Vicious Insects Attack, Event Otherwise Successful

By: Alex Covington

The relative peace and calm of the Appalachian Festival that occurred Saturday morning was violently interrupted when SAE brother Joe Salgado was savaged by a swarm of wasps. Young Joseph had been sampling the apple cider, when he spilled a small portion of it on his sweater. Wasps and yellow-jackets quickly swooped in, attempting to taste the sweet liquid. They pursued Joe until he took shelter in the Guild hall lobby. Other than this brief departure from sanity, the insects seemed harmless. Joe's current condition is unknown, but he was quoted as saying "I feared for my life. I hate bugs man, like seriously come on." The young man in question sustained several stings, none of which proved fatal.

On a lighter not, the entrance fee for FSU students to attend the concert being held was a mere $8. Because of this many students (and people in general) were present for the concert Saturday. Andrew Dougherty, a sophomore who attended the festival, said, "It really was pretty nice. Considering how small the school is, it's pretty cool that it can put on such good events." This view seemed to be the general consensus among the students present at the event. Parker Wittle concurred, stating that, "Its's nice to have things like this early in the year before it gets to cold, even if it was sort of chilly today. But yeah man, it's a great festival, can't wait for next year."

One of the main attractions at the festival was the live band "Buffalo in the Castle," who's members (Desi Wilkinson, Martin O'Connor, Lena Ullman, and Frank Hall) played a wide assortment of instruments. The instrumentals seemed at times to have an almost Irish lilt to them, but the vocals were most definitely of the Bluegrass variety. Overall the band seemed to be a hit, and the music was very pleasing to the ear. When asked for his opinion on the music, Eli Tolstoi had this to say, "I was surprised at how good it was. I thought Bluegrass was trailer trash music, but this sounded ok."

Coming back to the main point of this article, the harsh treatment of Joe Salgado by these unruly insects is not to be tolerated. They must be sought out and dealt with. No quarter should be given. Thankfully, despite their best efforts, the insects were unable to rain on the parade (or indeed the festival) of the festival-goers. With any luck they will be unable to assault any innocent citizens at next years Appalachian Festival.

The Reserved Aspiring Editor

Anastasia Akuffo-Afful, ENGL 336.002

Some people like the fast paced life, but smart and sophisticated people like Kelli Wilhelm, enjoy the relaxed type of life she has and one of the most important things in the world which is Family. 21-year old Kelli Wilhelm, from Garret County, attends Frostburg State University, and is currently a senior anticipating her graduation day, May 2012. She is a double major in both English and Psychology, which she loves with a passion. Her strong love for books and understanding of literature has her heart set out on being an editor or teacher at a college-level. As she crosses her leg and speaks on her passion for English literature she says, “Books are always something that I’m good at, I’ve always understood books more than people”. Along with her passion for literature she is quite involved on campus, since she is in the English Honors Society as well as the Psychology Honors Society. As you can see she is a very intelligent, bright young lady aiming for success. Although she might seem a bit timid and reserved, once a conversation gets going, she is a very lovely person with high ambitions and goals in her life ahead.

Kelli enjoys reading and watching classic films in her free time. Her favorite book read was by John Steinbeck, “East of Eden”, along with her favorite classic film called, “The Philadelphia Story”. Apart from her daily hobbies, she enjoys and loves spending time with her family. She has two brothers and one sister, of which one of her brothers (oldest) is currently in Afghanistan. Her mother is her greatest icon as well as motivation because her mother is supportive, a hard-worker and a pusher for what she wants. Kelli has barely traveled out of the country because of how tightly bonded she is to her family members. Her future plans are to go to graduate school and finish graduate school. She also likes to take things one day at a time to live to her potential.

Kelli was asked about her character traits and she described herself as quiet, family oriented, school driven, “very dedicated to my school work but my family is the most important to me. Without them, probably won’t be here right now”. Kelli’s motto in life, which is derived from a poem by Theodore Roethke reads, “I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow. I learn by going where I have to go”. In her words it means to her, “for whenever I am having a bad day, I just remember to relax and keep going because I’ll learn from whatever it is I’m learning ". She continues to keeps this saying in her heart and mind to keep her going through the day.

