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The Ogre By Julie DiNisio QuailBellMagazine.com Since the advent of the Shrek movies, ogres have lost some of their edge. Dreamworks portrayed them as loveable and laughable. Actually, if these mythical creatures were real (and who says they aren’t?), they would eat you. And your children. Often described in fairy tales and fantasy stories, ogres are enormous, hairy, and ugly, with a personality to match and a taste for human flesh. The word ogre first appeared in a twelfth century French text and came into more popular use by Charles Perrault, a founder of fairy tales. Some would also argue that it became more commonly used due to Gilles de Rais, a French knight turned child serial killer in the fifteenth century. While de Rais did not physically resemble an ogre, his despicable character lent itself to the connotation, much as “orge” is used in culture today. The Breadcrumbs widget will appear here on the published site.
Hip-hopping in HenricusBy Starling Root QuailBellMagazine.com Every fledgling has heard of England's first permanent settlement, Jamestown. But have you ever heard of the Citie of Henricus? Probably not, but don't feel like a fool. Most people haven't, which probably makes the modern-day park even more intriguing for hipster historians. Often deemed a 'failed' settlement, Jamestown offered its men poor drinking water and scores of mosquitoes. Sir Thomas Dale, deputy-governor of the Virginia Colony, was tasked with finding somewhere a little less swampy in 1611. He chose Henricus, named for King James I's oldest son, Prince Henry. Located in present-day Chesterfield County, south of Richmond, Virginia, Henricus sits on the James River. Henricus saw the establishment of England's first college--University of Henrico, so kiss it William & Mary--and first hospital--Mt. Malady--in the New World. It even saw the passings of the bodacious American Indian babe, Pocahontas. After marrying tobacco farmer, John Rolfe, Pocahontas lived across the river from Henricus at Varina Farms Plantation. (No, she didn't marry John Smith like the Disney movie implies, but you can still jam out to "Colors of the Wind" now if you wish.) Nobody's sure of Henricus' exact location, but, eh, today's historical park's close enough to the real deal as far as most folks are concerned. Here are a few glimpses of how the living history museum looks today. Look out for a black pig named Buttercup! The Breadcrumbs widget will appear here on the published site.
The Leprechauns are nearly here!Get ready for St. Patty's Day, QB-style...because it's coming. By Rachel Jones The Breadcrumbs widget will appear here on the published site.
i.e. and Richmond's "Creative Class" By Julie DiNisio QuailBellMagazine.com Richmond, Virginia has undergone a strange transformation in recent years. Once popularly known as the former capital of the Confederacy, now one of the most artistic and diverse capitals on the East Coast, i.e., a self-declared “collaborative community,” celebrates this change in the city’s identity. i.e. (which stands for innovation excellence) was launched in June 2011 and works to celebrate art and culture by encouraging and supporting creative entrepreneurs. This organization focuses on the "Creative Class," a term used by Richard Florida in his article “The Rise of the Creative Class.” According to Florida, Richmond will see a 17.5 percent increase in creative-type jobs in the next few years. i.e.’s goal is to further this due increase by holding helpful events and partnering with local businesses. The founders want to “attract and retain the best and brightest people and companies to Richmond.” i.e. is currently holding the Entrepreneurial Trilogy, a “series of events designed to find Richmond’s next best start-ups.” The final event, sponsored by Tumblr, will occur in June of 2012 during which the best up-and-coming business will be chosen by a panel of judges. On March 27, an event called Patent Powerhouse will be occurring, a free event hosting property attorneys and local businessmen speaking on protection of one’s ideas. Listed by Richmond.com as one of the most hopeful aspects of the city’s future, i.e., though still a fledgling enterprise, is just getting started – along with Richmond. The Breadcrumbs widget will appear here on the published site.
