Maude V

Mizzou students can almost all agree that campus life here is very exciting with many opportunities for involvement.  Whether one wants to get involved in student life within the school with clubs, sports, or other various activities, or just go out with friends and have a good time; there is something for everyone.  Downtown is a popular hang out spot for many people here at Mizzou.  There are restaurants and shops of all kinds to suit all different personalities and interests.  On Broadway, there is a unique shop that can catch the eye of almost anyone walking past: Maude V.

With friendly staff and an exciting atmosphere, it really is a neat place to shop.  Maude V sells and buys vintage clothing and items from this season or last.  The shop is very fun with all of its color and trendy clothing.  Many items are very inexpensive, making it a key spot for college students on a budget.  Especially with the opportunity to have the clothes the no longer fit or you no longer wear purchased off your hands can make Maude V a very smart place to shop.

Maude V is a one of a kind store due in part to the costume rooms it contains.  These rooms are filled with any type of costume you can imagine, from a southern belle to a 1920s flapper girl.  For any girl that loved to play dress up as a kid, this is heaven.  They have so many costumes and different decades to choose from that this store really makes for a unique shopping experience.  Especially with Halloween right around the corner, Maude V should really be a place to go.  They allow you to rent a costume and any accessories needed for a week for only $20.  This store has style and a unique feel and should definitely be put on your next shopping list.

Former Secretarty of State speaks to MU students, public

Former US Secretary of State Madeline Albright held a town hall meeting in Jesse Wrench auditorium in MU’s Memorial Union on September 18. The auditorium was filled to capacity by MU students and the public alike.

The event was hosted by College Democrats and was coordinated by Missouri senior and President of Youth Vote, Kelley Robinson.

For those of you who were too preoccupied with All That! and the Rugrats during the second term of the Clinton administration, Madeline Albright was the first woman Secretary of State. Albright was born in the Czech Republic and emigrated to the United States in 1948. She attended Wellesley College and majored in Political Science. She later earned her Masters and a PhD in Public Law and Government from Columbia University.

But before becoming a permanent United States Representative to the United Nations and Secretary of State, Albright wrote for the social page of a Rolla, Missouri newspaper in 1959. This just goes to show you that one can accomplish incredible things coming from humble beginnings.

Albright is currently a professor at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. and is currently a Co-Chair of a prevention of genocide task force with former Secretary of Defense William Cohen.

Albright began the meeting by lauding Democratic Presidential hopeful Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) as “a remarkable leader and exactly what we need for the 21st century” and later describing Biden and Obama as “… a magical combination of judgment, confidence and wisdom.”

But Albright didn’t just use this time to campaign for Obama, she enlightened the crowd as to what foreign policy issues she found most pressing in our day and age, some of her experiences while serving as Secretary of State under the Clinton administration and a few organization she has been involved with since then.

Albright covered five “key umbrella issues” in the meeting, which included: fighting terrorism with out creating more terrorists, dealing with a broken nuclear proliferation regime, the war in Iraq, the negative aspects of globalization, and the environment and energy crisis. Of those five issues, Albright believes the environment and energy crisis to be the biggest issue we face today.
After providing a synopsis of each of her “umbrella issues,” Albright took questions from the crowd ranging from issues she dealt with during the Clinton administration to more current world affairs and the upcoming election.

At a press conference after the meeting, Albright said that she believes that students in a swing state such as Missouri will play a crucial role in deciding the outcome of this presidential election. What impressed me the most about Albright (besides giving an interview in perfect French and then seamlessly switching to back to English) was that she made everyone in the room feel at home, even a couple of brand-new news reporters out on their second assignment of the year.

Albright wasn’t the only notable democrat Columbia played host to during the month of September- Vice Presidential nominee Senator Joe Biden (D-DE) spoke at the Hearnes Center on the ninth and Democratic National Committee Chairman Governor Howard Dean’s “Register for Change” campaign came through on the sixth. Biden will be back in Missouri on October 2 to debate with his Republican counterpart , Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin, at Washington University in St. Louis.

Mizzou Football

             I’ve never really been a huge Mizzou fan. Even though I’ve lived in Missouri for the past 15 years. My parents are from Texas and I’ve always been a fan of teams from Texas like UT, UTEP- University of Texas at El Paso and Baylor. Two of these teams are in the same conference as Mizzou and compete against them year in and year out.

