Vox Magazine

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FASHION FORWARD

Stay up on seasonal trends with this spring style guide PAGE 7

FANTASTIC CREATIONS

Author Jim Butcher dishes on his supernatural success PAGE 19

YOU DON'T KNOW

Vox has your one-stop guide to tasty local treats and irresistible munchies PAGE 10

IN THIS ISSUE

ONLINE

APRIL 20, 2017 VOLUME 19 ISSUE 14 | PUBLISHED BY THE COLUMBIA MISSOURIAN

FEATURE It’s a snack attack. Learn about some local snacks you can enjoy between meals. Whether you’re a vegan or an athlete, we’ve got a snacking guide for you. Got the munchies yet? We sure do.

PAGE 10 NEWS & INSIGHT The weather is getting warm, and seasonal activities are moving outside. Try flying a kite or skateboarding to maximize the spring season.

PAGE 4 THE SCENE Many CoMo restaurants offer meals fresh from the farm. Take a look at the farm-to-table fare created by local eateries. PAGE 6 Not sure how to dress for the spring season?

Vox has you covered. Our spring style matrix will show you outfits that are classic, edgy, seasonal or staple. PAGE 7 MUSIC Poet? Check. Performer? Check. Activist? Check.

Malcolm London does it all, including performing at Cafe Berlin this Friday. PAGE 8

FRESH JAMS FOR THE SPRING SEASON No matter you’re spring cleaning or gardening, everything is better with a little music. We’ve got the best songs to pair with your spring activities.

SLAM INTO POETRY MONTH Get ready to celebrate National Poetry Month through the end of April. Local poetry lovers share their favorites to get the party started.

YOUNG, SUCCESSFUL AND PUBLISHED MU freshman Hannah Hoffmeister published her first book before she even graduated middle school.

Now she’s touring high schools after completing her five-book series.

TO SUBMIT A CALENDAR EVENT: email vox@missouri.edu or submit via online form at voxmagazine.com TO RECEIVE VOX IN YOUR INBOX: sign up for email newsletter at voxmagazine.com

We’re social Vox Magazine Vox Mag

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EDITOR’S LETTER

ARTS & BOOKS Take a peek inside Joel Sager’s studio. Learn about some of the pieces he has gathered and how they inspire him. PAGE 18

Jim Butcher is heading to Columbia. Fans can’t get enough of Butcher’s 15-part series about a wizard private detective. PAGE 19 Q&A Lawyer and activist Dan Viets shares his 4/20-friendly stance on marijuana as the state considers the possibility of legalization. PAGE 20

COVER DESIGN: MARY HILLEREN

320 LEE HILLS HALL COLUMBIA MO 65211 EDITORIAL: 573-884-6432 vox@missouri.edu ADVERTISING: 573-882-5714 CIRCULATION: 573-882-5700

CHRISTINE JACKSON EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

I’ve spent the last five years of my life as a student, magazine editor, freelancer and restaurant worker, so I’ve been known to keep some strange hours. And while I love sitting down for a nice meal somewhere, snacking is often the only option there is to keep myself from becoming a hangry monster.

Considering this habit is pretty common among our staff, it’s no surprise that when we were trying to come up with a food issue that Vox has never done, snacks came to mind.

Snacks are the unsung heroes of our daily food routines. They keep us fueled on long drives, between meetings and through movie marathons. But when the munchies hit, where do you turn? And why?

This week’s feature (Page 10) explores why we eat snacks, what we eat and where to get them. Writers looked into noshing both locally and internationally. They can even bring in some science to tell you how snacking affects the brain and muscles, not just the stomach. It’s time to give the foods we graze on the attention they deserve, and we’ve got eight pages that do just that.

So sit down, grab a bag, bowl or handful of your favorite munchable treats and settle in. You won’t want to read this one on an empty stomach.

COVER PHOTO: MONIQUE WOO

VOX STAFF Editor: Christine Jackson Deputy Editor: Dan Roe Managing Editor: Madison Fleck Creative Director: Madalyne Bird Digital Managing Editor: Abby Holman Art Directors: Mary Hilleren, Elizabeth Sawey Photo Editor: Annaliese Nurnberg Online Editor: Lea Konczal Multimedia Editor: Mitchel Summers News & Insight Editors: Madelyne Maag, Elaina Steingard, Jing Yang The Scene Editors: Lauren Kelliher, Alyssa Salela, Danielle Zoellner Music Editors: John Heniff, Taylor Ysteboe Arts & Books Editors: Claudia Guthrie, Renee Molner, Zachary Van Epps Contributing Writers: Corin Cesaric, Gerard Edic, Emily Hannemann, Max Havey, Lis Joyce, Meghan Lally, Rick Morgan, Rachel Phillips, Jessica Rendall, Karlee Renkoski, Tyler Schneider, Kelsie Schrader, Erika Stark, Samantha Stokes, Catherine Wheeler Editorial Director: Heather Lamb Executive Editor: Jennifer Rowe Digital Director: Sara Shipley Hiles Writing Coach: Berkley Hudson Office Manager: Kim Townlain

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PHOTOS BY MONIQUE WOO AND SAI KIRAN ANAGANI/UNSPLASH

RADAR

Vox’s take on the talk of the week

Written by: Madelyne Maag, Elaina Steingard, Zach Van Epps, Danielle Zoellner

Silent alliance

LIVE. LAUGH. LIVESTREAM.

Tomorrow is Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network’s Day of Silence, during which students around the country take a vow of silence in order to illustrate the effect harassment has on LGBTQ students. Use the day as an opportunity to learn from your LGBTQ peers, and attend either the LGBTQ Resource Center’s Gayme On! event or MIZ-OUT’s monthly social at The Vault beneath the Tiger Hotel.

LIVE

8753

After GLSEN’s Day of Silence, use your voice to advocate for the LGBTQ community.

NASA: THE WORLD’S BIGGEST ADOPTION AGENCY This Earth Day, NASA took a holistic approach to bringing awareness to the state of our green planet: you can adopt a 55-mile parcel of Earth.

Now that April the Giraffe has had her healthy baby, it’s time for us to move on to a new livestream. Vox has two A1 recommendations for your next streaming obsession: Keeping up with the Kattarshians will set fire to your life. Watch kittens be their cute selves at nutiminn.is/ kattarshians/

It might seem like a lot of responsibility, but once you adopt a spot on Earth, you literally don’t have to do anything else. It’s perfect for litterbugs and nonrecyclers trying to change their wasteful ways.

(You know who you are.)

If you’ve ever wanted to actually watch paint dry, here’s your chance. This isn’t a drill. Keep your eye on the wall at pattiann.com/webcam/paint.html

But if you can’t adopt a country, you can always adopt CoMo, and keep our favorite city clean and green.

your fave new playlist

The snacks sustaining the Vox editors

Both (feat. Drake)

by Gucci Mane

Kendrick Lamar dropped his new album, DAMN., on Friday, and listening to it was a religious experience. But he’s not the only person with new music out this week. Here are some other artists with newly released, hit-worthy tunes.

Gucci Mane— “Both” (Remix) (ft. Drake and Lil Wayne)

It’s a late night at Vox, we made a snack issue that rocks,

Little Dragon — “Sweet”

But we need something to eat a savory snack or sweet treat

Prime Ministers— ”Asymmetric”

It’s 10 p.m. and only getting later If we don’t snack, hunger becomes hanger.

Tinie Tempah— “Find Me” (ft. Jake Bugg)

But, oh, dear friends, Lee Hills Hall has a savior

HBD, ORR STREET!

A vending machine with snacks in all different flavors Cheez-Its, chips, chocolates galore We say we’ll get one, but we buy three or four This one’s for you, Lee Hills, and your trusty machine We’re sure, without you, the Vox staff would be mean.

For more incredible poetry, visit voxmagazine.com.

PHOTOS AND ILLUSTRATIONS BY OR COURTESY OF GUWOP ENTERPRISES/ATLANTIC VIA AMAZON, PIXABAY, FREEPIK, MADALYNE BIRD, EMOJI ISLAND, MONIQUE WOO

A portrait series by Joel Sager lines his space at Orr Street Studios. Get a look inside Sager’s Orr Street studio on page 18.

