Transition is the spice of life

Ah, transition. What can we say about that magical, ill-defined phenomenon that hasn't been said before.

Of course, transition is everywhere. Pres. Bush just got a new press secretary (care of Fox News, what a surprise) and a new CIA director (care of the military, what a surprise). The seasons just changed from spring to summer, as I found out over the Memorial Day weekend when I risked quelching the grill flames with my sweat.

Here at OFF it's a time of transition, too. This month you'll notice a couple of new voices in OFF magazine. Those of you who work in the professional world know that summer means interns, and things are no different here at OFF.

Crack this baby open and you'll see a few pieces by our very own OFF intern Sean Ludwig. Sean is a Mizzou journalism student who digs music and flicks. Perfect for OFF, wouldn't you say?

Try to give him a warm welcome, even if you're a member of the Those Guys comedy team (see page 4).

We also brought in another new voice to review the new album by The Dirty 30s. Sure, if you're an avid OFF fan you know Ryan King reviewed the disc back when we were still the old OFF, but we wanted to get an outsider's perspective on one of Cape's favorite hometown bands.

Enter Erik Rust. Yes, you know that last name -- he is a member of the Rust newspaper dynasty. He's also a college student, and a cool dude. So welcome Erik, too.

Speaking of change, we also sent out roving reporter Davis Dunavin to talk to some recent college grads on the verge of what may be their life's biggest transition. In a world with no classes, all three of these newly minted Southeast Missouri State University alumni are asking "What's next?"

While you're there, don't forget to turn a few pages and check out how local hip hop artists are trying to kick-start their own transition and carve out a niche in Southeast Missouri. Or the changing nature of privacy on the Internet, and the government plot to track where you go online. Yes, you.

Bob Dylan was right, but I won't be so campy as to quote that famous line from his song about transition. Figure it out yourself.

So as we enter the sweltering months of summer, let OFF be your companion in the air conditioned confines of modern life. And try not to have a heart attack when Albert Pujols finishes the month with 40 home runs.

And screw Barry Bonds.

As the Philadelphia fans said, "Babe Ruth did it on beer and hot dogs."