Man, finals week sucks. Alas, even Team Vellichor must tough out the perils of exam season. Which means this message is, regrettably, hastier than usual. Send prayers. Many of them. Especially for chemistry. Mailing love and lots of coffee your way <33
—ANNOUNCEMENTS
Ariadne’s Thread (poetry & prose anthology), Espresso Shots (short film series), Summer Snapdown (annual photography contest), and our blog (accepting nonfiction and visual art) are all open for submissions and accessible via our Linktree.There really is an opportunity for everyone (which means you have no excuse not to submit)!
Issue 05: Sakura decision emails have been sent! We are hard at work on designing page layouts, and the issue is set to release sometime in June.
Our blog is now open for visual art submissions (including photography), as well as nonfiction prose! Everyone say yayyyy :D
If you’re a writer, you can nominate yourself for a spotlight on our Insta with The Coffeehouse Interviews! This is also available in the good ol’ Linktree :)
—THE ORACLE OF DELPHI
Firstly! We have an oracle update! The Oracle of Delphi will now be a weekly column, with more frequent polls to see what you want answered and more frequent interfacing with the mystical oracle for her best attempt at good advice! Be on the lookout for your questions popping up on the vellichor medium profile in collaboration with our Oracle E.P.Hughes!
Given that we have our first big delphic Medium post coming out next week, this week’s ask is going to be a lighter one. The Oracle has selected the question, “I’m going into existential dread thinking about the fact that I haven’t read ONE book since January” from eeman_z.15 for this month’s newsletter. She is also tiring of referring to herself in the third person, so let’s get into it.
The feeling of decline after being one of the children who spend recess reading is unavoidable as you reach the stage of life where you find yourself perpetually either occupied or exhausted. As part of New Year’s, I made a pledge to finish 52 books this year- roughly one a week. Shocker to no one, I’m behind schedule by about 6 books, but I’ve managed to get through 13 so far, so I feel that my advice on how to get back to reading could still be helpful.
Try reading more poetry collections- there’s something so satiating about reading good poetry. I’ve read Kaddish and Other Poems and American Sublime so far this year, and I found that both of them were just as fulfilling as any novel, yet more digestible by nature of their segmentation.
Plays! So many of the most gorgeous literary works are plays and, as they are designed to be seen, not just read, their physicality can often be felt even through the pages. You can also then watch one of the many diverse stagings on YouTube or at your local theater, which massively adds to the experience. This year so far, I’ve read Angels in America (10/10 ABSOLUTE MUST READ), The Flies, and No Exit, both of which far surpassed even my astronomical expectations for them. Modern plays are often intensely readable and, especially in a post-Brecht world, have a lovely disorientating effect.
Short story collections are perpetually overlooked and underrated, because so few other mediums have the ability to craft for the reader not just one rich conclusion, but a deliberate tirade of potential ideas. I just finished Stag Dance, which is a novella and three short stories, and it was by far my favourite personal read of the year. The ability of Torrey Peters to create an overwhelming sense of sorrow and rage in me by the end of Stag Dance was solely possible because of the multi-story format. Also, like a poetry collection, the snapshot format of a short story collection gives you the emotional impact and intellectual stimulation in a quicker format. I also strongly recommend Her Body and Other Parties by Carmen Maria Machado, which I read a few years ago and found to be an excellent exploration of misogyny, sexuality, and queerness.
My personal advice, also, is to put down your phone. Personally, I found that the largest barrier between myself and more reading time was being on my phone. You can leave your phone in your bag or jacket pocket, and if you keep a book in hand you’ll find yourself spending those awkward 5-15 minute natural pauses in your day with some light reading, rather than losing yourself to the internet.
