stltoday.com vs. chicagotribune.com

The two websites I picked to evaluate were the St. Louis Post-Dispatch’s website at www.stltoday.com and The Chicago Tribune’s website www.chicagotribune.com. I do already have a slight bias due to the fact that I am from St. Louis and primarily use the www.stltoday.com website to get much of my news.
The main similarity that I noticed right when I opened the page is the large picture of the headline. In both cases, the headline is about a big story about each of the cities. Other similarities include a search bar near the top of the page along with tabs for separate portions of the website. This is where I believe the St. Louis website is better due to the fact that it not only post links to the different sections of the paper but also post links to suburban area newspapers so readers can get more information about their selective county. Like the St. Louis website the Chicago website offers a side column and one good graphic that was put in place is Doppler radar with a tab right under it with access to the complete weather forecast. Unlike the St. Louis website, the Chicago Tribune offers a video option but the placement of the video was not good due to the fact that it was at the bottom of the page and many people may miss it if just simply scanning over the website.
Overall, I think that the St. Louis website was just put together better and also has a much cleaner layout and color scheme than the Chicago website. Though the Chicago website does have many features that would defiantly enhance to quality of the other website, St. Louis’s is still much better right now.

Missouri's news sites

MUTV.Missouri.edu
The layout on the opening page of mutv.missouri.edu is really random. The links to News articles and sports articles in the middle of the page is a poor idea and distracts from the news story that is text wrapped around the list of stories.
The advertisements at the top and left for the ilife project videos are very professional looking. They look like most websites. One flaw with these advertisements is that they distract from the story on the opening page.
The story on the opening page is enthralling. It is excellently written, insightful and informative. This swimming story is also the most recent story on the site so it is a strong choice to be on the front page of this website.
The links at the top of the page are very well organized. It shows each show on the station. Clicking on the 23 sports link. The graphic at the top of the sports page is scrunched and old news since the Oklahoma game was weeks ago.
I like the pop up video about the football game. Since the football game is the most important, it is a good idea to have it showing to visitors automatically. I like how the video clips are organized by each sport. The page is well organized.
The other areas do not have as many videos as sports which is kind of suspicious. All of the other links such as the Prowl and Triple Play are well organized. The most recent episode is shown automatically and links to the past episodes for each of these shows are available and easy to navigate. 23 news is similar to these shows but with more stories .
Overall This website is easy to navigate. With the exception of the main page, it is very well designed. This is a very good webpage.
Mutigers.com
The complete information source to everything in Missouri sports is Mutigers.com. This webpage is very easy to navigate. It has the top stories on the main page. It also has links to each sport. These links are on the left hand side and are extremely easy to find.
At the top it has links for visiting Mizzou, schedules for all teams., a link to the team store, a link to buy tickets. All these links are very important and are great at the top of the page. All of the advertisements on the page are for Missouri sporting events so they do not take the focus off the stories.
Information on each sport is relevent and easy to locate. In each sport they have a schedule a roster that can be viewed numerically or alphabetically, stories about each team, statistics. While the statistics section could be organized better, Mutigers is an excellent source for Missouri sports news.
In the roster section it has pictures of players a biographies of each player. These biographies include their high school career and their career thus far at Mizzou.
The photos of each player are extremely useful for the media who cover media day. It enables them to recognize players without helmets or jersey numbers.
On top of the home page they also have ads for an upcoming concert and a mortgage broker. These ads are a great way for the website to make money.
The site is very well organized. The information is easy to find. There is a an exorbinate amount of information on the site. It is the perfect destination for anyone researching Mizzou sports.

The Vu

As you walk tentatively up a staircase in the back of what seems to be a bar/dance club, a huge football player sized man stops you and asks you for your ticket. You drop you’re ticket into the specialized cup and are led to your table. A waitress comes by and takes your order and quickly returns with your desired pleasantries. As you wait for the food, you notice multiple TVs playing the highlights of the latest sports games being played. Does anyone here a good time?

Déjà Vu Comedy Club is probably one of my favorite places in Columbia, MO. It is about a ten minute walk from the University of Missouri campus and has had famous comedians from all over the U.S. come and give there stand up act to over one hundred people at a time. As you enjoy laughing hysterically at the comedian’s subtle jokes, which they surprisingly are able to keep a fairly straight face during, waitresses walk to and from the bar with drinks and food. So while you are stuffing your face with steaming hot pizza that burn the inside of your lip, you can’t help but laugh at the meaningless absurd jokes the comedian throws at you.

