Traveling Sunja

Cambridge, Ohio

Author: Sunja

So, I’ve been to Cambridge, MA…but did I forget to mention that I also live a few miles from a Cambridge, Ohio? It’s about the closest town to New Concord, with Route 40 connecting the two.  The drive is about fifteen minutes or so into the downtown area.  The sites?  The attractions?  The reasons to go to Cambridge in the first place?  Well, to be quite honest I’ve only gone to Cambridge for four reasons:

1. WalMart– There are a bunch of major chain stores just outside the downtown area, and one of these places includes WalMart.  There’s also a K-Mart, but the WalMart is right next to a Chinese Buffet restaurant, mexican restaurant, pet store (with PUPPIES!), and the GameStop.  It is the central hub of all the shopping options in Cambridge…and everyone and his mother shops here.  At Muskingum University we have “WalMart runs” to get food for our dorm rooms, etc., and will carpool with each other to get there.  That really says something about the options in this part of the state…there aren’t many.  To be honest. if we really want to go shopping we go to Zanesville mall, which is a sad excuse for a shopping center.  If you REALLY want to go shopping, you drive the hour to Columbus.

2. Community Theater– In the past Cambridge has had a pretty exciting community theater.  My junior year, me and bunch of students decided to audition for Cambridge Performing Arts Center (CPAC)’s production of Sweeney Todd.  It was a great time and a great performance, incorporating people from the community, as well as university and high school students.  The theater itself, located on Wheeling Ave. and right in the downtown area, is an old relic worth taking a look at.  It’s nothing extremely special, but there’s some real history behind it.

That being said, the theater is currently being run by a bunch of small town bullies…and so we no longer wish to audition or attend their productions.  It’s a shame.

3. Food — There are lots of different and relatively cheap restaurants in Cambridge, including Denny’s, Ruby Tuesdays, Cracker Barrel, Bob Evan’s, Arby’s, Taco Bell, McDonald’s, Burger King, Subway, Chinese, and Mexican.  If you want a real nice sit down place, it’s basically the closest place to go when you live in New Concord.  Of course, the number of fast food restaurants is pretty astounding…but then, I’m talking about a town that considers WalMart to be a hang-out spot.

4. Church– If I am not able to attend the small Catholic mass offered on my campus, I have to drive to the small Catholic church in Cambridge.  It’s called St. Benedict, and there are a bunch of nuns who run the school connected to it.  It’s a cute enough place, built entirely in brick, but one of the priests talks super super super fast…which frustrates me.  Mass is not a race, but if you end up with a mass where he is presiding, it will inevitably be 20 minutes shorter.

Anyway, Cambridge is…cute.  It’s a town in the middle of farm country, with people who may or may not have gone to college and who are okay with that.  Personally, my biggest issue with Cambridge is their politics.  I know a lot of good families in Cambridge who are shunned from its society by conniving, power hungry people who think that because they have a leadership position in the city of Cambridge that means they are hot stuff.  It’s pretty ridiculous.

I draw a lot of parallels from my town of Delaware, just north of Columbus.  It’s a smaller city…and there’s this same mentality that if you have power, you should use and abuse it.  In Cambridge it’s to the point where there are plots to humiliate other families into leaving–hence why the theater is now run by the wrong people.

It just makes me remember why it’s important to put things in perspective.  And also why it’s important to educate yourself…and stop eating ridiculous amounts of fast food.  Cambridge has so much it could offer, if it would just up its standards and clean itself up a bit.

Tags: education, enter, entertainment, food, travel
April 25th, 2010  |  Posted in Ohio, United States of America  |  Comments Off

New Concord

Author: Sunja

New Concord, Ohio…a small village located smack-between Cambridge and Zanesville off of Interstate 70.  It’s a grand total of 1.5 square miles, with a single main street, a line of small town owned businesses, an elementary school, police and fire station, wellness center, and a university.  There’s one grocery store and it’s not a Kroger, but a small chain by the name of I.G.A.  There’s an ice cream place that’s only open half the year, four pizza places, a scrapbooking shop, coffee house, library, pet grooming parlor, two churches, two gas stations, and a hand-full of other random things.

Basically, it all comes down to a simple observation: New Concord is a cute, little village in the middle of nowhere.  It is home to the famous John Glenn, an astronaut who first orbited the Earth and who also attended Muskingum University.  There’s a museum in town dedicated to him, decorated in its original 1950s splendor.  Every Christmas after their annual Christmas parade they even put up an old Christmas tree with all the old decorations, surrounded with an old toy steam engine train.