Intro: How to Make Love to a CentaurBy Paisley Hibou QuailBellMagazine.com Only a select few can call themselves horse whisperers. Fewer can claim an even more exotic talent: centaur whispering. Not just anyone can make love to a centaur, after all. The task requires tremendous concentration, patience and, above all, passion. It's a rare, genetic knack. But what if you don't carry that dominant gene? The one-word solution is practice. Centaurs are not easily seduced and their high standards persist even through post-coital cuddling. So cross booty-calling, sloppy Frenching, drunk dialing, and slamming & bamming & thank you-ma'aming off your list of lazy love tactics. Check back over the coming weeks as we reveal tips for how to make love to a centaur.
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Humanist Cinema--Dismantling the Soviet Union's Fairy TalesBy Starling Root QuailBellMagazine.com In the United States, many films, especially those from the Golden Age of Hollywood, serve as pleasant, romantic escapes from a less-than-ideal reality. The Russian films, The Cranes Are Flying(1957), Little Vera (1988), Brother (1997), The Thief (1998), and Prisoner of the Mountains (1996), all achieve the opposite effect, however. They force the audience to examine reality and all its faults as a means of enacting social change. These five humanist films dismantle the official Soviet Union's fairy tales. They all exhibit negative attitudes toward the Soviet government's ideology by focusing on how the Communist system affects harms and corrupts people. Kalatozov's The Cranes Are Flying portrays how people back home, those not directly fighting in World War II, suffered. As evidenced by how Veronika's plans for marriage abruptly shatter when her boyfriend dies, the film shows how the war broke young people's dreams and destroyed entire lives. After her boyfriend's death, Veronika goes insane thanks to her obsessive nostalgia for pre-war days. The war effectively forces her to marry a man she does not love and live in dismal conditions with him. Veronika understandably grows bitter because of it. The director makes it clear, however, that World War II did not just affect this one young lady. During the scene when the soldiers depart for battle, the director depicts all kinds of people-men and women, children and senior citizens-in the waving, hugging, and crying crowd. This choice in extras alludes to how the war will affect everyone. Families of all ages and sizes will fret for the weeks, months, and years that their men are at war. Many of them will also lose those same men and, thus, family dignity, economic support, and marriage prospects. Pichul's Little Vera demonstrates how the Socialist structure trapped young people by limiting their opportunities. Little Vera behaves in a rebellious, self-destructive manner because she has no positive role models and pre-destined life choices. Vera's father is an alcoholic, her mother a submissive housewife, and even her intellectual boyfriend cannot manage to find a place of his own. Her only constructive life choice is to attend the local community college and work as a telephone operator; otherwise, she can embrace the bohemian lifestyle that she does. When her lover asks her about her life goals as they lounge on the beach, she sarcastically replies, "In our country, we have but one goal: communism." Vera therefore implies that the communist system therefore dictates what she is and is not allowed to do. Ultimately the film presents anti-Soviet ideology in a negative light because it shows how the system restricts young, restless individuals instead of letting them fulfill their potential. The Breadcrumbs widget will appear here on the published site.
Comically on TimeBy Luna Lark QuailBellMagazine.com "How can Broad Street be closed on a Saturday morning?" I asked myself as I whipped around the Kroger parking lot. I zipped out of the lot, staring at the traffic jam infesting Lombardy Street. As soon as I spotted a gap between two cars, I sped onto Marshall. I turned into Virginia Commonwealth University's Siegel Center parking lot shortly thereafter. Then I spun around and took my beat-up Jeep Cherokee onto Kinney Street. If you're dizzy just picturing all these maneuvers, imagine experiencing them with a deadline hovering over you.
It was October 16, 2010 and the only dream I harbored in my heart for the day was this: PLEASE let me get to the Richmond 'Zine Festival early enough to claim a nice table and set up stuff before the anarchists throw up their pamphlets. (Nothing against the anarchists, of course; their literature is just threateningly omnipresent sometimes, kind of like evangelical leaflets at other venues). But sometimes even a humble wish isn't humble enough. Though I left with ample time to swing by my boyfriend's to pick up a box of our comics magazine, comically, I had failed to listen to the news that morning. Normally, it would have taken only twenty minutes to drive from my house to his, then grab the comics and speed off to the Richmond Gay Community Center. Not today though; Virginia Union University was holding a massive, traffic-snarling homecoming parade in the belly of the city. The Breadcrumbs widget will appear here on the published site.
