responsibilities; Cavala writes all of the pieces and Obakke takes care of the art. Her “news” is well-written and whimsical. His art is exquisitely crafted and intricately designed. He also makes sculptures of dragons and dolls, all of which can be seen in the photo galleries on their website. Many of their creations are also for sale in their Etsy shop. So if you need an escape and the real news if just too mundane for you, read The Filigree to keep up with an imaginary world. The Breadcrumbs widget will appear here on the published site.
Retro SantaBy Paisley Hibou QuailBellMagazine.com Now that several suns have set since Christmas day and the Christmas season has officially bowed off the calendar scene with Epiphany's end, it's time to unveil the truth: Santa Claus is a myth. Of course you always suspected that since you turned a certain age, but you may be less familiar with the history of good ol' Saint Nick, the man who inspired the many interpretations of Santa Claus humanity loves today. There's also probably a lot more you don't know about Santa Claus and since I have several hundred words left to kill in this article, I might as well expand your Santa knowledge in other capacities, too. Saint Nicholas, also known as the Patron Saint of Giving, Nikolaos of Myra, and Nikolaos the Wonderworker, was born in the ancient Greek city of Patara. Born in the third century, Saint Nicholas was raised to be a pious Christian by wealthy parents who died of plague during Saint Nicholas' childhood. As a young man, Saint Nicholas donated his entire inheritance to the needy. He became Bishop of Myra at a young age and was later exiled by Roman Emperor Diocletian for his Christian faith. Throughout his life, Saint Nicholas became famous for his generosity, whether that meant bringing murdered innocents back to life, giving poor girls dowries, or performing smaller deeds. Sometimes, for instance, he'd drop gold coins in children's shoes while they slept for no other reason than to make the children happy. Saint Nicholas always insisted on secrecy, never wanting recognition for his goodness. When the Christian Roman Empire attempted to Christianize Germanic tribes starting in the 4th century, they brought the story of Saint Nicholas (and many other saints, of course) with them. Over the years, as Germanic and Christian cultures intertwined, stories of the Germanic god Odin gradually influenced the story of Saint Nicholas, just as pagan winter solstice traditions influenced celebrations connected to the birth of Christ. To vastly simplify the history, this mixing of mythologies eventually produced Santa Claus.
Although primarily celebrated by Western cultures, today Santa enjoys multiple incarnations across the globe. First off, there is the matter of Santa Claus' name. In French-speaking countries, Santa's called Père Noël and in Spanish-speaking ones, Papá Noel. In Italy, he's named Babbo Natale. The Polish call him Swiety Mikolaj. While Santa's Western names often translate to some approximation of “Father Christmas” or “Saint Nicholas,” his Eastern names sometimes carry a different meaning. The Japanese called him Hoteiosho, which translates to “a god or priest who bears gifts.” The Chinese call him Dun Che Lao Ren, which means “Christmas Old Man.” There are, however, exceptions to the Western rule. In Norway, Santa's name, Julenissen, translates to “Christmas gnome.” The Russian's name for Santa, Ded Moroz, means “Grandfather Frost.” In Sweden, Santa's called Jultomten, which means “Christmas brownie.” In Germany, people call him Weihnactsmann, meaning “Christmas man.” The Breadcrumbs widget will appear here on the published site.
Your Tail's Looking Rather Tangled ThereBy Christine Stoddard QuailBellMagazine.com Not all urban legends start with a couple of unsuspecting teenagers necking in a car at the edge of the woods. Some take place in the grit of the city, close to the slime and grime of fast-paced life. One example is that of the rat king. It's not just something the writers of “30 Rock” invented. The rat king has existed in the minds of many for centuries. A rat king is a cluster of rats whose tails have tangled together to form one large knot bound by blood, fecal matter, or other filth. They're said to become intertwined in cramped underground spaces, like sewers. The number of rats can vary from as few as three to as many as 30-something. If that weren't repulsive enough, the rats' tails are said to continue growing after the rats become entangled, adding to the mass' sheer size. The rats in rat kings are normally identified as black rats (R. rattus), yet 'kings' made up of mice and squirrels have also been reported. According to legend, somehow the rats survive in their grotesque interlacing until a predator, such as a disgusted human, kills them. As for the origin of the rat king's name, the website of New Zealand's Otago Museum says it “may come from the old superstition that an aged wise rat sat on the entangled tails of rats and was treated as royalty by the pack. Alternatively it could derive from an early belief that the...rats were one organism...”