Orr Street Studios is turning 10, and we want to celebrate with some trivia.

Did you know: 1. Orr Street Studios opened in 2007 with every studio space filled.

2. There are 18 artists in Orr Street Studios right now.

3. Orr Street Studios is a non-profit organization.

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NEWS & INSIGHT

Visiting green land CoMo’s parks are filled with outdoor activities to help make the most of the beautiful weather

BY SHARON MAI

Columbia has finally stepped into spring. According to Columbia Parks and Recreation, the city has more than 3,000 acres of park land, 78 parks and many green space locations and recreation facilities, which offer everything you need to have fun in the open air.

Vox chose three activities that are sure to get you outside and having fun. Invite family members and some friends to go outside and enjoy the city.

FLYING KITES Where to go: Preferably a wide-open grass area with flat ground. Wind might mess up your hair, but it will guarantee a fun day indulging your inner child and flying kites.

Best places: Douglass Park, Cosmo-Bethel Park, Stephens Lake Park Know before you go: “Big kites can bring people together,” says Sean Beaver, owner of Great American Kites. Beaver also warns to avoid trees and electrical wires because kites can get stuck, and you can get hurt.

The American Kitefliers Association says not to fly kites in crowded places, not to scare nesting birds and to be aware of what is behind you when you’re flying kites.

Avoid line burns by wearing gloves when flying large kites. You can buy kites at Target or Wal-Mart.

Eleanor Buffaloe, 6, attempts to get her kite into the air at Douglass Park. According to the American Kitefliers Association, you must stand with your back to the wind, hold your kite up by the handle and let the line out to make your kite climb.

March 10-11, Missouri Theatre

Annie 7 p.m. April 6, Jesse Auditorium National Symphony of Ukraine 7 p.m. March 12, Jesse Auditorium

RAIN: A Tribute to the Beatles 7 p.m. March 14, Jesse Auditorium MOMIX: Opus Cactus 7 p.m. April 13, Jesse Auditorium

Kris Kristofferson 7 p.m. April 4, Missouri Theatre Russian National Ballet: Swan Lake 7 p.m. May 1, Jesse Auditorium

Academy of St Martin in the Fields

7 p.m. March 21, Missouri Theatre

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PHOTO BY MONIQUE WOO

Make a day of it: Cherry Blossom Kite and Piñata Festival: Celebrate Springfield's Sister City, Isesaki, Japan, at this flying fest.

When: April 22 Where: Botanical Center at Nathanael Greene Park in Springfield St. Peters Kite Festival: Show up early to receive a free kite building kit for the kids.

When: May 19 Where: 370 Lakeside Park in St. Peters

SKATEBOARDING Where to go: Large, open, paved areas make the best spots for skating. Training elements and designed structures also make it more fun and challenging. Areas with arced forms of smooth, undulating concrete are best for easy skating.

Best places: Columbia Skate Park in Cosmo Park Know before you go: Before you get your Tony Hawk fantasy going, you should be knowledgeable on Columbia city ordinances to avoid trouble with the law.

Shane Stander, owner of Parkside Skate Shop, says

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city parks require helmets for those under the age of 16. Downtown skaters need to adhere to regular traffic signals as well. For new skaters, Stander recommends going to Cosmo Park first. He also notes that skateboarding isn’t for everyone and that passion and interest in the sport is the best tool for new beginners hoping to be successful.

“You’re only going to do something if it excites you to do it," Stander says. "Good equipment and good advice will get you started on the right foot, literally.”

Make a day of it: Shred Fest: Celebrate National Skateboarding Day. When: June 5 Where: Columbia Skate Park in Cosmo Park

MOUNTAIN BIKING Where to go: An isolated place with forested single-track paths, creeks and numerous rolling hills is the best for this sport.

Best places: Cosmo Park Rhett’s Run Mountain Bike Trail, Rock Bridge Memorial State Park Know before you go: Mountain biking isn't for the unprepared. "I think mountain biking can be a situation

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where you gravitate to it after being a bicycle commuter and you’re looking for a little more challenge,” says Janet Godon, a park planner with Columbia Parks and Recreation.

Before you hop on your mountain bike, make sure you have the proper safety equipment. Helmets are highly recommended for all people, especially those under the age of 16. Protective glasses are also advised.

“Wear protective glasses because of the type of trail you’re on when mountain biking,” Godon says. “Small twigs and branches that come out into the trail, and small debris might flick up into your face.”

Make a day of it: Rumble on Route 66: This event is a part of the United Federation of Dirt Series of mountain bike races.

When: June 4 Where: Forest City Trail in St. James BikeMO 2017: BikeMO is an annual fundraiser for better bicycling conditions in Missouri.

When: Aug. 26.

Where: Les Bourgeois Vineyards

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“When you get to the end of the road you can either turn around and go back the way you came — or you can make a new path.”

by Daniel MacIvor

Adults Students Seniors

12 $ 10 $ 10

$

1800 Nelwood Drive; Columbia, MO | 573.474.3699 | www.cectheatre.org ILLUSTRATIONS COURTESY OF FREEPIK, FLATICON

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THE SCENE

Grub on farm-to-table food Support mid-MO farmers and eat local while dining out

BY CORIN CESARIC

PHOTOS BY ERIN ACHENBACH

Imagine this: you’re munching on leafy greens and specially prepared meats brought in from a farm nearby.

The best part is you know exactly where all the foods came from because they are all local.

Columbia features a variety of restaurants that provide locally grown products to customers such as Barred Owl Butcher & Table, Flyover, Main Squeeze, Root Cellar, Sycamore and The Wine Cellar & Bistro.

Each restaurant offers specialty items to offer a variety of tastes such as fruits, nuts, vegetables and meats.

Vox talked to three restaurants on how each adds local products into the menus.

IF YOU WANT TO CONVERSE WITH GOOD COMPANY: Flyover 212 E. Green Meadows Road #9

Flyover has been open for eight months and has already made its mark in Columbia. The menu is always changing, but the use of local ingredients stays the same. The restaurant uses products from WE’RE REALLY multiple farms such as Patchwork Family TRYING TO Farms in Columbia. Adam APPROACH Wells-Morgan, the executive chef and DINING IN A co-owner at Flyover, says the restaurant gets most COMMUNAL of its produce from Three Creeks Produce in Ashland. SENSE.” – ADAM WELLS-MORGAN, Flyover also focuses EXECUTIVE CHEF AND heavily on creating a CO-OWNER AT FLYOVER community for the guests that dine in. “We’re really trying to approach dining in a communal sense,” Wells-Morgan says. “We have no TVs in the building, and we don’t ever plan doing so.”

Sullivan Farms in Florissant contributes to Barred Owl Butcher & Table’s Fried Head Cheese dish. It consists of deep fried pork head, pickled peppers and pickled mustard, all topped with a fried egg.

IF YOU’RE A VEGETARIAN OR VEGAN: Main Squeeze 28 S. Ninth St.

Main Squeeze has been serving up vegetarian cuisine to Columbians since 1997. Owner Leigh Lockhart provides some of the produce the restaurant serves. In fact, it comes right out of her backyard.

Lockhart grows peppers, kale, basil and heirloom tomatoes in her garden to use at the restaurant.

She tries to purchase food products locally, but some she has to source outside of mid-MO. If she can’t buy local, she gets organic. Lockhart says eighty percent of the products the restaurant uses is local.

Main Squeeze has featured items from around 100 farms and individual sellers, she says.

“I’ve narrowed it down to my favorite ones based on if they are certified organic and if they have a variety that is good quality,” she says.

Two places Main Squeeze buys its produce from are Share-Life Farm in Marshall and Happy Hollow Farm in Jamestown.

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Share-Life Farm, Happy Hollow Farm and Three Creeks Produce are some of the farms in mid-Missouri that provide produce, such as greens, to restaurants in Columbia.

Locally sourced carrots and peppers are vital to several CoMo dishes including Barred Owl Butcher & Table’s pickled vegetable seasonal side.

IF YOU’RE A MEAT LOVER: Barred Owl Butcher & Table 47 E. Broadway

Sullivan Farms, Country Neighbors Specialty Meats and Restoration Farm.