There are usually shows every Thursday through Saturday night and last till about 11 pm. After the fun and games with the comedian you can then head down to the hopping dance club on the lower floor. The music played varies from present to past great dance hits. You can dance your night away with the local DJs playing at The Vu that night.

Getting your groove on, getting your laugh on, and getting your food on, what more could you need to have a great party night?

India's House

Getting tired of cafeteria food? Are you sick of having hamburgers everyday? Well, so am I. You need variety with your food, something different every now and then to keep life interesting. There is a place where you can get that necessary zest. That place is India’s House.

India’s House serves, and the title suggests, Indian food. But it’s not just regular old Indian food; it’s good Indian food. From juicy, tender spiced chicken to delicious succulent lamb, this place has everything you could ask from a restaurant. The rice is cooked expertly, it’s flavor so fine that it needs no condiments. There are various selections of Nan, a delectable flatbread, to choose from. But that’s not all. Are you a vegetarian? No problem at all. With fourteen vegetarian dishes to choose from, your bound to find the dish you want. Truly, there is something for everyone.

Not only is the food excellent, it’s also affordable. Dishes usually cost from seven to thirteen dollars, well within the price range of the hungry student.

Don’t worry about dressing up. This establishment has a very relaxed, casual atmosphere with an enjoyable and helpful staff. They’re happy to have you and you’ll be happy to be there. It is situated at 1101 East Broadway, making it very close. So whenever you’re looking for something different for lunch or dinner, go give India’s House a try. They won’t disappoint you.

Noodles and Company: Oodles of Noodles

Thinking cheap? Thinking delicious? Thinking amazing and semi-healthy and diverse? If you are thinking these things, you have to check out Noodles and Company.
The culinary delights that emerge from the cooking areas of this restaurant can be appreciated by most; even those with experienced palates. Noodles and Company is a cheap place to eat well. Located next to Heidelberg and Shakespeare's Pizza, this restaurant is a prime location for lunch or dinner.
There are Mediterranean, Asian and American dishes. There are dishes for vegetarians, and tofu can be added or substituted on any dish. A popular dish is the Pesto Cavatappi: sauteed with basil pesto, garlic, mushrooms, tomatoes, a splash of cream, topped with Parmesan and Italian parsley. The beverage selection ranges from soft drinks and juices to organic milk.
The laid back environment of this place makes it easy to relax. Music is always playing and the smiles are always the majority. Some may say that all that is offered there is noodles and it is not diverse at all. I would simply reply, you can get: egg noodles, rice noodles, penne noodles, elbow noodles -- oodles of noodles.

Eat Good

Chipotle has long been a staple of my Tex-Mex diet and when I noticed it here I leaped for joy! With its origins close to the University of Denver Chipotle was made for the college student. When you walk in the savory aroma of grilled chicken, steak, beef, the fresh pico de gallo, and guacamole all mix to create a distinctly Mexican grill atmosphere. The customary greeting from any one of the great in-house employees always contains the antagonizing question of burrito or taco. Any Chipotle fan will tell you the next question concerning your beans is anything but easy. They come in black and pinto but the kicker is the extra grilled onions and peppers they don’t tell you about. They cost a little extra but a careful examination of the taste will prove they are well worth the cash lost. Following that dilemma you are faced with the cold hard facts of chicken, beef, steak, or a mix (a personal favorite of all three I like to call the suicide). Next comes the salsa. For beginners I would recommend the mild but if you’re feeling risky the only way to go is hot. The last part of your masterpiece involves the toppings: sour cream, cheese, lettuce, and guacamole (extra). Chips and salsa or guacamole is always a plus just be careful and make sure you can finish because the portions aren’t for the faint of heart. And please don’t forget to place a dollar in the tip jar; you probably just made some dorky-faced kid’s weekend. Located just off 9th street downtown Columbia, Mo it’s a great location if you’re just getting out of one of those long lectures over by Middlebush. And if you’re worried about the food integrity don’t get your britches in a bundle Chipotle prides itself on acquiring its food from naturally raised family farms where humane treatment is customary. Steve Ells’s vision of a casual dining stop making great burritos is now a landmark to the student population of Columbia, MO. If you don’t believe me, come and try some for yourself . . .

