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Musical MemphisBy Aracely Jimenes-Hendricks QuailBellMagazine.com Initially founded in 1819, Memphis has withstood the test of time and chaos to become the city it is today. After an awful epidemic of yellow fever, the city lost their city charter but was able to thrive again with the restoration of the charter and a change in the city’s focus for economic stability. Emerging as a trade center, the city was able to thrive on cotton and hardwood along with improving their sanitary sewer system after the yellow fever outbreak. In the 1950's and 1960's, Memphis became the center for musical talents such as Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash. It became known as the birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll and the home of Blues. Today Memphis is a prosperous city with a still thriving music scene. Home to the flagship campus for the Tennessee Board of Regents system for the state, University of Memphis, the culture in Memphis has exploded along with its’ economy. It is home to many historic museums that have meaning to the past history of what was Memphis.
Since Memphis is located near the Mississippi river, the industry was able to prosper with water transportation close by from the time of the Civil War until the 20th century. One of the markers for the cotton industry’s past is known as Cotton Row, which highlights the cotton trade industry. Originally built on the trading floor for cotton, the Cotton Museum showcases cotton society, video footage, artifacts, and exhibits and allows the visitor to experience the culture of the time. With its bursting music scene, Memphis is also home to the Memphis Rock ‘n' Soul Museum. It was created by the Smithsonian Institution to highlight the artists that overcame social and racial barriers to showcase the music they created. It showcases the music from the 1930s to its’ influence worldwide. The museum tour adds an audio guide to supplement the exhibits in order to add the oral history that is needed in order to show the impact Memphis’s music scene created. The Breadcrumbs widget will appear here on the published site.
Empower the Next Generation of Eco-warriors Psst! Learn more about Fight & Win at BarclayBryanPress.com. (Our parent company, Quail Bell Press & Productions, LLC, is managing this campaign! Pretty exciting, right?) The Breadcrumbs widget will appear here on the published site.
Attract Mini Vampires to YOUR YARD!By Julie Lain QuailBellMagazine.com Having mosquitos all over your backyard can be annoying, especially when having guests over in the summer. Luckily, bats can help with that. Bats eat night-flying insects such as mosquitos, moths, and crickets, so having these animals in your yard can help to cut down on the pesky bugs. Building a little house for them in your yard is a good way to ensure they’ll have a dry, warm spot to stay between “meals,” so here are some steps to take to make this happen: What you need: 1. Make an outline of the bat house. As with any other building, you should make a design of it so you know how each part should be laid out. Decide how many chambers you want it to have. Some boxes are single-chambered, while others have up to four chambers. And keep in mind that a two-chambered house requires one divider board; a three-chambered house requires two, and so on. You can also make some chamber dividers shorter than others to allow more room in the house for the adult bat(s) if they have babies. Also, bats like to enter a house from the bottom, so leave the bottom open.
2. Measure and cut. Decide what your measurements will be and double-check them before cutting to save plywood. Then, cut plywood accordingly using the saw. The back board should be longer on the bottom than the front one so that the lower part can be a “landing pad” for bats. 3. Assemble the boards. Position the side boards so that they’re even with the back part. This helps you to know where to drill the holes. The Breadcrumbs widget will appear here on the published site.
Because partying in Georgetown gets old.By QB Bookwork QuailBellMagazine.com Hey you DMV birds! We know you're among our readers (and you're definitely among our writers.) For those who don't know, DMV stands for something other than Department of Motor Vehicles. It's also what locals call the D.C.-Maryland-Virginia area. And whether you're from there or not, chances are you haven't seen every Civil War-related site in Washington. Lucinda Prout Janke's A Guide to Civil War Washington, D.C. (2012) makes doing so a cinch. There are even directions from the Metro! So if you're hungry for some Metro-accessible adventure, check out this book from History Press. You might find something new--but old--in your very own neighborhood you never knew was there.
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Just what are those creepy angel children thinking?By QB Camera Eye QuailBellMagazine.com There are cherubs lurking in your neighborhood. Look for them. You might be surprised where you find them.
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Bringing People Back from the Dead Through LanguageBy Brianna Duff QuailBellMagazine.com Today it seems that language has taken on an entirely new face. Not only are we speaking differently than we did ten or twenty years ago, but we are also Tweeting, Facebooking, emailing, and blogging on a number of other vast social media sites. Our language has become digitized, and it is always transforming thanks to these dashing new mediums. But language did not, of course, start out multiplying and dividing on computer screens. It has as complex a history as the human race itself. This history is studied by linguists, who work to determine the whys and wherefores of language and who attempt to define how we use it, why we use it, and the factors that make one language different from the rest.