To learn more about Kelli Wilhelm, you can take at her Facebook link : www.facebook.com/#!/

What do you say, Alyssa Rae?

By: Jessie V. Ragland

ENGL 336.001

Alyssa Ballard is a very easy-going person, and spending an hour and a half talking to her about herself was eye opening and a great experience. Although she was born in Alexandria, Virginia, she grew up in Odenton, Maryland. Alyssa has 2 stepsisters and 3 half brothers. One of her half brothers, however, passed away at child birth. "I'm closer to my older stepsister and my older half brother. I get along with them really well." As a junior at Frostburg State, she majors in English Literature and a minor in Film Studies. I asked her why she chose this major and minor. Her reason was she felt that she couldn't really do any of the other majors and she like English the most. English is a creative base whereas most of the other majors are science based. She originally was a journalism major but she liked literature a lot and loves movies and that's why she chose film studies as her minor. 

In her spare time, Alyssa likes to read, write, listen to music play piano, dance and hang out with her friends. Her favorite books to read are young adult fiction and historical pieces based on actual events. It was hard for her to choose what her favorite genre of music is but after a long thought, she chose rock. "I listen to pretty much everything. There's nothing that I hate". Her favorite movie to watch all of the time is Dogma. When Alyssa hangs out with her friends, it's usually in her quad with all of her quadmates. They have all known each other since their freshman year and love to have what they call "quad parties". 

Alyssa seems to want her future to be as easy-going as it is now. Her words for her career were "Something that pays, less travel, and involves writing. I'm thinking of becoming a film critic, but I don't know what good that would do so I'm still trying to figure it out." One of the most interesting things I found out about Alyssa is that she loves to do research and find amazing and unknown information about current events in the world.

It is easy to see that Alyssa Ballard is a fascinating person and loves to experience and learn new things that go on in the world. Her future is bright and her personality will take her to new heights. The world needs more curious and easy-going people like Alyssa Rae Ballard.

Peace, Love, and Folk Music

By Alexandra Kern, Eng 336.001

Nothing compares to the beautiful sound of mountain folk music on a Saturday afternoon. Throughout the day, many acts came on stage near Sowers Hall to celebrate the sixth annual Appalachian Festival. The second a visitor arrived, they were greeted with the tempting smell of crab soup and homemade Amish baked goods. “A lot of people work very hard to make this happen,” said Greg Latta, the emcee of the event. They sacrifice their time to make sure that people from all around West Virginia and Maryland can experience the Appalachian culture at its finest. Most people do not seem to realize the value of the festival and what can be learned from being there for the experience.

The environment was happy, friendly, and full of information and entertainment. Although it was chilly and dreary outside, there was a surplus of people watching the musicians. No one cared that it was cold. They bundled up in their warmest clothes and still managed to have a fun.

The Time Travelers were one of the many acts that came to Frostburg State University. The band consisted of two men and two women. A vast age difference between all the members of the band was extremely noticeable. However, they complemented each other in such a way that the difference did not have any negative effects.

The Time Travelers mixed folk and Christian music. They used a cello, fiddle, and two different types of guitars to create their eclectic sound. With their unique sound, the Time Travelers have a way of making a listener fall in love with their lyrics and melodies. During their performance, the Travelers played about ten or eleven songs. Of all the songs, there were three that seemed to make a big impact on the crowd. Fly Away, Amazing Grace, and West Virginia My Home brought tears to more than half the people in attendance. “The way they play their music just makes my heart happy,” exclaimed Grace Harding, a native of Cumberland who has been a fan of the Time Travelers for years.

The youngest member of the band, Lauren, shared her thoughts about why she loves playing folk music. “Now day’s people are completely obsessed with rap and hip hop but why? It has no value. What we play means something.” She then went on to explain how important it is to stick with what you love and to never give up.

