Russ Wallace's Blog, page 4
October 16, 2013
11 things you may not know about Ancient Egypt-
To read the full article please visit: http://www.history.com/news/history-lists/11-things-you-may-not-know-about-ancient-egypt
Ancient Egypt stood as one of the world’s most advanced civilizations for nearly 3,000 years and created a culture so rich that it has spawned its own field of study.
11 things you may not know about Ancient Egypt –
1. Cleopatra was not Egyptian
Along with King Tut, perhaps no figure is more famously associated with ancient Egypt than Cleopatra VII. But while she was born in Alexandria, Cleopatra was actually part of a long line of Greek Macedonians originally descended from Ptolemy I, one of Alexander the Great’s most trusted lieutenants. The Ptolemaic Dynasty ruled Egypt from 323 to 30 B.C., and most of its leaders remained largely Greek in their culture and sensibilities. In fact, Cleopatra was famous for being one of the first members of the Ptolemaic dynasty to actually speak the Egyptian language. (SEE AT THE END OF THIS POST AN INTERESTING FACT ABOUT ZENOBIA AND CLEOPATRA.)
2. The ancient Egyptians forged one of the earliest peace treaties on record
3. Ancient Egyptians loved board games
After a long day’s work along the Nile River, Egyptians often relaxed by playing board games. Several different games were played, including “Mehen” and “Dogs and Jackals,” but perhaps the most popular was a game of chance known as “Senet.”
4. Egyptian women had a wide range of rights and freedoms
5. Egyptian workers were known to organize labor strikes
6. Egyptian pharaohs were often overweight
7. The pyramids were not built by slaves
These ancient construction workers were a mix of skilled artisans and temporary hands, and some appear to have taken great pride in their craft. Graffiti found near the monuments suggests they often assigned humorous names to their crews like the “Drunkards of Menkaure” or the “Friends of Khufu.”
8. King Tut may have been killed by a hippopotamus
Scans of the young king’s body show that he was embalmed without his heart or his chest wall. This drastic departure from traditional Egyptian burial practice suggests that he may have suffered a horrific injury prior to his death. According to a handful of Egyptologists, one of the most likely causes for this wound would have been a bite from a hippopotamus.
9. Some Egyptian doctors had specialized fields of study
10. Egyptians kept many animals as pets
The Egyptians saw animals as incarnations of the gods and were one of the first civilizations to keep household pets. Egyptians were particularly fond of cats, which were associated with the goddess Bastet, but they also had a reverence for hawks, ibises, dogs, lions and baboons. Many of these animals held a special place in the Egyptian home, and they were often mummified and buried with their owners after they died.
11. Egyptians of both sexes wore makeup
Both men and women were known to wear copious amounts of makeup, which they believed gave them the protection of the gods Horus and Ra. The Egyptians believed their makeup had magical healing powers, and they weren't entirely wrong: Research has shown that the lead-based cosmetics worn along the Nile actually helped stave off eye infections.
Interesting fact is Zenobia claimed to be descendant of the Ptolemaic Greek Queen Cleopatra VII of Egypt. According to Augustan History, an imperial declaration in 269 was sent by Zenobia to the citizens of Alexandria, Egypt, describing the city as “my ancestral city”.
Picture by http://www.howarddavidjohnson.com/Z97.htm
Ancient Egypt stood as one of the world’s most advanced civilizations for nearly 3,000 years and created a culture so rich that it has spawned its own field of study.
11 things you may not know about Ancient Egypt –
1. Cleopatra was not Egyptian
Along with King Tut, perhaps no figure is more famously associated with ancient Egypt than Cleopatra VII. But while she was born in Alexandria, Cleopatra was actually part of a long line of Greek Macedonians originally descended from Ptolemy I, one of Alexander the Great’s most trusted lieutenants. The Ptolemaic Dynasty ruled Egypt from 323 to 30 B.C., and most of its leaders remained largely Greek in their culture and sensibilities. In fact, Cleopatra was famous for being one of the first members of the Ptolemaic dynasty to actually speak the Egyptian language. (SEE AT THE END OF THIS POST AN INTERESTING FACT ABOUT ZENOBIA AND CLEOPATRA.)2. The ancient Egyptians forged one of the earliest peace treaties on record
3. Ancient Egyptians loved board games
After a long day’s work along the Nile River, Egyptians often relaxed by playing board games. Several different games were played, including “Mehen” and “Dogs and Jackals,” but perhaps the most popular was a game of chance known as “Senet.”
4. Egyptian women had a wide range of rights and freedoms
5. Egyptian workers were known to organize labor strikes
6. Egyptian pharaohs were often overweight
7. The pyramids were not built by slaves
These ancient construction workers were a mix of skilled artisans and temporary hands, and some appear to have taken great pride in their craft. Graffiti found near the monuments suggests they often assigned humorous names to their crews like the “Drunkards of Menkaure” or the “Friends of Khufu.”