Not all the languages that linguists study have survived the transfer to modern day. These “dead” languages are no longer used by any population in everyday speech and are usually just remembered as being the parent language to many of modern languages. Though pieces of them still float around, their overall usage is nearly nonexistent. Most recognizable of these are Ancient Greek, Latin, and Old English. Though it is possible to learn these in classrooms (and perhaps many of you took Latin in high school or through college), they are mostly academic languages. You can’t walk down the street and hear anyone speaking them fluently! You know about them, have perhaps seen them written, but that’s about it. The Breadcrumbs widget will appear here on the published site.
Old Clothes have STDs, right?By QB Film Buff QuailBellMagazine.com Ask all the clerk the stupidest, most ignorant and insulting questions about vintage clothing possible, such as, "So, how'd you get rid of the crabs after trying on your great-grandmother's wedding gown?"
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I Miss the '90sBy Annie Tisdale QuailBellMagazine.com Ah, nostalgia! It’s hard to resist the need to reminisce. But, there have already been a lot of lists made about '90s nostalgia. So, you might wonder why anyone would create another one. Perhaps, it’s the desire to return to a time when we were more carefree and had less responsibility. It was a time of emerging technologies, but before the Internet became so ingrained in our everyday lives.
Join me now as we rollerblade down memory lane. 1. Steve Urkel What would the 90s be without good ole Steve? He’s the epitome of nerd with his thick coke bottle glasses, suspenders, and “high-water” pants. Urkel was the best part about Family Matters. His catch phrase, “Did I do that?” in his high-pitched, nasally voice and his penchant for cheese made him one of the most endearing characters of laugh track sitcom fame. He had a sexy side, too! My sister was crazy in love with his alter ego, Stefan Urquelle. 2. Doc Martens Flower print dress? Check. Funky vest? Check. Choker necklace? Check. Flannel shirts? Check. Hmmm…Something else is needed to bring this all together. What better else than a pair of Doc Marten boots to put you in mismatched, “I’m wearing everything in my closet” heaven? 3. AOL Don’t you miss dial-up? Okay, maybe not. But, in exchange for the slow connection speeds and not being able to use the phone while surfing, there was a lot more privacy. Now, all our business is on the net and with the NSA sneaking around, it kind of makes me wish we were back in simpler times. The Breadcrumbs widget will appear here on the published site.
Songstress Style, Obscure EditionOh Linda Manning, you're a mystery. A few cute rockabilly tunes from her can be found on YouTube, but just two photos have turned up in my extensive Google Image Searching, and nary a clip from the Linda Manning Show which this obituary says she lead. What gives? Why didn't anyone preserve any more vestiges of Linda Manning? Oh well, her elusiveness kinda heightens her mystique.
I first stumbled upon her portrait many and many a year ago (in a kingdom by the sea) and included it in this round-up of hillbilly fillies. Since then, she's always been in the back of my mind when I am getting ready before the mirror, because she is actually Perfection and if I could only have one "look" for the rest of forever I would choose her exact hair & makeup style, the end. The Breadcrumbs widget will appear here on the published site.
A Stompin' Good TimeBy Aracely Jimenes-Hendricks QuailBellMagazine.com Where can you find folk music, yoga, African drumming and Appalachian music together?
FloydFest of course! FloydFest is a unique festival to Virginia. It is a festival that combines so many events into one great atmosphere. There is so much music to enjoy even if it is out of your comfort zone. You can also enjoy activities with your children, as they have their own area within the festival grounds. The festival is not just a one day affair; it takes place over four days. You may have to call in sick if you want to attend on the first day though, since it begins on a Thursday. Of course, enjoying this festival to the max would be worth missing work. There are many people that come from all over the United States and even from abroad to enjoy this festival. The FloydFest site offers various types of camping for those adventurous souls! The camping sites range from family friendly to crazy camping from your car. It really depends on what you are looking for in order to enjoy the festival first hand without driving back and forth. The closest town nearby offers several bed and breakfast, motel/hotel accommodations if you can’t deal with camping in the “wilderness.” There are great music lineups for this year’s festival which ranges from well-known genres to various mixes of several genres. Some examples of the lineup are: The Lumineers, Hyperbola Hoops, and Frank Newsome. The Lumineers are a mixture of folk and rock music. Their music can sound sweet to the ear but feel raw to the emotions. The lyrics are simple to follow along and the music is not hard on the ears at all. Their performances can be considered as therapy for some people, as they have been placed in the same list as Mumford & Sons in regards to their musical style. It is a must-not see performance if you enjoy folk rock music and especially enjoy listening to this group of performers. Hyperbola Hoops (Colleen) is not a typical performer seen nor should her performances be missed if possible. It is a unique performance as it involves the use of hoops. Colleen is able to incorporate her unique style in dance and exercise while using the hoops; some which are LED designed hoops. It seems that she is driven to show others her unique expression with her time and energy. She is also involved in several workshops that are geared toward beginners, children, and intermediate learners throughout the FloydFest schedule. Finding her performances family-friendly is the thought as her performances are geared toward everyone whether child or adult. Being in the Appalachian Mountains allows its’ traditions to thrive to this day and Frank Newsome is no exception. His unique style of singing hymns is a part of his upbringing. He incorporates it into showing others his unique talent of line singing hymns. It is something that not many people share with outsiders but it reflects on how deep the roots of some communities reach. The Breadcrumbs widget will appear here on the published site.
