David Wax Museum plays sweet beats

Krystin Arneson The typical setup for a band is simple: two guitars, a bass, drums and one or more people who can sing. Although many bands have electric guitars, Columbia native David Wax has a jarana, a type of guitar native to Veracruz, Mexico. While some bands have a drum set, Suz Slezak plays a quijada, a percussion instrument made from a donkey jawbone. And instead of a backup orchestra, a rotating supplementary group of musicians plays an upright bass and the requinto, a high-pitched guitar, among other unusual instruments.

Make your own TV show with Columbia Access Television

Krystin Arneson Thanks to the Kardashian sisters and other reality TV stars, it seems like anyone can get on the tube these days. But it’s not just Hollywood: Local citizens are also producing their own shows for Columbia Access Television, the city’s public access station. Some use it as a creative outlet, some as a way to fulfill a lifelong goal and others as a good reason to quit their day jobs. Vox offers some tips on how to get things rolling from Columbia Access Television execs and public access veterans — just in case inspiration strikes.

What to do when roommates cause problems

Hilary Lau Roommates can be peaceful, easygoing and laid-back ­— or they can be complete nightmares. Experiences range from mildly weird to severely disturbing and everything in between. Whether it’s messiness, personality conflicts or personal space issues, a lot can go wrong with a roommate.

Past letters from Mark Twain and other Missourians

Katie Currid Behind dusty bookshelves, underneath yellowed posters and between tattered pages lie American lives. People have poured out their hearts, souls and deepest, darkest thoughts on postcards, diaries and letters. And they are all available to read at the Western Historical Manuscript Collection on the MU campus.