8. King Tut may have been killed by a hippopotamus
Scans of the young king’s body show that he was embalmed without his heart or his chest wall. This drastic departure from traditional Egyptian burial practice suggests that he may have suffered a horrific injury prior to his death. According to a handful of Egyptologists, one of the most likely causes for this wound would have been a bite from a hippopotamus.
9. Some Egyptian doctors had specialized fields of study
10. Egyptians kept many animals as pets
The Egyptians saw animals as incarnations of the gods and were one of the first civilizations to keep household pets. Egyptians were particularly fond of cats, which were associated with the goddess Bastet, but they also had a reverence for hawks, ibises, dogs, lions and baboons. Many of these animals held a special place in the Egyptian home, and they were often mummified and buried with their owners after they died.
11. Egyptians of both sexes wore makeup
Both men and women were known to wear copious amounts of makeup, which they believed gave them the protection of the gods Horus and Ra. The Egyptians believed their makeup had magical healing powers, and they weren't entirely wrong: Research has shown that the lead-based cosmetics worn along the Nile actually helped stave off eye infections.
Interesting fact is Zenobia claimed to be descendant of the Ptolemaic Greek Queen Cleopatra VII of Egypt. According to Augustan History, an imperial declaration in 269 was sent by Zenobia to the citizens of Alexandria, Egypt, describing the city as “my ancestral city”.
Picture by http://www.howarddavidjohnson.com/Z97.htm
October 10, 2013
The Great Pyramid of Giza
http://www.history.com/videos/deconst...
While reading about Zenobia I've become a History.com junkie and love to read all the articles on Ancient history and especially Ancient Egypt where Zenobia spends the last part of book one Zenobia- Birth of a Legend and almost all of Zenobia - Challenging a Legend, book two. One of my favorite things about history.com is the Did you know? section. Here are some interesting facts about The Great Pyramid of Giza:
Did You Know? The Great Pyramid of Giza was so ahead of its time that it stood as mankind’s most significant architectural achievement for several millennia. Built in 2560 B.C. for the pharaoh Khufu, the structure consists of some 2.3 million stone blocks and took an army of workers 20 years to complete. Not only is it the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, it is the only one still standing. Perhaps most astonishing of all, at 481 feet tall (now 456 feet after centuries of erosion) the Great Pyramid stood as the world’s tallest structure for over 3,800 years.
Interesting fact I took from the History.com video above is the base of The Great Pyramid is a square with each side measuring 756 feet. That can fit nearly 10 football fields.
Read where Zenobia visit the pyramids in Zenobia - Birth of a Legend, book one, chapter 29.
While reading about Zenobia I've become a History.com junkie and love to read all the articles on Ancient history and especially Ancient Egypt where Zenobia spends the last part of book one Zenobia- Birth of a Legend and almost all of Zenobia - Challenging a Legend, book two. One of my favorite things about history.com is the Did you know? section. Here are some interesting facts about The Great Pyramid of Giza:
Did You Know? The Great Pyramid of Giza was so ahead of its time that it stood as mankind’s most significant architectural achievement for several millennia. Built in 2560 B.C. for the pharaoh Khufu, the structure consists of some 2.3 million stone blocks and took an army of workers 20 years to complete. Not only is it the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, it is the only one still standing. Perhaps most astonishing of all, at 481 feet tall (now 456 feet after centuries of erosion) the Great Pyramid stood as the world’s tallest structure for over 3,800 years.
Interesting fact I took from the History.com video above is the base of The Great Pyramid is a square with each side measuring 756 feet. That can fit nearly 10 football fields.
Read where Zenobia visit the pyramids in Zenobia - Birth of a Legend, book one, chapter 29.
October 3, 2013
Zenobia learns from her mother in Zenobia - Challenging a Legend
Picture by Howard David Johnson http://www.howarddavidjohnson.com/Z64.htm
In book two, Zenobia - Challenging a Legend the education Zenobia receives is not always in the classroom. As a mother, Zelina is afraid of where these lessons may lead her daughter. Read some sentences from the scene below:
Zenobia tried to reassure her. “I need to know these matters to know the Greek and Roman cultures. And I will need to know those societies if I get to rule someday. That does not mean I am drawn to those ways of life.”***"You had to defend me from the morals of our tribe to save my life! In my view, you are the most courageously righteous person I have ever known.” Zenobia was silent briefly, then she added, “I get my love of justice from you. I hope I can live up to your example. Zelina could not hold back her tears, and she was too choked up to reply.Zenobia continued, “Therefore, I respect your words, as I respect your person. But do not worry about me being influenced by Roman or Greek ideology. I am committed to my course.”
The Lioness of PalmyraPicture by Howard David Johnson http://www.howarddavidjohnson.com/legendary-women.htm
The experience where Zenobia's mother Zelina saves her life is what molds Zenobia into a warrior and a queen. That experience taught her at a very young age that life is not fair and this became a life long goal for Zenobia to seek justice.
