Editing this issue has been one big exercise in the art of compromise. Arts and Entertainment - it sounds fairly tame, sure. The problem arises when big business PR interferes with an artist's vision. And when a major label artist (heretofore referred to as "you know who," as I refuse to name her one more time in this issue!) comes to CSI with much hype and fanfare, it is inevitable that other things will get pushed aside.

Unfortunately, that "thing" happened to be Bad Ben Franklin's showcase at the Muddy Cup, which fell on the same night as a certain tour (now known as "you know what"). To me, the real story is obviously the Bad Ben Franklin event: a talented group of CSI Students and Alumni on the verge of becoming something truly great in the cinematic world. Frankly, I'd rather support a talented young group of students than "you know who," a girl who garners press from just about every major magazine worldwide. However, "you know what" was such a huge event on campus that, plain and simple, we just had more images about that event than Bad Ben Franklin's big night.

So, in the interest of creating the most interesting and visually arresting paper possible, I gave the spread (and a good portion of the A&E cover) to "you know what." But I refused to give the cover shot to "you know who" (Hell she had Maxim, she hardly needs us!). Instead, we gave the rookie of the group, Tyler Hilton, a young up-and-comer who serenaded festival-goers.

Trust me, I fought for a different spin to this issue. Some debates got so heated I literally walked out of the room, kicking and screaming. I was so frustrated because I felt I had sold out and made the wrong decision.

But the fact is, this isn't just my paper. I was outvoted, and so "you know what" got some major press. "You know what" was attended by more high-school mall rats and teenyboppers than actual CSI students, while Bad Ben Franklin's event had a high percentage of CSI students, and they get, total, one page. That is big money PR, people; that's life. And that is a damn shame.

We have some major talent in this issue! Besides BBF, we have Natson, a brilliant local sculptor who waxed poetic with Igor Gembitsky about art and humanity. We explore the Art of Exotic Dancing, the loooong-overdue finale of Friends, and more! Hey, read what you like in this issue, as it is well-written and every word and image was chosen with a lot of thought. However, I urge you to check out the pieces on Bad Ben Franklin, on page four. Seriously, I'm tired of the little guy getting crapped on. Support your students and friends. And don't worry, BBF, when you guys are famous, CSI will be wetting itself to put you on the cover.

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