Month: October 2006

Street Fair was Fair

by Charles Arthur

How about a little Street Fair talk? What can I say? We’ve done it again. First of all, I’d like to thank Foster for participating in the B-Boy/ African Drum and Rhythm workshop. I would also like to thank Private Pile and Cory for playing as well. Next, I’d like to thank the dancers that took time and energy to fulfill the workshop. Last, I’d like to thank you, the people, and the kids especially, for attending. The weather was fair. People were walking up and down Xenia Avenue and Cory Street. Vendors did their best to increase sales. Good food spread all around downtown Yellow Springs. These are my thoughts as I arrived carrying two drums and a book. My phone rang like crazy up until 3:30pm. Had I known that we were going to have children doing cartwheels and handstands, perhaps I would have requested to start at an earlier time. But whatever.

Now, in order to build a civilization, there are several things that need to be addressed.

1.) Do I have the tools? (Meaning knowledge)
2.) Do I have the numbers? (The people)
3.) Do I have the health?
4.) Do I have the capital?

Stay with me. The civilization symbolizes a nation of educated students embarking on better ways to entertain, educate, evolve, and preserve community.

I have dedicated my life for such moments as these. We were in front of the bank, surrounded by crowds off people that were educated on our culture. Some people had no idea such cultures existed.

To prove a point, it was the children that could dance as if no one was looking. It was the children that were innocent. It’s the children’s innocence we live preserve. It’s not money’s capital we need the most, it’s the spirit’s capital. It’s the spirit of togetherness before anything else. The people are the numbers we need internationally to merge like we do at Street Fairs, Black and Tans, C-Shops, Malls, name it.

Let’s continue to build. Success will surely follow. Civilizations will by strong. Music will by inspiration. Drums will move millions and millions will come together thus making one huge Street Fair. This is Charles Arthur.

Take A Piece of Ohio: Dayton

By Christopher DeArcangelis

Ohio is rich, just loaded. Miles of wilderness, hills and valleys, rivers and lakes have allowed Ohio to support a massive population and to contribute to the mainstream of American culture. But, with signs of decay, overuse, mismanagement and waste nearly beating down your eye balls at a moments notice, its easy to forget about the millions of people still living in Ohio’s urban centers, as well as the rich cultural heritage surrounding them. Through tough times its industrial and commercial centers have persevered, among them, the Gem City: Dayton, Oh.

This city so close to Yellow Springs, was once as hot as boiling pot of water. Several classic American inventions were created here, including the stepladder, microfiche, cellophane tape, pop top beverage cans, space food, parking meters, the airplane supercharger, the automobile self-starter, gas masks, and the parachute (wikipedia, 2006). Famous folks abound including the Wright brothers, poet laureate Laurence Dunbar, rock and roll hero Robert Pollard and his legendary band Guided By Voices.

History

Dayton was the site of epic battles between the French and English for control of the land, actually settled and lived on by the Miami. This did not prevent the settlers from fighting until 1795 when at last the French were run out and Dayton was settled. The city began to prosper after construction of the Miami- Erie Canal, and then with the growth of railroads as a railroad hub. Dayton also grew many large industries, including Delco, the manufacturer of ignition systems and car parts, and NCR or National Cash Register. In 1913, an immense flood wracked Dayton. The city rebuilt and prospered in the World Wars that would follow.

Post WW2 production boomed and midwestern cities tasted immense wealth. With the prospects of work, hundreds of thousands from the south and beyond the continental limits migrated to the north and its cities. The racial tensions that had always been around started to come to the forefront of city life in the 1950’s and 60’s, causing some of those who had already lived in the cities to move out of the city and start anew. Dayton was not excluded from the racism and industrial exodus that would push residents out of the city. In the 1970’s and 1980’s, big companies like National Cash Register and Frigidaire downsized or moved out of the city limits. With a current population of 166,179, Dayton is Ohio’s 6th largest city. A certain neighborhood on Dayton’s west side, now called the Wright-Dunbar Village, exemplifies the negative effects of industrial relocation and racist politics. The neighborhood was once home to the Wright Brothers, Paul Laurence Dunbar, and their exploits. The Wright Brothers ran a bicycle shop there, as well as a laboratory where they built their flying machines for many years.

The neighborhood, which was based around the west bank of the Great Miami River, Third Street, Fifth St, and Broadway, took in a large population of African-Americans after the first World War and became a thriving African-American community. The construction of the highways in the fifties dislocated this area and many others from the rest of the city. Continual racial tensions continued to escalate and in 1966 the neighborhood responded with intense rioting. According to Johnson, the protesters marched down 3rd street “until met by the Mayor of Dayton in the middle of the West Third Street Bridge. Here, a dialogue between the authorities and the protesters led to a process for solving their differences. “

The neighborhood is changing, as recent developers have been renovating the area since the 1980’s, restoring old store fronts and houses. Drive off of 3rd street, south on Broadway, however, the abandoned buildings and empty lots testify to the violence of the 1960’s and 1970’s.