"Be thankful for all the struggles you go through.They make you stronger, wiser and humble.Don't let it break you, let it make you." - Unknown
September 27, 2013
Zenobia - Challenging a Legend - "Resting on laurels" is Ancient History
There are many sayings that we use today which have ancient history origins. Here's one:
Resting on laurels
The idea of resting on your laurels dates back to leaders and athletic stars of ancient Greece. In Hellenic times, laurel leaves were closely tied to Apollo, the god of music, prophecy and poetry. Apollo was usually depicted with a crown of laurel leaves, and the plant eventually became a symbol of status and achievement. Victorious athletes at the ancient Pythian Games received wreaths made of laurel branches, and the Romans later adopted the practice and presented wreaths to generals who won important battles. Venerable Greeks and Romans, or “laureates,” were thus able to “rest on their laurels” by basking in the glory of past achievements. Only later did the phrase take on a negative connotation, and since the 1800s it has been used for those who are overly satisfied with past triumphs.(Found at history.com http://www.history.com/news/history-lists/10-common-sayings-with-historical-origins?cmpid=INT_Outbrain_HITH_HIS&obref=obnetwork)
We wanted to continue sharing with you exciting excerpts from Zenobia- Challenging a Legend. The scene today doesn't even have Zenobia in it but does display another tough woman.
The kidnapped girl had been captive for a week. She had seen a couple of other girls, evidently also captives, walking with the group during the day, but they were too separated to converse. She wanted to get a chance to talk with them. Her guard for that night, speaking Egyptian, asked her, “What is your name?” She was tempted not to answer, but she had already decided that the wiser course was to be friendly with the guards, at least the nicer ones. It might lead to an opportunity. “Tyrianna,” she answered, keeping her eyes downcast. He grunted. “An elegant name for an elegant girl.” He paused. “You are tall for a woman and your sinews appear tough. You are Ethiopian?” She only nodded her response. She figured he could see it in the light from the small campfire. ***** Tyrianna had decided that today she would escape or die trying. It was Brute’s turn to guard her and Patricia, which pleased her. The sky began to lighten in the east. Her ankles were bound together and then to a tree on a rope several cubits long, and her hands were tied in front of her. Still, she rose and went through a series of exercises to limber her muscles. Then she lay back down and pretended to sleep. She prepared herself mentally, visualizing her attack in her mind. Brute came for the girls shortly after sunrise. He untied Patricia’s legs first, then he gave her a push toward the campfire. She stumbled and fell. The guard gave a hearty laugh. Next he untied Tyrianna’s legs. “Wake up and get moving!” he commanded. As she expected, when she stood and stretched, he pushed her. She stumbled to her knees. One of us has just seen his last sunrise, the Ethiopian thought. She started to rise awkwardly, her rump in the air. She leaned her elbows on her right knee, and she clasped her hands together, focusing her energy. Taking the bait, Brute moved in to kick her backside. As he kicked, Tyrianna suddenly dodged to her left, spinning. His kick missed, and he staggered off balance. She whipped her extended arms around like a club. Brute tried to jump back, but she was too fast. Her hands smashed into his left side lower ribs. She heard a rewarding crack and oof as the air was knocked from his lungs. He staggered back in shock.
Tyrianna plays an important role in book two. We hope you fall in love with her as much as we have.
Resting on laurelsThe idea of resting on your laurels dates back to leaders and athletic stars of ancient Greece. In Hellenic times, laurel leaves were closely tied to Apollo, the god of music, prophecy and poetry. Apollo was usually depicted with a crown of laurel leaves, and the plant eventually became a symbol of status and achievement. Victorious athletes at the ancient Pythian Games received wreaths made of laurel branches, and the Romans later adopted the practice and presented wreaths to generals who won important battles. Venerable Greeks and Romans, or “laureates,” were thus able to “rest on their laurels” by basking in the glory of past achievements. Only later did the phrase take on a negative connotation, and since the 1800s it has been used for those who are overly satisfied with past triumphs.(Found at history.com http://www.history.com/news/history-lists/10-common-sayings-with-historical-origins?cmpid=INT_Outbrain_HITH_HIS&obref=obnetwork)
We wanted to continue sharing with you exciting excerpts from Zenobia- Challenging a Legend. The scene today doesn't even have Zenobia in it but does display another tough woman.