The people in New Concord, from what I’ve experienced, are kind…but not what I’m used to in Columbus.  Small town folk seem to be far nosier in each others business, and there is an absurd amount of gossip from what I can tell.  It must be difficult, living in a small village like this one where the population doubles during the school year…where students are running about the place, causing havoc, drinking and being loud.  It’s no wonder greek life is tattled on for noise–forcing the mere three police officers to inquire the fraternity houses and all their ruckus.

There are a few shops in town that are of particular interest, and may be some places you will want to check out if you are ever to pass New Concord by…

• Uppity’s – Uppity’s, formerly known as “The Jitterbug” is the only coffeehouse in this university village.  It is locally owned by a woman, who will occasionally close the place down during the day or early on the weekend due to a lack of business and with very little warning.  Over the winter I had an extremely difficult time ever arriving there when it was open–which, needless to say, was frustrating.

Despite their strange hours, however, this coffeehouse is extremely cute and has a wide     range of tasty caffeine treats–and a number of others.  Their smoothies are great and filled with fruit, and they are also very willing to make any combination of any drink that you may want to try.  I’ve walked in there a few times and, not wanting anything listed, told them to mix a few of my favorite things and viola! My very own mix.

Uppity’s also offers lunch.  They usually have soups, panini, scones, muffins, and a number of other delicious things.  They only serve the hot stuff during lunch time, so be sure to get there early enough! Also…you’ll want to schedule some time to actually sit in the house to enjoy your meal/drink.  The house itself is small, but incredibly cute!  It has a great atmosphere.

Maybe even more important: Uppity’s offers a student discount.  Just bring your student I.D. and you get your order CHEAPER!!!!!!  As a college student, I have to admit that this is the real reason I go to Uppity’s.

• Top of the Shop– Top of the Shop is a pizza restaurant above Earl’s pizza.  They serve Earl’s pizza, among other things…and the place is small, with plastic tablecloths and the service working a double shift between the restaurant and making pizzas for delivery downstairs.  Still, I recommend this place if only for the small town feel and the few of Main Street.  Since it located on the second floor, the tables are mostly placed close to large windows that overlook the main street through New Concord.  It’s worth going there if only to see the people passing by when the weather is nice.  I also recommend the personal size Hawaiian pizza.  Earl’s pizza uses almonds on their version–it’s my favorite!

• The Dairy Duchess– The Dairy Duchess is open half the year, and it is very similar to a DQ.  They have hamburgers and hot dogs, along with soft-served ice cream, icees, and drinks.  Above all, they are CHEAP! You’ll pay less than $5 for a pretty filling meal.  Just make sure you have a place to eat.  This place is outdoors, and you order at a counter only a few feet from the road.

Another fun tidbit about the Dairy Duchess? John McCain and his entire bus stopped here during his campaign to get some ice cream.  He got chocolate with sprinkles.  It was a big deal.

In any case, there are other restaurants within New Concord you would probably enjoy.  It’s a great place to stop for something to eat, especially if you’re heading along I-70 or Route 40.   Cheap, delicious, and helping out the local-people, you won’t regret it.

Tags: food
April 24th, 2010  |  Posted in Ohio, United States of America  |  1 Comment »

Muskingum University

Author: Sunja

It’s been four years, and as graduation looms closer it’s hard to imagine I will be leaving Muskingum University behind.  I’ve spent many of my walks to class reminiscing.  Four years is a long time.  The campus has changed a lot since I was a freshman.  Muskingum College became a university, and there are new buildings, new rules, degrees and programs.

Of course I’ve changed a lot, too.  I’ve gone through a lot in such a short time, and as we near May 8 I can’t say that I have many regrets, although there are certainly a few.   Like those wiser and older than me, I wish I could go back knowing what I know now.  Before my departure from Muskingum University I feel it may be my duty to share what it is I know–and what any brave person looking to join the “Long Magenta Line” must remember.