            My brother graduated from Mizzou and in all three years that he was here not once did I come up to watch a football game. I’m pretty much the sports fanatic of my family, so it’s a little weird for me not to have attended a game. The past year and a half though I’ve become a huge Mizzou fan. I have so many Mizzou T-shirts that my friends from home would make fun of me for wearing a different one everyday for weeks on end.

            I was dismayed when tickets for the Mizzou, Illinois game sold out before I could get tickets myself. I ended up being able to watch it at The Blue Note, which had an amazing screen and was a lot of fun. But I couldn’t wait to go and see the team play at Faurot.

            Our first home game was against SEMO. The college is located an hour and a half from my home town and I have a friend on the team. So, it felt a little odd watching SEMO and Mizzou play in my first football game at Faurot. But it was nice to see Mizzou win easily and make fun of my friends that attend SEMO.

            Walking into the stadium and seeing the lights and the crowd is an image I will never forget. The atmosphere at a football game is something I’ve never experienced before. I’ve been to a UTEP, Memphis football game and the atmosphere at that game doesn’t even come close to comparing to how crazy and loud a Mizzou game can be. Being able to sit, well we don’t actually sit, in the student section and scream and cheer for Mizzou is one the best experiences I’ve had at college so far.

The upcoming years I spend at Mizzou will allow me to experience many different things, but being at a college football game as a student only happens a handful of times. And I plan on taking full advantage of being there and cheering on Mizzou’s best ever football team.

           

             

Memorial Union

One of the stranger aspects of war is that most of the wisdom gleaned from any conflict throughout history is applicable to any other, no matter the place or time. Take the words of John Maxwell Edwards, inscribed on the Kohima Memorial, "When you go home, tell them of us and say, for their tomorrow, we gave out today." It's easy to imagine the men of Mizzou named on the walls of the Memorial Student Union saying something similar.

At first glance the Memorial Union looks like a castle in the middle of the MU campus. With its historic arch and majestic spires, there is no question that the Union is a product of another age. Completed in the 1920's and dedicated to the 117 students and alumni of the University of Missouri - Columbia that died in World War One, Memorial Student Union is a monolithic landmark possessed of an architectural beauty unmatched by any other building on campus. From the gruesome gargoyles that grin out from the four spires at the top of the clock tower to the graceful Gothic archways found almost everywhere on the structure to the small chapel attached to the north wing, Memorial Union lays claim to both grand visual displays and the inspiration of the sort of deep thoughts characteristic of a university. Interestingly, the clock and chimes of the Memorial Tower weren't added until a decade after the tower's completion. The clockworks in the tower are based on those of Big Ben in London, although BB is certainly not decorated with the raw style of the Union.

However, the purpose of the Union is not solely to cause students to meditate on the fragile nature of their lives; it has also been put to more than a few practical applications over its tenure on the Mizzou campus. A few items on the long list of things residing within the Memorial are meeting rooms that are almost corporate in their size and scope, restaurants that serve food the equal of any dining hall, lounges filled with the most comfortable leather furniture anywhere on campus, and, naturally, the omnipresent "technology center". The actual definition of the latter is the subject of no little academic debate, but it is certain the the Memorial, and likely many of the students, would cease to function without it.

In very few cases within academia are beauty and purpose meshed so successfully as they are in the Memorial Student Union. Though constructed as a reminder of the pain and sacrifice of military men, the Union has been admirably applied to the noble goal of educating and serving new generations.

Peace Park on Pagan Pride Day

It could be exam pressure or just a roommate’s lack of personal hygiene, or just a cyclical need to unwind, but there’s times when a person just needs to get away! For a large majority of Columbia’s student population, it isn’t easy to pack up and get out of here. A large number of students have left cards behind to lead the pedestrian or biker life. Luckily, there is a retreat within the limits of Columbia that is perfect for any kind of peace and quiet one could ask for. Tucked away in a cozy little niche and in close proximity to both the Mizzou Journalism Institue and Shakespeare’s Pizza is a quiet and beautiful place known today as Peace Park.

Formerly McAlester Park, it served as an anti-war rallying point during the Vietnam era.  After the infamous Kent State riots in 1970 protesting the bombing of Cambodia by the United States, McAlester Park was renamed Peace Park. It has become a promotional symbol of peace and tranquility in Columbia.  The park is also home to many community and school activities.