In Altenburg, Germany, the Maritianum Museum has a mummified specimen of 32 entangled rats on display. This specimen dates back to 1828, when it was allegedly discovered in Buchheim, Germany. The first officially recorded sighing of a rat king, however, dates back to 1564. At the time, people saw rat kings as harbingers of the Black Death. The Breadcrumbs widget will appear here on the published site.
Refined Minds on Savage MindsBy QB Curator QuailBellMagazine.com "Notes and queries in Anthropology--A Group Blog." That's the tagline for SavageMinds.org, an anthro blog maintained by Ph.D. holders and candidates in the field. Since 2005, the blog has aimed to bring anthropology to a mass audience and create an online forum for people to banter, network, and discuss what's happening in the field today. Whether you need help with academic advising, want to read up on ethnographic films, or skim observations on ethnic cuisine, this blog is worth a gander. Quail Bell(e)s will dig all the history and folklore for sure. The Breadcrumbs widget will appear here on the published site.
Knock, knock, I know the secret password.By Belle Byrd QuailBellMagazine.com Imagine a castle nestled in your magnolia or a scale model of your house emerging from the arms of a sycamore. With the current “green” mania, well-off Americans are increasingly making their children's playtime in the trees a designer experience. Some of them even opt for a Peter Pan lifestyle, making an adult treehouse their prime retreat. Welcome to 2012, when novelty treehouses are even more whimsical than the marble ones built by the Medici family in 16th-century Florence. In America's post-industrial society, it's no surprise that certain folks react against technology overload and embrace environmentally-friendly, “indigenous” practices. They crave a philosophical escape. Combine that need with the fact that they simply look cool and the reason for treehouses' comeback becomes a no-brainer. Photograph of an elaborate tree house in Richmond, Virginia's Bellevue neighborhood. Today's designer treehouses are not the stunted, rotting dwellings you may have enjoyed as a kid. Often equipped with electricity and running water, they are far grander. Some of them even have multiple rooms, fireplaces, toilets, and full kitchens. These treehouses are designed by professional arborists and architects, not just enthusiastic parents who pull out the toolbox and scrap wood on weekends. Think house paint, large windows, skylights, and matching linens.
You can find designer treehouses in virtually every color, size, shape, and architectural style, though “woodland fairy” and “Swiss Family Robinson” predominate. Such a trend doesn't just jive with Renaissance faire types, either. Even celebrities like Sting, Julianne Moore, and Val Kilmer all own designer treehouses. The Breadcrumbs widget will appear here on the published site.
Your Christmas Tree Craves Human FleshBy Starling Root QuailBellMagazine.com With the arrival of Epiphany on Friday, January 6th, the Christmas season officially ends. The corpses of pines and elms—stripped naked of all their ornaments like refugees of holiday cheer—shall litter the streets. Because of winter's early sunset, soon these cast-offs will shiver in the cold, dark night, displaced by the spoils of premature Valentine's Day blockbuster sales. But don't assume that once you've dropped your tree at the curb, you'll never see it again. Christmas trees have souls; they have regrets and they harbor resentment. Beware of such restlessness! Beware of Christmas tree zombies! Unless your rent is up, fleeing is not an option. If you don't learn to protect yourself, your Christmas tree zombie will find you and have his revenge. So arm yourself with knowledge. Here's how to ward off the post-Yuletide flesh-eaters: • Remove all Christmas lights: Want to really really rile up a tree zombie? Keep up all your other Christmas decorations and toy with his already flaming insecurity. You didn't toss him in the street because Christmas ended, he'll think. You tossed him out because he wasn't good enough. His needles, too dull. His star, too old. He puts the spirit of the season to shame! The moment he catches sight of those chili pepper lights, your tree zombie will charge through your front door faster than you can say, “Bethlehem.” Tuck all signs of Christmas in the attic, or at least far from your front lawn or in plain view of the street. • Don't cut yourself: Packing your Christmas decorations can be dangerous. You could drop a tree ornament and cut yourself. You could slice yourself on a cookie-cutter. You could suffer paper cuts from greeting cards and gift wrap. Be careful. Your