Although they may never be fortunate enough to win a Grammy award, the Time Traveler’s have something much better. They have heart, soul, and beautiful vocals. The way they presented themselves with such confidence and relaxation amazed everyone that was watching them. “Being from a small town is not a bad thing,” said Chuck, the cello player of the group. The group explained how they did not care if ten, twenty, or a hundred people came to their show. All they cared about was reaching those that wanted to listen.

A Successful Festival

By Jessie Ragland, ENGL 336.001

On the morning of September 17, 2011, the Appalachian Festival could be heard across the campus of Frostburg State University. Brooke Speake, a member of the FSU marching band, said “I could hear the sound of bagpipes as we were practicing on the football field this morning. I didn’t even know how close that was”. That sound, of course, was the music of Garrett Highlands Pipes and Drums performing at ten o’clock on the Compton Stage. It was a call to all of Frostburg saying that the festivities had begun.

The sixth annual Appalachian Festival took place at Frostburg State in the upper quad and was a sight to see. Vendors lined up with kettle corn, hot dogs, fudge, cookies and more. Under the tents in the center of the festival you could find crafts ranging from potter, stained glass and decorative gourds to jewelry, knitting and braided rugs. All of the crafts at the festival were handmade and showed the true beauty and talent of the local artists.

There were a few interesting spots that would catch any wanderers eye. The first area was a section marked off for the Capering Kids 4-H Goat Club. Any child would want to stop and go play and feed a herd of goats. The goats were very friendly with everyone and some of them even went on walks around the festival with members of the club. Another area that always catches my eye is the Heishman HoneyB Hut. Operated by Don and Angie Heishman, this shop had plenty offer for purchase. They sold items such as flavored honey sticks, honey lip balm, beeswax and homemade soap. Lucy Ragland, a senior at FSU, especially liked the honey sticks. “Everything is naturally made and I’m a huge fan of honey so to have the different flavors to choose from is awesome.”

Students from Frostburg State University were also there as volunteers. You could find Alpha Phi Omega under one of the tents working with children. They were busy having fun with crafts and making dolls out of natural items. Children were smiling as the members showed them how to make the dolls and decorate them with clothing and faces. Justin Ternant, a member of Alpha Phi Omega, was happy to be helping with his brothers and sisters. “I really enjoyed volunteering today. It’s a lot of fun working with kids.” 

Overall, the experience of the sixth annual Appalachian Festival was amazing. The weather had the perfect fall feeling, and the people of Frostburg seemed to enjoy themselves. When I asked Sara Daskal, an Allegany local, about her overall experience she said she was very pleased. “I come here for the music, the animals, the Frisbee, and the fun.” The Appalachian Festival did not fail to give an overall great presentation for the weekend.

If you would like to learn more about the vendors, musicians, artists and more, you can visit the website at Frostburg State University to find out more.

http://www.frostburg.edu/events/afestival/

A slightly chilly day proved to be a success to the Appalachian Festival at Frostburg State

On September 17th, 2011 students here at Frostburg State University flocked to see the big event in the upper quad. The event was the Appalachian Festival. The festival began at 10:00 am and ended approximately at 6:00pm.The festival consisted of folk music, baked goods, fresh homemade food and drinks, hand made novelties, children’s puppetry, a goat petting zoo, and bees!


The music attracted many local fans. One band had a cello, banjo, guitar, and vocal sound effects of animals! A crowd favorite by this band was a song “Honey are you mad at your man” by “The Bear Hill Bluegrass band“. The band also sang a song of a very dysfunctional farm where the cow didn’t even produce milk. The song seemed to make the crowd chuckle. One student by the name of Kyle Nichols said the music felt “deep down and dixie!” He continued to do his own impression of folk dance, which made his friends laugh uncontrollably. Then he went on to say that the festival was a “bluegrass, county a** kind of festival.” It was hard to tell if Kyle Nichols was a true fan to the folk scene or someone just clowning around, due to his semi sarcastic nature.