On a sunny Sunday afternoon, one might find it home to the Pagan Pride Day Festival, resonating with chants, laughs, and rhythmic drumbeats.  As an extension of itself, Peace Park hosted Pagan Pride Day to promote religious tolerance, as well as raise food and donations for charities. The festival was populated by tarot readers, educational and religious groups, and street vendors selling homemade gifts – such as the aforementioned drums.

Several feet away, one may find teams wearing multi-colored shirts and competing in team activities such as the three-legged race. Where there aren’t people gathering for a common cause or activity, there are those who come to enjoy the park simply for its tranquility and beauty.  Sun sporadically breaks through the trees that abound in Peace Park, making it possible to tan or keep cool. Water streams downhill in a small, rocky creek toward the center of the park, and if you listen closely, you can hear the soothing sound. Many are found reading a book or having a picnic with friends or significant others, or even napping on the grass. All of these diverse people do share one thing, however: they are at peace.

Not a single somber face is to be found in Peace Park. Everyone is completely happy with who and where he or she is, and that justifies the purpose of the park entirely. When people can finally be accepting of who they are and where they are in life, the world will know lasting peace.

Buck's!

Remember the freshman walk? We were all there... Waiting forever in a huddled mass, wearing our free t=shirts, and finally running through the columns towards Jesse, receiving Tiger Stripe Ice Cream. Those little tubs of vanilla ice cream with chocolate swirls are just the tip of a delicious iceberg known as Buck's Ice Cream.

I first ventured to Buck's with a friend from guard and the manager's daughter. We got a free scoop (connections, man, connections.) I chose Rocky Road, a wise choice, and tried Mocha Fudge as well. I promised to spread the word of Bucks, and heck, for free ice cream, who wouldn't?!

Lets see - The who, what, when, where, and why.

The Who: Founded by Wendell and Ruth Arbuckle (hence, Buck's) after they retired and wanted to to give back to MU. It was founded in 1989, after their 1987 drive to have ice cream research at Mizzou. (I know, cool, ice cream research!) The guy first in charge was Robert Marshall, who was dubbed an 'Arbuckle Professor for Ice Cream Research.'

The What: Ice cream, of course. They make all of their ice cream there, right behind where they serve it, and they always have their traditional 15 flavors: Black Walnut, Butter Pecan, Chocolate, Cookies and Cream, Mizzou Gold, Mocha Fudge, Peach Yogurt, Pumpkin Pie, Raspberry, Raspberry Sherbet, rocky Road, Strawberry, Strawberry-Banana Yogurt, Tiger Stripe and Vanilla. Besides those they have experimental flavors that pop up sometime, like praline. Although the hours of operation aren't the most accommodating, the prices are worth the trade. You get a dip for $1.25 (or if you are coupon savvy there is a $0.75 dip coupon in al the booklets) or 2 for $2.00, along with other packages like a $3.00 quart, $5.00 half-gallon, or massive $33.50 3-gallon tub.

The When: Times are somewhat inconvenient, for me at least (I enjoy random midnight adventures, and they don't accommodate for those) but they are open from noon until 5 pm Monday thru Friday.

The Where: Buck's is located over by College Avenue and Hatch, on the south side of Eckles Hall. Look for a big black and gold awning with a tiger and sign that says "Buck;s Ice Cream Place."

They Why: Probably the most important, the why. Well, it is amazing, that's why. It is a neat little shop that not everyone knows about, secluded on campus, a hidden treasure, one of those places that makes Columbia Columbia. And plus there isn't anywhere else can you get the famous tiger-stripe ice cream that tastes like tradition.

For more info, and where I got some of my facts, check out http://bucks.missouri.edu

El Rancho

The aroma of the classic chicken burrito fills the air and passer-bys can't help but explore the wonders of what lay behind those two glass doors.  The line is always long, but it's worth the wait.  El Rancho, located on East Broadway, offers delicious authentic Mexican food, and I guarantee both you and your wallet will leave the restaurant feeling full.  

On weekends, El Rancho is open until 3 A.M, which makes it the perfect pit stop after a night out.  It is home to many college students in need of good greasy food at a cheap price.  But late night party goers aren't the only crowd it draws.  People come from miles to experience the variety and authenticity this joint has to offer.  The menu has a variety of options so even the pickiest of eaters will be able to find something they like.  The food is just like what you would find in Mexico, and they even serve Tecate; how's that for some genuine Mexican dining?  The employees working behind the counter even speak Spanish, so if you're feeling adventurous you can practice your conjugations with them.  