Christmas tree zombie was born to sniff out blood and if he smells it, he'll come after you like a shark comes after a bleeding seal pup in the open ocean. • Recycle loose needles: Your Christmas tree zombie will rifle through your garbage can if you throw away loose needles. Neglecting to sweep your living room's practically a free invitation for hungry, supernatural company. Compost the needles or use them as kindling, but don't be wasteful. • Wait a few weeks: All crazy holiday decorators spruce up their houses at least a month before the actual holiday. The most annoying of them often go missing for “mysterious” reasons. To paranormal experts, the mystery's not so grand. Christmas tree zombies eat such crazy holiday decorators. If you don't want to end up in a Christmas tree's stomach, just remember that tree zombies hate cupid, hearts, and hugging teddy bears. You'll be much safer if you delay your decorating frenzy. Even a Christmas tree zombie can't fault you for tacking up your cardboard love bugs a fortnight before Valentine's Day. It is, however, likely he'll swallow you whole if you put them up this weekend. • Feed the kitty inside: Place all pet food in your house. Don't leave bowls or feeders of any kind on the porch. Christmas tree zombies, when not munching on human flesh, can subsist on kibble for ages. Think of them as taller, greener, pointier versions of rabid raccoons. The Breadcrumbs widget will appear here on the published site.
We have a flying horse but take the train.By QB Camera Eye QuailBellMagazine.com Haven't we told you before that folklore is everywhere? This pegasus appears in the Main Concourse of New York City's Grand Central Station. It is part of a ceiling mural full of constellations and zodiac signs. Designed by French painter Paul Helleu in 1912, the mural features gold leaf on cerulean blue oil and stretches over 80,000 square feet. Good luck painting a small-scale version on your bedroom ceiling; you'll need to find space for 2,500 stars. The Breadcrumbs widget will appear here on the published site.
Of What Use is a Degree in Theology?By Yenald Looshi QuailBellMagazine.com *Editor's Note: The views expressed in this op-ed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to, Quail Bell Magazine. Rationally, a degree in theology is of no honest use. Of course, there’s a dishonest use for such an “achievement,” but I can think of zero utility that obtaining a theological degree would have for anyone. Theology is the study of religion and religious practice and experience. But not in any useful sense since it’s specifically the study of God from an assumption that this God actually exists. In theory, one could have a theology for any god that man has invented through time. There are Islamic and Hindu theologies. Many universities offer “degrees” in theology, particularly those universities that were founded with religion at the forefront. Notre Dame has a Department of Theology. You can earn a “doctorate” in theology, tack a clever Ph.D. after your name and forever more demand that friends and acquaintances refer to you as “Dr. This” or “Dr. That.” As a doctoral student at Notre Dame, you will be mentored by world-class scholars, access vast research and learning opportunities, and experience depth and diversity in curricula and communities. The Doctoral Program places a very high percentage of its graduates in academic positions, the vast majority of those in tenure-track positions. “Vast research” and “tenure-track positions.” What can you do with a Ph.D. in theology? Apparently teach more people about “theology.” Or preach. Or write books about “theology.” But you’re still less qualified to flip burgers at McDonald’s than a high school drop out. You can’t create anything of utility (architecture, printed circuit designs, new polymer plastics, new computer operating systems, etc.). You can’t discover anything real about the world -about the actualhistory of humanity and life on the planet with any meaningful (to reality) sense. You’re stuck being a minister, pastor, “theologian,” professor of “theology,” writer, or some other low-skilled position. I can hear the objections: “but writers have skillz!” Definitely. But if all you’re writing about is what you know… So what happens to theologians who grow up, realize they wasted hundreds of hours of their youth, thousands of dollars, and have little to show for it? You resort to cognitive dissonance, compartmentalize and rationalize your “theological” worldview--tell yourself over and over your beliefs are real, valid, and worth the above expenses, and shout down anyone that says otherwise. The Breadcrumbs widget will appear here on the published site.