Show us your beauty!Are you gorgeous? A real fashionista? Just overflowing with confidence? Send us a pic of your beautiful self showing off your fantastic style and YOU could be the Bell(e) or Beau of the Week! Give us a sentence or two about what's inspired your look. We can't wait to see you!
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We Dance for the StoriesBy Brianna Duff QuailBellMagazine.com I have been a dancer nearly my whole life. With every class I took, from ballet to jazz to hip-hop, I was always told to think of the reasons behind the choreography and to put specific and related emotion into my movement. Nothing was without purpose in dance, and part of our lessons was to always tell the story we thought belonged.
During my freshman year of college, I decided to start taking ballroom lessons and the idea of the story within a dance changed. The traditional dances of the ballroom world didn’t needed invented emotions the way we thought to portray them. Each dance had been passed down through the years as a kind of fable–the story of the movement was inherent and it was your job to pick up where the last dancer left off, be the amatory game of the strong male and his coquettish partner in the rumba or the sweeping love story of the waltz. Though ballroom dance is easily recognizable thanks to shows like Dancing With the Stars or movies set in the world of Jane Austen, cultural dance reaches across the world in a wide number of traditional forms used for story telling. You are probably familiar with Native American dance, where each dance is considered a prayer and as such, is usually forbidden to be seen by anyone outside the tribe. You are also probably familiar with Hawaii hula dancing, which describes stories about the islands and is used as an expression of religious belief. The Breadcrumbs widget will appear here on the published site.
Guess this location!If you know where this is, contact us and you might just win a prize!
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We Can't Stop, or Can We?By Annie Tisdale QuailBellMagazine.com Looking at today’s pop culture it’s easy to see that moral lines are constantly being blurred. And in a world where consumerism has become a way of life, women are as objectified as ever. In the NPR article, “When Pop Stars Flirt with Bad Taste,” writer Ann Powers discusses how today’s pop music scene seems to be walking the thin line between having a good time and sending a bad message. She evaluates two of the most controversial videos of the summer, “Blurred Lines” by Robin Thicke and “We Can’t Stop” by Miley Cyrus. According to Powers, “The blurred messages Thicke, Cyrus and others are now sending fit a time when people think of themselves as products, more than ever before.” Yes, it’s all about getting what you want nowadays, even if you have to sell your self to get it. But, as the old saying goes, there’s nothing new under the sun. Perhaps too much blame is being laid at the feet of entertainers. How much responsibility belongs to the artist and how much belongs to the consumer? In the uncensored video for Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines,” Thicke, rapper T.I., and producer Pharrell Williams are seen flirting playfully with a trio of naked models, or half naked if you count the barely-there underwear. Of course, the men are fully clothed. Powers makes note of this, but adds that a scene about 3 minutes into the video showing a naked woman’s bum covered by a red stop sign and a subsequently disappointed Pharrell, signals something more sinister. She claims the video borders on condoning rape, citing the lyric “I know you want it.”
Essentially, the video is nothing more than sanctioned pornography for public consumption. But the nation has been heading in this way for a long time. “Blurred Lines” is just Robin Thicke’s desperate attempt for publicity, not to mention “#THICKE” showing up every few seconds. What was edgy yesterday is boring today, so artists are continually trying to find ways to push the envelope. People want more. But, is this video really any different from what can be found in the previous 20 years of entertainment. As I said before, it’s always been heading in this direction. The sickness is with the audience. No demand, no supply. The Breadcrumbs widget will appear here on the published site.
Ananas comosus By Julie Lain QuailBellMagazine.com If you’ve ever wondered why some welcome signs have a pineapple on them, look no further. Doormats and flags all over the U.S. feature a design of the tropical fruit, but what does it mean? The welcome pineapple has been around for centuries and has been commonly served to visitors in prestigious homes, hotels and restaurants. Turns out, the exotic food is a symbol of hospitality. It started in 1493 when Christopher Columbus took his second trip over the Atlantic to the Caribbean Islands. He discovered pineapples in Guadalupe and decided to bring them to Renaissance Europe where fresh fruit was a rarity. Named for its resemblance to pine cones, the fruit quickly became a popular dish and hostesses began serving them to guests who came to visit. They would place one in the center of a table as an extension of the warmest welcome. They would sometimes even have the design of a pineapple carved onto the headboards of guest beds. After the meal, the fruit would often then be served as dessert.