“We’re the only ones getting whole cows, whole lambs, whole goats and using everything off that animal and serving it,” says Ben Parks, the chef and owner of Barred Owl Butcher & Table.

For Parks, it is about supporting a more responsible and sustainable food system.

“What we’re trying to do is support the community in any way that we can,” Parks says.

Barred Owl Butcher & Table opened in October 2016 and has since been providing cooked-to-perfection meats and local drinks.

The restaurant focuses on whole-animal butchery.

The menu is constantly changing based on what is in stock during each season. It receives produce and meat from several dozen farms in mid-Missouri, such as

THE SCENE

#Trending this spring Columbia boutiques share which styles are currently gracing clothing racks Delicate white dresses are out and distressed is in — this spring’s trends are reminiscent of the '90s and early 2000s. Camo, mesh, floral embroidery and various styles of denim are just a few looks dominating CoMo's fashion scene.

Muse Clothing owner Nickie Davis shares how to wear Muse's lovable vintage denim shorts. “You can do anywhere from using these as a swimsuit coverup to wearing them out at night by throwing on a little crop top or taking them to one of

BY MEGHAN LALLY

the festivals,” Davis says. Glik’s manager, Johnna Durbin, says off-the-shoulder is a major trend this spring. “The pink silk top would be great paired with white skinny jeans, maybe some nude strappy heels and a choker,” Durbin says.

Six local boutiques give the scoop on how to rock the styles sweeping their stores.

See which pieces can go all year or just for spring and which will stand the test of time or are here for the moment.

SEASONAL

Bring on the distressed details for a warm spring day spent lunching and shopping in this dress ($29.98).

It's a go-to with edge from Envy.

814 E. Broadway 442-0712

A major spring trend is bright patterns, and this sundress ($146) from Cha Boutique also features the waist cut-out.

16 S. Ninth St. 442-6630

Light-wash denim with added throwback patches is making a comeback, so for a blast from the past, grab this jacket ($168) from Swank Boutique.

913 E. Broadway 256-4795

Whether worn with shorts or pants, Envy’s basic tee with an edgy camo pattern ($14.98) is just the thing to transition you through seasons.

Ideal for a music festival or swimsuit coverup, these classic shorts ($35) are a go-to piece from Muse Clothing that can feature your own style with anything you pair with it.

22 S. Ninth St. 222-0687

This dress ($59) found at Britches Clothing takes the off-the-shoulder trend to the next level with the addition of flowy, belled-out sleeves.

Silk tops and off-the-shoulder pieces are dominating stores this season, and this silk top ($32) combines the two with class. Add a pair of skinny jeans for a night on the town in your top from Glik's.

921 E. Broadway 256-4505

Sunscreen is important, but shielding your face from the sun is even more fun with this trendy topper ($12) from Britches Clothing.

120 S. Ninth St. 499-1401

CLASSIC

EDGY

Mesh and floral embroidery are trending.

Envy’s body suit ($29.98) can be paired with a jacket and jeans for the day, and swapped for a skirt at night.

Add some sass to cute and comfortable with a basic cropped top ($12.50) from Muse Clothing.

Your favorite athletic clothing and accessories are on trend, so grab these sneakers ($29) from Britches Clothing to wear for work and play all year.

YEAR-ROUND PHOTOS BY MEGHAN LALLY

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MUSIC

The Opia of Malcolm London

A

The Chicago poet, educator, rapper and activist brings his message to Cafe Berlin

t 24 years old, Malcolm London is a self-described spoken-word poet, rapper and activist. He has given a TED Talk, spoken about Chicago police killings at the United Nations and released his first EP, Opia, in October.

London's music helps bring attention to stories from communities that otherwise might not be heard from. Stephanie Shonekan, an associate professor of ethnomusicology at MU, studies the connections between music and where it comes from as well as how music tells the stories of its performers and consumers.

“There are many ways people express themselves,” Shonekan says. “[There are] stories told in different views, or didactic forms of music.”

Vox caught up with London to ask about his latest release and what fans can expect at his performance on Friday.

You've said you want Opia "to feel like viewers are staring you back in the eye." What do you mean by that?

Just really to see myself and to see me in a holistic way. I think as a poet

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BY GERARD EDIC

about white people in America don’t get them killed like other races.

Stereotypes about people from the Middle East get them murdered or get them banned. Stereotypes about black people get them killed by the police. Stereotypes around Latino people get them deported.

We have to have people be stronger in their integrity to go, "Sure, I feel uncomfortable to talk about racism or to talk about my guilt," but that’s fine in the grand scheme of things.

Malcolm London considers himself a pessimist. But he believes his music can inspire hope and change, specifically by making people feel powerful and strong.

and as an organizer, a lot of people still expect certain things and expect me to make certain music. I wanted to show vulnerable people that I’m the awkward 24-year-old who has accomplished a lot of amazing things but is still somebody learning how to walk in the world.

How can a person be an ally to fight racism in a genuine manner?

I specifically don't have all the answers, but we have to really love each other enough to say things and to have the hard conversations. Being uncomfortable is not the same as being dead. Stereotypes in general

What can fans expect for your show?

I've got some really cool shit planned.

It’s gonna be something that I want people to walk away feeling powerful and feeling stronger than the world lets them know. I’m bringing a couple of band members on the road, and it’s gonna be something very beautiful. I don’t wanna give it away.

MALCOLM LONDON WITH BATES, JAY WOOD, AND ONEMIC POETRY COLLECTIVE Cafe Berlin April 21, 8 p.m., $8 441-0400, cafeberlincomo.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF PILAR MCQUIRTER

The Candy Factory’s chocolate-covered strawberries are hand-dipped every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Chocoholics, mark your calendars accordingly.

PAGE 13

Hemme Brothers Creamery has your fix for creamy German cheeses.

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You’ve got the munchies, we’ve got the know how.

Tear open Vox’s guide to everything snack-related.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: THE PSYCHOLOGY OF SNACKING As you reach for the last of the orange crumbs at the bottom of the Cheetos bag, you start to wonder what you were thinking a half-hour (and nearly 1,500 calories) earlier when you arrived home from the grocery store only to pop open the bag and consume it over the course of your nightly Netflix binge.

What could have possibly provoked this maniacal gorging of carbs and yellow No. 6 food coloring? Science can provide an answer, and it depends on a variety of factors including family eating patterns, price and availability of food, perceived health benefits, and exposure to marketing.

According to Karen Glanz, a professor with the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and School of Nursing, food choice has a lot to do with established habits. Glanz has done extensive research on consumer behavior, most notably when it comes to purchasing decisions. She has found that marketing claims and trends, such as a focus on health foods, can play a role in how people develop a snacking routine.

“I think that people are often attracted to the impression that something is a healthier food, but it is not necessarily always healthier,” Glanz says.

Jennifer Lundgren, a University of Missouri-Kansas City professor and chair of the Department of Psychology, agrees with this assessment: “It is unnerving to realize just how bombarded we all are with targeted marketing that undoubtedly affects our eating behaviors.”

Through their respective studies, Lundgren and Glanz have found plenty of evidence to suggest that snacking behavior in America has increased over recent decades. Although health is now a driving force behind snacking decisions, convenience and comfort also play a role in how people think about food.

Prepackaged foods such as “100-calorie packs” are picked clean from grocery store shelves and placed into the carts of busy parents, students and workers.

Psychology suggests that this trend has increased because people want something that’s convenient on the go but also lets them regulate how much they eat in a sitting.

A 2008 study by the University of Indiana found that packaging can distort consumer judgment in certain types of eaters. According to the study, inconsistent information on food packaging can cause stress in restrained eaters, which in turn leads to overconsumption.

The study examined the psychological effects of food sold in small packages versus large packages. Researchers made the distinction between restrained eaters, who tend to experience anxiety based on the unbalanced information on food packaging, and unrestrained eaters, who are primarily concerned with eating to feel “full.”

Although the image of the post-breakup ice cream binge is unlikely to change any time soon, being aware of how food labeling and other factors impact your eating habits can help you from binging on Cheetos too often.

A Missouri favorite, toasted ravioli, is best eaten in a St. Louis restaurant such as Mama’s on The Hill.