The kidnapped girl had been captive for a week. She had seen a couple of other girls, evidently also captives, walking with the group during the day, but they were too separated to converse. She wanted to get a chance to talk with them. Her guard for that night, speaking Egyptian, asked her, “What is your name?” She was tempted not to answer, but she had already decided that the wiser course was to be friendly with the guards, at least the nicer ones. It might lead to an opportunity. “Tyrianna,” she answered, keeping her eyes downcast. He grunted. “An elegant name for an elegant girl.” He paused. “You are tall for a woman and your sinews appear tough. You are Ethiopian?” She only nodded her response. She figured he could see it in the light from the small campfire. ***** Tyrianna had decided that today she would escape or die trying. It was Brute’s turn to guard her and Patricia, which pleased her. The sky began to lighten in the east. Her ankles were bound together and then to a tree on a rope several cubits long, and her hands were tied in front of her. Still, she rose and went through a series of exercises to limber her muscles. Then she lay back down and pretended to sleep. She prepared herself mentally, visualizing her attack in her mind. Brute came for the girls shortly after sunrise. He untied Patricia’s legs first, then he gave her a push toward the campfire. She stumbled and fell. The guard gave a hearty laugh. Next he untied Tyrianna’s legs. “Wake up and get moving!” he commanded. As she expected, when she stood and stretched, he pushed her. She stumbled to her knees. One of us has just seen his last sunrise, the Ethiopian thought. She started to rise awkwardly, her rump in the air. She leaned her elbows on her right knee, and she clasped her hands together, focusing her energy. Taking the bait, Brute moved in to kick her backside. As he kicked, Tyrianna suddenly dodged to her left, spinning. His kick missed, and he staggered off balance. She whipped her extended arms around like a club. Brute tried to jump back, but she was too fast. Her hands smashed into his left side lower ribs. She heard a rewarding crack and oof as the air was knocked from his lungs. He staggered back in shock.
Tyrianna plays an important role in book two. We hope you fall in love with her as much as we have.
September 19, 2013
AHOY! It's "International Talk Like a Pirate Day."
ARRR!!! Matey's, ready for a fun day of speaking like a pirate?
Check out the website for all kinds pirate events: http://www.talklikeapirate.com/piratehome.html
We are sharing from
Zenobia-Challenging a Legend
Here's the continued scene from
Chapter 28:
One of the ship’s guards led the girl and her two captors below while another followed. As they went below deck, neither noticed the ties slip from the hands of the captive. As the first guard started to unlock the door to the captives’ quarters, Zenobia clamped her left hand over his mouth and stabbed him through the heart from behind, while the other warriors instantly killed the trailing guard. A quick scan revealed the sleeping quarters. One warrior checked it with Zenobia backing him while the other climbed back up to the deck. They surprised a resting guard, now awake from the laughter of a few minutes earlier, but he let out a yell as he was dispatched near his bunk. “I think she bit someone,” the warrior on deck announced loudly, which was a signal. As the captain and sailors laughed, the canvas on the sloop was thrown back and three Syrian archers took down the remaining guard and the mate and sailors. Only the captain was left. Zenobia grabbed a sword, charged up the stairs, and faced the captain. She glared at him and snarled, “So, captain, you find the slave trade of young women to be profitable. Well, it can also be deadly!” She walked toward him and he drew his own sword...
Do you want to know how it all turns out for Zenobia?
Coming soon...
Check out the website for all kinds pirate events: http://www.talklikeapirate.com/piratehome.html
We are sharing from
Zenobia-Challenging a Legend
Here's the continued scene from
Chapter 28:
One of the ship’s guards led the girl and her two captors below while another followed. As they went below deck, neither noticed the ties slip from the hands of the captive. As the first guard started to unlock the door to the captives’ quarters, Zenobia clamped her left hand over his mouth and stabbed him through the heart from behind, while the other warriors instantly killed the trailing guard. A quick scan revealed the sleeping quarters. One warrior checked it with Zenobia backing him while the other climbed back up to the deck. They surprised a resting guard, now awake from the laughter of a few minutes earlier, but he let out a yell as he was dispatched near his bunk. “I think she bit someone,” the warrior on deck announced loudly, which was a signal. As the captain and sailors laughed, the canvas on the sloop was thrown back and three Syrian archers took down the remaining guard and the mate and sailors. Only the captain was left. Zenobia grabbed a sword, charged up the stairs, and faced the captain. She glared at him and snarled, “So, captain, you find the slave trade of young women to be profitable. Well, it can also be deadly!” She walked toward him and he drew his own sword...
Do you want to know how it all turns out for Zenobia?
Coming soon...
September 17, 2013
Gearing up for "International Talk Like a Pirate day" on Thursday Sept 19th.
I took the test on what kind of pirate I'd be. Find out what kind of pirate you are?
What's Yer Inner Pirate?
brought to you by The Official Talk Like A Pirate Web Site. Arrrrr!
Here's my results:
You are The Cap'n!
Some men and women are born great, some achieve greatness and some slit the throats of any scalawag who stands between them and unlimited power. You never met a man - or woman - you couldn't eviscerate. You are the definitive Man of Action, the CEO of the Seven Seas, Lee Iacocca in a blousy shirt and drawstring-fly pants. You're mission-oriented, and if anyone gets in the way, that's his problem, now isn't? Your buckle was swashed long ago and you have never been so sure of anything as your ability to bend everyone to your will. You will call anyone out and cut off his head if he shows any sign of taking you on or backing down. If one of your lieutenants shows an overly developed sense of ambition he may find more suitable accommodations in Davy Jones' locker. That is, of course, IF you notice him. You tend to be self absorbed - a weakness that may keep you from seeing enemies where they are and imagining them where they are not.