Muskingum University is a small university located in the village of New Concord, Ohio.  During the school year New Concord is a village of 3000 people, with a total area of only 1.5 square miles.  Needless to say, it is a very small place, with plenty of people knowing each other’s business.  The university itself sits on 225 acrea of land, with 21 major buildings, a football stadium, and a pond.  There are certain “traditions” or legends that MU speaks of to their freshmen, but let me give you the real scoop from a departing senior:

• The Muskie “Hello!” – Supposedly every Muskie (student) on campus will say hello to each other on the way to class, because we are such a small university, and so we know just about everyone and are super friendly.  My experience with this is about 50/50.  There are some pretty great people on this campus, but don’t expect everyone to give you a smiling, “hi!”  It just won’t happen.
• The College Seal — If you step on the college seal (located in Montgomery Hall) you will fail your next test.  Let’s be honest, people…college is all about learning to jump through hoops and get the work done, no matter how much B.S. that requires.  Stepping on a seal is not going to change how you do on a test.  Generally speaking I’ve never had a MU class that was too much to handle.  If you’ve got a head on your shoulders and actually belong in college, you’ll do just fine.
• The Spoon-holder– If you kiss someone inside the spoon-holder on the pond, you will eventually marry this person.  Okay.  I’ve heard of people who have done this, but my personal opinion?  The spoon-holder is usually full of spiders.  It’s not exactly a romantic getaway.
• The Ghost of Patton Hall– There are rumors that the third floor of Patton Hall (the only air-conditioned dorm on campus) is haunted by a girl who killed herself.  We’ve had ghost hunters come over the past four years during Halloween, but from what I hear the girl’s ghost is not a problem.  From what I understand, there may not have actually been a girl who killed herself in Patton in the first place.  So essentially, don’t worry about it.
• The Muskie Grape Vine– Everyone knows anyone on campus, and so rumors will fly like crazy.  This, dear readers, is 100% TRUE.  I promise you.  If you do something incredibly stupid, people you have never met before will somehow know about it.   This is something that bites many people in the bum.

Now, aside from these, there are a few other tidbits of knowledge I would like to share that should make your time at MU easier.

• Anne Steele — the president of MU is Anne Steele, a woman who will probably still think you’re a freshman even when you’ve been at MU for four years.  She seems like a friendly enough person, but I honestly feel is rather fake when it comes to real human interaction.  In fact, it’s almost impossible to meet with her in person…you actually have to schedule a meeting through her secretary.  And if you’re reason isn’t very good, you can bet you’ll never see her.  You should also know that Anne Steele is very good at raising money.  The moment you graduate, MU will start asking you to donate (if not sooner!).
• Hills– There are hills everywhere in New Concord, and you will be walking in the rain, the sleet and the snow.  The bright side of this is that you can one day tell your grand-kids, “When I was your age, I walked uphill to class both ways!” This past winter we had several feet of snow on the group and the sidewalks were coated in ice for weeks.  I know a few people who were seriously hurt because of this–and the school never canceled.  The jerks.
• The Food– Okay, this is a popular thing to complain about, but the cafeteria on campus is expensive.  I won’t even begin to talk about the quality (except to mention that we’re fed the same quality food as people in prisons).  The major thing is that we pay at least $1800 every semester for a meal plan, and if you’re on campus you have to have a meal plan. It’s one of the silliest things I’ve had to go through while at this school, because I am 100% sure I am not eating $1800 worthy food.  Oh, and don’t try escaping it by going off campus…
• Punishments for living off campus– Starting next year they will be adding a new rule.  If you live off campus, expect to lose $1500 in scholarships.  Yup.  No joke.  Living on campus you’ll still have to pay $1800 for a meal plan and then your room and board.  That alone amounts to what you would be paying in tuition at Ohio University.  (Did I mention that private school is expensive?)
• Kelley Coffeehouse/Chess Center– If you ever plan to schedule an event in either of these places you will have to schedule through Bob Bergmann.  Schedule early and be persistent.  I’ve had many issues scheduling these venues over the past few years…just be patient and don’t wait until the last minute.

Hm. I feel like this has turned into a negative rant against Muskingum University.  There are the many good things, too.

• Student Senate Funding– As a part of several theater groups on campus (Fish Out of Water Improvisation Troupe, Muskie Players and Alpha Psi Omega), it has been my experience that through Student Senate we have always been given a generous amount of money to hold events.  This means having good food, and having it for free.  The senate works fairly well around here, and while there are a lot of people who still complain about it, we’ve very seldom had money problems.
• A Beautiful Campus– Muskingum University is beautiful.  Every season is breathtaking, especially with all the changing colors in fall or the flowers in the spring.  Rolling hills and matching brick buildings? It really is a great place, especially if you are looking for something pretty to photograph.
• Growth– Muskingum University is constantly growing.  Even with a bad economy we are working on a new building right now.  I’ve also been told we’re one of the few colleges not to be in debt.  Our list of majors and minors is also growing.  For instance, next year there will be the addition of a musical theater minor.
• Professors– My department (Speech Communication/Media/Theater) has always been top notch and helpful to me.  They know what they’re talking about, and most of them know how to have fun along the way.  One of my computer science teachers plays table-top games with us, and there’s a business professor here who has also participated in our improvisation troupe–I even get to call him by his first name now.  What’s more, you can really develop a relationship with your professors.  They care if something is going on in your life (and they notice when you’re not in class).
• Extracurricular Activities– You are free to participate in any group, regardless of your major.  That’s something you can’t do at a large university!