There are plenty of tables to sit at, so even during the busiest times customers are still able to find a seat and enjoy their burritos and chimichangas.  The atmosphere is always lively; Mexican music flows through the speakers and makes the dining experience even more authentic.  The walls are covered in brightly colored painted murals, showing scenery of Columbia with a unique twist.  There is a mix of Mexican pueblos and landmarks of Columbia, Missouri that compromise the paintings on the walls.  The scenery on the walls brings a part of Mexico to Missouri, adding to the genuine Mexican atmosphere. 

The restaurant is open every day of the week with long hours, so it's very easy to find time in one's schedule to make a visit to El Rancho.  Next time you're in the mood for some Mexican food with a kick, or you're just trying to satisfy a late night craving, make sure you make El Rancho your destination.  Hasta luego!

Lollicup!!!! = )

The bright orange and yellow exterior of Lollicup Tea Zone is sure to attract attention from people walking down the street.  Located at 23 South Ninth Street next door to Sparky's Ice Cream and also in the Columbia Mall near the food court, Lollicup is best known for their boba tea, sometimes referred to as bubble tea or pearl tea.  Originally founded in California, Lolli has  locations across the country that are all independently owned and operated.

According to their website, Lollicup has more than 170 different drinks, consisting primarily of milk tea, flavored tea, coffee and smoothies.  My personal favorites are Vanilla Chai Snow and half Taro Milk Tea, half Jasmine Milk Tea, both with boba of course.  Boba, or "mysterious marbles" as they are called on Lolli's website, can be added to almost anything on the menu.  The unique thing about boba tea is that it has tapioca balls, similar to the size and color of a blueberry, that settle on the bottom of the drink.  They are chewy and are a little bit sweet, but other than that, they have very little flavor.  The first time I had boba I thought the concept was very strange, but it is quite addicting once you get over the initial trepidation.  Most of the teas on Lollicup's menu will come in a cup with plastic cellophane sealing the top so they can be shaken.  They have straws large enough for the boba to fit through with a  point on one end to puncture the cellophane.

If you become a Lolli regular, they will give you a card that they stamp every time you buy something.  Once you get ten stamps, the eleventh boba is free!  = )  They usually let you mix two of the different types of flavored or milk tea so you can customize your drink however you want.  Don't let the employees try to dissuade you from getting exactly what you want!

Lollicup on Ninth Street is very welcoming and friendly.  The smiling sunflower logo, brightly colored walls and cute tables and couches make Lolli the ideal place to go to study if you want to get off campus and have a little time to relax with something yummy to eat.  If you have not had the opportunity to go see what Lollicup has to offer, you should definitely stop by and see for yourself why so many people love boba tea!!

Gridiron Giddy

It’s September and I just got off the phone with my grandpa. Like most of my relatives, he was calling to check in my “college adventures”, filled with questions about my new home and new school. It was near the end of the conversation that he asked what I liked best. And I told him:

“I love the football here.”

Now that I think about it, that’s a pretty odd thing coming from someone who grew up in a place with a Division I college football team of its own and not one, but two football teams to cheer for on almost every Sunday as far back as I can remember. But Saturdays in Columbia have been the best days of my week.

How can that be?

I’ll tell you right up front that it’s not just because the Tigers are ranked in the top five in the latest college football polls. But that helps, too.

No, I think the biggest reason I really get into football, especially college football here, is the energy behind the team. Back home, there are a lot of football teams. A lot of players. A lot of football writers. There are probably even a lot of fans, just going by the numbers. But its been a long time (and a lot of losses) since those fans and press and players really got excited about the dawn of another season on the gridiron.

I’ve been lucky enough to get into a couple of games this season, although usually near the end, after the Tigers are up big. But on most game days, I’m in the parking lot early in the morning, watching the fans party and the excitement build up before the games. The lot is packed; everyone who can get a ticket is here. Kids toss around a black and gold nerf ball in the empty spaces, Springsteen blares off of someone’s stereo and mixes with the fight song and barbecue smoke wafts over everything. A half an hour before the coin toss, the lot is empty of people; everyone’s already at the stadium while the teams are still in warm-up.

