Tag: art

Dapper, Posh Partiers Get Down at Black and Tan

By the Cooperative Council for a Non-Wack Social Scene 

20061020-blackandtan1.jpgPhotos By Nicole Bayani 

I never went to prom, and I’m ok with that. More now than ever, seeing as I can someday reflect back upon last Tuesday night’s Black and Tan party and let it fill the hole in my heart left by my premature flight from my high schools hallowed halls. Would prom have served tasty Black and Tans, or been open to the kind of experimental fashion technology showcased at last Tuesday night’s party? I think not. Birch space was sauna hot and sex seeped from the dimmed ceiling lights as classily clad co-eds lubed up each others formal wear with homage’s to Dirty Dancing, and Justin Timberlake’s “Sexy Back� video. Noteworthy dance pairing Barefoot Frank and first year Bethany were seen participating in some sort twisted collegiate hippy mating ritual which involved theatrical interpretive dance, and the little mermaid. I personally am seeking counseling to help expedite the healing process, as Coolio once wisely sung “Too hot. Too hot baby.�

The fashion bar was raised, as Antioch students busted out their Sunday best. Some memorable America’s Next Top Model hopefuls were fourth-year Kendlin, who looked something like an empowered Stepford Wife in vintage red and white skirt-suit, Whitney Stark filling in my prom queen fantasies in vintage homecoming court couture later remarked of the event “ The Party was sloppy.� Morgan Realegaño appeared incognito for the evening, first as an awkward bearded fat man, and later as Megan Homewood. Contrary to Relegaño’s repeated claims, Luke Brennan appeared quite dapper, not at all a “two-bit man in a one-bit suit�. Lauren Hind, in awards show host fashion was spotted in no less than 3 different outfits, when she wasn’t sprinting up and down the stairs from the commons to her dorm room for fashion rehab, she was spotted dancing fervently with Mariel Traiman, who really enjoyed it by the way… to bad Lauren had to cut the party short to go have a conversation with a toilet bowl.

First years were out in droves, and out to impress- Shea Witzo looked remarkable, and made an amicable dance partner with her assertive gyrations. Emma Emmerich looked wicked hot in polka dots as she was spotted dancing up a storm with Daniel McCurdy, who dressed as Rod Stewart for the event. Kelly Ahrens was quoted as saying of the night “It lead to interesting events…� with a distant and nostalgic look in her eyes, where as Jayne had a different and uplifting spin on the evening “ I was happy, it was good and healing. Lots of people together can be good.� I want to send out the following PSA inspired by a first year student who wished to remain anonymous who confided the following to me: “I don’t know if I can handle the pressure, I didn’t know I’d need so many outfits, I think I have to transfer to a regular school.� Don’t worry kids- if all else fails, just wear your unders.

Black and Tan raised the bar for dance theatrics, leaving eyebrows quirked and gossipy drunken text messages scrawled across LCD screens. Marissa Fisher wanted to voice the following plea to the community “A little less ‘Cowabunga’ a little more chumbawumba.� And 2nd year transfer Mariel Traiman wished to send out an apology. “ I may have been a little out of hand… you see my hips don’t lie. There were some gratuitous levels of dance floor near fucking that maybe weren’t in the best taste, I guess I watched too many Prince videos when I was a kid… fuck it. I had a great time, I got to make out.� Her dance partner for the evening Erin Cisewski had a different, more wholesome take on things
20061020-blackandtan2.jpg
“The best part of the evening was when I turned around and all of a sudden Ryan Clover-Owens just appeared, we started spinning and dancing, it was so fun. I cringe to think how many people were dancing barefoot in my spilled Gin and Tonic. I promise next time Mariel and I will have practiced our Johnny Castle, and Baby moves a little more before the party. I was going to transfer, but now after partying in Birch space, I have something to look forward to for the next three years.� On a more serious note Lauren Hind wished to express the following: “Whoever kicked down my bathroom stall door will be trampled by the hooves of 1,000 horses. Prepare to run or get out your screwdriver and fix it!!�

An interesting component of the night’s goings on was the cage match competitive crowning of “Best Dressed�. The award went to a denim clad mystery woman who looked remarkably like our own Wendy- Lynn Zeldin, who was tragically M.I.A. for the evening. I’d like to use this venue to write a poem to said mystery woman:

Though I don’t know your name, political leanings, or dietary concerns- I know that the sight of you in that smokin’ jumpsuit has turned this jaded cynic into an art critic, baby you’re fine like the lite-brite sunsets my fumbling fingers could never replicate. When global temperature rises, I’ll know it’s not greenhouse gasses but your ass… assets that is, because you remind me of fresh greens, roller derby queens, rompin’ through corn fields, and hazy mid-western days when you know every things going to be ok… want to split a bottle of wine and talk love sometime?