Getting Down in Dayton

Taking a drive around Dayton, it is plain to see that there is not to much going on. The streets are relatively empty, the lights burn low. Why, oh why would you want to go to Dayton? -Architecture Featuring classic Midwestern city architecture in the form of warehouses and that cowboy-gothic style, Dayton is the visual treat. There are many abandoned factory-compounds which have to be seen to believe the sheer vastness of operation that manufacturing used to operate at in the Midwest. Dayton also carries on the tradition of the electric trolley by employing trolley cables of yore to power its electric buses. Operating since 1888, Dayton’s electric system is the oldest of six trolley systems in the US (Wikipedia, 2006).

Nightlife

There are a few nightclubs in Dayton, including Club Masque at 74 North Jefferson, Dayton’s premier gay night club. Bars abound as they should, but be ready for drinkers from a city of hard labor and hard times.

Dayton fosters a small yet vital scene of music, as exemplified by the cities largest musical export Guided By Voices, and the hardcore music scene that consumes Dayton and Cincinnati. Check any Dayton City Guide for day by day listings of the musical happenings going on in the city.

Outdoor Splendor

A city with three rivers colliding into each other? Thankfully the city has created a path along the rivers for us to take in their beauty, and the population flight of the city has left us with many empty lots teeming with wildlife.

Take some time to enjoy Dayton. Only twenty minutes from Antioch, it is a chance to live it up in a bigsmall city. Take a step back in time or use the untapped resources to shape your future. Just like at Antioch, Dayton is whatever you want it to be. The doors wide open. Step into Dayton.

Sources:

Preservation Dayton. �Dayton History.� 1997 www.preservationdayton. com/Pages/history.asp

Wright-Dunbar Inc. “Live the Legacy: Innovation and creativity in the Wright- Dunbar Business Village.� 2002 www.wright-dunbar.org/history.html

Mary Ann Johnson. “On the Aviation Trail in the Wright Brothers’ West Side Neighborhood in Dayton, Ohio.� 2002 www.libraries.wright.edu/special/symposium/Johnson.html

Wikipedia. 2006 www.wikipedia.org

Horoscopes 10.20.06

CAPRICORN (DECEMBER 22-JANUARY 19)

Feeling a little sentimental these days, Capricorn? Maybe wondering whether or not you’re in love? Do you feel like you’ve met the love of your life, and that person makes your heart skip a beat? Oh Capricorn, get your head out of the clouds and your feet back on the ground. Love is a great thing, but can you really handle with the heartbreak right now? There’s time for love later in your life, besides, we know you secretly make out with your senior project. I mean, I know I do…not…er…

Tarot Card: Two of Cups – I want to share the rest of my life with you and only you!!! Slow down Capricorn, you have a tendency to try and move to the next level before it’s time.

AQUARIUS (JANUARY 20-FEBRUARY 18)

I can see clearly now, the rain of squirrels pelting me with nuts is gone. Hey Aquarius, all those problems you thought you had, those weren’t so bad now were they? Didn’t I tell you life would be okay? So your cat died this week, but maybe you’ve got a special someone in your life, and if they aren’t special yet maybe they will be. Try not to focus on the dark times in the past, look towards the potentially blindingly bright ones in the future.

Tarot Card: Six of Swords – Back in my day we had to swim through eel-infested waters and fight off ginormous rats, why are you complaining about a twohour ride in a leaky boat?

PISCES (FEBRUARY 19-MARCH 20)

Have you stepped through the looking glass recently? It may seem that way. Your life might be smoke and mirrors, but you have more sensory organs than your eyes…and I so wasn’t talking about that so put it away, Pisces. In fact, you may want to put it away for this week until you figure out exactly what it is you want from those ever so complicated personal relationships that you always have. Pisces have not known which tail to eat first since the beginning of time. Your friends may have opinions, might be time to listen to them even if you decide not to take it.

Tarot Card: King of Swords – I think I know what’s going on, but let me talk to my advisors first. That’s the first good idea you’ve had all term, nice going.

ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19)

And there was much rejoicing throughout the land!!! You seem to be in a much better mood than you’ve been in for a while, go with it. Believe it or not you work better in a good mood so you might be able to get that five-page paper done much quicker than you would have otherwise. Then you can go out and party with the best of them.

Tarot Card: Three of Cups – We can dance if we want to, we can leave your friends behind. This Safety Dance has been sponsored by CG and the manufacturer of Trojan condoms…but not really.

TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20)

You and Gemini have swapped positions. You’re the one feeling tied down by life, work, and everything else this week. When’s the last time you had a vacation? No really. We’ll miss you for the week/end you’re gone, but then maybe you’ll be less cranky when you get back. Bring me back a t-shirt, preferably black. Or, ya know, at least a pretty rock. Tarot Card: Eight of Swords – Guh, I’ll never get out of this place! Have you tried recently?

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 21)

It seems like you have quite a few challenges facing you this week. Behind door number one is doom and destruction, and door number too is a vat of acid. You cannot win Gemini, not as long as I write the horoscopes. But actually, your challenges will give you a good chance for some positive, if slightly painful learning experiences. Make sure your claws are properly sharpened before opening any unmarked doors; those are usually the ones with aggressive monsters.

Tarot Card: Seven of Cups (reversed) – So many monsters, so little XP and treasure, but I have to kill them to get to the stuff that’s worth killing.

CANCER (JUNE 22 – JULY 22)

You suddenly have a great deal of ambition this week. That hard shell of yours isn’t soft-boiled after all, at least not yet anyway. Your desire to take on new projects this week may leave you overwhelmed in the future. So make sure you’re only taking on relatively short term projects, or at least things that you know you’ll be able to finish. And if you don’t follow my advice, don’t come sidling up to me expecting a hug or moral support. I prefer my clothing not to be covered in someone else’s mucus, thanks.

Tarot Card: Nine of Cups – You ever been so satisfied, but you go for that extra piece of cheesecake anyway? Do you remember regretting that decision? Go ahead and take the cheesecake, but put it in the mini-ridge for later, otherwise it’s stuffed crab puffs for horoscope-writing Capricorn later.

LEO (JULY 23-AUGUST 22)

You’re ready to leave this stinkin’ place already and you’re going to make a noise about it, dammit. The college sucks, your classes suck, your job sucks, your girlfriend(s)/boyfriend(s) suck in a bad way and life sucks. Pout, pout, pout. Social pressures at Antioch getting you down, thinking about ending it all and moving off to bigger and better things, like OSU? Make a deal with a Capricorn, give me your stuff and I’ll sell it for 100% profit, but at least you won’t have to deal with it, or Antioch, anymore.

Tarot Card: Eight of Cups – I’m sick and tired and I’m not going to take it anymore! Don’t let the door smack you on the way out, and if it does, make sure it hits the flesh parts – it’s just more enjoyable that way.

VIRGO (AUGUST 23-SEPTEMBER 22)

Who do you think you are, a Capricorn? No one said you could try to out do anyone this week, but damned if you aren’t going to try anyway. Considering the influence of the stars and all that mystical crap I’m writing about, you may even succeed. Who knows, you could win my grudging respect at something or other. Yay, Virgo, yay.

Tarot Card: Five of Swords – Hey guys, look how many swords I can carry, can you carry this many, hey…hey guys…where are you going?

LIBRA (SEPTEMBER 23-OCTOBER 22)

This term is going fast, and what have you achieved recently? Every time you try to accomplish something it seems like there’s no time for it. It’s all part of the philosophical phenomena known as Being Towards Death. Try not to get so caught up in how little time you have left and more on what you’ve already done. It will at least be some comfort until this overwhelming feeling passes.

Tarot Card: Knight of Swords – Time’s flying by, if I ride faster I might be able to catch up. *die*

SCORPIO (OCTOBER 23-NOVEMBER 21)

Scorpio has been asking me for a good horoscope for weeks. Can’t say I’ve got good news for you this week either, sorry kids. You’ve got a burden to bear and no one in sight to pawn it off on. Luckily your back seems pretty strong these days and it’s nothing you can’t handle. But don’t forget to take a break and take care of yourself every now and again. Hey, I hear they’re doing massage in Wellness now, ever considered getting a quick rub down between study sessions?

Tarot Card: Ten of Wands – All these damned lab classes I’m taking, no time for my own pleasure. My woes line up like bottles of wine on my dresser and I’ll never be able to sell these books back for anything remotely close to what I paid for them, and that God awful Capricorn keeps writing me bad horoscopes!

SAGITTARIUS (NOVEMBER 22- DECEMBER 21)

Way to go Sagittarius. This week you’ll be able to get along with people you never thought you would get along with. A little domestic harmony coming your way perhaps? That person in your hall that you’ve hated all term, you know the one, might actually make some concessions about their asshole-ishness. Not rubbing it in their face, no matter how much the Leo deserves it, won’t help you maintain this new found eased social tension. So just go with the flow and start from this week without focusing on the horrific awkwardness earlier in the term.