That kind of excitement is contagious. When Saturday mornings get here, I’m at work, but it doesn’t feel like it. It feels like what football was for me a long time ago: a reason to have fun and get excited because you felt like part of an awesome team.

Shakespeare's Pizza: Heaven on Earth

 

It’s noon and you are finally out of class, and what better way to take the edge off a chaotic day of lectures than with a delicious meal? During the long journey to the dining hall, the anticipation of a hot meal washed down with an ice cold lemonade takes over, and pushes you to move faster and beat the rush. Finally, you enter the dining hall, only to be greeted by a never ending line. In this scenario, patience is a virtue; you have to wait to receive the entering swipe, and wait for your food and drink. Then, you finally take a seat and find that the food is not what you expected. The burger is cold and the mysterious green stuff, that you believed was spinach, is in fact less than appetizing. You sit there and think to yourself: Man, I should have gone to Shakespeare’s!

Here is where you went wrong; instead of heading back towards a dorm, you should have turned and journeyed to downtown Columbia, specifically 9^th street. Along your way you will find the Journalism School, and establishments such as Chipotle and Starbucks. However, none of that matters; you are on a mission for delicious pizza. Then alas, you arrive at Shakespeare’s, its like a gift from the Gods. Then you hear a familiar tune in the background, is it?...why yes it is “Ode To Joy”, perfectly suitable for this exact moment. The alluring scent of gooey cheese and dough drag you through the door; and compel you to order a large pizza with Canadian Bacon and Pineapple; delicious! Then, the cashier hands you a plastic cup with the Shakespeare’s logo; and the best part is, its free! For us poor college kids, anything free is music to our ears. Up until this moment in time, you have been drinking straight out of the two-liter bottle, so a free cup may feel comparable to Christmas.

When you look around for an empty table, be sure to look around the place and notice all of the Mizzou paraphernalia and some old school logos and signs. This is all a part of the Shakespeare’s experience. Not only is the food good, but it’s a cool, college environment. Shakespeare’s is a great, laid back college hangout, and it definitely contributes to Columbia’s unique small-town charm.

Suddenly, you hear your name being called over the intercom, alerting you that your pizza is ready. Finally, it is time to dig in to your first slice of heaven! As you take a bite into the melting cheese; sauce dripping down your face, you experience a form a nirvana that is: Shakespeare’s Pizza.

Field of Dreams?

Field of Dreams

 

We all know that Mizzou is a great place if you’re a sports fan, what with the football team being utterly dominating and what-not. So it comes as no surprise to many students that the campus is full of places where they can get their athletics on, so to speak. I may not be the most athletic of people (one look at me will tell you the same), but I love a good game of football, I’ve played wiffleball all my life, and I’ve grown quite fond of Ultimate Frisbee. And if you want to play any of these there’s one place to do it right, Stankowski Field.

 

            First, the boring, but ever important, background on Stankowski Field (or as it is lovingly referred to by me and my friends “Stank-House”). It is named after former MU quarterback Anton Stankowski. Anton was the quarterback from 1916 to 1919; he also coached the baseball team for 35 years and was the intramural athletic director for forty years.  The field itself contains sand volleyball courts, a running track, and football/soccer courts. The field is made of synthetic turf and anyone who has fallen on said turf will tell you that it hurts like hell.  The field is also located by the popular student recreation center, in case you feel like pumping some iron after a long game of soccer.

 

            Now let me tell a story about how I came to know Stankowski as my home for all things athletic. A group of us from seventh floor Gillett decided that we were fat and needed to do something. We decided on Ultimate Frisbee. Now, I had never played ultimate and was intrigued, so I tagged along. After learning how to play we started to play and met a good group of guys we still play with today. It also lead to the creation of the “Gillett Razors” the seventh floor’s ultimate Frisbee team.

 

            I conclusion, Stankowski is a great place if you’re a little on the plump side and looking to lose some weight, as I am.  It really is a treat to have such a great facility mere feet away from where I live. So if your ever in the mood to do a little running, play a game of soccer, toss the football around, or laugh at me trying to catch a frisbee there’s only one place for you, Stankowski Field. 

Lakota Coffee Company

Lakota Coffee Company is a quirky place located on ninth street in the downtown district of Columbia.  The name "Lakota" actually means "friendly people," which is very suitable for the place. The atmosphere is very welcoming and relaxing, attracting all types of people. WiFi is also available to customers throughout. One of the best things about Lakota is the $2.50 bottomless coffee deal. Customers can choose regular, decaf, or try the specialty coffee of the day.