Don't forget to check back on Thursday for our final scene from Zenobia- Challenging a Legend where Zenobia takes on piracy.
What's Yer Inner Pirate?
brought to you by The Official Talk Like A Pirate Web Site. Arrrrr!
Here's my results:
You are The Cap'n!
Some men and women are born great, some achieve greatness and some slit the throats of any scalawag who stands between them and unlimited power. You never met a man - or woman - you couldn't eviscerate. You are the definitive Man of Action, the CEO of the Seven Seas, Lee Iacocca in a blousy shirt and drawstring-fly pants. You're mission-oriented, and if anyone gets in the way, that's his problem, now isn't? Your buckle was swashed long ago and you have never been so sure of anything as your ability to bend everyone to your will. You will call anyone out and cut off his head if he shows any sign of taking you on or backing down. If one of your lieutenants shows an overly developed sense of ambition he may find more suitable accommodations in Davy Jones' locker. That is, of course, IF you notice him. You tend to be self absorbed - a weakness that may keep you from seeing enemies where they are and imagining them where they are not.
Don't forget to check back on Thursday for our final scene from Zenobia- Challenging a Legend where Zenobia takes on piracy.
September 12, 2013
Zenobia commandeers a ship - In celebration of "Talk like a pirate day" on Sept 19th
Here's the continued story in chapter 28th of Zenobia - Challenging a Legend.
The sloop hailed the Minerva and pulled alongside it. The rear half of the sloop was covered with a canvas and only four men were visible on deck. The wary captain called two more guards to the deck, but then he recognized Zacharias. “More cargo, captain. Hasshel’s orders. This one is special.” “Bring her aboard, then. This is unusual,” remarked Hersion. “Not my idea, I assure you,” Zacharias truthfully said. He called for the slave to be brought out with her warrior guards, sent one warrior up onto the Minerva ahead of the captive, and a second warrior brought the girl, whose hands were bound, to the edge. He put a rope around her under her arms and tossed the end up to the deck above. “Pull her up,” he ordered. She turned and spit in his face. “She’s a wildcat, but a real beauty,” he said, wiping his face with his sleeve. Speaks four languages. Hasshel figures she’ll bring three times the usual.” The warrior below lifted her while the one above pulled on the rope. She kicked the man lifting her, which brought a laugh from the sailors and guards watching. Hersion could see that the girl was pretty, of dark complexion, and her eyes seemed to flash beneath her dark lashes. She began cursing them all in Egyptian and then in Greek, bringing more laughter. With the attention on the new slave, no one noticed the canvas on the sloop loosen on the side away from the Minerva. “Throw her in with the others,” Hersion directed, as the second warrior climbed aboard.
Hope you are enjoying Zenobia- Challenging a Legend.
Check back next Thursday for more of the story.
The sloop hailed the Minerva and pulled alongside it. The rear half of the sloop was covered with a canvas and only four men were visible on deck. The wary captain called two more guards to the deck, but then he recognized Zacharias. “More cargo, captain. Hasshel’s orders. This one is special.” “Bring her aboard, then. This is unusual,” remarked Hersion. “Not my idea, I assure you,” Zacharias truthfully said. He called for the slave to be brought out with her warrior guards, sent one warrior up onto the Minerva ahead of the captive, and a second warrior brought the girl, whose hands were bound, to the edge. He put a rope around her under her arms and tossed the end up to the deck above. “Pull her up,” he ordered. She turned and spit in his face. “She’s a wildcat, but a real beauty,” he said, wiping his face with his sleeve. Speaks four languages. Hasshel figures she’ll bring three times the usual.” The warrior below lifted her while the one above pulled on the rope. She kicked the man lifting her, which brought a laugh from the sailors and guards watching. Hersion could see that the girl was pretty, of dark complexion, and her eyes seemed to flash beneath her dark lashes. She began cursing them all in Egyptian and then in Greek, bringing more laughter. With the attention on the new slave, no one noticed the canvas on the sloop loosen on the side away from the Minerva. “Throw her in with the others,” Hersion directed, as the second warrior climbed aboard.
Hope you are enjoying Zenobia- Challenging a Legend.
Check back next Thursday for more of the story.
September 5, 2013
Zenobia celebrates "Talk like a pirate day" on Sept. 19th
Disney's "Yo Ho, a Pirates life for me." Musical arrangement by http://www.timothymcgaw.com/
We are counting down the days to "Talk like a Pirate day" on September 19th. Every Thursday for the month of September we will be sharing excerpts from Zenobia – Challenging a Legend, book two of the Zenobia saga.
In honor of pirate day, we will share from Chapter 28th where Zenobia trades in her bow and arrow for a sword and takes on piracy. She doesn't do it for the gold but to rescue slave girls who have been kidnapped and also to get revenge.