Learn more tips on how and where to eat like a Missourian.

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— TYLER SCHNEIDER

PHOTOS BY MONIQUE WOO

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A LOCAL SNACK FOR EVERY TASTE

A SAVORY SNACK TO DELIGHT THE SENSES

GETTING GOOEY OVER GERMAN CHEESES

If you enjoy Slim Jims but want something local with no hard-to-pronounce additives, Roam Sticks are for you

If you love cheese but want more from your spread than the store brand, Hemme Brothers Creamery has what you need

When you are on the go, it’s easy to stop by a convenience store for an over-processed yet satisfying snack — until an hour later when those empty calories come back to haunt you, and you’re already hungry again. Locally made snacks generally contain better quality ingredients and don’t undergo a nutrient stripping process to create those mass-produced shelf stockers.

Keeping those nutrients in your snacks is important, and supporting local businesses is always a good idea. If you’re a self-diagnosed bacon addict who wants to taste pork and not additives, Missouri-made Roam Sticks are just what you’re looking for.

Roam Sticks are made with hickory-smoked pork and uncured bacon. With no weird, difficult-to-pronounce additives, this simple, savory snack is fast, easy and surprisingly light for beef. Compared to the average beef sticks you might find at your local gas station, Roam Sticks taste far less processed and deliver much more bacon flavor. These 80-calorie snacks are also gluten-free, which is always a plus.

The beef sticks are produced on Singing Prairie Farm, located in La Plata. The small farm practices ecologically minded agriculture; all animals are pasture-raised and given non-GMO feed, according to its website.

At first glance, you might think you know this beef stick, but you’re only scratching the surface. Below the beef collagen wrapping are millions of bacteria that have been fermenting in this stick since it was packaged. Sound gross? Perhaps, but the probiotic bacteria are actually microorganisms that benefit your digestive system and reduce your chances of catching a cold or flu, according to the Mayo Clinic. The dextrose in these sticks isn’t for sweetness, according to the Roam Sticks website, but rather to jumpstart the fermentation process that gets millions of helpful bacteria down your gullet.

Roam Sticks can be found at Natural Grocers or online at Thrive Market, Barefoot Provisions, One Stop Paleo Shop and Amazon.

— SYDNEY WEIBLE

At Hemme Brothers Creamery in Sweet Springs, the Old World — think Bremen, Bavaria, Berlin — and the New World collide.

When you sample one of HBC’s German cheeses, your mind might summon a scene of long-bearded artisans clad in lederhosen, swilling from steins of pilsner as they labor over their curds and whey.

But when you try one of HBC’s other specialty offerings — like salty and snackable smoked cheddar or spice-studded jalapeno habanero curds — that image quickly fades.

The Hemme brothers aren’t German artisans. They’re four Midwestern siblings with an appetite for delicious food, good fun and great cheese.

HBC’s German quark, one of the most popular items, is a creamy, spreadable cheese, slightly salty and refreshingly tangy. A scrumptious foil to sweet chutneys or syrupy compotes, HBC’s quark is being sought after by specialty food retailers such as VinoPair, a Kansas City wine and food pairing company.

“Companies want to sell our cheeses, but they also want to sell our story,” says David Hemme, father of the Hemme brothers and owner of the creamery. “We started this business so our family could stay involved with our farm.”

He said without adding the cheese business, the farm wouldn’t have been able to support the whole family. But for the Hemmes, where there’s a will, there’s a whey.

Although HBC has only been producing cheese since last year, its market now spreads from Kansas City to St. Louis. In Columbia, you can find HBC cheeses at the Broadway and Rock Bridge Hy-Vee stores as well as the Columbia Farmers Market.

The family-owned creamery continues to develop new offerings and add marketing outlets for its products, milking its dairy for all it’s worth by crafting artisan farmstead cheeses take much longer to prepare than they do to eat.

— NORA FARIS

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CRAFTING THE PERFECT CRUNCH

SNACKS TO SATISFY THE SWEETEST TOOTH

If you like chips and pecans, you’ll love Backer’s potato chips and Missouri Highland Farms mixed nuts

If you like candy bars, you’ll love chocolate-dipped strawberries and Tiger Butter

Upgrade your snack game to extra crunchy by hitting the Columbia Farmer’s Market, which is open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. Located at 1701 W. Ash St., the farmer’s market sells more than produce and meats. Grab some flavored pecans from the Missouri Highland Farm stand. The pecans come in the flavors spicy and salt, salt and sweet, sugared and in whole, cracked, and naturally picked out styles.

The spicy and salt flavor’s ingredients are butter, red pepper, salt and Worcestershire, which creates a mixture that might be alarming for a new customer. It’s difficult to imagine Worcestershire sauce, which is better known for complementing oysters and meats, as mixing well with a pecan. All concerns disappear after the first bite. The Worcestershire and red pepper add a slight kick without being overwhelming. The butter and salt do the rest. If you’re not careful to pace yourself, you’ll soon find your hand at the bottom of the bag. Each pecan has a thick layer of flavoring, which makes for a solid crunch when you bite into it.

If you’re at a supermarket looking for a more traditional crunch, try Backer’s potato chips. The Backer’s plant is in Fulton, which gives the company a local edge over brands including Frito-Lay. Backer’s chips come in natural, red hot, wavee, original, sour cream and onion, barbeque and German styles. The first thing you’ll notice when you open a bag is this company does not skimp on quantity. The bag is full and the chips have strong flavor. Go for the German style if you like a slight hint of vinegar. Are you the friend who always tries the spiciest thing on the menu? The red hot variety has a warning on the outside that says, “Caution: super hot sauce.” Buy them at your own risk.

Backer’s ships all over the country, but the company has never left Callaway County.

You can pick up a bag at Moser’s, Gerbes or Hy-Vee. — RICK MORGAN

Columbia has no shortage of locally made candied treats. The Candy Factory and May Contain Nuts are two of Columbia’s confectioneries and churn out all kinds of sugary snacks to satisfy even the sweetest tooth.

The Candy Factory downtown is host to many house-made candies. Its signature dessert is the chocolate-dipped strawberries, says Taylor Rook, a Candy Factory employee.

But if you’re looking for strawberries, you’ll have to wait until the end of the week.

Rook says The Candy Factory hand dips its strawberries on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. However, they are available all week long during the weeks of Valentine’s Day, Easter and Mother’s Day. The strawberries are available dipped in milk, dark and white chocolate and sold by the half pound, which has about four to six berries for $10, or by the pound, which has eight to 12 berries for $20.

If you’re looking for a sugar rush without a hint of nutritional value, May Contain Nuts inside the Tiger Hotel sells fudge produced by Capital Candy in Jefferson City.

Its most unique fudge is Tiger Butter, a vanilla fudge base swirled with peanut butter.

In addition to Tiger Butter, May Contain Nuts sells many other types of fudge, available by the square. It also sells classics such as candy cigarettes and Charleston Chews, in old-fashioned candy shop style.

Kelly Heimericks, an employee of May Contain Nuts, says because the owners are English, they wanted to supply the shop with treats that are more common in Europe, such as Bounty bars, which are like Almond Joys without the almonds.

— CATHERINE WHEELER

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HOW TO

Up your snack game with these tips and tricks

1. Shop a vending machine Picture this: You haven’t eaten anything all day, and you’re on your last handful of dimes. The goal is to make your money stretch as far as it can, right? One of the best ways to do that is – drumroll – the vending machine! The vending machine has been a staple in American culture since 1886 when the government gave out patents for the first machines in the U.S. One Vox writer shopped a local vending machine to find the best buys to help fuel you throughout the day.

Tip #1: It’s breakfast time, you’re running late and the vending machine is the first thing you see. Try reaching for a cherry Pop-Tart ($1) or a Nature Valley Oats ‘n Honey Bar ($0.85).

While the latter is the healthier option, both products are bound to give you the calories and energy you need to get the day going.

Cherry Pop-Tart: 200 calories per serving Nature Valley Oats ‘n Honey Bar: 180 calories per serving Tip #2: For lunch, the vending machine can be of more assistance than most people think. Chicken flavored Ramen ($1.00) and a bag of Jack Link’s Original Beef Jerky ($2.15) can keep a person satisfied as a quick midday munch.