The Amish were spotted at the mall selling their goods before the festival and also present at the festival dressed in their traditional attire. They brought with them some of their homemade treats. Some treats included pumpkin rolls (yes, pumpkin rolls and not pumpkin pie), chocolate chip cookies, hot and cold apple cider, honey, chocolate cakes with leaf decorations for autumn, and mini fruit tarts. A fellow student Ashlee Banks said “They don’t have any darn lemon tarts!” Another student, Andrea Bell commented that “The bees love this cider!”

Another one of the main attractions were the small shops. The shops included items that were typical of crafty country creations, that is: creative, cute and valuable. One stand had purses made of jean material to look like jean skirts. Some were embellished with embroidery and some had sequins. Another stand had sock animals. The surprising part about the stand was that the sock animals were not only monkeys, but frogs and other creatures too. A stand that drew a lot of attention to young females at Frostburg was one that had homemade jewelry. The stand had wire and bead necklaces, necklaces made of scrabble, guitar pick earrings, and rings of clay material made to look like beautiful roses.

Knowing that many people would probably result in children being brought to the festival, the Appalachian festival made accommodations. Children were entertained at this festival with a puppet show and a petting zoo of goats. The goats were brought to the festival by the “Capering Kids Goat Club”. The puppet show seemed to please as well, to everyone besides one small boy who seemed frightened by the puppets due to his outburst of tears.

People who came to the event became quite comfortable. Some brought their dogs, some went barefoot, some danced, and some even started to play Frisbee on the yard. The overall mood of the event was relaxed as well as cheerful. The weather was permissible, yet chilly and the event turned out to be a success.

Irish Dancing at the Festival

By Eunice Contreras, ENGL 336.001

On September 17^th Frostburg State University’s second day of the sixth annual Appalachian Festival was held in the upper quad to celebrate all the history that the area holds. Joyful music and the smells of hot dogs, crab cakes chili and more filled the air while approaching the event. People of all ages walked around interested to watch the bands, play with goats and even buy a unique souvenir like a glass or clay bowl.

Many activities were around at the festival to catch one’s eye. Looking around a group of five girls including Frostburg’s own student, Megan White, were wearing dance attire waiting anxiously to jump on stage. White had a few moments to explain her part in the Appalachian Festival before she had to take the stage.

“My dance school was invited to perform here a few weeks ago,” said White excitedly. She was invited to this Frostburg event with her dance school called the New Century Irish American Art Company. The company is based out of Silver Spring, Maryland and is involved in many events such as the festival. White and her dance company were going to be performing an Irish dance accompanied by two musicians. Peter Brice, who is the co-founder of the Dance Company and Zan McLeod. The girls went on stage to perform an Irish dance to fit the history of the day. “It took practice, but I think we did really well and I enjoyed having a part of this with my dance school,” said White after her performance.

White also was going to go on to perform with her dance crew, Brice and McLeod at the Buffalo in the Castle concert that night.

Aside from the Irish dance, the festival brought out many personas like David Zaladonis that brought his own small crowd to see why he was dressed in old time clothing pieces. Zaladonis was standing in front of a tent filled with many different guns and hunting tools. “This is called my Hunter’s Camp…I would leave the settlement and go into the wood for two or three days to hunt and kill deer,” said Zaladonis. He also explained that this was his fourth time being invited back to the Appalachian Festival.

Zaladonis was just one of the many personas and acts that joined the festival. A puppet show caught the eye of the kids running around at the event called Horn’s Punch and Judy Show. He lightened up the day for the kids and their parents with magic, jokes and puppets. “Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain,” said Horn as he started his show.

The Appalachian Festival has many things for anyone to come learn about the Maryland’s history and have an entertaining time as well.

