The University of Blog

Goodness, what a busy day!

It began with my News Writing lab course. We started with a classmate interview and our story is due on Thursday. It will be a lot of hands-on work, but that is the best way to learn. That is the definition of the “Missouri Method.” Then, I had my Fundamentals of TV, Radio and Photojournalism class. I will begin researching three story ideas that I will spend a majority of the class exploring. Then I had my Introduction to Film Analysis class and we discussed Mise en scene (everything that goes on in the film) in The Graduate.

Also, I filled out my paperwork for my new job at Sycamore, a contemporary American restaurant. I will begin as a busser and go from there. I will be there every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. This means that I will need to record Grey’s Anatomy and be an avid multitasker (which I am anyway).

I was invited to the awards ceremony for the editor’s prizes of the The Missouri Review. The Missouri Review is a literary magazine that is edited by community members, students and professors. The magazine was founded in 1978 and publishes four issues annually. On Saturday night, I got to hear some up and coming authors from the area share their award-winning works chosen to be included in the Missouri Review.

My friend works for them this semester, and for me, it was great to be exposed to some creative writing, poetry, stories and essays. There is a program at Mizzou to take the Missouri Review course instead of an upper level English class. From what I’ve heard, it has been a good experience for the students who have chosen that path. If you’re interested, there is also EMU’s (English at Mizzou) literary Magazine: Epic.

I had the pleasure of attending the taping of NPR’s Whad’Ya Know? with Michael Feldmnan. It is great to live in a college town that brings in bigger venues such as this. I strolled over to Jessie Auditorium to listen to the two-hour trivia show. Feldman did not look like he does on the radio . It was fun to see the voice behind the program that I’ve listened to in our kitchen each Saturday growing up.

The stage was decked out with a Shakespeare’s parking sign and buggie. They had a “Liquor, Guns and Ammo” sign that usually hangs over Old 63 as well as random other goodies from the area. I had no idea that radio could be so visual.

Even though I was never chosen for a contestant, it was still a fun program. Feldman made jokes about Missouri and Kansas. Also, he brought on a Tribune reporter to discuss Missouri politics. The highlight of the show was the “noodlers,” or catfishers who use their hands. They explained the fishing process and even brought on a guest: a three-foot long catfish resembling a small shark. Why anyone would want to noodle is beyond me, but it was eye-opening to learn about it.

After the show, we got coupons for free tiger stripe ice cream. Delicious. In addition, they had cookies. Even though I did not get to answer any trivia, it was still a win-win situation. Good sweets and good fun!

I think I may have fallen in love with Columbia today. Today I walked to the Earth Day festivities at Peace Park on the outskirts of campus. There was a complete celebration as vendors took over Elm street selling tie-dye, handmade jewelry, pottery and other treasures. If I had any money, I would be completely adorned in beads. However, I did pick up some information on sustainable energy, recycling and volunteering from groups such as Sustain Mizzou and Office of Volunteer Services”. I was highly impressed with the belly dancing lessons and performance.

It seemed as if the entire town came out to celebrate Earth Day. The smell of funnel cake filled the air as families and people of all ages hung out and listened to music in the park. The environment was so friendly; I could have sat down for hours just enjoying the atmosphere. There was also a fashion show from recycled clothes on the stage. I love local festivities, and this was the first time that I have been able to witness this in Columbia. The beautiful weather only added to the fun of the event. Just what I needed before my frantic studying for finals.

My roommate and I have been on the housing hunt for several months now. It is more difficult than I originally thought. There are various decisions that need to be made. One was the location that we wanted. Kristin and I decided that being near campus would be beneficial. Therefore, we looked for places within walking distance to campus. However, these plays are generally more expensive and contain less (from furniture to amenities).

The location was important because we wanted to still feel a part of the campus. There are many options that include all furniture, cable/internet, washer/dryer, dishwasher and are new, but many of these places are not close to campus at all. Driving is fine (because we will probably have to anyway), but I like the option of riding a bike or walking to campus on a nice day. East campus has a lot of houses converted into apartments, and so far we have been driving around looking, writing down numbers and viewing various locations. Some property management companies charge an application fee to be turned in before a showing of the particular location. This is unfortunate, but many of those houses are owned through property management such as REMI, Callaghan and Galloway or 443 Stop and it is a necessary step if you want to go through a company.

Disappointment is part of the process. We fell in love with two different properties that fell through for one reason or another. I advise to like a place, but not to put so much energy and thought into living there until you sign the lease. We are still searching and may end up living on campus again next year. To avoid the hassle of searching, living on campus is easier. Food is provided and everything is within walking distance. This is especially valuable for first year students considering how many people you meet throughout the year. I know I have been very fortunate to live in the dorms this year.

My car died twice this week. Thus I had to rely on friends for rides. However, I did wonder what Columbia, offers in the way of public transportation. Students ride for $.25 each trip. Also, transit offers a 30-day unlimited FASTPass for $20. Or, there is a 7-day student FASTPass for $2.50. There are various pick up spots throughout campus. Also, there are blue signs at intersections. The buses will stop, however, at street corners or the end of blocks by getting the driver’s attention.
Hours:
6:25 a.m. through 6:25 p.m. Monday through Wednesday;
6:25 a.m. through 10:25 p.m. Thursday and Friday; and
9:45 a.m. through 10:25 p.m. Saturday.