Chicken Ramen: 190 calories per serving Jack Link’s Original Beef Jerky: 70 calories per serving

Tip #3: Let’s say your day hasn’t taken a nutritious route, and you’re craving something on the healthier side. Instead of a bag of Chili Cheese Fritos, try a bag of Vegetable Crisps ($1.25) or Garden Salsa SunChips ($1).

Vegetable Crisps: 110 calories per serving Garden Salsa SunChips: 140 calories per serving Prices based on the vending machine closest to the Vox office.

— JASMINE-KAY JOHNSON

2. Nosh like a local

3. Buy Chinese snacks

4. Snack like an athlete

Sure, New York has pizza and Louisiana prides itself on gumbo, but what about Missouri? With burnt ends in Kansas City and toasted raviolis in St. Louis, it’s safe to say this flyover state’s signature snacks are underrated.

At Q39 in Kansas City, the popular barbecue joint’s burnt ends will make your mouth water with meat that melts like butter. In St. Louis, you can’t go wrong with t-ravs from Mama’s on the Hill, a classic recipe that is simple yet satisfying. But you can’t snag these dishes at just any diner, drive-in or dive.

When I am far away from my home, what do I miss the most? Food, absolutely. The only problem is I couldn’t fly here with all of my favorite Chinese foods. I could only take a limited amount of snacks in my suitcase, and I ran out of those after a month. So I turn to Yamibuy for help.

Launched in 2013, Yamibuy has become the biggest Asian snack, beauty and appliance online shop in the U.S. Online shopping for snacks on Yamibuy is about the same as shopping on Amazon — open the website, log into your account, choose what you need and check out. Within 10 days your order arrives. I usually order snacks with my friends because after you reach a certain amount, you receive a discount and free shipping.

I can buy all kinds of spicy Chinese bean products, such as fish tofu, in a vacuum package; I can order my favorite wine-flavored chocolate-cream-filled biscuit sticks. And I can purchase cucumber-flavored potato chips.

Along with these newer, trendy snacks, some traditional Chinese snacks can also be purchased on Yamibuy.

Authentic Chinese instant noodle and rice vermicelli are products I buy every time I order. A Guangxi cuisine called Luoshifen, a sour and spicy soup with a smooth taste, is extremely popular. Whenever it is available, it sells out in less than 10 minutes. And Yamibuy’s crispy Chinese pickles bring me back to China’s roadside stands the second they touch my tongue.

Snacking in general makes me feel safe and also helps me relieve stress, but Chinese snacks help alleviate my homesickness, and Yamibuy is my healer.

Nicolette Newquist has a system. The sports nutrition assistant for the MU athletics department distributes slices of bread — about seven loaves’ worth — across a stainless steel countertop. Then, either she or Sam Thierry, the assistant director of sports nutrition, spreads peanut butter while the other spreads jelly and folds the bread to make half sandwiches. The entire process of preparation takes about 40 minutes.

Why all this dedication to the PB&J? In MU Athletics snacking is taken seriously.

Snacking is conventionally viewed as an unhealthy habit that leads to weight gain. MU’s Sports Nutrition Director Ryan Reist says that is not true, especially for athletes. If they don’t consume enough calories, their bodies will burn through stored fat and consume muscle instead.

Snacking between meals can be beneficial for two reasons: avoiding the energy crash that a lot of people experience at the end of a work day and actually helping you lose weight.

Although both touted the benefits of eating often, Reist and Newquist cautioned that snacking is only beneficial if one eats the right foods. They say the perfect snack consists of protein and carbohydrates.

An athlete trying to build muscle should seek a high volume of calories in a small package, such as a PB&J with extra peanut butter. For someone trying to lean out, cottage cheese with berries or greek yogurt might be a better call.

Most importantly, both Newquist and Reist emphasized the importance of eating whole foods instead of processed options like potato chips.

Burnt Ends, Q39 Location: 1000 W. 39th St., Kansas City At Q39, a “new classic” of Kansas City, you can get some of the best burnt ends in town for $9. Although Q39 is known to be one of the higher-end BBQ joints in KC, it serves tender meat with a satisfying smokey flavor. The meat comes from the point muscle: envision burnt ends sliced into delectable strips and piled onto a toasted bun. Sauce options include classic, zesty or chipotle-cilantro.

Toasted Ravioli, Mama’s on the Hill Location: 2132 Edwards St. What is St. Louis without toasted ravs? Although the ultimate restaurant for t-ravs is highly debated in St. Louis, you can never go wrong with Mama’s on The Hill. With a recipe crafted in the 1940s, the restaurant’s $7.99 take on the St. Louis classic is more than satisfying. The toasted ravs are small but mighty, filled with meat, lightly-breaded, fried (of course) and dusted with parmesan cheese. The dish is served with marinara sauce.

— CAROLINE WATKINS

— JING YANG

— MITCHELL FORDE

5. Spot hidden traps for vegans Some french fries are practically meat. If you are surprised, you probably aren’t vegan.

Veganism is a lifestyle choice in which a person does not eat or use anything made with animal products. The last thing vegans want is to be surprised with animal products in their food, but the practice is trickier than you might think.

One of the hardest parts about being vegan is going out to eat. Jordan Smith, who has been a vegan for just over a year, has ordering at restaurants down.

“I’ll ask if they cook things in butter,” he says. “If so, I ask for them to cook it in oil. I check if there is lard in the refried

beans, and I make sure the pizza crust and sauce has no dairy in it.”

Fast food restaurants can be even more challenging.

Most of the meals contain meat or cheese, and the things that don’t can turn out to not be vegan. McDonald’s used to cook its fries in beef fat but labeled them as vegetarian. Lawsuits from Hindus and vegans were filed for mislabeling their products. Although McDonald’s lost and paid its settlement, McDonald’s still cooks its fries with natural beef flavoring.

Beverages can be tricky, too. Soda can contain insectderived dyes and other animal products such as ester gum.

Orange juice can be fortified with calcium and omega-3.

The popular beer brand Guinness uses isinglass (dried swim bladders of fish) in its production.

Vegans can naturally get all but one of the nutrients that omnivores get from their diets. The only nutrient that must be added to plant foods is B12. Many vegans take a B12 supplement and buy alternative dairy products that contain B12. Another popular choice is nutritional yeast, which is flaky with an almost cheesy taste. It can be added to nearly anything, such as seitan and popcorn.

— ABBEY REZNICEK

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Snack school We dug through the research and found three pro tips for getting full, staying energetic and maximizing the long hours between meals

Because of their wonky work schedules, these locals have learned how to stay fueled throughout busy days on the job Benjamin Bennett MMA fighter

PRO TIP 1

Eat light, eat more Trick your gut into thinking you ate more than you did with lighter, less calorie-dense foods. A 2012 Nutrition Journal study found 6 cups of whole grain popcorn to be more satiating than 1 cup of potato chips. If you’re an aimless grazer, shelf the chips in favor of popcorn or some veggies.

Athletes have demanding schedules when it comes to training and need to keep their energy up throughout the day to stay in fighting shape.

Mixed-martial artist Benjamin Bennett has to keep himself fueled for five-hour practices and be prepared to lose or gain weight depending on his weight class.

Bennett says he’ll eat two eggs and a piece of toast most mornings then keep snacking on fruit or granola bars for the rest of the day. He usually snacks around 10 times a day and keeps hydrated with water and tea.

“I don’t eat meals,” Bennett says. “I don’t sit down, ‘Oh, I’m gonna eat this meal,’ because that’s gonna be real heavy in my stomach. So I just snack a lot.”

Lester Shewmake Firefighter

PRO TIP 2

Viva la breakfast Whether you’re a breakfast evangelist or daybreak dissident, there’s no reason your toast can’t take a victory lap later in the day.

The Harvard Medical School recommends low-sugar granola and whole grain toast with low-sugar jam as quick bites that deserve an afternoon comeback.

The firefighters of Station 3 arrive for their 24-hour shifts around 6:30 a.m.; they have a meal plan in place by 8 a.m.

The crew sends a few people to the store to gather supplies for the station’s two meals. Lunch is always held at 11 a.m., and everyone shares the meal. Dinner isn’t as structured – sometimes there’s a plan, sometimes it’s every firefighter for him or herself – but everyone still tries to eat together.