A Taste Of Thai

A few weeks ago, a few of us Cramer kids who were tiring of the same old cafeteria food decided to go on a search for something better, something tastier...something Thai. We found that inside of a cozy restaurant called Bangkok Gardens, located on 26 N 9th Street in downtown Columbia. As we found out very quickly though, you should probably make a reservation on any given night, as we waited for 45 minutes before recieving our table. Turns out Bangkok Gardens is a very popular place to eat for Columbians. As you walk in the door you will immediately be swarmed by the great smell of Thai food cooking in the kitchen, and the warm atmosphere that greets you will put a smile on your face. From Crab baked inside of a breaded roll to shrimp pasta with spices that create a great flavor, the food at Bangkok Gardens with hit the spot. Although the prices may be a little steep for that of a college student, eating there once or twice a month is definitely worth it. A live guitar player sat nearby the entrance, strumming along a tune that makes for great background music as you settle in and enjoy your meal. They dare you to try their hot sauce that will leave you with tears in your eyes and begging for more water. If you are in the mood for good Thai food, Bangkok Gardens is the place to go.

It's Deja Vu All Over Again

For people looking for a good time and great comedy look no further than Deja Vu comedy club. As Columbia's entertainment headquarters, The Vu provides nationally acclaimed live stand-up comedy. Centrally located in downtown Columbia at 405 Cherry Street Columbia, MO 65201, the Vu is the perfect place for any occasion.

Before coming to Mizzou, I had only heard of the Vu as a small, local comedy club and I figured that it would feature small, local comedians no where near the talent of comedians you see on comedy central. I was badly mistaken. Not only are the comedians hilarious, the Vu bring in big name comedians. Deja Vu has hosted such performers as Tim Allen, Tommy Davidson, Dennis Leary, Bobcat Goldthwait, George Lopez, and Drew Carry to name a few. I was privileged enough to see two brilliant comedians on my first trip to the Vu. The man who did the opening act could have very well been the headliner, and the headliner, Darren Carter, had me and my friends literally rolling laughing. That entire next day, that was all we would talk about. Since my first time going I have been back twice and loved it more each time.

Along with being a top notch comedy club, the Vu is also has a great bar and dance club on the first floor. Every night after the comedy, the DJ is jammin' and the bartenders are pourin' (only for those people 21 and up) making for a great atmosphere. The good thing about the Vu also being a dance club is that after the comedy instead of going somewhere else, the good times can just keep rolling right in the same building. Also, since Deja Vu is not a huge place, dancing is not as intimidating as the other big dance clubs. All together it makes for a great experience.

Since Deja Vu is a very popular place in Columbia, reservations are required for most shows, although no payment is required to put tickets on reserve. To make a reservation simply call 573.443.3216 and give the receptionist a name to put the tickets under and how many tickets you will need that night. If at any time you think that you will not be able to make it to the show, simply call back anytime before the show and cancel for no charge. Hours for Deja Vu are every Thursday through Saturday 6:00 pm to 1:30 am. There are generally two comedy shows a night at 6:00 pm and 9:00 pm.

Deja Vu also offers special discounts for large for large groups and VIP rooms for office or bachelor(ette) parties. So next time your looking for a good laugh and a great time give Deja Vu a call.

Ragtag

Movie going gets a lot more personal at Ragtag Cinema. Located in downtown Columbia on 10th Street, Ragtag provides a small intimate setting for the lesser known movies. Although you can't find Resident Evil or Good Luck Chuck playing, Ragtag introduces you to the more charismatic characters of cinema. My first experience there was watching Rocket Science, a movie about a stuttering teenager who tackles public speaking and much more, not only was the movie good, but the atmosphere was beyond anything that can be experienced in a uniform movie theater. The theater room is one room filled with old chairs and couches with one large screen to the front. Watching a movie there with friends feels like watching it at home on a big screen TV.

Ragtag also holds more than movies; it also hosts public discussions, live performances, and gallery events. This month besides movies, they are holding a meeting for wannabe filmmakers and a performance by the band Academy of Rock. The best thing about Ragtag is the schedule. They make each schedule a month in advance and it does not change. So it makes it easier to plan ahead, even though for them it limits their flexibility. Ragtag is relatively young, but still thrives because they work hard to show movies of substance rather than big blockbusters.

So grab some good friends, choose any movie (they are all good) and enjoy!