Lastly, if you’re struggling to read, let yourself read something light. The overvaluing of literary classics just because they’re ‘good’ rather than because of good fit or any particular element of craft is a huge problem. Do I think that books by Rupi Kaur and Sarah J. Maas are as good as the works of Camus? Absolutely not! They’re not even comparable really, but does that mean that those books lack value? Absolutely not. Everyone who knows me knows that I absolutely loathe what Rupi Kaur has done to the modern poetry scene, but in addition to my laundry list of reasons for hating her, I do appreciate that she’s brought people back to poetry. Likewise, sometimes it takes a Sarah J. Maas novel to bring you to books with less misogynistic elements. The point is that transitional novels as you get back into reading are so so valid- in my mind, reading something (banning bigotry) > not reading at all, always.
This concludes any possible tips I could have on how to keep reading except for one which is pretty simple. The hardest part is often the commencement, especially if you have a long reading list, so my advice essentially boils down to one thing: Start.
Oracle out-
Ella Hughes
—RECIPE
Funny Little Customisable Yogurt and Egg Biscuits
Ingredients:
Greek Yogurt
Flour
Eggs
Baking Powder
Cheese of Choice
Meat or veg of choice
Tomatoes
—CREATIVE COLUMN
Sirens: The Allure of Feminine Beauty & Monstrosity
By Avis, our newsletter manager
Long black hair, eyes blue and seductive, voice so seductive it sent sailors into a frenzy, scales, tails, and mermaid scales but there is a difference; a siren is the black swan while a mermaid is the white. Sirens are the seductive, ‘evil’, alluring and dark feminine beings of the sea that represent a myriad of things, but where did they come from? Were they always like their pop culture counterparts?
Welcome dear readers, today we look into the second installment of ‘Iconography’, where we look into popular animal icons and mythological creatures. Today’s wonderful icon with us are – Sirens. Where did they come from? What are their origins? What has been their journey? Let’s find out!
It all starts with Greece, Sirens weren’t fishes at all, oh no! They were birds with the heads of women, considered to be the offspring of the river god – Achelous and the muse – Melpomene. As iconic as they are, their main role was to lure sailors to they doom by their blessed enchanting voices. The most popular example in terms of literature comes from Homer’s ‘Odyssey’, forewarned by Circe, Odysseus had his crew plug their ears with beeswax while he tied himself to the mast to resist their song. This brings the representation as symbols of temptation and danger. When it came to Roman mythology, there was a significant cultural change in our Sirens, they were less dangerous and more seductive, the allure and seduction overpowered their original symbolism of beauty and death, and the perils of dangers they presented. Unlike their Greek counterpart, Roman sirens were more human-like, more sensual, all about seduction and imperial power portraying the values to Roman society and culture.
This impact of our iconic ladies moved further as word spread and before we know it, Sirens debuted in religious art in the medieval art, where they transitioned from cautionary mythological creature to moralistic figures as Christianity became in the dominant religion in Europe; temptresses leading souls to sin, their images conveying warning signs against the pleasure of flesh and the consequences of succumbing into temptation. [If you want to read about it more: The Evolution of Siren Imagery in Art History - Greek Mythology]
But what about now? The timeline we are in? What do sirens mean for us now? As all mythological creatures in their evolution Sirens often span into a variety of mediums including acting as the dark counterpart of our fellow mermaids. Contemporary themes include femininity, power, temptation ,and transformation. Sirens in pop culture are just like we know them, mystical beings with hypnotic voices and a fish tails to survive the sea, their attraction, danger and emotional turmoil they very evident in their presentation. Yet, like Medusa, they also have their feminist reinterpretations, the allure of their seduction isn’t just a male gaze icon anymore but a challenge, a symbology of female autonomy and their resistance against the very thing that sexualises them, the weaponization of their seduction, allure, voice, and beauty.
I apologize for this one being small, my sweethearts, yet I bear some extra readings and gifts! If you enjoyed this brief on the iconic Sirens, here are some sources I used for research –
1. Origins of the Sirens According to 10 Ancient Writers
This was this month’s creative column! I will see you next time ~
Peace out! ✌️
—WHAT’S NEW ON THE BLOG
Hello folks! This is Avis here with What’s New on the Blog!!!!!
