The death of HD DVD

(Web Exclusive) Sony finally got its revenge more than 20 years after losing the original consumer video format war between its Betamax format and JVC’s VHS. This time around, Sony’s Blu-ray format was able to seal the deal and force its competitor, Toshiba’s HD DVD, to concede.

[em]Swan Lake[/em] lands in Columbia

Making its yearly descent upon Columbia, the Moiseev Russian Classical Ballet company will arrive at Jesse Hall to perform Swan Lake. It will be joined in the production by the 40-piece Sofia Symphony Orchestra.

Too much traffic

(Web Exclusive) The term “human trafficking” tends to yield different reactions. For some, it registers no associations. Others digest “human trafficking” as just another phrase, such as “genocide” or “displacement,” that describes situations in distant, troubled nations. In reality, human trafficking (both sexual exploitation and labor abuses) occurs close to home. Also referred to as modern-day slavery, trafficking occurs all over the U.S., and the Midwest is no exception. Theresa Flores, a trafficking survivor, licensed social worker and the author of The Sacred Bath, spoke at the Anti-Human Trafficking Conference, sponsored by MU’s Stop Traffic Now, on March 22. Her book chronicles her struggle to overcome the years she spent in slavery and attempts to educate the unaware and apathetic as to why the problem of human trafficking is a problem worth stopping.

Riding the route

It’s a catch-22 for many cities similar in size to Columbia — people don’t ride the buses because they take too long, and the city won’t improve the system because nobody rides the buses. Compared to other cities, however, Columbia Transit is on par or even better. The buses are attracting a considerable number of riders, with an increase of 18 percent last year alone. In February, the overall average daily ridership was 2,748 people. Despite the numbers, there is a common misconception that Columbia buses are underused. “There might be times that the buses look empty,” says Bob Cundiff, Columbia transportation supervisor, “but during peak hours, most buses are full.”

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

The Good: Geckoman

Helping near and far

Growing up, my mother always had high hopes that our family would start volunteering with Habitat For Humanity. Our sturdy, cinder block ranch house in a middle-class Orlando subdivision contrasted sharply with a neighborhood less than three miles away. Many of its homes had tarp-covered roofs atop rickety wood boards. Habitat’s volunteers, which eventually included my mom, built these residents hurricane-withstanding homes resembling our own.

Redeeming graces

Certain constants span the continents. From Missouri to Mozambique, families brush their teeth, wash the dishes, make their beds and hope for the best. They want their children to be healthy, happy and someday employed.

Q&A with Theresa Flores

(Web Exclusive) The term “human trafficking” tends to yield different reactions. For some, it registers no associations. Others interpret “human trafficking” as just another phrase, such as “genocide” or “displacement,” that describes situations in distant, troubled nations. In reality, human trafficking (both sexual exploitation and labor abuses) occurs close to home. Also referred to as modern-day slavery, trafficking occurs all over the U.S., and the Midwest is no exception. Theresa Flores, a trafficking survivor, licensed social worker and the author of The Sacred Bath, spoke at the Anti-Human Trafficking Conference, sponsored by MU’s Stop Traffic Now, on March 22. Her book chronicles her struggle to overcome the years she spent in slavery and attempts to educate the unaware and apathetic as to why human trafficking is a problem worth stopping.

Skate, rattle and roll

Rolling into Empire Roller Rink on Thursday nights is like skating down memory lane — the hair is bigger, the spandex is tighter, and the music is cheesier. Take a chill pill, 2008. These people aren’t stuck in the ’80s; they’re dressed that way on purpose. Designated decade nights have been prevalent in the entertainment scene since sock hops became retro, but there’s just something about moonwalking and synthesizers that we can’t seem to get enough of.

The dark horse

Here, behind the barn, there is a showdown: 5-year-old Betsey versus a pony. Even with her back to us, it’s clear this little girl has a mission. Whatever it takes, she will hoist the saddle, which is nearly her size, onto the back of a reluctant horse.