Sea Cows Don't Win Beauty PageantsBy Paisley Hibou QuailBellMagazine.com Early sailors must have been truly lonely and drunken men to have mistaken Florida manatees for mermaids (even with the animal's humanoid eyes, prominent nipples, long bodies, and fins). Don't get me wrong—manatees are beautiful creatures in their own right but their standards of beauty hardly translate to humankind's. They're called sea cows for a reason. Last I checked, calling a woman a cow was less than a compliment. With their beady eyes, broad faces, chubby snouts, bald heads, whiskers, and general corpulence, it's hard to imagine a manatee being mistaken for even the most voluptuous, exotic-looking subjects of Renaissance oil paintings. But European sailors lurking through tropical waters did exactly that. Their hilarious and oft-repeated error is not just an old wives' tale. Captain John Smith of Pocahontas fame claims he spotted a mermaid in 1614 while exploring the West Indies. In his journal, he wrote, “...from the waist down the woman gave way to the fish...and her long green hair...[was] by no means unattractive.” This fine mermaid apparently also had large eyes, a well-shaped nose, and “well-formed ears that were rather too long.” Of course, not everyone found manatees, er, “mermaids” gorgeous. In a journal entry dated January 9, 1493, Christopher Columbus described them as “not half as beautiful as they are painted.” The name of the zoological order to which manatees belong is called “Sirenia,” which translates to “siren.” Similar to mermaids in form and function, sirens are fixtures of Greek mythology. These sultry women live in sea cliffs and rocks, luring sailors to their deaths with suggestive songs. Folklorist Natalie Underberg of the University of Central Florida theorizes that many sailors used “mermaids” as an excuse for their ignorance of New World geography. In an article that appeared in UnderwaterTimes.com in 2005, Underberg's quoted as saying, “Usually these legends of singing sirens were made by sailors as explanations for why they were led astray.” Or it's like I said: Those sailors were more than a little tipsy and desperate at sea. The Breadcrumbs widget will appear here on the published site.
Spaghetti, Pizza, Da Vinci and...CinderellaBy Christine Stoddard QuailBellMagazine.com In the Italian version of Cinderella, a yellow sparrow might as well start singing “Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo” and waving a magic wand. Italian Cindy doesn't seek the help of a fairy godmother. Instead, she turns to an enchanted magic bird whose song transforms her old dress into a fancy gown and makes a bracelet, gold coins, gold necklace, sand-filled purse, and carriage appear. And these aren't just splendid things in and of themselves—these objects all serve as clever plot devices. Italian Cindy is more scheming and resourceful than the German gal with whom we're better acquainted. In fact, Italian Cindy doesn't hit just one ball; she hits three. No doubt this dame also sparkles in a pair of glass slippers. She even gives the king (not the prince because she goes directly for the throne) a whole show when it's discovered the glass slipper fits her. Her sparrow trumpets Cindy's success with a pretty little number and Cindy's plain old dress transforms into something more glamorous. Surely the king didn't have to think twice about proposing to her! Best yet, when Cindy marries the king, the sparrow doesn't nix her like some fickle fairy godmother. The sparrow moves into the palace with Cindy, promising to come to her rescue for the rest of her life. The only downsides in this version of the story? Cindy doesn't make a grand entrance in a whimsical pumpkin carriage or have a coterie of singing mice. Love children's books? Check out The Little Sparrow: A Cinderella Story from Italy, retold by Elizabeth Albert and illustrated by Annoushka Galouchka. The Breadcrumbs widget will appear here on the published site.
The AmphisbaenaBy Julie DiNisio QuailBellMagazine.com By Jaroslaw Musial __ There’s no denying it, most people, excluding herpetologists (those who study reptiles) and little boys, find snakes both disgusting and disarming. Lightning fast, eerily quiet, save an ominous hiss, and often poisonous, they are a foreboding animal. In the Christian tradition, they are accompanied with an accursed connotation. After Satan, in the form of a snake, tempted Eve to commit the first sin, God cursed him by forcing him to spend the rest of his day crawling on his belly. Now imagine a snake with two heads, one on each end. This thankfully fictitious creature, called an amphisbaena, has its roots in Greek mythology. Its name means “goes both ways” in Greek and it was believed to have fed on ants. According to ancient belief, the first of its kind was formed from the blood of the gorgon Medusa. As Perseus, her conqueror, held it flying over the Libyan Desert, her blood dripped and the amphisbaena sprang up from it. The legend stuck, and the amphisbaena has been depicted by many different cultures. In medieval art, it is often portrayed with scaled feet, even sometimes bearing resemblance to a dragon. The frightening creature was considered very useful in folkloric medicine. A safe delivery could be assured if a pregnant woman wore a live one around her neck. On the other hand, to cure arthritis or a mild ailment, like a cold, the sufferer would be instructed to wear an amphisbaena skin. Since, in the seventeenth century, English author Thomas Browne officially ruled out their existence, cold sufferers will be out of luck. Fortunately, there are modern remedies a little less frightening and difficult to find. The Breadcrumbs widget will appear here on the published site.