In the following centuries, the pineapple continued to be a popular commodity. In New England, a sailor would set a fresh pineapple on their porch or a fencepost upon their arrival to signal that they had returned home and were available for visitors. Soon, innkeepers would also feature the fruit on advertisements and even had bedposts carved in the shape of pineapples. To this day, an image of a pineapple is still found on the front doors of hotels and restaurants as a sign of hospitality to customers. Needless to say, the pineapple isn’t just a random image that’s used on mats and doors—there is an actual story behind it. It has a long history of being used inside and outside of homes and businesses to let others know their stay would be well received. It is considered not only a staple in exotic recipes, but a way of representing friendliness and comradery. You may even see the image of a pineapple on the door of a family restaurant or on someone’s home décor and now, you’ll know the meaning behind it. The Breadcrumbs widget will appear here on the published site.
The First RehearsalSomehow I've turned my childhood dream of becoming a princess into a part-time profession. Yes, like many little girls fed all the fairy tale B.S., I wanted to don a crown and marry Prince Charming and sleep in a canopy bed in the highest tower of a magnificent palace. A part of me, despite my feminist tendencies and years of worldly life experiences, still longs for that selfish fantasy. A larger part of me loves making quick cash to help support my bigger, more substantive dreams. Instead of waiting tables, I'll slide into a pair of magic slippers and don a smile, earning anywhere from $20-150 an hour (plus tips, mileage compensation, and even a meal most of the time). Besides, it's fun and always makes for great writing material. Among the Disney princesses, I've been Snow White, Belle, and Cinderella. (That's not to mention my adventures as the Easter Bunny, a Christmas elf, a clown, a mime, a bride, a pirate, a PBS cartoon character, and too many others to list.) For now, I'll focus on my latest gig as Jasmine from Disney's Aladdin. Unlike many of my entertainment gigs—birthday parties, grand openings, corporate events, regional expos—this one is regular and ongoing. I'm playing Jasmine in a Disney princesses production at a local spa. This is no typical spa. Think of it more as a complex. The complex features multiple rooms and specialists, allowing customers to indulge in manicures, teeth whitening, body tans, massages, Zumba classes, etc.
One such indulgence takes place in the Princess Room, a space with magenta and turquoise walls, inspirational posters about girl power, and a table brimming with rhinestones and plastic pearls. Twice a day on Sunday, little girls can come with their friends to watch the Disney Princesses sing and dance. The show lasts about an hour, which is just long enough for Mom to visit the in-house podiatrist or nutritionist. After the show, the little girls can go get their age-appropriate make-overs done. Like most of my entertainment gigs, I spotted this one on Craigslist (beware: most CL posters in the “Talent” category just want to see your boobs.) I was sitting on my porch with my laptop, trying to schedule my life for the next month. That involved hitting up clients, old and new, for entertainment work. Not long after that, the spa folks replied and I snagged an audition slot. Two days later, I wowed them with my princess-y qualities and got the job. Fast forward two weeks to today for our first rehearsal. That Princess Room was packed with estrogen, doe eyes, and perky personalities. All of the princesses introduced themselves and then, one by one, stood up to present a song or dance. It started out kind of awkwardly since nobody had had much time to practice. The Breadcrumbs widget will appear here on the published site.
Putting Another White Civil War Guy on MonumentBy Brianna Duff QuailBellMagazine.com As a long-time Richmonder, if I know anything about my city, it is that our heritage, particularly our Confederate heritage leftover from the by-gone War Between the States, is an integral part of our identity. It’s easy to drive down Monument Avenue and see the many Confederate generals standing proud in the middle of traffic and know this is true. Those statues are our past looking down at us, but from what I know, Richmond has been good about keeping her history in her past. Our city is diverse and brilliant and intense, and though it remembers, it never reverts back to some of the thinking that was wide-spread a couple centuries ago. That is how I have always seen my city: we remember but we also move forward. That is why the discussion that Rick Gray brings up in Style Weekly, Richmond's weekly alternative newspaper, is hard for me to buy into. Gray states, very plainly, his disagreement with a lawyer in Loudoun County who is trying to have a statue of a Confederate soldier removed. That “infantry grunt,” he says, “is hardly a symbol of racism. It’s primarily a commemoration of courage and self-sacrifice, as all soldier’s memorials should be.” Sure, I agree. For the majority of people in Virginia, that soldier is just a minute our history we’d like to give credit to, and nothing more.