The Syrians conferred at their house. Initially Zenobia was upset, but she rapidly decided how to adjust their strategy. “You men have a new slave that Hasshel wants added to his cargo on the ship. Simple.” “But will the captain believe our ruse?” asked Salim. “If he is suspicious, we could take a lot of casualties. Let’s attack in the dead of night instead.” “Let me think,” she replied. After a while she said, “My plan should be safer for us. We will kidnap Zacharias and use him to fool the captain of the Minerva.” “Will he cooperate?” “He will if he wants to live. He is part of this evil business.” Zelina spoke up, “It would be better if Zacharias has a reason to not be at work. I have a suggestion.” She outlined her plan. Although the Minerva, a coaster, anchored each night, the pursuing sloop did not. Its captain, experienced in piracy and smuggling, was an expert at night sailing. He knew right where the Minerva should be, and he estimated they were three hours behind it at sunup. They overtook it the middle of the morning.
Check back next Thursday as Zenobia Commandeers the ship.
You too can celebrate "Talk like a Pirate day" on September 19th.Here is the website: http://www.talklikeapirate.com/piratehome.htmlTeam Pirate has ports o'call on the most popular social media sites:Facebook: Check out our Facebook Page - more than 76,000 fans strong!Twitter: Cap'n Slappy tweets, under "thecapnslappy" - and ye can now read his latest tweets over on the Ask Cap'n Slappy page, too!Flickr: We have both a gallarrrry o' photos our fans have sent us and a Flickr group where ye can post yer own.Curious about how a middle-class family from Oregon is livin' the pirate's life? Follow the adventures of the Chumbucket clan in their renamed blog, Bayou Time . YouTube , via the Official Wench's channel (see below)And fer the retro amongst ye, MySpace . Although we don't do much with that page any more.
August 29, 2013
ZENOBIA THE MUSICAL ENDS THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGOLAND. DON'T MISS IT!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The New Musical Theater Sensation, “Zenobia” Closes this Weekend in Bolingbrook
To say that Lorrisa Julianus lives in the past would be an understatement, at least this summer.
The Bolingbrook resident co-wrote, produced and is starring in a musical about the life of Zenobia, 3rd Century warrior queen of the Palmyrene Empire in ancient Syria.
The multimedia musical spectacular premiered at Bolingbrook’s Theatre-on-the-Hill on August 15 and continues to run through Labor Day weekend.
At age 14, Julianus was inspired to reintroduce Zenobia to the modern world when she read a book about inspirational women in history. “It’s an amazing rabbit hole of history that most Americans have never heard of, and thus don’t know what’s coming next!”
According to many versions of her history, Zenobia married as a teenager to a much older king, Zenobia became queen after his assassination and ruled until she was defeated by the Roman Emperor. She also claimed to be a descendent of Cleopatra and was as capable a ruler but boasted some qualities of character that the ancient Egyptian queen lacked.
“Some sources say that she had the brains and beauty of Cleopatra…but unlike Cleopatra, was known for her chastity and prowess on the battlefield,” Julianus said.
Julianus was also struck by the fact that Zenobia’s story ended differently than other ancient queens, many of whom met tragic ends. Although history is divided on what happened to Zenobia after her defeat, many believe she went on to live a long, happy life and had descendants living for another two centuries.
Years ago, Julianus, who is a published playwright and now works as a professional actor in videogames and television, wrote a treatment for a musical film about Zenobia’s life and eventually shelved it like other writing projects she’d worked on throughout the years. In 2009, however, facing stress and chaos in her life and in the lives of friends, she decided it was time to move forward.
“Life is too short not to follow your dreams,” she said. “Creating an epic musical from scratch seemed so ambitious as to be impossible without a few million dollars, but I had no choice but to see it through to completion. Zenobia empowered to me in a time when I felt at the whim of the Powers That Be —employers, the housing market, big business, lobbyists. When I recognized this same powerless feeling and frustration in the lives of everyone struggling after the financial collapse of 2008, I found my voice again as a writer.”
In 2010, she met musician and composer Angela Salvaggione of Joliet, who liked the story idea. The pair began working on the show with Julianus writing the book and lyrics and Salvaggione composing the music.
Although Zenobia is written for the stage, it has the fast-paced feel of a film and, indeed, there is a film component to the show. A graduate from Columbia College’s film school, Julianus could not resist incorporating the medium into her stage show.
“I believe that film is the medium of this generation, this century,” she said. “So many people don’t take an interest in theatre because, I think, they’ve been brought up on the immediacy of film and its visual style of storytelling. With the advanced technical capabilities of Bolingbrook Town Center Stage, we’re able to merge the mediums in an action-packed story that kept our opening night audience on the edge of their seats.”