Dead Scottish PeopleBy QB Camera Eye QuailBellMagazine.com Once upon a time, a little fledgling wandered around the Victorian-era Glasgow Necropolis in Glasgow, Scotland. Sadly, it was growing dark and the fledgling found herself all alone in a strange place, so she clicked away as quickly as she could before flying back to the safety of her flat. These are some of the tombs she spotted--only several of the 3,500 she could have chosen: The Breadcrumbs widget will appear here on the published site.
A Novel about the Folklore of RaceBy Starling Root QuailBellMagazine.com Who, besides the most specialized of historians and attuned social activists, thinks of Boston as a racial hotpot during the 1960s and '70s? Danzy Senna's Caucasia explores the intensity of black-white relations not in the bayou but in snow country. The novel's about mothers and daughters, growing pains, black intellectuals, multiculturalism, family secrets, restless minds, New England blue bloods, ostracism, and the fury of running without ever being able to hide for long. Sure, Caucasia's nostalgic--that's why it's a QB pick--but it doesn't cave at the knees and bow to sentimentality. Just listen to what Birdie, the young mixed-race protagonist, has to say about her chaotic childhood. It doesn't matter if you're at the beach or in math class. You must finish this book. The Breadcrumbs widget will appear here on the published site.
Indulge Your Inner Myth GeekBy QB Curator QuailBellMagazine.com Somewhere in the savage land of Internetlandia lives a database more fiercely folkloric than any other database to date. Behold, Encyclopedia Mythica! Over 7,000 articles on topics ranging from Arthurian legends to Inuit myth make up this specialized website. All articles are grouped into one of the following categories: Mythology, Folklore, Bestiary, and Heroes. The database also boasts an image gallery, a pronunciation guide, and a collection of genealogy tables. The brainchild of Editor-in-chief, Micha F. Lindemans, Encyclopedia Mythica is a non-profit database nearly 17 years old. Contributors mainly include doctors of language and literature, like Ilil Arbel, Ph.D. Hebrew Mythology, and Olga Gómez, Ph.D. Spanish folklore. Though the website has not been updated since July 11, 2011, don't assume it's ancient history. (Well, it is, but not in the sense of that expression...) The staff's currently in the process of reviewing 17,500 articles for the new edition of the database. Besides, it'll take you long enough to read the thousands already on the site. So go brush up on the principal gods of Norse mythology. The Breadcrumbs widget will appear here on the published site.
Making Your Royal ThroneBy Luna Lark QuailBellMagazine.com Everyone needs a good stool, even toads. But if the one sagging in your study reminds you more of a rained out garage sale than a Zen princess hang-out, it's time to get crafty. You will need: • One stool • An assortment of vintage storybooks (check your local thrift shop) • Sandpaper • Wood primer • Acrylic paint • A cup of water • 2-4 paintbrushes • Craft glue • Glitter glue • Fixative Now here's what you do:
Editor's Note: But if that's too much work, fledglings, The QB Crew has done all the work for you in our Etsy shop. The Breadcrumbs widget will appear here on the published site.
Little Mystery Photographer: Grenouille Model: Doe Deere QuailBellMagazine.com Little Mystery is a classic beauty who likes to play detective and solve crimes — half of which she is responsible for herself. Her look references old Hollywood glamor with a modern twist. The Breadcrumbs widget will appear here on the published site.