A Boho Eats in Iron CityBy Christine Stoddard QuailBellMagazine.com Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has well-known industrial and sports histories. Yet it has less of a reputation as a foodie destination. When this little Virginian stayed in Pittsburgh from mid-December 2010 to mid-January 2011, however, she enjoyed many quality meals. If that surprises you, you may be further shocked to learn that every restaurant I'm about to list was within reasonable walking/biking distance of Upper Lawrenceville, locally-owned, student-friendly, and quite affordable. Only 190 miles away from Washington, D.C. and 240 miles from Richmond, Virginia Pittsburgh is just a short drive from from Quail Bell country. In other words, it's time to let some air graze your feathers. Fly (or take the bus/train) to P'burgh! Pull out your Carnegie guidebooks and keep yourself from starving as you soak up a little culture. Here are just a few restaurants I recommend you try next time you visit Iron City: • Sammy's Famous Corned Beef (Bloomberg): I ordered their Famous Special for $5.99 and have no regrets. Warm corned beef with swiss cheese, cole slaw, and Russian dressing hugged by two chubby slices of bread—what greater comfort on a cold day? I wish they hadn't told me that their hot chocolate was just a packet of Swiss Miss and water, but they quickly redeemed themselves. One of the men behind the counter grabbed two packets of Swiss Miss and a bottle of Hershey's chocolate syrup when I asked if they had anything more “chocolatey.” Now that's customer care. There are several locations, but this is the one I tried: 412-688-7399, 4067 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA. No website.
• Crazy Mocha (Lawrencville): There are several Crazy Mocha cafes in Pittsburgh, but, naturally, I went to the one closest to where I was staying. I liked the atmosphere: a cow theme, colorful walls, and just the right amount of noise for someone who's trying to work without going insane. I had a rather wide cup of hot chocolate, almost bowl-like, with more than a dollop of whipped cream. The chocolate could have been stronger, but, again, the serving was rather generous. I also had one piece of biscotti. It was a delicious mix of cranberries and macadamia nuts. I definitely took advantage of the free WiFi, too. CrazyMocha.com. • That's Amoré Pizza (Lawrenceville): $9 bought me a heaping serving of eggplant parmigiana, fresh garlic bread, and a decent salad. Service was slow (I had enough time to check out two stores before my food was ready) and there was very limited seating (just a counter and a couple of stools, really), but my slice of Italian-American heaven was worth the wait. My housemate's cat kept trying to rob me of it! 412-782-9922, 5123 Butler Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15201. No website. The Breadcrumbs widget will appear here on the published site.
Three cities, one dream?By QB Provacateur QuailBellMagazine.com There's so much overlap in the urban problems that plague Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Maryland and Richmond, Virginia, e.g., population decline, segregation, underperforming public schools, high poverty rates, transportation challenges, gentrification, sprawl, and the occasional disregard for historical treasures. The QB Crew doesn't understand the cities' choice to opt for competition over cooperation. Why the rivalries? Could we stop resenting each other and putting each other down? Could we work together to make improvements for the region as a whole? It should be about DMV, not D and M and V as isolated entities. Please help us make sense of this, fledglings! Are community art and grass roots journalism projects the answer? What can The QB Crew do to better the region where most of our contributors were born and raised? Discuss! The Breadcrumbs widget will appear here on the published site.
Our Pony Pile!On February 17th, we announced our first community sculpture project, Project Pony. Well, the above photograph represents our meager pony pile thus far. Could you please help us make an awesome sculpture of ponydom? Mail us your pony, horse, unicorn, and pegasus toys: Quail Bell Magazine c/o Christine Stoddard P.O. Box 4844 Richmond, VA 23220 United States Heck, we'll even take your donkeys and mules! We promise to send you a thank you note and give you a shout-out when the project's completed this summer. Thanks for your interest and belief in pony power! The Breadcrumbs widget will appear here on the published site.
