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Postscript

ON THE JOB

Most people think of doughnuts as a treat to enjoy while relaxing, something to get you ready for the day or a snack to munch on during the game. But do they realize one man slaves away during the wee hours of the morning to provide these puffy pastries to the hungry masses? Just ask Kevin Hicks, owner of Dixie Cream Donuts, about how his nocturnal work schedule eats up his social life. But don’t even think about asking him for a free doughnut.

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

The Good:

COLOSSAL CALAMARI Scientists in New Zealand defrosted a rare colossal squid found near Antarctica last year. The squid, which was accidentally captured in a trawler’s net, was kept in an enormous frozen box. Colossal squids have eyes more than a foot in diameter and tentacles thicker than human limbs. The two-day defrosting process was broadcast on the Internet via a webcast. Seafood fans everywhere salivated.

Event of the Week: Freedom Riders

Don’t be surprised if you’re walking down Broadway this Friday and you see maroon blurs whiz past amid chants of “One world, one voice, free Tibet.”

Streetside Chatter: Money for Nothin'

On the Job: Mr. Missouri Gay Rodeo Association

Dennis Kitchen, Mr. Missouri Gay Rodeo Association 2008, must be quick on his feet as the head of the MGRA royalty. He participates in rodeo competitions around the Midwest and works the crowd between events. He also organizes fundraisers for the four charities the MGRA donates to every year, including Passages, a group that benefits Kansas City-area LGBT teens. Vox talks to the state champion about his life, the sport and the celebrity of being Mr. MGRA 2008.

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

CITY OF BROTHERLY LOVE: Former (and potentially future) first daughter Chelsea Clinton joined Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell on a gay bar crawl of Philadelphia. She was greeted with cheers for both her blond highlights and her parents’ gay-friendly politics. “These are important voters,” Rendell was quoted as saying. “They’re smart, they’re sophisticated, and they turn out in large numbers and always have.” Vox will drink to that.

On the Job: Judy Weber

You can be whatever or whomever you want to be. It’s possible for anyone, says Judy Weber, teacher and director of Columbia’s School of Metaphysics. Using four cycles of coursework, the school is devoted to students achieving a mastery of consciousness — when people gain the mental power to perceive life in a fresh way with a refined purpose. Weber starts with concentration exercises as she introduces students to meditation and visualization tools. She teaches them to cut through inner turmoil to hear and understand their inner selves. She is thrilled to watch her students become conscious in the physical world as they move on in life without fear, with honesty and finally, with peace.

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

The Good: The kid blew it

Event of the Week: Boppin' Benefit

One in four women reports experiencing sexual assault in her lifetime.

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

The Good: ‘Til Death Do Them Part

On the Job: Art Gelder

Art Gelder spends most of his time on Walk-About Acres, where he dabbles in farming, botany and zoology. As a long-time beekeeper and member of the Missouri State Beekeeper’s Association, Gelder takes pride in his profession. He invited Vox to visit his buzzing sanctuary to learn a little more about the sweetest job ever.

The Good The Bad & The Ugly

The Good: Doctor’s orders

[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.

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

The Good: Geckoman

On the Job: Landscape architect

Steve Saitta’s (pronounced Say-tah) transportation to work, a muddy mountain bike, leans against a map-covered wall of his office. On the opposite wall is a photomontage of Saitta’s life: old school pictures of his two now-grown sons, postcards of Arizona and Wisconsin, pictures of his family on vacation and nature photography. For the past 34 years, Saitta has been helping Columbia residents through his work as a landscape architect and park planner for the city. With the weather warming up, people are spending more time outdoors in the playscapes he creates.­

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

The Good: Doggie disaster averted

Streetside Chatter

(Web Exclusive)

Event of the week: Romeo & Juliet

Imagine Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet transported from the traditional Italian setting to Africa, Asia or the Middle East. The MU Department of Theatre’s World Theatre Workshop hosts a new version of Shakespeare’s play with an international twist. Participants of the workshop developed the script, and, from Fri. Feb. 29 through Sun. March 9, the performance brings together actors from all over Columbia.

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

The Good: All-star collection

Streetside Chatter