Lakota offers unique experience, tasty menu

For those coffee addicts out there, finding a good café is imperative to feeling at home in a new place. Lakota Coffee Co., located on Ninth Street just north of campus, is just the place, serving up tons of different roasts, flavors and blends. Not only is the coffee tasty, their selection of tea will make any latte drinker think twice about their choice in beverages. One specialty is the chai shake, which is the perfect blend of sweetness and spice, but other great menu items include a mocha made from Dutch Ghirardelli chocolate and an espresso shake.
Founded in 1992, Lakota boasts 1920 era brick walls and plank floors with local artists’ works displayed. Looking for a new place to study? The café offers a high speed internet connection and comfortable seating for those long study sessions. Throughout Lakota the smell of freshly roasted coffee beans permeates the air. Lakota is an authentic “small batch” roastery and provides an alternative to big coffee chains, and gives patrons pride in helping their local community and economy.
So whether you’re looking for a great place to grab a cup of java on the go or to sit and study, Lakota may be the perfect destination.

Swank Boutique

At Swank Boutique, located at 921 East Broadway in Columbia, Missouri, not only will you find big designer brands, but you will be treated with personal care. The small boutique is filled with contemporary women’s clothing of all styles as well as jewelry, handbags, shoes, wallets, lingerie, and hats. Swank sells a variety of looks that have their own unique twist. The store is known for featuring styles before they become mainstream.
With brand names like Juicy Couture, Free People, French Connection, Kenzie, Seven for all Mankind, True Religion, and Chip and Pepper, you will surely find the chicest outfit in town, but it might put a giant hole in your wallet. Seven for all Mankind jeans run for about $150.00 dollars a pair, while a Juicy Couture velour jumpsuit will cost you about $250.00 depending on style and color.
The store receives limited quantities of certain items. This is beneficial for any fashionista because she will never be caught in the same outfit as a bunch of her friends. Designer companies reserve specific color choices and styles for specialty stores like Swank. This is also an advantage to shopping at the Columbia boutique because these select pieces will not be available at department stores or online.
Swank excels in customer service. The employees work their hardest to establish personal relationships with all of their clients. They do this by learning their names, remembering recent purchases, memorizing sizing for jeans and tops, and making each person’s shopping experience completely luxurious. Swank even accepts call-ins. If a customers calls in and gives a description of the occasion she needs to attend or a specific look she is going for, Swank will personally pick out entire outfits including accessories and shoes in her size and have them waiting for the customer when she arrives.
Swank employees say that the store has “classic trends with attitude” and they are certainly right!

The Blue Note

The Blue Note has been a popular concert venue in Columbia, Missouri since it opened in 1980. Known for hosting some of the best entertainment in Missouri, The Blue Note was constructed out of a renovated historic theater. To the left of the front entrance, you will find a merchandise counter that sells clothing and copies of the albums of that night’s featured artists. You then enter the theater, which has a bar and seating are in the back of the room for those patrons who wish to view the music while sitting and having a drink.
The general admission area in front of the stage has standing room only for concertgoers. However, this relatively small stage gives performers an opportunity to get up close and personal with the audience. The venue also has balcony seating directly above the downstairs bar, where a second bar can be found out of sight of the immediate concert area.
Though the theater looks small, it has a surprising capacity of 835 people. You can typically find a performance 5-6 nights per week. Ticket prices vary, depending on the artist. The Blue Note hosts a variety of different artists from genres such as country, comedy, pop, hip-hop, metal, blues and rock. It also boasts fundraisers and free showings of Mizzou athletic events.
My first experience at The Blue Note was a very positive one, and not just because I loved the band that was performing. The staff was friendly and the environment was inviting, and the historic feel of the theater overruled its slightly run-down appearance. The calendar of events is so diverse, there will surely be something for everyone.
Upcoming shows include a free showing of the Missouri vs. Oklahoma game (10/13), The Rocky Horror Picture Show (10/17), Saosin (10/23) and Lifehouse (10/25). Tickets can be purchased at www.thebluenote.com.

Vegetarian Delight

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.

DOWNTOWN SHOPPING...THE ONLY WAY TO GO IN CoMo..