But Gray continues on to say that instead of letting those nostalgic liberals win, we should stick another statue on Monument, this time of “another white, Virgina-born general” who did amazing things for his country. If the phrase “another white” doesn’t get you, how about the fact that Gray’s suggestion is a Union general rather than a Confederate one? The Breadcrumbs widget will appear here on the published site.
We'll always have Paris.When it comes to film, it is wonderful how certain movies set across various periods of time can recreate history for the viewer and simultaneously tell a story that is meant to be enjoyed. These phenomenal classic films offer unique ways of seeing history and continue to impact society even now, years after they were first released. Out of this vast category, I have chosen five of my favorite classic films: 1. Gone with the Wind (1939)
This film, based on Margaret Mitchell’s Pulitzer Prize novel, documents the Civil War and the resulting effects of reconstruction as seen through the eyes of a series of characters deeply attached to the Old South. Director Victor Flemming was determined to make the visual aspect of the film as accurate as possible; says F. Scott Fitzgerald of his work: “in the morning [he] could direct the action of two thousand extras, and in the afternoon decide on the colors of the buttons on Clark Gable’s coat.” Flemming’s determination to make an impressive and accurate period film made Gone With the Wind the most expensive production in Hollywood up to that the time. In addition to historical detail, the dialogue of the film is also gripping, telling the love story of Scarlet O’Hara beautifully enough to win the Oscar for best Adapted Screenplay. The film won seven other Academy Awards the year of its release, including Best Supporting Actress for Hattie McDaniel, making her the first African-American actress to win an Oscar. Its love story and grand historical backdrop make this a must-see! The Breadcrumbs widget will appear here on the published site.
Jessica Walsh and Timothy Goodman's ExperimentHave you ever grown sick of dating? Do you find that you run into the same problems relationship after relationship. Two friends, with opposite problems, felt the same way so, they decided to date each other. Jessica Walsh, of Sagmeister & Walsh, and designer Timothy Goodman see each other each day, individually answer daily questionnaires, and see a relationship counselor once a week. This routine will last 40 days. Since the start of the experiment, they have been posting, one day at a time, the questionnaires they've answered along the way. A whole bunch of their artist friends helped them out by providing images for each day. Quail Bell got a chance to talk to them a little bit about their project. Check it out: Give it to me straight, who’s idea was this; Jessica or Timothy?
Timothy: It was all me. Jessica: Nope, it was mine. Did you think that a relationship could come out of the project? Timothy & Jessica: There was certainly a healthy curiosity about it before we started, otherwise we probably wouldn't have agreed to do this together. Also, as creative people, we love the process of making something provocative, and we were very excited about that aspect, too. Were you afraid of ruining your friendship? Timothy: Yes, we were in a constant state of worry before we began the project. Jessica: Absolutely. We went back and forth several times about whether it was a good idea. The biggest risk was hurting a great friendship. The Breadcrumbs widget will appear here on the published site.
Twirling Ballerinas and Miniature HorsesBy Julie Lain QuailBellMagazine.com Does the thought of a music box with the dancing ballerina bring back memories? As hard as it is to imagine, this was once a popular source of entertainment. Music boxes were first invented in the 1700s from “snuff boxes” (pocket-sized, ornamented boxes) and manufactured mostly in Switzerland with brands such as Reuge, Regina and Polyphon. They created disk and cylinder boxes powered by clockwork that contained sets of pins that strike “teeth” to produce the musical notes. Eventually, manufacturers added on more features such as small drums and bells. Today, vintage music boxes are still available in a variety of sizes, themes and designs and these steps will ensure you find the perfect music box for you (or a gift recipient). 1. Check out local pawn and antique shops. Seeing the music boxes in person allows you to test their sound quality and observe their condition before purchasing. Plus, it’ll save you some cash on shipping/handling if you happen to find what you’re looking for.
2. If that doesn’t work, shop online. Several websites such as Ebay, Ruby Lane, and especially Etsy have a variety of antique music boxes so you can find exactly what you have in mind. MusicBoxWorld.com even offers the option to customize your music box with a list of hundreds of songs to choose from! 3. Choose what type you want. Antique music boxes are available in wood, metal and porcelain and can double as many other different things such as jewelry boxes and snow globes, so it helps to decide what kind you want so you can be more specific when shopping online. 4. Decide on a price range. Music boxes can cost you as much as $30,000, so, especially if you’re on a tight budget, it makes online shopping easier if you narrow your search. Tips/Warnings:
• Etsy.com is your best bet for finding a vintage music box online; they have over 4,000 of the items for sale. You can even search by color, price range, and purpose (candle holder, frame, etc.). • Be careful not to damage your music box once you’ve purchased it; the mechanisms are fragile and finding a professional to repair it can be very difficult and expensive. • Music boxes are a great gift idea for younger children; little girls especially love the “dancing ballerina” ones. The Breadcrumbs widget will appear here on the published site.