The Applachian on Saturday

By: Britteny Collins
ENGLISH 336.001

Walking up to Frostburg State University’s campus there was music that could be heard on the street. It was a beautiful fall day partly cloudy. A very happy atmosphere was felt as soon as you arrived all the commotion. Saturday was the second day of the sixth annual Appalachian Festival. This festival happens every fall, many venders and entertainers come to Frostburg to celebrate this festival. Many interesting things could be found on campus during Saturday in the upper quad. There were goats that children could pet, food that people could eat, and music, and other entertainment to be found.

One interesting thing that stood out to me was this man dressed in practically rags and was standing in front of a tent full of old looking artifacts. This man’s name was David Zaladonis. He presented the Hunters Camp. Zaladonis explained “I go hunting with just these items in my tent for two to three days”. The things in his tent consisted of different types of guns, animal skins, and silver coins. When the group of people who reenact and go out to camp in the woods, they use guns used to hunt and provide the hunters with food, and a blanket. Everything in his tent was real artifacts from the guns, to the animal skins, to the silver coins on the table. He was very passionate about his Hunters Camp. Zaladonis is one of the many people who reenact hunters back in the 1750’s. Frostburg has invited him twice to the Appalachian Festival.

In front of the Hunters tent there was Irish music being played and there were girls performing clogging. They were from The New Century American Irish-Arts Company. There were five dancers that had participated in dancing during this act. There were a group of musicians on the other side of the stage that played the music for the dancers. The dancers had come from all over Maryland to perform at the Appalachian Festival. This was their first year performing at the Appalachian Festival. Many people crowded the tent. There was a upbeat atmosphere it felt like you were at an Irish bar watching people dance. Standing on the side of the tent Emily Ritchie observed the dancers and after being there for 5 minutes she said “I just want to start dancing”.

The atmosphere stayed the same and many people came and went. On the way out of the festival there was a crowd of people around this puppet show called Horn’s Punch and Judy Show. The man who was in charge of the puppet show name is Mark Walker. Even before he started the show he had stated “This is unlike any puppet show, the puppets talk to you and want you to talk back”, as he pulled out a magic trick. He made all the children laugh constantly. The puppets were a great show, young and old enjoyed it. This puppet show was founded in Baltimore, Maryland in 1897. The tradition has kept alive, and stayed a very interesting show. The Appalachian Festival is a different kind of festival it is defiantly worth experiencing in your life time.

Cold Morning Doesnt Stop Hot Start

By: Robert Michels

It was early in the morning around 10:45 am in the upper quad of Frostburg State University on September 17, 2011. The event was the Appalachian Festival. It is a festival which shows off music and culture of the Appalachian Mountains. Being that the festival started at 10:00 am there was only a few students and nearby Frostburg residents on hand. Frostburg State student Courteney Navarini commented on the festival, "It's great to hear a completely different style of music then the kind I have come to like. The only problem with the festival is it's a bit chilly out here".

The music was just starting and the band playing was "Mountain Therapy" a four person band which included instruments like guitar, cello, mandolin, and the banjo. They played bluegrass music and have done so for 20 years now. The other musical options on hand was the duo of Jason Twigg and Fritz Kessler. Both bands had audiences of about twenty people all who were tapping their toes to the music. Ishmael Abdulbarr a student at local Alleghany College was in attendance for Jason Twigg and Fritz Kessler, "I have never heard anything like it. I'm having a wonderful time out here and just wish it was a little warmer".

Music was not the only thing going on at the time there was a petting zoo which included goats and rabbits in addition to food, and many small shops. The shops were the hot spot in the morning hours of the festival. However, some of the shop owners didnt think so, "Turn the heat on" said Jackie Snelson. Snelson also said of the festival, "lovely not as many people here but also not as many venues. People here love it". Snelson was again not the only one who found it chilly outside. Judy Wilson, owner of "Wilson Stained and Fused Glass" said, "Little chilly out, always a nice festival here. It's our third year here and we always enjoy it".