In between, there are snacks. Chips, protein bites, yogurt and ice cream are popular choices.

“You’ll find ice cream in every fridge in the station,” Lieutenant Lester Shewmake says.

Calls are unpredictable and can come at any time. Because of this, each person goes for quick snacks that don’t require much preparation.

The firefighters also have backpacks packed with extra clothes and protein bars inside the fire truck to keep them fueled if they’re kept out of the station for hours.

Violet Vonder Haar Touring musician

PRO TIP 3

Beware of “health halos” Food manufacturers hide added sugars and high fat contents behind buzzwords such as “organic” and “vitamins.” For instance, according to a 2017 Appetite study of young adult snacking perceptions, we wrongly assume all Greek yogurt and açai bowls are healthy. Read the FDA-mandated nutrition information before you get sold on glossy alternative facts.

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The long, inconsistent hours of a touring band mean the snacks have to be versatile as well as tasty to make hours in a van more bearable.

Violet Vonder Haar, lead singer for Violet and the Undercurrents, says she and her bandmates eat a lot of fruit and trail mixes.

“Linda (Bott), our bassist, always makes a mix of what she calls ‘nutszels,’” Vonder Haar says. “It’s peanuts and pretzels and usually M&Ms. She makes her own little trail mix.”

Vonder Haar’s preferred snack serves a second purpose beyond getting her from meal to meal.

“What I usually get, which nobody else ever wants to eat, is wasabi peas. That’s my jam on the road,” Vonder Haar says. “The burn in the wasabi helps keep me awake when I’m driving – awakens the senses.”

— CLAUDIA GUTHRIE & ZACHARY VAN EPPS

THE MORSEL MATRIX All these snacks making you hungry? Use this matrix to follow your craving to the perfect bite.

SWEET

Pop-Tarts These treats aren’t just for breakfast if you have a strong enough sweet tooth.

Tiger Butter Fudge A delectable fusion of vanilla and peanut butter that is sure to please even the most discerning sweet tooth.

PB&J Nutty and fruity meet in the greatest pairing that ever was.

Toasted ravioli The small but mighty t-ravs are a Missouri-made staple known for their meaty, saucy, cheesy flavor.

HBC German cheeses Creamy cheddar cheese and crackers are second only to PB&J in the snack pairing pantheon.

Luosifen This spicy soup is an authentic Chinese snack with a smooth and tangy taste.

Fries These salty strips are a great side to a meal or as a stand-alone snack.

Chips Whether barbecue, sour cream and onion or something else, local Backer’s chips are a guaranteed crunch.

CRUNCHY

GOOEY

Chocolate covered strawberries These coated berries are a delicious mix of sweet and juicy flavors. The perfect way for a chocoholic to get fruit in their diet.

Siracha cheese curds Classic cheese curds that melt in your mouth ... and carry an explosion of spice.

Granola Uprise Bakery’s Almond Crunch granola is an organic snack that will keep your hunger at bay.

Spicy pecans Crunchy, salty, spicy ... what’s not to love?

Beef sticks An easy snack to eat on-the-go, Roam Sticks are a chewy way to get your protein while out and about.

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ARTS & BOOKS

In the studio with Joel Sager For this local painter, creating new works means surrounding himself with inspiration

BY GERARD EDIC

PHOTOS BY MONIQUE WOO

Every morning, Joel Sager follows the same routine. He wakes up, takes care of his three boys and arrives at his workroom at Orr Street Studios at 9 a.m. For Sager, co-owner and curator of the Sager Braudis Gallery, a daily routine is important for creativity.

“I’m very regimented,” Sager says.

He’ll spend the morning working toward a new cohesive series of artwork. Locking himself for hours in his studio, or “fortress of solitude,” Sager tunes out the world to focus on the work at hand.

Sager, who loves both curating and creating his own works, has to balance his two voices as an artist and a curator. He describes his art aesthetic as “something found in the attic,” not literally, but figuratively. But it’s not like he just walks up into an attic and sees something interesting. Rather, it’s finding something after digging through everything else.

The antique is then placed in a modern setting to create a new type of iconography. This found-in-the-attic style is a vintage one that, when taken out of context and placed in the modern world, can create a new narrative and reflect his Midwestern roots.

Although many of Sager’s pieces are still-life paintings, he considers all of his works to be a portrait of some kind. “You capture some psychological moment,” Sager says. “With things it’s with context, add a bit of narrative to think of your own psychological state.”

Whereas creating means finding his own voice, being a curator means finding and representing new voices.

Hannah Reeves, the director and co-curator of the Sager Braudis Gallery, says the conversation for finding new works to display is less structured than other art galleries. She describes it as a conversation with friends who differ in tastes yet share similar styles.

With every new exhibit at the gallery, a few of Sager’s works are displayed. For the rest, Reeves and the other curators seek a range of emerging artists. But all artists need to draw inspiration from somewhere. Sager’s studio pieces provide ideas and history.

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Antique clock Sager laughs whenever the clock is brought up. Sager admits the popular conversation piece isn’t antique or vintage at all because it runs on batteries but is just designed to look that way. The clock doesn’t work, and Sager jokes that it only tells the right time twice per day. Yet Sager still has the clock in his studio because he enjoys the look and story it gives.

Palette Sager uses a limited palette consisting of cadmium red, titanium white, sap green, cerium blue, burnt umber and yellow oak oil paints in his work. He likes these particular colors because they feel subdued.

Even though he uses just six colors, Sager mixes and matches the colors along with wax and other materials to create new colors and different textures.

“Rural Structures” One of Sager’s earlier series, aptly named “Rural Structures,” consists of familiar Midwest scenes — vast landscapes with old barns somewhere in the foreground.

Sager has never seen any of the rural structures he’s painted in his series, instead fabricating them from his Midwest upbringing and adding a touch of romanticism. The “Rural Structures” series has been one of Sager’s most successful art series to date, allowing him to pursue other works because of the revenue.

Studio chair Next to Sager’s desk in the studio is a rustic chair that he pulled from a dumpster two years ago. Like many of the other items in his studio, Sager enjoys the look of the chair and says it is a prime example of a “quintessential, archetypal image of a chair.” With its rustic look and tears that reveal its filling, it aligns with Sager’s aesthetic of something vintage taken out of context.

The chair has been painted over and over again. It’s currently a gold hue. Sager has painted a portrait of the chair with a sparrow perched on its left arm entitled “Threadbare until a bit of luck flew through an open window.”

SAGER BRAUDIS GALLERY 1025 E. Walnut St. Tuesday—Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

442-4831

ARTS & BOOKS

A wizard of writing

Missouri author Jim Butcher’s series about a supernatural private investigator has earned him national success

BY RACHEL PHILLIPS

The Dresden Files series by Jim Butcher, an Independence native, is one of the best lessons in why you should listen to your teachers.

While studying in the professional writing program at the University of Oklahoma, Butcher took a class from author Deborah Chester. She encouraged him to write urban fantasy, a subgenre of novels with supernatural elements set in modern times. Butcher, who already had an English degree with an emphasis in creative writing, says he initially resisted the idea.

The book Butcher eventually wrote was the beginning of the Dresden Files series and his first published novel, which came out in April 2000. The story of Harry Dresden, private detective and wizard, would grow into a franchise that includes 15 novels, short stories, graphic novels, an award-winning role-playing game and even a short-lived TV show.

“Being dumb has gotten me very far,” Butcher says.

The writer has come a long way from that first book. The biggest thing that has helped him improve is his group of beta readers. They are a diverse group of readers who are responsible for giving him feedback on his writing. He prefers feedback from readers than other writers. “If you’re a magician, you don’t design your tricks to impress other magicians,” Butcher says.

He says that maintaining the Dresden universe is a lot of work and isn’t glamorous. “As far as I’m concerned, I’m just writing my dumb little wizard books.”

Those “dumb little wizard books” have gained him a devoted following. Lisa LoPorto, head cashier and event planner at Columbia’s Barnes & Noble, where Butcher will sign books from 7–9 p.m. on April 28, describes him as a “rock star” in his genre. Connecticut-based fan Michael Kelley knows people from all over the world who read Butcher’s books and says they are the epitome of urban fantasy.