Sunday was Bastille Day.By QB History Buff QuailBellMagazine.com Did you know yesterday was Bastille Day? Now you do. What the heck does that mean? Well, here's an edited excerpt from our Executive Editor's temporary blog, “Adventures in Cheese Snob Land,” which she kept for the six weeks she lived with a host family in France back in 2009: July 14 is sort of the French version of July 4. It's therefore ironic that I missed celebrating Independence Day back home. But, hey, I'm lucky I had the opportunity to experience the French model. Needless to say, it lacked BBQ. Instead, my host mother prepared salmon and spinach, which I can't imagine most Americans eating on July 4th. While it was a great meal, it was more hoity-toity than the hot dog or hamburger and baked beans I probably would've eaten for July 4. On the other hand, the big, honkin' fireworks display was as big and honkin' as an American one.
My host father, younger host sister, and I went to see the city's fireworks display and I almost had seizures afterwards because the lights were as bright as Japanese video game's. The most surprising were fireworks in the form of mini parachutes; I thought midgets were invading us. I taped most of the spectacle to show my sick host mother and eventually my real family. The mother had to lounge around pathetically back home thanks to a nasty ear infection. I did not spend the whole day anticipating the fireworks, as excited as I was about seeing colorful lights reflecting upon the ocean. I was too busy enjoying Ile de Ré for most of Bastille Day. Quick geography lesson: Ile de Ré is a 30 km long island near La Rochelle. Its capital is St. Martin, which I was lucky enough to visit. They produce a bunch of salt and several movie stars and politicians own houses there. I began the day by boarding the bus at 7:45 a.m. Well, it was supposed to be 7:45 a.m., but the driver was on French time, so it was probably ten or fifteen minutes later. If that hour sounds painfully early for a college student`s summertime, consider that I normally catch my class bus at 7:19 a.m. It was actually a relief then that I didn't have to be at the bus station `til twenty minutes later. It meant I could stare at the ceiling for a couple of minutes before rolling out of bed, a much missed pleasure from back home. I am definitely a ceiling examiner. Anyway, I raced over to the bus station on my bike, carrying my bag o` tricks (a plastic dragon, a video camera, a still camera, a French dictionary, my makeshift lunch of apricots and Mont Blanc desserts, and an English novel.) I finished eating the rest of my breakfast once I arrived at the bus station. That meant I stuffed my face with chocolate-filled croissants and the like. When the bus pulled up--it's called Mouettes [MOO-etz], which means sea gull but sounds like it means something much funnier--I hopped up, paid for my ticket, and sat down. I chatted about this and that with three other girls from my class during the ride. We discussed French and France in general, including our host families and shopping. Apparently one of the girls had the unpleasant experience of a boutique associate telling her not to try on a dress because she was too big for it. In case you need further translation, the woman essentially called her own customer fat. Sadly, this corresponds with the snobby image many Americans hold of the French. Such associates deserve to have baguettes shoved up their--ahem, anyway, my group and I got out of the bus when we spotted our teachers waving at us. My Sup de Co teacher often wears tropical colors and therefore sticks out like a fly floating around in...oh, I don`t know, the mint cucumber soup-in-a-carton I saw advertised at one of the bus stops. The French are interesting people indeed. The Breadcrumbs widget will appear here on the published site.
The Persistence of PoeHey fledglings, We shared the link to Quail Bell's documentary back before our web launch when the site was still password-protected. If you haven't watched it yet, here's your chance! The Persistence of Poe is a 24-minute film on Edgar Allan Poe's life in and influence upon Richmond, Virginia. Feathery hugs, The Quail Bell Crew The Breadcrumbs widget will appear here on the published site.
Maybe you know South Africa from Spain’s incredible win in the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Maybe, as a nature buff, you know it for its two famous wildlife reserves, the Kruger and Kalahari Gemsbok National Parks. Or as a literature lover, you recognize the names of native Nobel Laureates Nadine Gordimer and J.M. Coetzee. Maybe you’ve traveled there yourself. Or, maybe, you just identify it as a vague spot on the map.