It felt like a fall day outside and many people were wishing it was warmer. That didnt stop people from having a good time at the festival thought. It was good to see the different types of cultures and everyone enjoying time together. Despite the weather everyone appeared to be having a good time. Some students thought are fimilar with Frostburg weather, "Its Frostburg what do you expect. It could snow tomorrow morning" laughed Frostburg State student Samuel Einbinder.

The festival is a great thing for the community and the school itself. It shows people from other areas of Maryland and or other states what it's like to live in the Appalachian Mountains. The weather also seemed to be perfect outside so that people at the festival got a good feel of how the mountain's really were like. Robert Hall a Frostburg State student said, "It was good to see people learning about another culture and not only did they get a taste of that they got a taste of the coller weather up here. Not only was it a learning expierence culturally but geographically as well". So Frostburg student or not the weather was a little chilly but that didn't stop people from coming to a great event.

The Industrious Elaine Pressman

On Saturday evening, as the Appalachian Festival outdoor activities were coming to a close, there was still a table filled with different kinds of fabric and sewing materials. In fact, some piles of yarn and material threads were so big that materials occasionally rolled off of the table. She was willing to speak about her woven products, as well as various parts of her life. She started talking about the piece she crocheted, and continued with, “I do everything.” She said, “I make quilts, crochet, sew…”

“I’m 84 and I’m not making no more hook rugs. I have too many interests for my time. I teach some younger kids and grownups knitting. I’m making several Afghans. I crochet rugs out of scraps that I’m trying to get rid of.”

As one of the few people that appear to be content with a busy life, she mentioned:

“I do woodworking too. When you do stuff like I do you’re forever doing something. I’m not much of a TV watcher. If I sit down and I’m not doing something I’ll fall asleep. I’m from a family that did all this stuff. I worked for my dad for nine years as a carpenter. I built a house in Clarysville and my son lives in it now.  I grew my own plants and did most of my own stuff. I’ve done walk work and cement work and stone work.” Most people would be satisfied just being able to say that they worked their way through some minor home improvement. Elaine wasn’t satisfied until she built a house, grew her own garden and did her own masonry.

Elaine even talked about the enjoyment she has in hunting. She hunted more types of game in earlier years, but confessed that “I hunt deer mostly, now.” She killed a 10-point during one of her hunts. She doesn’t like to walk around in the woods, but prefers to, “get up in a tree stand.” She likes the shanty-like stands that are a few feet above the ground. She has spent several months hunting in Alaska. She anxiously mentioned how aggressive the bears in Alaska are, and how much more of a problem it is than is regularly mentioned in the media. “It’s surprising while you’re up there--the amount of people that’s killed by those bears.” “I wouldn’t go out there without carrying my pistol and my rifle,” she said, laughing. “I have a son and daughter and they know the dangers because I have taught them to hunt in the woods.”

Elaine spoke fondly of her son and daughter. Her daughter and son-in-law now live in California and own their own insurance business. Her son still lives in Clarysville, in the house that she constructed.

At the next Appalachian Festival, come by Elaine’s table. Look for the table piled-high with sewing and crocheting materials, with hand-made aprons and woven products for sale, and say, “hello.” Frostburg is fortunate to have such an interesting resident. Everyone should be as motivated and spirited as Elaine Pressman.

West Virginia Whites

Kindra Mason

ENGL 336:001

The annual Appalachian Festival started with a viewing of “The Wild and Wonderful Whites of West Virginia” at the Palace Theater on Main Street. The film, directed by Julien Nitzberg, is centered on the infamous White family known for murder, robbery, drugs, embezzlement, forgery, and other indiscretions in Boone County, West Virginia. The patriarch of the family, Jesco White is known for his ability to tap dance. He took after his father, D. Ray, in his talents. This 2009 documentary follows the White family for a year in an effort to shed light on the lives of these people. At least, that is what is seems like on the surface.