When it comes to writing fantasy worlds, Butcher follows the idea that there should be a couple of normal things for every weird element so people will be emotionally invested. Butcher also likes messing with his readers. “I love that he torments his fans with half truths and often says he’s not telling when asked point

From the fans:

Butcher’s devoted readers stay hooked on the author’s works

Butcher says he loves the freedom of being a writer. He’s able to wake up at any hour and can wear what he wants.

blank questions,” Florida-based fan Nick Demosthenous writes via email.

The progress on his next book has been slow because he doesn’t have a reliable workspace, but he should have it done by fall and ready to come out in winter or early next spring.

When he’s not writing, Butcher often participates in live-action role-play, something he began in college. He plays about once a month. Butcher says LARP gives him experiences he can’t get many other places. “It is kind of nice to be able to say, ‘Okay, well I do know what it’s like to be crouched in the bushes in the middle of the night with rain coming down waiting for someone to come along the trail so I can ambush them,’” he says.

“Imagine if Harry Potter were a grown up American who grew up watching John Wayne. Then add organized crime and angels.” That’s how Florida-based Dresden Files fan Nick Demosthenous describes the series. He is one of more than 8,000 members of the Jim Butcher Appreciation Society, a Facebook page for the author.

These passionate fans of Butcher’s have read (or listened to) the books multiple times.

Michael Kelley from Connecticut is one of these fans. He estimates he has read them six times and listened to them about 10.

“I consider the Dresden Files to be like my blankie,” he says.

Some have also read the short stories and comics that are parts of the series’ universe.

Fan Carol Turpin says these fill gaps that aren’t addressed in the novels. “The comics and short stories deepen our understanding of the characters and if anything make me love them more,” she says.

There are a few major aspects that fans say keep them hooked on the series. One is the presence of numerous styles. “He blends genres like an artisan bartender mixing a cocktail,” Carter Dohoney, a California-based fan, writes in a Facebook message. Another is Butcher’s characters. Lee Brooks from California says Butcher is an expert at getting readers to feel for his characters. Fans also commented on Butcher’s skill as a storyteller.

Fans have a lot to look forward to in the coming installments. Sean Harrigan, a fan living in Alaska, says that in the next books the “world has got to deal with Harry Dresden.”

Jim Butcher has written 28 novels plus short stories and graphic novels. His most popular series, the Dresden Files, is comprised of 15 novels and published by Roc. They follow the adventures of Harry Dresden, a private detective who also happens to be a wizard.

JIM BUTCHER Barnes & Noble Friday, April 28 7–9 p.m.

445-4080 barnesandnoble.com

PHOTOS COURTESY OF KAREN HACKER AND AMAZON/ROC

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Lawyer and activist DAN VIETS is changing the way Missouri thinks about marijuana and state-wide legalization

D

an Viets is anything but your joint-waving pro-marijuana advocate who hits a legalization rally each April 20 to spark up. Instead, the 65-year-old Columbia attorney and human rights activist has turned to the law and groups such as the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws to become one of the leading figures in Missouri’s marijuana reform movement for nearly 50 years. “He doesn’t spin facts, he’s very accurate,” says Steve Faber, president of the mid-Missouri chapter of NORML. “I guess that boils down to integrity.”

Twenty-six states and the District of Columbia have legalized marijuana for medicinal use, recreational purposes or both. Recent polling shows that, if it can get on the ballot in 2018, a majority of Missouri voters will support the legalization of medicinal marijuana. Viets isn’t exaggerating when he talks about seeing the finish line for the country’s budding reefer revolution.

criminal record. It’s no decriminalization, but it is a reduction in penalty and a step in the right direction.

euphoriant. It’s a mild intoxicant. It will never be the danger that alcohol or tobacco are.

What are some of the arguments against the legalization of marijuana?

The single most potent argument against legalization is the argument that we’ve got to protect our children. It’s in our DNA to protect our offspring, so when somebody says your children are being threatened, that’s a very potent argument. But it’s a false argument. We’ve had studies from both the state of Washington and Colorado looking at if there’s been any increase in marijuana use in young people since marijuana was legalized in those two states, and the answer is no. In Colorado, teenage marijuana use has actually dropped a couple of years in a row, not dramatically, but what’s absolutely clear is there’s been zero increase in teenage marijuana use.

Is there a time frame for when you think there’ll be nationwide legalization?

It’s instructive to look at what happened with alcohol prohibition. It took about 12 years before Americans realized that prohibition was horrible, that it was causing violence and massive lawbreaking by people who were otherwise good, productive, law-abiding citizens. New York repealed its state prohibition, and then other states began to follow suit … I think that every two years we’re going to see another group of states reform their marijuana laws. I think we’ll see federal prohibition repealed within 10 years, and we’ll still have a few states that probably prohibit marijuana for at least a few more decades.

Missouri recently dropped punishment for possession of marijuana. What does that say about the movement?

The changes that were made recently are good.

They’re important, but they’re really just a very small step. Nonetheless, it’s still a step in the right direction. Decriminalization of marijuana means three things: you don’t get arrested, you don’t go to jail as a sentence for the events, and you don’t end up with a criminal record. What we’ve got in Missouri as of January 1 of this year is no jail for the first offense, only for less than 10 grams. But you can still get arrested, and if you’re convicted, you still get a

How does the pro-legalization movement shake some of the negative stereotypes associated with marijuana use?

The stereotypes are breaking down because the people who are using marijuana, especially medically, don’t fit that stereotype at all. The single largest increase in marijuana use since legalization has been senior citizens. In part, that’s because senior citizens tend to suffer more health problems, so they have more need for medicine generally. It’s also in part because of a realization that “Reefer Madness” was never true, that marijuana has never been a dangerous or addictive drug, that it’s a relatively mild

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How does working toward marijuana reform right now compare to your past experiences with the cause?

I will tell you it’s never been more fun to work on this issue than it is right now. It’s a lot more fun to win.

It’s nice to be Don Quixote and tilt at windmills back when it appeared there was no chance we’d ever be able to repeal marijuana prohibition. But now that it’s actually happening, it’s very rewarding and very gratifying. ­­— BY BROOKS HOLTON PHOTO BY LIV PAGGIARINO

find out how trees reduce stress - www.TREESWORK.org Trees Work_MO Life 8.5x10.875 Ad_07_2013.indd 1

7/30/13 8:00 AM

THE TO-DO LIST

this week in Columbia

ARTS & CULTURE RSVP Center Presents: Feminist Movie Night Explore themes of feminism and sexuality in the documentary Out in the Night all while enjoying free snacks and valuable discussion. Tonight, 6 p.m., RSVP Center, Free, 882-6638

$1 Weekend Film: The Lego Batman Movie

The caped crusader has saved cities and defeated villains, but will he be able to handle a world of building blocks? Find out in this family adventure made for Lego and comic book enthusiasts alike. Fri. and Sat., 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., Wrench Auditorium Memorial Union South, $1, 882-3621

Stephens College Senior Film Showcase: Industry Edition

Indulge in an encore presentation of four short films made by Stephens College senior film students. There will be drink specials and a panel featuring the directors after the screening. Sunday, 9 p.m., Broadway Brewery, Free, 443-2742

Movie on the Mall: Grease Sing-Along

Welcome summer nights with a sing-along screening of the classic musical, Grease.

Bring your Pink Ladies and T-Birds to enjoy drive-in treats while jamming out to hits such as “Greased Lightnin’” and “You’re the One That I Want.” We’re hopelessly devoted to this event. Tuesday, 8:30–11:30 p.m., Lowry Mall, Free, 882-3780

Femme de Craft: A Crafts and Cocktail Fundraiser for Citizen Jane

Decorate and drink to support the independent film festival Citizen Jane.

Preview the festival lineup, get a Citizen Jane gift bag and ensure that movies from exciting female filmmakers come to Columbia for years to come. Wednesday, 7 p.m., Confetti Craft Co., $65, 424-3624

Chinese Youth Film Festival

Immerse yourself in a weekend of Chinese film with the MU Confucius Institute to celebrate its sixth anniversary. Professor Chen Ji of Shanghai Normal University will do Q&As throughout the weekend. Visit confucius.missouri.edu for a full schedule.