However you know South Africa, you probably only know part of it. This amazingly diverse country, with eleven official languages and topography as wide-ranging as the people who live there, has a brightly hued culture that is as vast as the continent it resides on. Here's a bit about the culture to boost your knowledge of an intriguing country: Food: All the travel sites say the same thing: If you’re willing to be adventurous, there is nothing better than South African food. Traditional South African food is generally cooked over an open fire or in a three-legged pot called a potjie. Because of this cooking style, meat tends to be either stewed or grilled, depending on the season, and is usually accompanied by a starch such as miellepap (maize porridge), potatoes, or rice. Common vegetables that could also be served with the meal are beetroot, carrots, cabbage, or pumpkin. A few traditional and popular South African dishes include: • Tripe: Considered a treat, tripe is the rubbery lining from the stomach of cattle. It is served lightly curried with fried onions and potatoes. • Morogo: This rural ingredient is a kind of wild spinach that is usually combined with butter-braised onions and tomato. • Amadumbe: A very traditional sweet potato and peanut mash. • Chakalaka: This is a spicy relish that is often served alongside the main course. It is made of grated carrots, green peppers, sliced onions, vinegar, chili, and the maker’s own secret ingredient to distinguish it from other people’s chakalaka recipes! • Boerewors roll: This is basically the South African version of a hot dog. Boerewors is a type of sausage and it is char-grilled over an open flame, placed in a bun and covered in mustard and tomato sauce • Bobotie: This is very like shepherd’s pie, except that the minced meat is curried and the topping is a frothy custard instead of mashed potatoes. Dress: Traditional dress in South Africa is dependent on the group of people in the area. The Zulu people dress in recognizable bright and colorful clothes (this is what you probably think of when you think of South Africa). The women especially dress in color as it denotes their marital status. Single women wear beadwork irincu bands around their waists, ankles and elbows, as well as beaded headbands and necklaces, to designate being unmarried. The Xhosa women, on the other hand, go bare-breasted to show their comeliness to young men. Women with married sons show status by wearing beaded tobacco pouches. The Venda people determine clothing based on unique ceremonies that require particular dress. A rainmaking ceremony, for example, has men dressing in skirts made of grasses and helmets and armbands fashioned from feather. There is also the Voortrekker population that is Dutch in origin. Their clothing is much more familiar and is designated by the particular bonnet that women wear. National Holidays: • March 21st : Human Rights Day. On this day in 1960, the police killed 69 people who were participating in a protest against the pass laws; many were shot and killed. Four days later, the government banned black political organizations and the Apartheid was more deeply enforced. This day is now celebrated as a step to ensure that all people of South Africa are aware of their basic human rights • April 27th: Celebrates the day of first democratic election in South Africa. • May 1st : Worker’s Day • June 16th : Youth Day: This day remembers the young people who lost their lives in the struggle against Apartheid and Bantu Education. • August 9th : National Women’s Day • July 18th : Nelson Mandela Day • September 24th: Heritage Day, where they celebrate their status as a “rainbow nation.” • December 16th: Day of the Vow. This holiday remembers a day in 1838 when a group of Vootrekkers defeated a Zulu army at the Battle of Blood River. It focuses on overcoming conflicts of the past and encourages ideals of building a new and better nation. Phrases: The South African culture emphasizes the philosophy of ubuntu – it is the idea that all people should be treated with respect and dignity because a person becomes a person through other people. There are also some unique words used by English-speaking South African’s that are only used in South Africa: • Robot - Traffic Light • Howzit? - Common greeting • If something is going to be done fairly soon, it’ll be done “now now” and “just now” is a little later on • Shame - “You poor thing”/ “I feel sorry for you” • Sms - Text message • Skinner - Gossip • Slap chips - French fries • Ag! - I.e. “Ag no! What did you do that for?” • Hey - This can be used as “Excuse me?” or “Pardon me?” if you haven’t heard something right, or used at end of a sentence to emphasize its importance. • Izit? - Really? Folklore: The folklore of South Africa is rooted deeply in the landscape. Animals are often featured in many of the traditional tales and the hierarchy of the animal kingdom is often asserted. There is also a strong supernatural element in many of the stories: animals, reeds or tress can take human form and assume human characteristics, gods can take human women as brides, and thunder can deliver messages. Because these tales come from oral tradition, they usually feature music and song as an important plot point. Audience members usually know the refrains, and they join in with the storyteller, almost as if you joined in telling how the slipper was found in the middle of Cinderella. Thanks to the ubuntu philosophy I mentioned above, the tales focused on values of community, placing great importance on sharing of food and resources and giving rewards to these interdependent acts of kindness. The most important difference between South African folklore and the stories from Grimm, Anderson and Perrault that we are familiar with is that South African stories are not overdressed. They do not have grand palaces and princesses wearing jewels as the Europeans did. South African tales are those of everyday life, and many times take place in the lower states of civilization. If you would like to read some for yourself, check out this website: http://www.worldoftales.com/South_African_folklore_tales.html The Breadcrumbs widget will appear here on the published site.