Founded in 1992, Lakota has been a hot-spot for college students for years. According to their website, "There has always been a special energy about college towns, the constant flow of youth and their creative ideas to right the world, all gathered into 'the dream catcher' that will ultimately propel everything forward in years to come." Many students go there to study, hang out, or play free poker. Lakota recently began having poker nights at 6:30 every Friday night. The games are friendly and relaxed, welcoming newbies such as myself. The overall atmosphere is western and rustic. It is filled with "Old Hickory Chairs," wooden stools, rocking chairs, and various Native American art.

Lakota is an authentic "small batch" or "micro roastery" coffee shop. According to their website, they said, "For us, coffee has become a labor of love whose ultimate success will always rely on dedication to quality." They only purchase arabica coffee beans from "superb mountain growing regions and estates all over the world." Lakota also hand roasts their coffee. 

Pounds of coffee are available for purchase in the coffee shop and online. The Kenyan AA is one of my personal favorites. Lakota offers various blends both online and in the shop. Some of the flavored coffees include: Chocolate Macadamia Nut, French Vanilla, Hazelnut, Irish Creme, Southern Pecan, etc. 

For more information on Lakota Coffee Company, visit http://lakotacoffee.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?

Boogying at the Blue Note!

If you have ever walked down ninth street on Friday nights, and stumbled across the blue note, you know that there is always something going. Whether its a local fiddle off or a popular band the Blue Note has something for everyone. If you ever get tired of listening to college kids with their shirts off playing their acoustic guitars then check out the happening ninth street establishment. The Blue Note is the megalith of musical entertainment in the Colombia. It was established in 1980, by the very eccentric Richard King. On Saturday's where Mizzou's football team is taking the fight to the enemy's territory, the "Note" as the locals like to call it is filled. All of Colombia's faithful come to watch Mizzou take on it's opponents on the giant screen that is provided. I myself, have partaken in these festivities, the screen is really quite state of the art, and did I mention there is free food? 

Just when I was thinking that I was not going to see a good concert while I was here, Motion City Soundtrack was scheduled to play at the Blue Note. With this concert, the Blue Note gave Colombia a hope for music. Very similar to the way that Titanic gave America a reason to believe. I will now give you a detailed recall of my experience at the Blue Note that night. Motion City Soundtrack was an amazing concert. I attended it with some friends of mine and it was really high energy. Everyone was jumping around all over the place and acting crazy, much like the people on the sinking ship in Titanic. The opening bands were not bad as well, they were actually quite entertaining. Much like a young Jack dawson (Lianardo DiCaprio) sneaking on to the ship, I snuck my way to the front of the stage. I had to make my way to the back back, however, because a had to pee. This was very disappointing, because on of my friends got a pick from the bassist, and I could have gotten one.

All things considered the concert was pretty much what I expected it to be, fantastic! The Blue Note is a great place to experience a concert. It is just the right size and it attracts decently well-known bands. The popularity of the place and the character of the building, really makes the Blue Note a fixture for entertainment for years to come, "unsinkable if you will." My experiences at the Blue Note have been enjoyable, thus far. I believe that it is an essential part of Colombia's identity and a great one of the more exciting places in town. Lets say that I am Jack Dawson and the Blue Note is Rose, "I will never let go." 

Cherry Street Artisan

I first came across Cherry Street Artisan the first week of school with a two-year Columbia native. This artsy café took me by surprise with its loft-style décor and lounge-like atmosphere. I didn’t realize cafés like these could be found in downtown Columbia.

With a motto that strives “to explore the Good, the True, and the Beautiful in art and ideas,” it is no wonder that the Artisan serves a trio of culture acting as a café, theatre, and gallery. The stage hosts such events like “Trivia Night” at 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and “Open Mic Night” Thursdays at 8 p.m., while the walls of the café act as the gallery that showcases the work of local artists in various medias.

The Artisan takes quality control seriously. According to their website, they purchase their coffee beans in small batches from a local micro-roaster. Smaller production equals high quality grounds. The Artisan holds their food to the same accord, assuring their customers that they take every effort to present food that has gone through “minimal processing” and was made with local ingredients when possible. Their menu lists over ten items that are made fresh in their kitchen including focaccia bread, scones, muffins, soup, quiche, hummus, pesto, dessert bars, cookies, apple dumplings, cake etc. I can attest to this effort.