Tarot Card: Six of Cups – So…you wanna be my friend? But…I thought you hated me. Nah, I’m just a huge dork. Yes you are, Sagittarius.

From The Editors

20061020-luke.jpgDear Community,

First, I need to apologize for being AWOL on community day, I would have loved to spend the day with you all, but the whirlwind of Black and Tan (which culminated in a postdawn trip to Kroger to purchase doughnuts for the Queer Center’s Black and Tan Recovery) really tuckered me out, and I barely made it out of bed before dark.

This week has been pretty stressful for me. I continue to struggle to credit my spring ’06 co-op (Organic farming, as it turns out, is for hippies.) Also, because of my general malaise, I did not make the deadline for turning in my time slips, and so am fast approaching broke. Unpaid speeding tickets have the state of Pennsylvania threatening to revoke my driving privileges unless I pay them $140 within the week, which because of the time-slip business, I may not be able to do. I’m scheming about possibly running to a DMV tomorrow to get an Ohio license in hopes that the trouble will disappear. I should do laundry, my room’s a mess, and somebody stole my beloved cactus from the living room of Unit 1.

There are a couple things I’m pretty pleased with though, one of them being this very fine issue of the Record that you’re holding. Our talented staff really knocked it out of the park with this one; I hope you enjoy it as much as I have. The community day pictures make us look especially wholesome, and I like that. I’m also gauging my ears. After losing some of my gaudy bling on the floor of Peach’s Bar and Grille, I decided it was time for a change. What I’m most pleased with though, is my community of vibrant, beautiful people that has shaped my character in a very profound way. I can say very surely I am a better person now than when I entered almost two years ago. My politics have changed, my understanding of our world has changed, and although our school doesn’t have state-ofthe- art facilities, a prostudent administration, a wide range of course offerings, a night-life to speak of, or a smoking tolerant dorm, at least we have each other.

And you all amaze me every day.

-Luke

20061020-foster.jpgDear Community,

Wonderful active people, please continue in your diligent efforts to bring about the change you yearn to see. Today at the Record, we have worked very hard into the morning to bring you this paper. I think that our dedication to the Record, as Community Day exemplified, is uniquely typical of this community. Of course, there is no end to the struggles we wrestle with and we cannot let down our guard, but a strong community of such workers as ourselves also plays hard. In that vein, hats off to Events Manager Melody and everyone who worked to put Black & Tan together.

Everyone get ready, this is the end of seventh week, which for those of us who have been here more than a couple of months know, means Eighth Week Crisis is right around the corner. Don’t let your guard up folks, not for one minute. Things are about to come crashing down on us, but our routine workout, if we have been good (which I think we all are ) will help us carry the load. Yes, we are pack animals of sorts, able to lift weighty burdens and carry them across the desert of academia.

I’m sorry. It’s 7:30 AM. This is, as usual the last thing left to do before we send out the paper. 7:30 AM means we have a half hour to get the PDFs to the printer. Not much time left. This is burden gets heavier. So, take a lesson for us in Main basement – Don’t procrastinate.

I swear, next week I will get to reviewing the Antioch Review.

Enjoy the paper.

Foster Neill

Layout Editor

Letter from Laura Hind

Dearest Community,

Last week an extended member of the community wrote in the Record about the insular nature of this campus, how isolated we are in our ideas, our values, and our actions. When I first read the letter, I was defensive; I thought, “How could they possibly know what it’s like?â€? And then in my head, I tried to refute their claim, dissecting the ways in which we do care about other things beside ourselves. But I’m not one who says we need to focus on greater world problems, ignore the ones in our own lives…I think it’s cheesy, but that phrase, you gotta work on your community first in order to change the greater structure, really fits. But what doesn’t fit here -at Antioch- is the ways in which we “workâ€? on our community, but you all probably knew that. We easily become reactionary when it comes to fixing our problems (that includes that administration, students, etc. everyone!). When I see that one of the bathroom stalls in my hall was kicked down from last night’s party, I get angry and immediately want to point fingers and find some kind of public way to shame the person who did it. We all know that scenario too well; it was replayed in community meeting yesterday after a piano was smashed. I guess what I’m getting at is all too simple but seemingly much too hard. We need to work on more longterm goals to challenge systemic problems. So, the whole “cowboys and Indiansâ€? party controversy – it needs to be addressed with a deeper vision and commitment of an anti-racist education. Allen G. Johnson was a start, but please, let’s put our egos aside, and find places to inject “our valuesâ€? in the structure of this community. Culture only exists in practice and we need to practice everyday. I am inspired everyday here, and I think sometimes we need to remind ourselves of those good things and continue to bring this education and dialog into a greater context. Creativity is key. We are all creative. Thanks for reading this corny attempt to communicate.

Much Love,
~Lauren Hind