Wednesday, 7–10 p.m.,Tucker Hall, Free, 882-9061

Let’s Get Loud Drag Show 2017

Grab your glitter and celebrate pride month with some of the most talented kings and queens in Columbia. There will be music, dancing and costumes. You won’t want to miss this art form all about self-expression.

Wednesday, 7:30 p.m., Memorial Union, Free, 882-6776

Free Wednesday Film: 20th Century Women

Experience the Oscar-nominated tale of three women raising a young boy in the 1970s. In the process of imparting their wisdom to him, the women make discoveries about themselves and the generations they were born into.

Wednesday, 8 p.m., Memorial Union, Free, 882-3780

CIVIC Columbia Farmers Market

Experience the tastes of mid-Missouri at the Columbia Farmers Market with fresh vegetables and fruit, meat, farm fresh eggs, cheeses, honey, cut flowers, plants and artisan items. As a producer-only market, everything sold is offered by the farmers and artisans who help sustain our region.

Saturday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., Columbia Farmers Market, Free, 823-6889

Float Your Boat for The Food Bank

This event challenges teams to construct and race cardboard boats across Bass Pro Shops Lake while raising money to help feed people in need. Children 12 and under may compete in the short course, and families, businesses and organizations are invited to compete in a long-course race.

All proceeds go toward food donations.

Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Bass Pro Shops Lake, 447-6611

2017 Rainbow House Spring Fair

Rainbow House Columbia is hosting its annual Spring Fair at Flat Branch Park. Bring your family and friends for a fun afternoon of games, face painting, bounce houses and crafts. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Flat Branch Park, Free, 474-6600

Ace Cream

Get informed while enjoying and icy treat.

The LGBTQ Resource Center invites you to debunk myths about sexuality and gender while enjoying a free sundae bar. Monday, 7 p.m., LGBTQ Resource Center, Free, 884-7750

FOOD & DRINK Chug For Charity Bar Crawl

Have a night to remember, even if by the end you might forget. Donate $10 to a charity of your choice, grab a T-shirt and hit up any of the bars participating in the crawl including The Heidelberg, Room 38 and The Shotbar. There will be drink specials across downtown for this event supporting Columbia charities. Tonight, 8 p.m., The District, $20

Tigers in the Chocolate Factory

You won’t need a golden ticket to step inside this chocolate-coated fantasy. Mizzou

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DON’T MISS: STEVE MOAKLER This country connoisseur is making his move on the music industry. He’s topped the iTunes charts several times with his song “Riser,” and he even co-wrote “Mardi Gras” for Dierks Bentley. Friday, 9 p.m., Rose Music Hall, $10, 874-1944 After Dark is showing off its Willy Wonka side by providing a chocolate fountain plus candy and ice-cream bars. This event isn’t pure imagination; it’s April 21 and open to all ages. Friday, 7 p.m., Memorial Union, Free for MU students; $5 general, 884-0729

Mystery Dinner Theatre

Mystery, murder and marvelous food – oh my! Curtains-Up Columbia presents, “A Seance to Murder,” an interactive dinner theater experience catered by The Brasserie and The Upper Crust. Reservations are required so appropriate seating accommodations can be arranged. Friday and Sunday, 7 p.m., Champagne Ballroom, $40/couple or $45/individually, 819-3702

MUSIC 420 Fest

This unofficial holiday celebration at Rose is full of good vibes and even better music.

Prepare to chill out to Black Gardner & The Farmers, Mangosteen, Dumpster Kitty and others. Tonight, 5 p.m., Rose Music Hall, $5, 874-1944

Choral Union: The Abyssinian Mass

Get ready for a night of music. The Abyssinian Mass by nine-time Grammy Award winner Wynton Marsalis will be performed by the Choral Union, University Singers, MU Concert Jazz Band and guest soloist. R. Paul Crabb and Arthur White will be the conductors. Tonight, 7 p.m., Jesse Auditorium, $10/$20, 882-3781

Space Jesus

kind of music that takes a person beyond the stars. He created the persona Space Jesus to express his life experiences in an interesting way. Perkulator and G.H.O.S.T. will also be in attendance to help take the crowd to space. Tonight, 9 p.m., The Blue Note, $12–$18, 874-1944

Interstellar Overdrive

Interstellar Overdrive, along with special guests, will perform Pink Floyd’s album The Wall in it entirety. Say hello to that teen angst you grew out of because it’s going to make a comeback. Friday, 9 p.m., The Blue Note, $10, 874-1944

Local Fest

No outsiders allowed at this event. Well, at least to perform. Nonprofit Compass Inc. has gathered an impressive and diverse local lineup to perform for anyone and everyone. The lineup will be featuring the Kay Brothers, Rae Fitzgerald, Merry Ellen Kirk and many more. Saturday, 5 p.m., Rose Music Hall, $10, 874-1944

The Districts

The Philly quartet has been rocking out since high school. Now, almost a decade later, the band has released two hard-hitting records and three EPs. Sunday, 8 p.m., Rose Music Hall, $12 in advance, $15 day of, 874-1944

The Strangers with Gorbza and Octogenarians

Wear your emo badge loud and proud at Cafe B. The Strangers, a post-punk band from St. Louis, is coming to town to rock out. Columbia bands Gorbza and Octogenarians will open in support.

Tuesday, 8 p.m., Cafe Berlin, $5, 441-0400

New Jersey native Jasha Hall makes the

PHOTO COURTESY OF AMAZON/CREATIVE NATION MUSIC

Morgan James

Ana is a dance instructor and Chris is a photojournalist. F, R RUNTIME = 2:12

If the music you’re looking for has a little soul to it, then Rose Music Hall has just what you need. New Yorker Morgan James is a musical powerhouse with talent to turn heads and open ears. She has even performed at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center and the Hollywood Bowl.

Wednesday, 7:30 p.m., Rose Music Hall, $12 in advance, $15 day of, 874-1944

Unforgettable (R)

Tessa’s ex-husband just got engaged, and she is not doing so well. Consumed with jealousy, she is ready to ruin his soon-to-be wife’s life. F RUNTIME = 1:40

Still playing

Beauty and the Beast (PG) F, R The Boss Baby (PG) F, R The Case for Christ (PG) R The Fate of the Furious (PG-13) F, R Get Out (R) R Ghost in the Shell (PG-13) F, R Gifted (PG-13) R Going in Style (PG-13) F, R Kong: Skull Island (PG-13) R Logan (R) R The Lost City of Z (PG-13) RT Personal Shopper (R) RT Power Rangers (PG-13) F, R Raw (R) RT The Salesman (PG-13) RT The Shack (PG-13) R Smurfs: The Lost Village (PG) F, R Unforgettable (R) F, R The Zookeeper’s Wife (PG-13) RT

SCREEN Born in China (G)

Follow the adventures of three animal families: pandas, golden monkeys and snow leopards. R RUNTIME = 1:16

Free Fire (R)

In 1970s Boston, two gangs meet up for an exchange of guns. The simple swap turns into a game of survival for everyone involved. RT RUNTIME = 1:30

Phoenix Forgotten (PG-13)

It’s been 20 years since three teenagers disappeared from Phoenix, Arizona.

Footage is discovered showing what really happened that night. F, R RUNTIME =1:15

The Promise (PG-13)

During the Armenian genocide in the last days of the Ottoman Empire, three characters find themselves caught in a love triangle. Michael is a medical student,

Theaters F = Forum R = Regal

RT = Ragtag = available in 3D

KOPN 89.5fm...Where Else?

Monday thru Friday National Programming Line-up...

Democracy Now! with Amy Goodman 8-9am and Noon-1pm

The Diane Rehm Show 9-11am

THE NUMBER ONE RADIO STATION IN COLUMBIA! LISTEN LIVE AT Q1061.COM • DOWNLOAD THE Q 106.1 MOBILE APP

Fresh Air with Terry Gross 11am-Noon /Q1061Hits @Q1061

On your radio dial at 89.5 fm or live streaming at kopn.org 04.20.17

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VOXMAGAZINE.COM

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