The Leviathan By Julie DiNisio QuailBellMagazine.com _ Ancient Greek mythical creatures tend to get the most emphasis in modern culture. Though not as commonly, the Hebrew Bible also features some of these hyperbolic beasts, notably the Leviathan, a treacherous sea monster described in several textual places.
Job 41 asks, “Can you pull in Leviathan with a fishhook or tie down its tongue with a rope?” The rest of the Biblical passage gives an in-depth study of the arguably whale-like creature which has “graceful form,” a “double coat of armor,” and a “mouth ringed with fearsome teeth.” In Isaiah 27:1, it plays into prophetic language: “In that day the LORD with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent, even leviathan that crooked serpent; and he shall slay the dragon that is in the sea.” In Christian demonology (the study of demons from a Christian viewpoint), the Leviathan is one of the Seven Princes of Hell, representing envy. The Leviathan also has a role in Satanism. It represents water, associated with life and creation, and is one of the Four Crown Princes of Hell. According to Jewish tradition, the sea monster will be destroyed on Judgment Day, though Satanists seem to have a different idea about the Leviathan’s future. The Breadcrumbs widget will appear here on the published site.
A Fully Beautiful Shopping ExperienceBy Christine Stoddard QuailBellMagazine.com Quirky yet romantic, Charlottesville's pedestrian mall resonates with Virginians for its wide range of family-owned businesses. One of these businesses is BitterSweet, a charming boutique brimming with nostalgic clothes. Like butterfly wings and spiderwebs, many of the garments possess a precious delicate quality that forces you to sigh before touching them. The clothes are simply so pretty, so unique. These beauties cannot be found anywhere else in the Blue Ridge foothills—except at BitterSweet's other location in Lynchburg, Virginia.
While BitterSweet's inventory is small, the boutique offers a rainbow of choices your next-door neighbor is unlikely to already own. BitterSweet carries various brands, the majority of which are designed by independent artists and small companies. A few of these brands include Ark & Co., Born Purple, Gentle Fawn, Hodgepodge & Such, Little Paper Cranes, Mink Pink, Odd Molly, White Rice, and Wooden Ships. If you think the names are tantalizing, imagine how delicious the actual clothes are! I first stepped into BitterSweet to escape the cold of a First Fridays night. Then I saw Toms, soft cotton dresses, and stylishly beaten-up leather boots. What started out as a refuge transformed into a full-fledged haven in my mind. I wanted to wrap myself in every diaphanous piece of fabric. There were elegant sweaters, big button rings, and lacy things here and there. The mellow music and friendly staff only further brightened my mood. Despite the chill outside, BitterSweet felt cozy. BitterSweet is what the Free People store ought to be: smaller, more intimate, more fairly priced, and more accessible to Virginians who don't live in Northern Virginia or Richmond. The vibe at the two stores is similar, but the differences make BitterSweet distinctly Virginian. ShopBitterSweet.com | 106 East Main Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902 | (434) 977-5977 The Breadcrumbs widget will appear here on the published site.
Fairy Food's getting a make-over!By QB Chef QuailBellMagazine.com Dear fledglings, You may have noticed something missing from QB as of late--the Fairy Food feature! Well, it's time for a feature revamp. The new Fairy Food will include different artwork: vintage illustrations, vintage photos, and vintage collages. It'll also be centered on YOUR recipes. Check out my little note below for details on how to submit your yummy ideas! Feathery hugs, QB Chef Please send us your ideas for fresh and quirky recipes! We'll be happy to credit you for your culinary originality. Include all ingredients and steps, as well as how you'd like your name to appear. Direct all tips to submissions@quailbellmagazine.com.
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The Guard GnomeBy The Gnome Finder QuailBellMagazine.com Who's really guarding this home--the gnome or the alarm security system? Is the homeowner so suspicious that he had to install BOTH? Or does he lack more faith in gnomes than he'd dare admit? Or is he afraid his neighbors would think he's insane for relying on a plaster gnome alone?