On my lunchtime visit I pleasantly surprised to find that a whole section of sandwiches dedicated to vegetarians. This is hard to come by even at the swankiest establishments. My “Green Machine” Panini made with homemade pesto, artichoke hearts, baby spinach and provolone cheese was simply delicious, as was the tortilla chips and homemade hummus that accompanied it. The Artisan offers a wide menu that includes sandwiches, Panini sandwiches, pizza, soup, salads and quiches, as well as bakery and dessert items.

The Artisan is a nice change from dorm food and floor lounge studying. I plan on being back there soon and sampling some coffee and homemade bakery goods.

The Cherry Street Artisan is located on 111 S. 9th Street. It is open from 9 a.m. – 11 p.m. on Sunday, 7 a.m. – 11 p.m. on Monday, 7 a.m. – Midnight on Tuesdays through Thursday, and 7:30 a.m. – Midnight on Friday and Saturday.

The BAJJJJ!!

Ok so if you guys haven't gone over the bridge and eaten at the Baja Grill, you should. The Baja Grill is one of the new dining establishments on campus this year, located below Bingham (the common area between Schurz and Hatch). The Baja, which serves Mexican-derived food such as quesadillas, burritos and tacos, also offers more diverse items such as tilapia tacos and Cuban and Jamaican sandwiches, and they do so on a menu-style board so that food can be made to order. They also have dessert items like their chocolate cookies, of which you can get three for a point, or their signature created banana chocolate quesadilla, my personal favorite. The Baja Grill was designed to cater to Mizzou students, however they do accept cash, and so Baja is open to the public as well. 

Baja isn't an entirely new establishment in that it did exist 2 years ago in the same location, at the time called "Baja Bingham". According to Skip, the manager of the current Baja Grill, the old Baja was more of a hole in the wall sort of place, and wasn't very popular. The Baja went through a rejuvenation process this last summer in the wake of the mass amount of funding coming in to Mizzou for it's various building and scholarship initiatives. Now, the new and improved Baja Grill is one of the most popular eateries on campus and was featured in the nationally distributed Food Service Director magazine, and is projected to serve 600 plus students on a daily basis. Baja Grill has already served 1 ton of their signature tortilla chips, among it's many accomplishments. 

As well as benefitting the campus by providing a more diverse array of easily accessible food options, Baja is has opened up a vast amount of new job opportunities to students, and is always looking to hire. Employment comes easily and the student manager, Chris, is easygoing and friendly.

Being a newly opened establishment, the Baja has it's fair share of kinks that have yet to be worked out, such as the lack of a system for employees to take out the trash in a timely manner while keeping the counter running, the unpredictable soda machine which regularly runs out of ice and carbonation, and the holdup it creates when a certain kind of meat is out of stock and has to be cooked from scratch. The employees of the Baja are working very hard to fix these things, and have had a fair amount of success. I would know, I work there, and I used to have to work after closing until 1:30 a.m., and now we move fast enough to be done by 11:30.

The best part? The people. The staff is one of hardworking people, students and non-students alike, who are friendly with the customers and joking with each other, making it a very welcoming working environment.

If you were planning to blog about the maneater...

The Maneater is the student run newspaper published on Tuesdays and Fridays. The paper, which varies in quality and seriousness depending on whoever happens to be editing it at the time, is usually the first proving ground for young, fresh-faced writers and photographers looking to get some quick experience and a few dollars.

The Maneater actually dates back to 1955 when Joel Gold, a sociology student, and Jim Willard took over the Missouri Student. Gold renamed the paper to reflect its new independent and fierce perspective of campus news. As Gold famously said of the Student, “The name Missouri Student reflected the editorial policy of the former paper quite well. It signified nothing.”

In the 53 years since Gold and Willard bought the student newspaper from the Delta Upsilon fraternity, the paper has famously been distributed free of charge and looked down upon by most of the faculty at the Missouri School of Journalism. Despite this antipathy, the university has always provided spaces for newsstands in halls across campus and given them room for offices in Brady Commons and McReynolds Hall.

The Maneater’s official slogan is “You've been warned.” This well reflects the papers sometimes terrible writing and editing staff. When working with kids who had never written for a newspaper before, and editors that work from 3 p.m. to 1 a.m. twice a week, many errors are bound to occur.