With palatial scenes shot at Cantigny in Wheaton, Ill., desert scenes from local quarries and background shots from in South Florida, the footage, along with period costumes by Julie Kinsey of Oswego, rounds out the story and gives the audience a stunning visual experience.
But those who think they’re in for a history lesson are mistaken. Julianus has taken a modern twist to Zenobia’s life, including a love story and a struggle between the classes, with ghosts, mythological characters, a near death experience, and onstage battles for the action lovers in the audience.
Director and Theatre-on-the-Hill President Craig J. Engel adds, “It’s musical theatre, not a documentary, and it’s a fantastic date night.”
Ms. Julianus notes that she has taken some creative liberties with the ruler’s life. Julianus’ take on the story has Zenobia abandoned as a baby, quickly ending up in slavery, then falling in love with her vigilante master. She catches the eye of the king and is catapulted to royalty, becoming a powerful ruler who shakes up the status quo despite treachery and the ever-looming threat of a villainous Roman emperor.
Within the epic-size cast of forty, the show also stars many other Bolingbrook residents, including Scott and Bonnie Bovaird, along with their two sons, Spencer and Campbell, Victor Rachal, Sharon Hand, David Lichty, Bill Smith, Ruth Bardy, Kayaun Pierce, Julie and Dominick Guida, Jonathan O'Brien, Troy Shaeflein, Kristina Parro, and Matthew Bockus.
"I am thrilled that my family is a part of Zenobia," said Bonnie Bovaird. "The story, script, and music are truly outstanding, as are the people involved in the production. we all look forward to sharing Zenobia with the community."
IF YOU GO
Zenobia runs Aug. 30 and 31 at 8 p.m. and Sept. 1 and 2 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 per person. All shows will take place outdoors at the Bolingbrook Town Center Stage, 375 W. Briarcliff Road, behind the Village Hall. The show may not be suitable for young children; Julianus rates it at PG-13 for dialogue and intense action. Visit tothbolingbrook.com for more information.
This article was written by Erika Enigk Grotto on the FACEBOOK site for ZENOBIA, the live original musical by Lorrisa Julianus & Angela Salvaggione at https://www.facebook.com/events/191811024328214/
The New Musical Theater Sensation, “Zenobia” Closes this Weekend in Bolingbrook
To say that Lorrisa Julianus lives in the past would be an understatement, at least this summer.
The Bolingbrook resident co-wrote, produced and is starring in a musical about the life of Zenobia, 3rd Century warrior queen of the Palmyrene Empire in ancient Syria.
The multimedia musical spectacular premiered at Bolingbrook’s Theatre-on-the-Hill on August 15 and continues to run through Labor Day weekend.
At age 14, Julianus was inspired to reintroduce Zenobia to the modern world when she read a book about inspirational women in history. “It’s an amazing rabbit hole of history that most Americans have never heard of, and thus don’t know what’s coming next!”
According to many versions of her history, Zenobia married as a teenager to a much older king, Zenobia became queen after his assassination and ruled until she was defeated by the Roman Emperor. She also claimed to be a descendent of Cleopatra and was as capable a ruler but boasted some qualities of character that the ancient Egyptian queen lacked.
“Some sources say that she had the brains and beauty of Cleopatra…but unlike Cleopatra, was known for her chastity and prowess on the battlefield,” Julianus said.
Julianus was also struck by the fact that Zenobia’s story ended differently than other ancient queens, many of whom met tragic ends. Although history is divided on what happened to Zenobia after her defeat, many believe she went on to live a long, happy life and had descendants living for another two centuries.
Years ago, Julianus, who is a published playwright and now works as a professional actor in videogames and television, wrote a treatment for a musical film about Zenobia’s life and eventually shelved it like other writing projects she’d worked on throughout the years. In 2009, however, facing stress and chaos in her life and in the lives of friends, she decided it was time to move forward.
“Life is too short not to follow your dreams,” she said. “Creating an epic musical from scratch seemed so ambitious as to be impossible without a few million dollars, but I had no choice but to see it through to completion. Zenobia empowered to me in a time when I felt at the whim of the Powers That Be —employers, the housing market, big business, lobbyists. When I recognized this same powerless feeling and frustration in the lives of everyone struggling after the financial collapse of 2008, I found my voice again as a writer.”
In 2010, she met musician and composer Angela Salvaggione of Joliet, who liked the story idea. The pair began working on the show with Julianus writing the book and lyrics and Salvaggione composing the music.
Although Zenobia is written for the stage, it has the fast-paced feel of a film and, indeed, there is a film component to the show. A graduate from Columbia College’s film school, Julianus could not resist incorporating the medium into her stage show.
“I believe that film is the medium of this generation, this century,” she said. “So many people don’t take an interest in theatre because, I think, they’ve been brought up on the immediacy of film and its visual style of storytelling. With the advanced technical capabilities of Bolingbrook Town Center Stage, we’re able to merge the mediums in an action-packed story that kept our opening night audience on the edge of their seats.”