Muskingum University is a small, perhaps in many ways imperfect private university…and while there are a list of reasons why I still wonder why I chose MU in the first place, I am leaving with some heartfelt sadness.  I will miss this place and the people in it.  I will miss being an undergraduate student, sheltered in the dorms and buildings of this campus.  But life is all about change, and traveling down that long road.

That’s why MU alumni are referred to as the Long Magenta Line, I suppose.  We go far.  Or at least we’re supposed to.

April 21st, 2010  |  Posted in Ohio, United States of America  |  9 Comments »

Ohayocon 2010: Where even Pokémon is cool

Author: Sunja

Darth Vader and three of his troopers marched past me through the hallway, and on this particular Saturday afternoon in the Columbus Convention Center, this was perfectly normal.  Welcome to Ohayocon — Columbus’ 10^th annual anime convention — where fans can come out to play.

Anime conventions are events where people who enjoy Japanese animation can dress up like their favorite characters , shop for Japanese related commodities, meet voice actors, compete in contests, attend panels, and generally enjoy being around their fellow fans.

For those of you who have never been to a convention of this genre, you’re in store for scandalous outfits, plenty of anthropomorphism, hordes of dealers selling Pocky (a Japanese dessert), costume photo shoots, and random dance sessions.

This was my first time at this particular convention, and I went not fully aware of what I was getting myself into.  I am not what you might consider an “anime fan,” as I am not fond of most anime.  I am, however, a complete Japan-junkie, and a sucker for dressing up in costumes.  What’s more, I went to this convention with the assumption that I would meet other digital artists and perhaps develop my networking.

Unfortunately, what I expected and what I found were not altogether synonymous.

Dressed in Steampunk style (a fashion which combines historical dress and technological advances), I attended the convention with a group of high school and college friends.  Registration was a long and lengthy process.  I recommend never attending a conference without preregistering, lest you wait in line for a solid two hours.

At registration we were given badges, which are necessary to get into any event or vendor area.  Afterward we were free to wander.  Of the panels that were offered, I was disappointed to find that most were solely anime related…and poorly run.  Twice my panelists never showed, and of the six panels that weren’t canceled, each was unorganized and started late.

With a record that poor, I wonder if I wasn’t simply picking the wrong panels.

In any case, aside from the poorly planned panels and general disarray in the hallways, there were also some generally enjoyable moments.  I attended a question-and-answer session with the voice actor of G.I.R. in Nickelodeon’s Invader Zim, one of my favorite television shows through middle school.

I also attended a workshop that taught basic break dancing. While I am no master  (especially while I’m in Victorian dress), watching a room full of anime characters dance together is a sight one does not often see.

Additionally, I found Ohayocon 2010 had an inspirational ability to bring a community together.  Here you had high school students who felt outcast while at school, but who found a convention full of people who support their love for “geekiness.”

Ohayocon created a safe environment where it was okay to love Pokémon or dress up like Darth Vader or use chopsticks or give hugs to strangers (okay…that last one is still a bit creepy). For a strange, socially abnormal weekend, what the world deems “geeky” was suddenly the fashion.

Undoubtedly, this fashion was not always good family fun.  With anime can come pornographic connotations, and that was true at Ohayocon.  Young girls in few clothes, others on leashes, and the ever-popular distribution of pornographic graphic novels were just a few examples where this community-building convention went awry. What is supposed to be a family event masks the underlying sexuality.

Still, for what good the convention did, I can still commend it.  Promoting other cultures, accepting the lonely, and providing a space to create and share — these are truly praiseworthy traits.  So, while I think Ohaycon is in desire need of a better organizational staff and panelists who know what they’re talking about, and while I think it is a giant promotion of gender inequality, there is the slight chance I may try again next year.

After all, someone has to win the next costume contest…and it might as well be me.

Tags: convention, cosplay, entertainment, impressions, otaku
January 30th, 2010  |  Posted in Ohio, United States of America  |  Comments Off