Despite this, the paper has received numerous awards from state and national organizations, including ACP Pacemaker awards, Society of Professional Journalists Mark of Excellence Awards and Missouri College Media Association Better Newspaper Contest awards. Not too bad for a paper that is written by freshmen and sophomores who aren’t in the j-school and designed and edited by a full of staff of insomniacs.

From my experience, most of the editors and staff at the 'eater are dedicated, overworked, and hopelessly optimistic about their paper. The writers are constantly improving themselves, and hopeful about their future with the school of journalism.

The whole "fishwrapper" image is tagged on the paper with some justification as editing errors are quite common, the opinion section is filled with boring collumns and cookie cutter thoughts on the standard political issues, and the arts section thinks they are edgy because they publish curse words.

As The Columbia Missourian, the gold standard of student print journalism here at Mizzou, continues to hemorrhage money, the world's best school for journalism might be looking at a future where the Maneater is the only newspaper on campus.

Let’s all pray that doesn’t happen.

Vegetarian Delight

This is an example of a profile article from one of last year's Figlets, Laura Stafford.


WANTED: A soy soul mate with an organic oasis. Something with a little vegetarian vigor and a vegan flair.

Look no further for your “Main Squeeze”…

Hidden along the collection of shops and boutiques at the corner of Ninth and Cherry Street you’ll find Columbia’s own home grown treasure: Main Squeeze Natural Foods Café and Juice Bar.

In a state known for its renowned ability to barbeque, it’s hard to find any vegetarian options on the menu. Since 1998, Main Squeeze has offered an all-homemade and all vegetarian selection for every meal.

I first stumbled upon Main Squeeze with my roommate and instantly fell in love with their assortment of rock-reminiscent smoothies. Flavors like “Give Peach a Chance” and “Strawberry Manilow” will satisfy your sweet tooth, while more functional flavors, like “The Barney” and “The Green Machine” are supplemented with protein and spirulina to benefit those who just came from the gym.

But the selection doesn’t end with their lingering list of smoothies and freshly squeezed juices. What’s for breakfast? Lunch? Dinner? Main Squeeze has options for every meal, including organic breakfast, a “Texy Mexy” selection, and a never ending list of daily specials and seasonal favorites. Vegan entrees are also available.

Personally, I recommend the Stuffed Pita; a combination home-made hummus, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, roasted peppers, olives, and feta cheese topped off with Greek dressing and bound together in a warm pita wrap, then delivered tableside by the chef.

The assortments of health conscious options are filling and won’t break the bank or widen your waistline. And if you’re still hungry on the way out, be sure to check out the case filled to the brim with fresh baked cookies, muffins, and cheesecake.

The Regency on Broadway and Thai Kitchen

With a plethora of events occurring in Columbia weekly, it's only assumed that there is a quality place to spend a night and get some sleep. With many places to stay in the town, one sticks out more than most. The Regency Hotel on broadway is a fixture of downtown Columbia. While it may have some of the best prices in town for a one night stay, it lacks with quality service. The staff welcomes you with less than eccentric greeting, and it seems they really wish they could be doing something much better than helping you.

 As the service lacks in quality, so does the state of the rooms you spend your nights in. Peeling wall paper and loud air conditioning are just the basics of the problems. If you manage to get the attention of the Regency staff long enough to get the password for the wi-fi, good luck even trying to find a signal. It seems you have to go on a hunt throughout your room to find a decent signal that picks up enough connection to use the internet.

 While there may be plenty of negatives to the Regency, there are some positives. In the morning they offer a fairly large continental breakfast, with many choices ranging from cereal to english muffins there is something for everyone. Also, The Regency is connected to a small family run restaurant called the Thai Kitchen. 

The small restaurant feel in Thai Kitchen is noticeable from the moment you sit down, with only one person taking orders and serving food. Yet the service always seems speedy and friendly no matter how busy it is. Thai Kitchen offers some of the best authentic thai food in Columbia. Even if you are not into ethnic food, the menu includes some American favorites including Burgers and BLT's. If you are feeling up to the challenge try the house special Pad Thai. It can be put at any heat level you want from one to ten, but to get the true flavor from the item it is essential to try it with a higher number. If you get the chance make your way down to this fabulous restaurant, but avoid it's hotel counterpart if at all possible.