Axewoman
Deborah Coleman doesn’t do things by the book. She is an admitted upstart in a musical genre not particularly adaptive to change. That rare creature—an African-American female blues guitarist—she leads her own band, writes her own songs, even manages herself. After nominations for numerous awards, guitar endorsements, five nationally-distributed CDs, and a grueling concert schedule, the Portsmouth, Virginia-born Coleman still struggles against rigid sexist thinking. Women—the thinking goes in some circles—should not play lead guitar
by Don Harrison
Eating Out
In our time, picnics have evolved into any portable meal, from a family potluck to a romantic wine-and-cheese nosh for two. Their status is firmly entrenched in modern literature—i.e., the movies. In National Lampoon’s Vacation, the family pulls off the road for a picnic and the dog relieves himself all over the food. In the Hitchcock thriller, To Catch A Thief, featuring Grace Kelly and Cary Grant, the screen fairly sizzles in a reserved, 1950s way, when Grace Kelly, the rich, spoiled American, asks Grant, the reformed cat burglar, if he’d like a “thigh or a breast.”
by Bill and Mary Burnham
Maddry
Losing It: Where do missing cell phones go?
Reporter
Information Please
How efficient is your city? In this communication-savvy, techno-jive information-deluged culture we live in, how easy is it to get answers to common questions? How does your city talk to you? How fast can you get to the right person or get the right answer?
Town & Country
Going to Extremes
PETA’s Ingrid Newkirk shakes up the world in the cause of animal rights. PLUS: A historic carousel, Southern food writing, handmade old timey instruments
Around Town
Portsmouth has gone and done it again: TodiMusicFest is coming back
Datebook
Hampton Roads cultural events in July
Life
At Home
Getting There: Life isn’t about the destination
Health
Women taking the new birth control pill Seasonale don’t miss monthly hassle
Style
Demure is out, and shoulder-grazing chandelier or hoop earrings are the latest trend
Culture Check
Think Shakespeare’s too tough to enjoy? Leave your preconceived notions offstage
Travel
I’ll Fly Away
Nonstop from Newport News and Norfolk to Orlando is only two hours to Paradise
Dish
’Maters
Classic and classy sandwiches for the ultimate tomato enjoyment
Books for Cooks
Rowena’s Celebrate Virginia! explores eats, interesting facts
Coming Right Up
Hampton’s newest eatery—Marker 20—specializes in seafood, friendly atmosphere
Underground Gourmet
Smithfield’s tiny Bon Vivant Market offers big selection of gourmet goods
Local Flavor
Corapeake Country Restaurant is a treasure for the taste buds and a reminder of times gone by
Stellar Cellars
Sommelier presents more than 700 wines at Todd Jurich’s Bistro
Last Words
Pass the Tea, Please
Iced tea takes its rightful place in the lineup of Southern icons