And trumpets please 🎺🎺 ~~~~ We have some wonderful additions to our blog this month! From beauty to bananas and Bad presidents to Brontes and some lovely personal essays. Please have a look and enjoy them with your favorite beverage and snacks 🍘!
Enjoy!
“Have you ever heard the saying that beauty is in the eye of the beholder?”
This blog is a personal journey of the understanding of beauty, self love, the lies and allure of social beauty standards and the desperation that grows like the snake of envy within oneself to fit them and how to rise above it all when beauty isn’t just about the physicality but what words can’t ever express.
The Problem with Barbie: She’s Everything, He’s Just Ken; Carolina Dionísio, Guest Writer
“It must be extremely complicated to watch a movie and feel that you’re the butt of jokes, or that your only personality trait is having a sexy body and a pretty face,………………..”
Originally written in Portuguese by the author for their journalistic writing class, this satirical chronicle where the debate and discussion takes over a tone and commentary that was my absolute favorite; men got the taste of what we have been going through for ages in cinema presentations.
Barbie is everything and he’s just Ken.
Mind Melt; Zaina Barghouthi, Guest Writer
“I read it online.”
Media illiteracy, media consumption and how it shapes us into who we are unless we take a step back truly understand that it is not just our attention and time but also us as beings that are being monetised on. From fear mongering to manipulation. This blog is a must read.
every star; Puck, Guest Writer
“i was kissed by yellow streetlights and the laughter of a friend, i was touched by pavement and by the stars and the sky as i swung higher and higher”
Every star watches over you and sometimes some things can only be written down and not explained to be expressed.
Tea Sets and Cigarettes; Anonymous, Guest Writer
“I killed the girl who cried when her Barbie lost a shoe.”
How girlhood slowly dies and disappears into darkness. On a personal level, this is the blog that I related to the most. The pain, regret and loss of softness and innocence of the girl that used to be gentle. Growing up is truly like a crime scene.
Freedom of Speech; Lilly Georges, Guest Writer
“The only rights expressly given to citizens is the right to run for office and be free of discrimination against voting.”
The truth of the country that is America. The portrayal of how a horrible leader can create a perpetual state of fear even if you are a law-abiding citizen and then you sit and watch helplessly as what happens in your soil can crumble into nothing.
The Indicator by Planet Money — Media Review — The Aux; Sasi K., Staff Media Reviewer
A media review of the podcast ‘The Indicator’ by our staff Media reviewer, Sasi K! The review is short, precise and has sources cited to the podcast if anyone is interested!
Aftersun — Media Review — The Cinema; Stevi Eibach, Staff Media Reviewer
A review of the movie ‘Aftersun’ by our staff media reviewer, Stevi Eibach! The review is short, concise, and very endearing to read!
Whatever Souls Are Made Of; Lauren Campbell, Guest Writer
“Of the weathered stone church, of the ricketty parsonage where she lived, and the Victorian graveyard that connected the two spaces.”
If this wouldn’t pique your interest to read the Brontes, especially Emily Bronte, then I fear you shall never read them. This is the perfect blog for literature lovers.
I Ate Chips; Nia, Guest Writer
“My life, a series of carefully constructed walls, had always been a performance.”
The cycle of self-destruction often begins with an insult and ends in guilt. This personal reflection on oneself as even eating something so sombre as chips becomes an alluring reminder that change can be done no matter how dark the despair is.
Dream Interpretation: Superstitious or Scientific?; Sophia Bueskens-Wong, Staff Blog Writer
“In the world of sleep, we are perhaps at our most vulnerable — not only to outside forces, but also to our own minds.”
A wonderful blog on dream science and dream interpretations by our staff blog writer; Sophia Bueskens- Wong! The blog takes a deep dive into the concept of dreams, their key types and symbology.
Nothing Happens — Media Review — The Jukebox; Rifa Iyoob, Staff Media Reviewer
“I don’t wanna wait, not anymore
And now I see, you see right through me”
An album review of ‘Nothing Happens’ by Wallows by our staff media reviewer, Rifa Iyoob.
