Writing your life

Caitlin Giddings Ibtisam Barakat has always found safety in language. Since her childhood as a Palestinian refugee in the West Bank, she has looked to the Arabic alphabet for stability and companionship. Language provided a refuge when her world was blown apart after the 1967 Six-Day War between Israel and neighboring states.

Plant tips for the most novice gardners

Emily Becker For the Martha Stewarts of the world, caring for a houseplant is as easy as boiling water. But what if the only thing you’ve ever been able to grow is mold in the back of your fridge? When it comes to coaxing your nearly dead fern back to life, David Trinklein, an associate professor of plant sciences at MU, says never fear. “I don’t think there’s a person who can’t be properly taught to grow a plant if they have the right environment,” he says.

Not everyone can be a hero

Jess Camp I’m a good big sister, despite what people may think. I’m always offering unsolicited sage wisdom on growing older to my little sister Tracy. Usually, at these times, she groans and rolls her eyes, but the point is that I try. I also lend her my ear if she needs to vent about a jerky guy, or I’ll give her a ride if she needs one. I’ll even occasionally buy her lunch when we’re out.

Merry Men

Whitney Spivey Francis Bellamy penned the Pledge of Allegiance in 1892. Since then, his oath has been diligently learned by school children, recited at sporting events and solemnly repeated in courtrooms nationwide. And last year, it was incorporated into the slam-bang musical performance And Justice for All, sung by more than 120 gay men in Kansas City.