Black and Tan… That was more like it, shout out to the events crew for once again turning fantasy into reality by creating a venue for droves of awkward Antiochians to seizure slide across a dance floor of broken dreams, and new hope resurrected. If we get nothing else from our college career we will always have the pulse pounding flirtation ritual that is an Antioch dance party. When your eyes meet across that crowded floor, and lips get bit, winks get exchanged and futures get written in the stars, you know you are truly alive. When hydration is provided by tasty (and well mixed, thanks Kelly!) gin and tonics which strip you of your inhibitions, and create endless avenues of self expression and opportunities for assof- one-self making… you know you have a purpose, and that purpose is- to dance, or find someone to make out with, whatever your into. I’d like to end this weeks article with a personal anecdote; about 3 years ago, this reporter braved the highways between Colorado and Ohio with thumb out optimism, and a head full of tales of the wonders of Antioch to visit a friend. I arrived and was invited to attend a pajama party. I went dressed modestly in pajama pants, and hiking boots and was immediately met with sensory overload. Everywhere I looked there were scantily clad strangers dancing with uninhibited and awe inspiring passion, I could only stare awkwardly and wonder if I could ever be a part of such a wild, and undiluted community of beautiful wack-job individuals- and now here I am, and I can only hope my ample ass shaking will someday inspire some cute young wallflower to grab life by the ovaries and remember- there is nothing to be shy about. Yeah Antioch community, keep on keeping on. Ya’ll are hot.20061020-blackandtan3.jpg

Space: The Final Frontier

by Marjorie Jensen 

Recently, Antioch’s administration has pushed for marketing our radical institution to the rich, white, straight population. While I am not totally opposed to the concept of hegemony, I believe that mainstreaming Antioch will corrupt the integrity of the college. For me, and many other students, Antioch is a place where we can be queer, alternative and revolutionary. It is our space.

Why is the concept of exclusive space so important? With a few notable exceptions (like San Francisco, neighborhoods in New York and Miami, and, of course, Boystown in Chicago) most of America is run by and for the population that the administration is working to attract. Their privilege includes having the vast majority of the power and money. They take up most of the space.

Before we come to Antioch, and after we graduate, minorities of all kinds are caught in a world where we are condemned, segregated and threatened. All we are asking for are four years (actually less, because of the time spent on co-op) in a place just for us. A liberal haven where we don’t have be subjected to the kind of discrimination that has dominated our lives. We just want a little space. I’ll give you an example. After spending a wonderful afternoon in Boystown shopping for a new vibrator, I had to work the late shift at Jimmy John’s. At 4:30am, a group of young, drunk, white, rich men filled the store. Gathering by my register, they decided to call each other “gay,� throwing the term around in a derogatory manner, contaminating the space.

I’m not sure exactly when the phenomenon of using the term “gay� as synonymous with “stupid� or “lame� began. All I know for certain is that it is still prevalent among the demographic that the administration is trying to attract. Why bring people with this attitude to Antioch? We have more than enough experience with this brand of ignorance. Why can’t we keep our space?

Now, perhaps I am showing my escapist colors. The point of claiming space, however, is not an escapist concept. Giving us the opportunity to commiserate, empathize and discuss the problems we have encountered in the “real world� is a way for us to “win victories for humanity.� For a very limited amount of time, we can bond over our collective pain in a space that is safe and positive.

Another example: when I was working as a freelance journalist in California, I was covering the Marriage Equality Act passing in the Assembly and Senate (it was later vetoed by Arnold the “discriminator�). I contacted Equality California, a major player in the campaign. Not surprisingly, an Antioch alum worked there and got me an interview with the Deputy Director of Marriage Equality USA.

This speaks to the connections that can be formed at Antioch in the queer community (or any alternative community) that will help us improve the “real world.� Antioch has historically been a breeding ground for revolutionaries. This is, in large part, due to giving us the space to meet, study, play and work with likeminded people.

I feel peaceful hegemony is a utopia beyond Antioch’s reach. Asking for less confrontation and working for mainstreaming is counter-productive. Actively recruiting people with privilege is going to lead to more confrontation. They have more to deconstruct in themselves in order to recognize the problems in society. Antioch is going to be, inherently, a confrontational space.

The way to achieve a less confrontational atmosphere is to recruit more minorities. Most colleges offer a homogenized, mainstreamed culture. Antioch is unique in our population of “others.� We experience a freedom of expression that many have never encountered before, and may never again. For the first time (and possibly the last) we have a space where we can be ourselves.

I understand Antioch is struggling. I know we need higher enrollment numbers and a far greater retention rate. But we are not going to achieve these goals by disillusioning those who come to Antioch. People search for a place where they will “belong.� Antioch promises to be that space for the radicals, the outcasts, the revolutionaries and the minorities.

The desire for our own space is not intolerance. We are not discriminating against anyone. There is no such thing as reverse prejudice. Asking for a little liberal haven does not impinge on the privilege that the majority enjoys. They have the world. Please don’t take what little space we have away from us. Antioch is the final frontier.

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.