Because you're tired of the randomness, right?Dear fledglings,
We have wonderful and exciting news! Starting on Monday, we're going to give a novel (ha) idea a go: Our features will come out on a regular weekly schedule. That's right--now you'll know when to expect your favorite essays, columns, series, and more. Of course we'll still have special pieces that differ from day-to-day, but here's what you can anticipate every week: MONDAY – This Week in History, Guess this Location, Bell(e) of the Week TUESDAY – Dakota Darling, Do This Don't, QB Camera Eye, QB Bookworm WEDNESDAY – The Picture Apothecary, Travel Bug, The Fashion Fairy, Mythical Creatures 101, NYC Arts THURSDAY – Geartheart the Gentleman, Non-profit Spotlight, How-to Beauty, Weird Words, B'more Arts FRIDAY – Luna Lark Speaks, QB Aggregator, Living Folklore, RVA Arts, Fairy Food SATURDAY – Doe Deere, Artist Spotlight, Para Contar, Historic Hotspot, DC Arts SUNDAY – Wide Eyes, Poll, Living History, Editor’s Choice, Quail Under the Quilt Keep reading! Feathery hugs, The Quail Bell Crew The Breadcrumbs widget will appear here on the published site.
A Little Party Never Killed Anyone, Old SportBy Annie Tisdale QuailBellMagazine.com If you’re looking to get out of the summer heat, hitting the movie theater is always a great option. Nothing interesting to watch, you say? Then how about trying a second-run theater for a movie you may have already seen, but is well worth another look. The Great Gatsby (2013), directed by Baz Lurhmann (Moulin Rouge), is a 3D spectacular of vividly colorful revelry set in the excesses and overindulgences of the roaring 1920’s. Based on the classic American novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Lurhmann’s film aptly illustrates an emerging world of receding morals, materialism, and decadence. In the pursuit of the American dream, writer turned bond salesman, Nick Carraway (Toby Maguire), arrives in New York and moves in next door to the enigmatic millionaire Jay Gatsby (Leonardo DiCaprio) who throws extravagant, over-the-top parties. After being personally invited by Gatsby, Nick attends one such party and meets the mysterious man himself. Later, he learns of Gatsby’s elaborate plan to reunite with his old flame, Daisy (Carey Mulligan). But, does he truly love her or is he only obsessed with what she represents? DiCaprio does an admiral job portraying Gatsby with all of his affectations, old sport. By the way, he says that phrase…a lot. It was annoying after awhile, but don’t let that keep you from enjoying what I believe is one of the most visually beautiful movies of 2013. The initial reveal of the secretive Gatsby to fireworks and “Rhapsody in Blue” is absolutely stunning. In any case, DiCaprio’s faltering British accent and awkward mannerisms are true to the book. He pulls off the character with as much charm as is to be expected of characters that overall aren’t very pleasant.
At the heart of all the glitz and glamour there is coldness and a lack of soul, but not due to bad direction. One of the themes of the story is the emptiness at the center of the materialism and the pursuit of gain; the American dream isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. The rest of the cast also contributes to this slightly magical and unreal adaptation with exceptional performances. The Great Gatsby is filmed in the quick, manic style of Baz Lurhmann, a-la Romeo & Juliet (1996) or Moulin Rouge (2001). The rapid pace of the first half may leave some viewers a bit dizzy. But, come the second half, the film slows down and focuses more on the characters and less on the immense festivities. The character Jordan Baker played by Elizabeth Debicki makes note of such social functions, remarking that “(she likes) large parties. They’re so intimate. At small parties there isn’t any privacy.” Her views are proved right when Jordan, Nick, Gatsby, Daisy, and Daisy’s husband, Tom Buchanan (Joel Edgerton) wind up in a small hotel room and begin airing grievances. The second part of the movie is decidedly darker than the first. Another interesting aspect is the music. There was a lot of fuss about Jay Z in the Jazz Age. I was wary of this when I first heard about it, but it somehow works. The soundtrack contains jazzed up, glittery versions of hip-hop and pop songs, giving The Great Gatsby a slightly modern feel. There is a direct correlation that Lurhmann attempted to make between jazz, prohibition, and today’s society that becomes evident throughout the movie. And in the end I feel the choices in music revitalized a story that could’ve ended up as another stuffy period film. The Great Gatsby is a movie best viewed on the big screen. It’s less of a history lesson and more of an experience in artistic expression. It’s imperfect, but it’s fun. So give it a try, old sport! |
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