Divine Art at C'est le Vin By Josephine Stone QuailBellMagazine.com Editor's Note: This is an old piece from our former website that we never transferred to our new website since the date of the art opening made the story obsolete when we re-launched in September 2011. We are posting the story now in honor of Josephine Stone, QB's late Managing Editor and staff writer. Though the art show has ended, we hope that you will take the time to look up some of these very talented artists and even visit C'est le Vin in Richmond, Virginia. Immaculate symbolism, snakes, spines, and women of all colors currently cover the walls of C'est Le Vin, a downtown art and wine gallery on 17th Street in Richmond, Virginia. "Gods and Goddesses," an art exhibit featuring local and national artists who take a modern, surrealist spin on classic mythology brings divinity to Earth. Hindu, Mexican, Hebrew, African, Egyptian, Etruscan--almost all mythologies are represented through the paintings from artists Ana Marie Paredes, Eno Bare, Pete Rodriguez, Tammy Mae Moon, Chris Ludke, Helene Ruiz, Ashira Benitez, Ina Mar, Gary Dunn, Juan Carlo Suazo, Mia Roman-Hernandez and Lynnette Shelley. Each piece features a detailed story and women of different colors and countries. "Gods and Goddesses" will be at C'est Le Vin until June 9th, a day before the monthly "Shockoe Wide Open" art walk that occurs every second Friday. C'est Le Vin displays art of various mediums and themes. The gallery hosts several events throughout the month, including but not limited to Wine Down every other Friday with live music and wine tastings, free tango lessons every Wednesday, and monthly poetry readings. C'est Le Vin will be celebrating its one year anniversary on June 17th, 2011. C'est Le Vin 15 N. 17th St. Richmond, VA (804) 649-WINE Hours Tues - Sat 11 a.m. - 11p.m. (Sometimes open later on special weekends) Sun 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. The Breadcrumbs widget will appear here on the published site.
The Social AntiquarianBy Christine Stoddard QuailBellMagazine.com Our story takes us to Crossroads, a hipster cafe in Richmond, Virginia. Picture tattooed bearded fellows hunched over Mac Books and bespeckled girls with vegan treats and books in hand. These mostly young folk belong to Richmond's community of bona fide and wannabe artists, musicians, literati, activists, and--as the protagonist of our tale shall soon betray--historians. Enter Bayly Ogden, chair of The Alexandrian Society's Service Committee at Virginia Commonwealth University. Donning a black felt hat and a swipe of red lipstick, she blends seamlessly into Crossroads' customer base. The difference is, unlike all the quiet, pensive types sipping their teas and espressos, Bayly can't keep her mouth shut—in a good way. Bayly, like her comrades at The Alexandrian Society, loves history and education. From the moment she meets me at my narrow side table with the sinking armchairs, Bayly's chirping about what she's wearing, costume history, and The Alexandrian Society's fall book drive. Sponsored by the Department of History at VCU, The Alexandrian Society's main goal is to provide an annual history symposium for the campus community. According to the Department of History's website, “The organization takes its name from the library at Alexandria, Egypt, one of the foremost centers of intellectual enlightenment in the ancient world.” The University of Glasgow in Scotland also operates its own Alexandrian Society, but the two student-run clubs bear no relation to each other. The club also bears no relation to Old Town Alexandria, Virginia or any of its historical interest groups.
Since Spring 2011, Bayly's job at The Alexandrian Society has been to socially engage the student group with the Richmond community. In a city with over 50 historically-minded institutions, Bayly's opportunities for promoting The Alexandrian Society through public projects abound. She's already brainstormed outreach efforts in the historically black neighborhoods of Carver and Jackson Ward, as well as held a coin drive to benefit The Byrd Theatre, one of the oldest cinema houses in America. The Breadcrumbs widget will appear here on the published site.
'Tisn't Shameful...By Fairy Godmother QuailBellMagazine.com A new year has fallen upon us with all the shimmering splendor of novelty. As such, you've surely begun drawing up an earnest list of resolutions. Scrap it, or at least half of it. Because 'tisn't shameful... to visit an art museum and later decide your extra weight makes you look “Rubenesque.” to begin studying a foreign language only to realize what you really wanted to learn was Old English. to add color to your wardrobe, promptly remove the respectful garments because they look “chintzy,” and then go with your dear old black. to never know what's on TV, unless it's on PBS. to give up on making all your pasta for the year after the first try took you two hours and then run out to buy a box at Dollar Plus. Some arts became lost arts for a reason. to “broaden your book collection” by buying a different edition of the Harry Potter series to put right by your first one. to wear a wig even if you have perfectly good hair because it's cheaper than going to the hair salon every month and/or because it makes you feel like Lady Gaga. |
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