Well... it's been a while since I've been able to jot something down worthy of the word "editorial," but we've just been so busy. Contrary to popular belief, we're still working our tails off here, in fact, we're working harder than ever! I'd like to welcome three new additions to the Synapsis staff... Aaron Weber, Anj Stevenson, and Jacque Mocnik. These three fine individuals will be doing a lot of work for Synapsis, meaning that we'll be able to cover even more news and events, and bring our more neglected departments up to full speed... not to mention improving the pace of our coverage.

Most of you are already familiar with Aaron's work - he's already written several music reviews for us, and has always had an encouraging word or rant ready for us. Now he'll be putting his multiple talents to work for Synapsis as an assistant webmaster. This will be instrumental in bringing our production schedule up to where I have always hoped it could be. Of course, he'll also be doing a large degree of editing - which has the rest of our staff quaking in their boots because of his extensive knowledge of our local music and its musicians. Hopefully, we'll also get him to do more of his excellent reviews, and perhaps even a column - when he's in the "ranting" mood.

Anj Stevenson is new to Lawrence... but certainly not new to local arts & entertainment. Anj is from Columbia, MO - where she played with a great band, the Domestics. She also has a fine arts degree which she will be putting to good use at Synapsis covering the local art scene. Anj is just what the visual arts department has been needing - a new face and a fresh breath of life. Someone with a fresh perspective of our area's offerings... So those of you out there who have been saddened by the fact that we haven't added any new displays to our Virtual Art Gallery recently, haven't done a review or interview in quite a while... smile. Because all of that is about to change.

Some of you may have seen Jacque Mocnik at the local shows - especially in Lawrence. But you'll probably see even more of her now. She's writing for Synapsis - and we're expecting great things. She'll be focussing mainly on local music, but she's a multi-talented girl and has expressed interest in other departments as well - which is just fine by us! She's already proven herself a strong asset to Synapsis. She's brightened up the place too, with her ever-changing hair color and witty conversation, Jacque (short for Jacqueline) is definitely a welcome addition to the team. See you at the shows, Jax.

I, personally, will be devoting a large portion of my time in the next month to the art, literature and cinema departments, and I think you're all going to be pleasantly surprised. Of course, the cinema department is going to get a serious kick-start in May with Episode I: The Phantom Menace, which I feel confident to say we are all anxiously awaiting here at Synapsis. I honestly could not think of a better inaugural feature for our cinema department... but the visit to KSU by director, Kevin Smith (Dogma, Chasing Amy, Mallrats, Clerks), will be a close second - and I know Kevin would support us in that call, he's as big a Star Wars freak as we are. As a little warm up for the new movie, however, we're preparing a little quiz for those of you out there who think you're true Star Wars fans. Call it a little "pre-celebration for the return of our collective childhood" when Star Wars once again hits the big screen. StarWars.com has a little quiz on their site - but it really wasn't challenging enough for us - so we're going to make you dig a bit deeper... perhaps there'll be a prize for those of you who get 'em all correct. We shall see...

Other news - as if this hasn't already been one of my longer editorials - includes the exciting turn the Lazer's Local Music Show has taken: They've gone LIVE. That's right folks, the show hosted every Sunday from 7:30 - 9:30pm has become a free local music concert at the Granada Theater, which is broadcast live on the air. What could be better? Of course, the only downside now is that I'm going to be missing out on all of the other great local music mixed in between the live performances - because I'll always be at the show!!! And you should be too... scream real loud and be heard by thousands live on the air... actually, be heard by thousands more worldwide by those listening to the Lazer, live on the web. Come on... it's a Sunday night... take a break from the studying and go see a great show. What could be better than a free local music show???

Speaking of local music - May is packed with big, local music festivals. We'll be at most (if not all) of them, and we'll probably be looking for a bit of additional help - so if you've been tempted to give writing for Synapsis a try - or you're handy with a camera and have been waiting for an exciting subject, let us know. It would be a great chance for you to try your hand at Synapsis, without the long-term commitment of jumping in with both feet. Get ahold of myself or Jason if you're interested in knowing more...

Of course, we just completed our coverage of the 1999 Klammies, and I hope you all took the time to check it out. There has been a great deal of discussion about this year's event, and you'll get to hear about most of it right here. We've got a bunch of great photos, some in-depth coverage of the performances and some first-time, first-hand impressions of the event from Jason & Nick. Check it out. Congratulations to all of the nominees and winners - you all deserve it.

Well, that's pretty much it from me for now - be sure to check out Jason's monthly music news for more on the music front.

Until next month, see you at the shows!

Matt Bechtold