With palatial scenes shot at Cantigny in Wheaton, Ill., desert scenes from local quarries and background shots from in South Florida, the footage, along with period costumes by Julie Kinsey of Oswego, rounds out the story and gives the audience a stunning visual experience.
But those who think they’re in for a history lesson are mistaken. Julianus has taken a modern twist to Zenobia’s life, including a love story and a struggle between the classes, with ghosts, mythological characters, a near death experience, and onstage battles for the action lovers in the audience.
Director and Theatre-on-the-Hill President Craig J. Engel adds, “It’s musical theatre, not a documentary, and it’s a fantastic date night.”
Ms. Julianus notes that she has taken some creative liberties with the ruler’s life. Julianus’ take on the story has Zenobia abandoned as a baby, quickly ending up in slavery, then falling in love with her vigilante master. She catches the eye of the king and is catapulted to royalty, becoming a powerful ruler who shakes up the status quo despite treachery and the ever-looming threat of a villainous Roman emperor.
Within the epic-size cast of forty, the show also stars many other Bolingbrook residents, including Scott and Bonnie Bovaird, along with their two sons, Spencer and Campbell, Victor Rachal, Sharon Hand, David Lichty, Bill Smith, Ruth Bardy, Kayaun Pierce, Julie and Dominick Guida, Jonathan O'Brien, Troy Shaeflein, Kristina Parro, and Matthew Bockus.
"I am thrilled that my family is a part of Zenobia," said Bonnie Bovaird. "The story, script, and music are truly outstanding, as are the people involved in the production. we all look forward to sharing Zenobia with the community."
IF YOU GO
Zenobia runs Aug. 30 and 31 at 8 p.m. and Sept. 1 and 2 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 per person. All shows will take place outdoors at the Bolingbrook Town Center Stage, 375 W. Briarcliff Road, behind the Village Hall. The show may not be suitable for young children; Julianus rates it at PG-13 for dialogue and intense action. Visit tothbolingbrook.com for more information.
This article was written by Erika Enigk Grotto on the FACEBOOK site for ZENOBIA, the live original musical by Lorrisa Julianus & Angela Salvaggione at https://www.facebook.com/events/191811024328214/
August 22, 2013
Zenobia the musical in Bolingbrook, IL next weekend
We wish we could be in Illinois next weekend to watch our friend Lorrisa Julianus play Zenobia in Zenobia the musical.
At Geode Press we love finding fans of Zenobia. We read about Zenobia the musical and started corresponding with the talented Lorrisa Julianus who wrote the musical. We shared with her a copy of Zenobia-Birth of a Legend and found she loved Zenobia and her story as much as we did. In January we were able to interview Lorrisa and we wanted to share the interview again.
This is part one of the interview with Lorrisa Julianus about Zenobia the musical:
http://geodepress.com/an-interview-with-lorrisa-julianus-who-will-be-playing-zenobia-in-the-upcoming-play-zenobia-the-musical/
Here is part two of the interview:
http://geodepress.com/continued-interview-with-lorrisa-julianus-aka-zenobia/
Reviews from the August 15th Zenobia the musical found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/191811024328214/:
"Lorrisa is a superstar. The world just hasn't figured it out yet".
"I attended the first-ever performance of this locally written musical, by friends Lorissa Julianus (playwright, director/producer, title role) and Angela Salvaggione (composer). I don't know what I expected, but this wasn't it! This was no "home-made" show, but a fully mature and complex musical. Outstanding orchestrations sequenced by Michael Fudala, wonderful evil/comedic turn by Sharon Hand as the villian you love to hate. Costumes were myriad and excellent, providing color clues to the identities of the sizeable chorus. A wide variety of video projection provided the depiction of location and time passage. Get there in time to peruse the program so you can understand the identity of the characters, unless you're well steeped in ancient history and mythology. The story is at least somewhat a true one. Four more performances--over Labor Day weekend. Go to support local theatre. But you'll be rewarded by the thorough entertainment and sense of awe for the accomplishment of your local friends & colleagues."
"The show last night was a-MAZ-ing!!! Really enjoyed the music - especially loved the ending!! The entire cast was phenomenal!! Loved Lorissa - she was a perfect Zenobia!! Also especially love Scott Bovaird and Dave Lichty's performances! Brilliant!! Special shout out to Julie Szeszol Kinsey on the AMAZING costumes - wow!!! Don't know where you get access to those sorts of costumes, but they were absolutely amazing!"
DON'T MISS IT! SHOW TIMES FOR LABOR DAY WEEKEND:
Friday, August 30 8pm
Saturday, August 31 8pm
Sunday, Sept 1 7:30pm
Monday, Sept 2 7:30pm
The original live multimedia musical by Lorrisa Julianus & Angela SalvaggionePresented by: Theater-on-the-HillBolingbrook Performing Arts Center 375 W. Briarcliff Rd. Bolingbrook, IL 60440Rated PG-13 for dialogue and intense action Based on historical events