What do you use to guard your home? Gnomes? Hexes? Rabid raccoons? The Breadcrumbs widget will appear here on the published site.
Where the heck is this?Calling all fledglings! Can you identify this colorful Victorian row house? If so, tell us the street address and the name of the city and country in which it's located. You must send your answer to submissions@quailbellmagazine.com by 10 p.m. EST on April 10, 2012. Don't forget to include your name and mailing address.
We will choose ONE lucky winner to get a full year's subscription to Quail Bell Express. Hint: Pssh! You think you're getting a hint? Yeah, right! The Breadcrumbs widget will appear here on the published site.
Ellicott City, MD By Julie DiNisio QuailBellMagazine.com Compared to Maryland’s many other historic hotspots, like Annapolis and Baltimore, Ellicott City flies under the radar. But this small town is great a leisurely day trip and has something to offer for most visitors. Quaker brothers John, Andrew, and Joseph Ellicott founded Ellicott’s Mills in central Maryland in 1772. Their business venture proved successful, and a community blossomed. One of the first stations for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad was built and still stands, a museum today. It was chartered as Ellicott City in 1867. Ellicott City was home to two famous schools: the Ellicott City Colored School, the first public school for black children in Howard County, and Patapsco Female Institute, a nineteenth-century finishing school for young women. Both are open for tours, and the latter is often used for special events due to its beautiful Grecian structure. It is also allegedly haunted by the ghost of a former student and is included on the Spirits of Ellicott City tours. More about Ellicott City’s history can be learned in the Thomas Isaac Log Cabin, so named after its one of its owners. Costumed historians provide an accurate account of daily life back then. And a stone’s throw from the Cabin is the Heritage Orientation Center, the city’s first courthouse, which currently acts as a small visitor’s center. This town also has a thriving business district, oddly called Tongue Row, named after Ann Tongue. Once small, stone houses, Tongue used to rent them to the mill workers. Now quaint boutiques and restaurants have taken up residency. With so many original structures intact and open for tours, Ellicott City, Maryland offers a unique historic experience not found in the state’s larger cities. The Breadcrumbs widget will appear here on the published site.
Introducing...Bell(e) of the Week!Join Tykeya O'Neil and Lindsey Story in their fashion odyssey each week. Every Wednesday, we'll post their favorite street fashion pics from the past several days. Then, by Thursday at 11:50 p.m. EST, you must cast your vote for the Bell(e) of the Week, announced Friday by noon. We can't wait for the fashion fest to begin! Come play with us soon! Feathery hugs, The QB Crew Pooja Bhaskar One word to describe your style: "Chic." The Breadcrumbs widget will appear here on the published site.
Just Another Dance or Storytelling?By Ani Mikaelian QuailBellMagazine.com Long before the birth of the B.F.A. or art museum, humanity has been very dependent on art. Cave paintings are the earliest known form of art, dating back to over 32,000 years ago. Not only were these ancient paintings dubbed as a method of basic communication with others, but they also ranked high in telling a story. Similar to cave paintings, folk dances have played an important role in history by reflect the history of people while conveying a story. To this day folk dances are performed timelessly (and even competitively). The most popular forms of folk dance have a mutual understanding and duty: they express the art and history of a culture. Most common folk dances originated before the 20th century and are bound by some degree of tradition. With so many different collections of folk dances, it is inevitable for each one to be unique in some aspect. From the old-fashioned clothing worn by the dancers as well as the amount of force applied in the movement, there is a compelling story waiting to be conveyed and appreciated by the dance's onlookers. There are several distinctive folk dances that come from all around the world, however it is only natural for a few to stand out. Here are just three examples: The Zonaradiko is a traditional dance from Greece where dancers hold on to the adjacent dancer’s belt (zonaria) during the dance. The males lead and the females follow towards the end of the line. In ancient Greece, it was a common belief that dancing was the gift of the gods. In making offerings, commemorating key events, and uniting communities, the Greeks threw a celebration in style: |
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