The first weekend that I arrived here for school my mother and I wanted to go shopping before she left, so we just decided to just go to the mall. When we arrived at the mall we were very disappinted in the selection of stores that they had. The only stores that we went in were Dillards and Target. While we were in Target there was a young lady that was a sophomore at Mizzou who I knew from high school. My mother and I asked her where are you supposed to find clothes around here?? She told us about Macys and Old Navy across the street from the mall but then said but most people just go downtown, those clothes are way better than the mall. So we went to Broadway and the first store that we went in I fell in love with. The first store was "Britches". They had a varitey of different styles but all were very fashionable. Britches is a store that you can go to if you are looking for an outfit to go out to a club or party or if u just want some jeans and a shirt for school or just the weekend. The prices are also reasonable. Just to give you a feel for the prices, I bought a dress and a pair of heels and I spent only $65 (before tax), the dress was $40 and the shoes were a very cheap $25. I have been to Briteches every weekend since that I have been in Columbia. There is also another store that I think is very trendy downtown and it is called "Envy". The prices there are a litte more expensive, but even so the clothes are still better than anything that you will find at the mall. Their clothes were a little more dressy so you would probably just go there for something like homecoming or if going out on a date.

Dont get me wrong the Columbia mall is good if you just want to grab some jeans or a shirt from stores like Hollister or American Eagle, but I like to switch my style up a lot. I dont like just wearing one namebrand or the same type of clothes everyday so downtown shopping is definitely the way to go for me...

Rollins: Dining Hall the reason that the lines at Plaza are so long

When it comes to dining hall cuisine, the food at the University of Missouri is often delicious. Plaza 900 always has something tasty, and good meals can be found at Dobbs and Eva J’s. Mark Twain has great food as well. One dining hall is not meeting the standards and that is Rollins.
Rollins dining hall located between Hudson and Gillette halls on the corner of Rollins and Hitt street is a dining hall that is familiar to everyone. All students ate their at summer welcome. Rollins is known for its pizza, in fact Rollins and Mark Twain are the only ones with daily pizza service. Since pizza is one of the most popular dishes in America. It is important for Mizzou to offer pizza.
The only flaw is that the pizza at Rollins is inconsistent. Sometimes a fresh slice of pepperoni, sausage, or cheese that has just been removed from the oven can taste great. At other time a slice of beef pizza can taste terrible. Recent slices have brought up the question, Is this real beef, or tennis ball fragments?
The burgers at Rollins are just as good as everywhere else. The fact that they offer pepper jack cheese and the ability to order patty melts makes Rollins a great place to order a burger.
Another positive side of Rollins is their breakfast. It has biscuits and gravy, which are popular, pancakes, and a waffle maker. Rollins also offers an extensive collection of cereals like everywhere else. Rollins also has an occasional breakfast burrito bar.
Rollins is the place to go for breakfast, but once 11a.m. hits Rollins becomes obsolete. The wait at Plaza is worth the sandwich bar, specialty grill items and center stage item of the day. Dessert is better at Plaza too, Plaza offers the same cookies and ice cream Rollins does, but also has either a piece of cake to accompany these cookies. Plaza also has a more extensive salad bar than Rollins.
When comparing dining halls on campus, Rollins is just inferior, Unless it is breakfast time or students are desperate for a slice of pizza, they should look for another location to eat.

A Perfect Slice of Heaven

“I have a pizza for whoever is hungry…. no wait the name is hungry, a pizza for hungry.”

After a quick adjustment of the cloth, the two women running the oven pull the pizza from the heated stone. Turing, one of them picks up a pizza cuter off the counter beneath the glass and has dinner ready as the customer approaches.

The pizza restaurant that many college students would call their own features simplistic pizza options along side a numerous selection of toppings ranging from breakfast bacon crumbles to the number one why-don’t you-have-it topping — fresh garlic. As you walk into the Shakespeare’s Pizza, which isn’t a fair walk at all just opposite from campus at Ninth and Elm streets, you will notice not only the smell of pizza obviously, but the blend of a family and college atmosphere. The large tables scattered around the room encourage visitors to bring the extended family and the pink towels and plastic cups, well that is a reason not to waste napkins and get a free cup out of it (and we all love the word free). But besides those unique characteristics, this pizza store shares the same transitions and moments of college life. It is fair to say that many college students would starve without this trusted eatery, in fact in a recent survey conducted by Entertainment Weekly; MU students named Shakespeare’s the best “Muchie” spot.

