Unleash you inner hippie

Feeling feverish? I sure am.

Spring has come, and the hippie inside me is just dying to get out, sinking its pacifist claws into the deepest reaches of my psyche.

Time to soak up the sunshine, run barefoot through the fields of wildflowers and do all that other stuff that sounds really lame but feels really awesome.

To facilitate your search for a Spring Fever cure OFF has put together a nifty little spread on some of the coolest places to visit within a few hours' drive of Cape Girardeau. In case you didn't know, there's all kinds of cool stuff to do outdoors here, you just have to know where to look. After reading this issue, you will.

But if you're one of those types that don't dig on the outdoors -- why you wouldn't is totally beyond me, but everybody's got their quirks -- we've got an issue jam-packed with other leisurely pursuits.

Those nature-phobic nerds out there might be pleased to know that Cape Girardeau is hosting its first comic and game expo this month. All the coolest nerds (if that's not an oxymoron, I don't know what is) will be there, including some Star Wars Stormtroopers. Don't be the last one on your block to know -- check out Jaenie's piece on page 23 and you'll be armed with the knowledge to have an awesome weekend of gaming and comics.

So let's see, we've got the outdoor freaks covered, we've got the nerds covered. What else is there?

Rock 'n' roll.

Last month one of Cape's best young bands, Fists of Phoenix, released a new EP. If you don't believe in the prowess of the Fists, then check them out for yourself. You won't be disappointed.

In our music section, Ryan King sits down with the Fists to talk about their X-Files-esque inspiration for this new album. Sure, the Fists are a bit odd, but that's what always makes good rock. Ever heard of David Bowie? I rest my case.

Speaking of weird and rock, you'll never believe what some kooky group of psychics is going to try and make money on this month. These weirdoes are actually going to try and summon the spirit of John Lennon on pay-per-view TV. Now that's a hustle.

I've got a feeling that if they do contact John, his answer will be something like this: "I'm only sleeping." If you don't understand that, you're no Beatles fan.

Ahh, the Beatles. George Harrison. Taxman. It's tax time! How do you like that free association?

This year I'm calling for a tax strike. Join me and refuse to file your taxes -- tell Uncle Sam where to stick it. Let's bring down the government.

I'll see you in the halls of Congress. We'll watch it all burn together while we eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches by the reflecting pool. Viva la revolution, or something like that.