Just In: Busting Bottles, Not the “Cool” Thing To Do

December 12th, 2011
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By Sybil Levine

Photo by Carolyn Weinstein

Here at Oberlin we pride ourselves on being greener than the average human being. The College provides its residents with easily accessible ways to be environmentally friendly, which encourages us to act as such. The residents of Oberlin hold ourselves to higher standards of environmental care and awareness. Sadly, however, this environmental consciousnesses seems to slip from many of our residents’ minds when alcohol enters the picture. Of the many environmentally unfriendly behaviors exemplary to drunks, the one most deserving of condemnation is that of busting glass bottles. Continue reading →

My Voyage

November 21st, 2011
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By Sybil Levine


November 19—I wandered past Barrows and looked through one of the windows. A topless guy was smearing neon paint over himself. Smirking, I walked into my dorm room preparing to do the same. After an Agave burrito, a shower, whisky ‘n Dr. P, some outfit coordinating, and neon paint of my own, I was armed and ready for The Voyage. Continue reading →

Empowering Virginity—Or, the Word and the Stigma

October 14th, 2011
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By Evanne Gordon

This week’s SIC-sponsored workshop on “empowering virginity,” while perhaps misnamed, was an informative, comfortable space for the discussion of the definition and implications of the loaded “v-word.” Like all of the workshops this week, the talk started with a quick review of the SIC message and why we were having this whole week dedicated to safer sex, as a more meaningful alternative to the previously lone Safer Sex Dance. My overall impression was a very comfortable environment that was not just for awkward virgins (although there were many of those) but open to all kinds of people who wanted to talk about what virginity means and what its place is as a symbol in American popular society. Continue reading →

Safer Sex Night: What’s It All About?

October 14th, 2011
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By a Dedicated Reader

Recently, everyone has been talking about and preparing for the infamous Safer Sex Night (SSN). SSN is a dance the Sexual Information Center (SIC) organizes to promote safer sexual practices, such as the use of condoms and lubrication, and to encourage sex positivity among Oberlin students. Sex positivity is defined as an accepting and positive attitude toward one’s own sexual practices and the sexual activities of others. Those who attended are asked to wear what makes them feel sexiest. As a first-year, my understanding and expectations for the night were fulfilled: lots of strobe lights, sweaty naked Obies, and a slightly gross smooch-fest. I was pumped, and wore nothing but a bra and floral underwear. However, my opinion of SSN has since changed.

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Hot Tunes for Hot Times

October 11th, 2011

By Sybil Levine

When we find ourselves in the arms of another (or others), it’s not always easy to anticipate exactly which direction the mood of the moment will go. Some like to keep hook-up scenes unpredictable but others may prefer to take matters into their own hands. When creating a desired mood for a sexual moment many factors come in to play – think attire, toys, lighting, words, or lack of all the above – but of all the details to pay attention to, background music is one of the most critical. Continue reading →

The Price(s) of Happiness

October 11th, 2011
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By Evanne Gordon

It’s finally here! A compiled database of comparative prices for the establishments around town that care to deal in the items that we in the Risky Business section deem essential—no longer will you have to wonder where are the best deals on tobacco, wine, beer, condoms and liquor! Read on to find out. Continue reading →

Hot Fuzz: Oberlin’s Dating Scene

September 12th, 2011
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By Evanne Gordon

Many Obies have been perplexed by the panorama of romantic engagements that exist within the Oberlin bubble. I, from the outset a horny and carefree first-year, plunged right into the Oberlin dating scene with no real concept of what it looks like on paper. So, for those of you who could use a map or some kind of cathartic summary, here it is: Oberlove by Evanne Gordon. Continue reading →