What was once a small restaurant on the boarder of MU’s campus, this college hang-out has seen multiple additions, grown to two locations, and have added carryout to met the demands of their customers. Today, Shakespeare’s Pizza is a $2 to $3 million a year operation and with loyal customers around the community and visiting alumni around the country, this place has rooted itself for the future. Their best ingredient they bring to the customers is their ability to keep things simple and the prices affordable.

This is a unique college destination for college students and for those looking for a restaurant immersed in college memories and showcases Columbia’s hospitality to the finest. It’s is a place for students to stuff their faces with pizza and for a brief moment escape the busy life of college and enjoy life to the fullest!

Do You Know Faurot?

As home to one of the landmark symbols of our university, you would be hard-pressed to find someone who honestly doesn’t know what Faurot field is. Whether you could find anyone who knows the history behind the field is another matter.

Our typical horseshoe-shaped stadium has undergone many changes since it was erected in 1926 as Memorial Stadium. Original plans for the stadium were that it would initially hold 25,000, with expansion plans to follow. Since then the stadium has seen quite a few more bodies than that, including this past weekend when attendance was counted at 70,049, though the stadium can officially only hold 68,349 people.

Other renovations include new score boards, a medical facility for the athletes complete with an X-ray machine, a room set aside specifically for interviews that can fit up to 65 reporters at a time, and a fifteen-story press box with executive seats and a restaurant.

The biggest controversy involving the stadium deals with the material on which the game was played. Now maybe this isn’t news to any true followers of Missouri football, but I was certainly a little surprised to see that our home field was a part of an event that some would call “one of the top memorable moments and blunders in college football history”. Seventeen years ago from this past Saturday, the Tigers faced off against their Big Eight Rivals, the Colorado Buffaloes. With a score of 27-33 favoring Missouri, the Buffs were given possession of the ball with three minutes remaining. In between the first and the third down one of the players slipped due to “ the lousy turf” that was then OmniTurf. (The playing field was later changed to natural grass and was changed again in 2003 to what it is now, FieldTurf.) Because of this slip-up, Colorado called their final time-out for the game after the third down. For unknown reasons during that time-out, the number of downs was never changed and Colorado went on to complete two more plays in which they were able to score a touchdown. During this “Fifth Play Game” the judges discussed the situation for twenty minutes before deciding to give Colorado the win.

Now the next time you root on the Tigers at their home field you can gaze longingly at the press box knowing that somewhere in there you don’t have to pay three dollars for water and you can rush the field goal with the assurance that there’s a medical facility less than 100 yards away.

Hello, my name is Jim, and I am a pastaholic…

It takes a lot of courage to admit that you have a problem. Whether it is chocolate, The Office, or talking on your cell phone, everyone has something in this world they cannot live without. As for me, I’m all about the pasta, baby. And there is one place, and one place only that I get my fix: Bambino’s Italian Café
Located at the intersection of Hitt and Locust, this mecca of Italian cuisine is the only place in Columbia that I have found you can get a good plate of pasta. (The only exception would be Macaroni Grille, but everyone knows that place is for sellouts. However, I do like drawing on the tables.) I had the opportunity to dine at this fine establishment this weekend and, yet again, they didn’t disappoint me.
If you are ever fortunate enough to make you way to Bambino’s, I highly recommend the “Starvin’ Marvin” technique of not eating for several days prior to your visit, as to be able to fully enjoy all that Bambino’s has to offer. After getting yourself situated inside the bar area, or in the outside patio covered by the yellow striped “can’t miss it” tent, I would recommend ordering the very tasty, yet also scalding hot toasted ravioli. If you have never experienced the “T-Rav’s” at Bambino’s or elsewhere around the state of Missouri, I feel as though you are missing out on a significant milestone in your life, right up there with getting you driver’s license or your first imaginary friend. However, if you somehow had a scarring childhood event featuring Chef-Boyardee, the garlic bread is also really good.
Now, when someone tells you about a new restaurant, and they say, “Everything is good,” I find that extremely annoying because it is all too vague, and rarely true. (And sometimes “everything” sucks as well) However, there is no misfire at Bambino’s with their wide variety of House Pastas, Salads, Pizzas and Sandwiches. All of these choices are good, except that I’m an individual and I like my pasta a very certain way. So, I go with the Create Your Own Pasta feature that allows you to….well, I think you can fill in the rest. This option is good for two types of people:

1) People who are picky eaters and
2) People who don’t let THE MAN bring them down.