Pepe’s Limoncello; Madi Maiolo, Guest Writer
“Arrivederci Madison Grace, do good on our family name / Oh, e fai del bene al nostro cognome”
A wonderful personal essay on familial relationships, how food builds it and how it can leave behind wonderful memories for us.
From Ripe to Rotten: How Relative Thinking Spoils Our Elections; Kaylee Dyb, Guest Writer
“Imagine walking into a grocery store and realizing every banana is overripe, but you still pick one.”
How bananas can become the finest analogy for bad presidents is what this blog taught me. If you want to understand current politics better as a beginner, this is for you.
ruptured, slowly; Yera, Guest Writer
“i am a scared, frightened child.”
A personal essay on things you can’t explain quite well even if you tried to but as you read it; you’ll know.
Coercion: How It Fuels Sexual Assault; Madi Maiolo, Guest Writer
“However, this is not the typical case.”
The next time you think “Oh my loved ones won’t do that!”
“Oh yes they will”
[They should seriously meet Biblical Jesus, he’d hand them a spoon to gouge their eyes out for looking at a person with lust and then blaming them for it. He’d scoop their eyes for them if he wanted]
Grim Reapers At the Epilogue; Thea Abdullah, Guest Writer
“Is it possible that our fates have already been written out for us? If so, do we just await our own demise?”
Anything about fate, demise and death is my favorite type of blog to read and the way the concept is captured here is my favorite of them all. In my personal opinion, death is neutral and very rule bound so who knows what it thinks.
Re-Imagining Entertainment with Slice of Life; Hanshi, Guest Writer
“The reason I believe that slice-of-life as a genre can reimagine entertainment is because it represents life as it is without the use of gimmickry.”
Amazing recommendations and amazing blog on my boyfriend’s favorite genre. I thoroughly enjoyed this one. [My boyfriend probably is kicking his feet at this. Thank you for that]
A Brief (Not so Brief) Rambling About Love; Mia Alvidrez-Barron, Guest Writer
“What is love? No seriously, what is the meaning of the word love?”
A very [not so brief] philosophy of love and it’s scientific explanation of love. It is informative, interesting and a very lovely read I highly recommend.
The Empty Landscape Mindset: Settler-Colonialism, Colonial Illusions, and the Indigenous in Wilkie Collins and Charles Dickens’s The Perils of Certain English Prisoners; Ku’uliko Willing, Guest Writer
“This mindset is rooted in the idea that individuals will claim land because they simply do not see others occupying the land, when there are clearly indigenous people living there.”
This is a paper that everyone who supports colonialism should read to re-think their opinions. This talks about several things from mentality to literature to the false sense of control that eventually crumbled to dust.
The Weaponization of Ignorance; Titus Fojtik, Guest Writer
“So what is ‘good’ art? At the end of the day, art is a subjective idea,”
[YES, FINALLY SOMEONE TALKS OF IT! HALLELUJAH] Ahem. Art fans this is for you all! The ignorance, politics and allure of modern art as it gets suppressed in this day and age of politics. A must read especially if someone was still considering America is a ‘free’ country.
—STAFF READS
The Staff Reads portion of our newsletter is getting a little makeover! If you’ve been keeping up with our Instagram page, you’ll know that we’ve started a monthly book recommendation series, curated by Team Vellichor (you’re welcome). Here are the barista’s picks for May:
Camden’s pick (layout designer): Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
Siquori’s pick (staff poet): On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong
Avis’s pick (newsletter manager): Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
Victoria’s pick (videographer): Beautiful World, Where Are You by Sally Rooney
Minhkha’s pick (project manager, content planner, & communications officer): The Brontë Plot by Katherine Reay
Sophia’s pick (staff blog writer & videographer): Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett
Ben’s pick (founder & editor-in-chief): Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
Until next time, dear Vellicult! Good luck on your exams, if you have any right now. We believe in you!
Much love,
Team Vellichor
(but mostly Avis, Ella, and Ben)