If you have to get to the KC or St. Louis airport and do not have a ride, do not fret. It is not difficult to find a way to get to where you need to be. Carpools are great by friends living in Kansas City or St. Louis. If that is not an option, do not worry, MoEx offers 12 round trips to St. Louis and five to Kansas City. A round trip costs about $80. A little pricey, but it is reliable.

For Kristin’s birthday, a few friend and I blew up 144 balloons. For those who have never blown up 144 balloons, it is quite a feat and I felt very lightheaded afterward. Then while Kristin and I were out, our friends put them all our room to completely take over our little space in Mark Twain. It was a fun surprise for her to walk into a room completely packed with balloons.

For dinner, we went out to eat at Sophia’s off of Providence past Stadium wearing funky dresses. The food was excellent. Very upscale, but not too pricey. There are entrees that are around $20, but the pasta dishes are more affordable (around $12). The paintings representing various scenes of Columbia create a nice ambiance. Also, Kristin got a free dessert. The chocolate mouse cake so good that I would go back just for the dessert. I highly recommend trying it.

The whole birthday was very much fun. Celebrating a birthday away from home can take getting used to, so it’s great to have friends to eat and party with. And if you had ever thought about having an ice cream cake in the dorm, it can be done. We got the key to the community kitchen to keep a DQ cake cold. Then we kept the key until the cake was gone (which took no time at all).

Below: Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Chicken with portobello mushrooms, red onions, romas, artichokes, and kalamata olives. Tossed with penne pasta in a pesto asiago sauce

The weather is actually nice. Dress and skirt weather. Weather where you can laugh and not feel your lungs freeze together. All in all, good weather.

Have fun in the weather. Go out and do something spectacular. My friends played outside and threw Frisbees around. Other fun activities include walking downtown and window-shopping. Ride a bike. There are many 45 miles of hiking trails around Columbia including the MKT trail, an urban walkway, which connects to the Katy State Park. The Katy Trails were converted from a railway and I read that it is a 227 mile east-west path that goes across most of the state. I’ve heard great things about it. And the Santa Fe Trail starts in Boonville, about 10 miles away.

Also, there are 3000 acres of state parklands 10 miles within the city. I have yet to locate the other parks, but within walking distance is Peace Park. Many community groups use the park. I was walking downtown (after I had just read Don Quixote), and I found a Medieval Reenactment group practicing at Peace Park. I felt a little like Don Quixote and a bit crazy. They let us know that if we were interested in learning more, we were always welcome.

Like to rock climb or spelunk? There are options at Rock Bridge to explore Connor’s Cave. At Mizzou, there is an Outdoor Adventure Club. Also, there is the Venture Out program that has several trips that are intended to introduce people to rock climbing. There is even an Alpline Tower (big climbing course) for another fun challenge.

There is no reason not to go outside. I even saw a rollerblader today. It reminded me of those lazy fourth grade days. There is no reason not to go outside when it is so nice outside. I can’t wait to explore some of those trails.

For $11 I went to see Of Montreal at the Blue Note. I liked their song “Requiem for OMM” made famous on the OC (series finale is tonight), but they have changed quite a bit since then. Elekibass from Tokyo, Japan opened for them. They were so full of energy it felt awkward not smiling and dancing along. They went through the audience to get to the stage wearing masks and playing their instruments. Got me very much in the mood for Of Montreal.

When Of Montreal came on, they were dressed in equally obscure costumes. (The guitarist was in angel wings and the lead singer wore hot pants.) The concert drew all types: I tried to ignore the guys in front of me with glitter under their eyes and big flower arrangements in their hair.

Of Montreal had a lot of energy and theatrics on the stage, but I felt that it took away from their performance. From their beginnings as an indie band, they have moved toward an alternative dance band, which is fun to dance to but hurt my ears after awhile. I’m glad that I could go and dance along, but given the opportunity, I would have stayed home and listened to the CD.

(above: Pic of The Shins)

What a full weekend! Concerts galore. I think that I spend almost all of my savings on concerts. Saturday night Ben Kweller came to Mojos, which is a smaller venue about ten minutes from campus. Amsterband from the Ozarks opened for them, and Ben Kweller (BK) put on a great show. Lots of sha-shas– check it out if you are not familiar with him. I highly recommend the upbeat, happy vocals and guitar skills. I got a pic with him. Too cool.

Last night I attended The Shins concert at the St. Louis The Pageant. Made famous by the Indie movie Garden State, The Shins did not disappoint. The drive is about two hours to the Pageant, and while waiting around, there are a lot of nice shops in the Loop (surrounding area). So worth it. Natalie Portman said in Garden State that “This band will change your life.” They had so much energy playing songs from their new album as well as the greats such as “Caring is Creepy” and “Kissing the Lipless.”

Interested in being a “cool cat”and seeing some sweet concerts? (the fact that I used the term ‘cool cat’ might take away from my cool factor, but still There is a box office in Brady Commons where they sell Ticketmaster. This is easier than online because you get your ticket right there, and gift certificates from the Blue Note can be purchased. Also, Mojos or Blue Note tickets can be purchased at the Blue Note. There is no reason not to go to several concerts since Columbia is a great venue. If it’s not here, it’s in St. Louis or Lawrence. The tickets range from about $15-25. Highly worth it for some great pictures, music and memories.