I personally get the Linguini with the Sugo di Carne Sauce, but the meatballs are
also something to write home about.
After you have consumed your main course of your choice and loosened you belt
a little, you may be feeling pains in your stomach or coronary artery. It is imperative that you ignore these warning signs and go for the jugular (literally). Since Bambino’s is all about the pasta, the dessert menu is light in text, but heavy in all other areas. You can either get Chocolate, Caramel, or Strawberry Cheesecake, or Spumoni ice cream for dessert. I personally recommend the Chocolate, but it’s totally up to you.
Bambino’s has a very warm atmosphere that makes you feel extremely comfortable, with a very polite and expedient waiting staff and it is a great place to watch a game. It isn’t too expensive, and pretty easy to get a table since it is a little off Broadway. I also loved this place because YOU GET A FREE CUP! Who doesn’t like free stuff? Anyways, Bambino’s is a place I would recommend to friends, family and pasta-holics alike.

Oh Elton!

Shiny metallic shirts and giant glasses were abundant in the crowd of Elton John fans. I found myself lost in a herd of middle-aged couples. It wasn’t until I found my nosebleed seats that I found a refreshing group of college aged individuals. The concert kicked off at 8:05pm with the legend taking the stage in his classic attire of an embroidered jacket and glasses. Taking his rightful place at the grand piano, Elton began the night with a newer song, but it wasn’t until “Butterfly” and “Tiny Dancer” that the crowd got really engaged. There wasn’t much sitting going on, even the ‘ol folk got up to jam to Elton’s tunes. Elton played the classics like “Rocket man” and “Saturday’s alright for Fighting. ” Lighters and cell phones illuminated the darkened audience during “Candle in the Wind.” It seemed just about everyone was singing along and the arena came alive with its bursts of bright rainbow colors flashing over the stage and the audience. Not wanting to be stuck in the highest section of the stadium, I ventured down toward Elton only to get kicked out of multiple sections for “standing there” too long. The echoing of the band seemed to lessen once I walked down a few sections toward the stage. (I recommend getting better seats) Having played for three beautiful hours, Elton John took a bow and escaped off stage to a roaring thunder of applause only to come back to play an encore. The front row was lucky enough to score a few autographs before his final song, and Elton John finished the night with “Your Song.” At approximately 11:45pm, Elton took his final bow, and I said my last goodbyes to the man of the evening. Although the seats where in the next galaxy, the music couldn’t have resonated off the walls even louder, I left not only songs in my head, but a memory that will last forever and forever.

Anchorman

“Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy,” staring Will Ferrell, is one of his most notable comic cohorts to date. Ferrell stars as Ron Burgundy, a pompous, over-the-top, 70’s news anchor from San Diego. His sloppiness, crudeness, and upright ability to pursue the most outrageous tangent makes the audience start to believe that he is, in his own words, “kind of a big deal”.
In his quest for glory as the most prominent new anchor in all of San Diego, Burgundy sets out to belittle his arch nemesis and soon to be fiery love interest, Veronica Corningstone. Burgundy and his crew; Brian, the cocky reporter; Champ, the Sportscaster; and Brick, the slightly “off” weatherman, believe that there is no place for women in the realm of news reporting, so they continuously heckle Ms. Corningstone while at the same time trying their best to pick her up.
Corningstone and Burgundy compete for the position of top dog through a series of pranks, teasing, and spiteful jabs. As Veronica quickly steps up the success ladder, Burgundy can not seem to handle being second rate to a woman.
But later, Burgundy battles his inner strife with his rival and later sweeps Veronica off of her feet with his impressive jazz flute skills.
From this point on the plot begins to go a bit haywire. With guest appearances by Vince Vaughn, Jack Black, Luke Wilson, Ben Stiller, and Tim Robbins, the lack of an actual story can be easily ignored by the hilarious comic relief. Burgundy’s gang street fights with other rival news stations. The battles get a bit intense when heavy weaponry is brought into game. Burgundy also suffered the loss of his beloved dog Baxter, when the little dog was kicked off of a bridge by a nearby motorcyclist.
Humor is in the eye of the beholder, and Ferrel’s outlandish comedic personality is not entertaining to everybody. But, if you are a fan of the whimsical comic genius of Will Ferrell in his movies “Old School”, “Elf”, or “SNL”, “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy” will bring you a gust-busting, side-spitting, gelastic goood time.