BRIE DANIELS
MU graduate Alex Blanton always knew he wanted to pursue a career in music, but this might just be his highest note yet. Blanton is now the principal conductor and artistic director of the city's newest orchestra, Columbia Philharmonia. Check out our extended Q&A with him here.
Harriet White
The countdown to the 2012 apocalypse starts now. So why not read about life after it? Our personal favorite is World War Z.
Kurt Woock
This week’s feature and cover story is different. A five-page photo essay shows life in a Columbia smoke shop.
One striking aspect of these photos is their beauty, which stands in contrast to the grisly pictures seen on anti-smoking billboards, commercials and ads. Are they too beautiful? Even deceptive? Tell us what you think.
CHANTEL O’NEAL
Can't find time to go to the mall, but hesitant to shop for clothes online? Check out this website that allows you to try on online-ordered apparel before actually paying for it.
CHRISTA PENNING
Forget summer camp's decoupage: Arts and crafts with paper takes on a whole new dimension in this imaginative new exhibit.