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Weekly Feature Articles

A History Of Detective Stories: Asian Detectives
A History of Detective Fiction, Asian Americans, Books and Reading, Detectives, Drama, Hawaii, Historical Fiction, John Gaines, Movies, Mystery, Race Relations, Racism, Weekly Feature Articles
11/19/2009 - 2:45pm
George Kuwa, the silent era Charlie Chan

This is the second installment in a series on the history of detective fiction.

A History of Detective Fiction: Literary Origins
A History of Detective Fiction, Books and Reading, Drama, Edgar Allan Poe, John Gaines, Literary/Classics, Mystery, Sherlock Holmes, Victorian England, Weekly Feature Articles, World War II -- fiction
11/12/2009 - 1:23pm
Actor Clive Brook as Sherlock Holmes

Detective and crime-related stories are one of the most popular genres of fiction. In literary form, detective novels are so numerous that publishing companies devote entire labels to the genre and release hundreds of entries per year. Detective/crime-related narratives have become a major part of television programming, with networks basing their entire primetime schedule around crime-related series.

A History of Classic Monsters: Zombies
A History of Classic Monsters, Drama, Folklore, John Gaines, Movies, Science Fiction, Weekly Feature Articles, Zombies
10/30/2009 - 1:49pm
Cover to World War Z

Although zombies have a long history of appearances in religion and folklore, interest in them as villains in horror films is largely confined to the second half of the 20th century. The explosion in zombie popularity is based on a characterization established by a single film and the fact that the original characterization of the zombi in African folklore and religion as well as in earlier films is dramatically different from that of the popular characterization from the 1960s onward. To understand zombies in both their original context and in the role they have come to take in popular culture requires an understanding of two divergent traditions.

A History of Classic Monsters: Frankenstein’s Creature
A History of Classic Monsters, Drama, FYI Articles, Horror, Literary/Classics, Movies, Weekly Feature Articles
10/30/2009 - 1:48pm
Frankenstein's Creature as portrayed by Boris Karloff in the 1931 film
Frankenstein’s Creature has many differences from other popular monsters associated with Halloween.  Rather than being based off an ancient legend, religious concept, or historical figure, his origin is solely literary in nature, being confined to one book.  Despite this, public perception of the Creature has changed greatly since the publication of the original novel, leading to wildly divergent styles and plotlines in its various film adaptations.
A History of Classic Monsters: The Wolf Man
A History of Classic Monsters, Drama, Folklore, FYI Articles, History, Horror, John Gaines, Middle Ages, Movies, Weekly Feature Articles, Werewolves
10/19/2009 - 9:40am
Movie poster for The Wolf Man

The image of a cursed soul doomed to become a werewolf at the rising of a full moon is one of the most iconic concepts in horror. Unlike Dracula or the Mummy, the notion of a “wolf man” or “werewolf” was not cemented by one single actor, author, book, or horror series. It is instead a truly ancient concept dating back to the pre-literate sagas and legends told by Europeans centuries ago. 

A History of Classic Monsters: Mummies
A History of Classic Monsters, Ancient Egypt, Drama, Fantasy, FYI Articles, John Gaines, Literary/Classics, Movies, Romance, Victorian, Weekly Feature Articles
10/16/2009 - 9:03am
Lon Chaney in The Mummy's Curse

There are many monsters associated with Halloween. Besides Dracula and his kind, mummies are among the most fascinating of these. The mummies appearing in horror films and literature have many differences, but some things remain constant: they are cursed to remain alive forever. They also have a doomed romantic attraction to at least one mortal woman and a burning hatred of all other mortals that has endured for centuries.

Ditch Your Cable
Business and Finances, Chuck Gray, Computers, Electronics, Home economics, Household Maintenance, Internet, Science and Technology, Self-Help and Instructional, Tech Answers, television, Weekly Feature Articles
10/14/2009 - 9:35am
Young woman in front of monitor

TV Is Dead. Long Live TV

In these lean times, we’re all looking for ways to cut household costs. You may be pondering whether you should ditch the cable TV or the broadband Internet to free up $50 a month. Take my advice and lose the cable. Heck, even if you aren’t in a financial pickle, go ahead and dump it. Your life will be better for it. Here’s why.

A History of Classic Monsters: Dracula
A History of Classic Monsters, Drama, Fantasy, Halloween, Horror, John Gaines, Literary/Classics, Monsters, Silent films, Suspense and Thriller, Vampires, Weekly Feature Articles
10/09/2009 - 11:16am
Scene from Nosferatu

Many people find one of the most enjoyable aspects of Halloween to be the myriad creatures associated with it. Legendary villains like Dracula, the Wolf Man, Frankenstein, and zombies of all stripes emerge on or about October 31st in the forms of costumes, films, and books.  America’s tendency to associate such creatures with Halloween is so embedded in our culture that we frequently forget that most of these creatures--or at least the versions of them we best remember--are relatively recent creations that are often less than two centuries old.

Increasing Your Internet Privacy
Business and Finances, Chuck Gray, Computers, Household Maintenance, Identity, Internet, Science and Technology, Security, Self-Help and Instructional, Tech Answers, Weekly Feature Articles
10/30/2009 - 1:50pm
Lock on a keyboard

Maintaining your privacy online is a tricky matter, as I’m sure you know. And though you’re using a firewall as well as anti-spyware software, and you’ve password-protected your computer, that does almost nothing to keep your information secure online. Here are some ideas to help keep you to yourself when surfing the Web. I’ve divided the information into basic and advanced sections for your convenience.

Meet Your Perfect (Book) Match
Books and Reading, Weekly Feature Articles
10/28/2009 - 1:13pm
Young lady enjoying a book from the library's shelves

By Chelsie Meredith, CRRL volunteer

You've just finished a great book—and I mean great. You can't wait to find another book just as good. But the joys of that last read means the pressure is on for your next choice. Where do you go to pick a book that can stand up to face the challenge—the Central Rappahannock Regional Library, of course! We offer two choices to help you find your next great book.