While visiting the graves of his deceased relatives and smoking a cigarette, Jesco says, “It seems like our lives have just been a party and we’re just living like it’s a story.” The film does everything it can to see this through. One family member by the name of Kirk has her newborn baby taken away from her. To get her back she goes to an in-treatment rehab facility to try to kick her drug addiction. The night before she does all the drugs she can find and drinks all the alcohol she can stomach showing that she didn’t care if she was clean and sober, she only wanted to go to rehab to get her daughter back. The film makes light of the very serious issues it portrays.

Emmy Award winning director Jacob Young graced Frostburg with his presence to discuss the film further after the viewing. Young was not part of making this film, but made a film about Jesco White called “Dancing Outlaw” in 1991. Because of his close affiliation with the White family, he gave the audience some insight to some of the realities of the film, starting with, “ I have really mixed feelings about it.”

When asked if there was any part of the film he actually liked, Young admitted to liking the first 20 minutes because of the use of graphics on a giant family tree. He said, “I’m surprised it didn’t become more light and enjoyable. It sinks into a level that becomes so depressing. I don’t want to do that to my audience.” Young thought the film should have talked more about D. Ray because the “characterization (of D. Ray White) is so paper thin.” D. Ray was “10 times the dancer as Jesco” and Jesco never came close to the talent of his father.

The film attempts to bring people humor to a very tragic situation. Parts of it are hilarious, but it’s hard not to feel bad for laughing because the film exploits the White family. Young says the film “excludes a lot of their reality” and the filmmakers had no real sympathy.

Fight Night: Ortiz vs. Mayweather

By: Tierra Washington
ENGL 336.001

Blue, grey, gold, black, and red heels covered tan, olive, and bronzed legs, while skin-tight dresses exposed women’s best assets. Make-up concealed and improved every “pretty” face as hundreds of eyes scanned the room. This was just a party right? Yes, but if you didn’t know any better you would think it was an X-rated version of a beauty pageant. The men with their best suits and dress shoes on…the women with their designer bags and drastically long hair weaves, and everyone else in between who faded into the background because they hadn’t been informed that this was such an extravagant event.

“I bet twenty on Ortiz!” Brandon Lamy shouted into the herd of men surrounding the bar. His declaration was greeted by “Bet Ortiz get knocked out by round 6!”, and “Mayweather about to punish this dude man”. There were so many heated conversations going on about the upcoming fight that it was hard to hear the music playing inside the club. The women-to-men ratio was about 4-to-1, but every man in the club had managed to find a way to dodge every woman and find a man to discuss the fight with. “I don’t care about a fight” says Monique Durrant, flipping her jet black eighteen inch bone straight hair, and shifting her legs to accommodate her feet, which were probably burning from the elevation of the five inch heels one her feet. Monique was just one of the many women dressed to kill and not being noticed by even one man. On any other night the men inside of Bar7 would be swarming the women with drinks in hand, and slurring drunken pick up lines in an attempt to get a phone number, but not tonight…there were more important things going on like the much anticipated Mayweather vs. Ortiz fight. To view the intense weigh in of the two fighters click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdQ7WQrBF5w.

The management of Bar7, one of the most elite clubs in Washington DC, knew what they were doing when they decided to host a fight party for the boxing match. Their twenty dollar admission price and their tempting food menu were sure to lure a large crowd hungry and eager to see this historical event. Check out bar7’s website: http://www.bar7dc.com to see the Ortiz vs. Mayweather event flyer. What I found most interesting about this event, was how could there be so many women enclosed in this small space surrounded by men…and the men not even notice the women’s presence? It shocked me to see men crowding the bar, drinks in hand, and eyes glued to the wide screen TV. While the women were lingering in the back arms crossed, faces twisted with looks of disgust printed across their faces. There was no need for the women to dance… you could barely hear the music over the men’s chattering, and if the men weren’t watching you what was the purpose of dancing? This is a fight party! What did you expect ladies? “Food and sports tend to distract almost any man and nothing else seems to be existent. Next time ladies, stay at home” says John Thompson, a regular from Bar7.