The Current Online

by CHRIS BROWN

With the release of their third album (hed) pe proves once again that they are not only one of the most powerful metal groups out there, but one of the most diverse as well. Perhaps lacking the edge of their previous release Broke, Blackout still brings the same Southern California style many have come to love.
True to their hip-hop roots, bassist Mawk and drummer B.C. lay down that head-nodding beat so perfect for cruising four-deep in a stolen Cadillac. Funky bass lines coupled with staccato snap taps draw one perfectly into the underground legion of (hed) followers.
The departure of guitarist Chad Benekos left a void that was filled quite nicely by former Snot guitarist Sonny who brings a whole cacophony of sound never before heard on a (hed) album. Wes still rocks out many a crunching guitar riff that blend into the picture a sort of red fury, but on tracks such as “Carnivale” we hear a whole new reggae-influenced sound that is unfamiliar but still quite inviting.
Tableist D.J. Product definitely takes on a more dominant role in this album. His sampling is as masterfully done as ever, but with Blackout he brings more beats and scratches that add whole new layers to the album.
As always, though, the show belongs to front man Jahred, a.k.a. M.C.U.D. Dude is a player, no doubt, and with flows that rival any rapper in the business, his message is delivered with every bit as much skill as one could expect. Crooning and seductive one minute, painfully honest the next, Jahred is never going to be afraid of saying exactly what he is gonna do to you, your girl and maybe even your momma if you aren’t careful.
On the first track of the album, “Suck it Up,” we are reintroduced to the fact that these guys are not only here to make music, but to make a point. They are bigger, better and harder than anyone out there, and if you don’t like it, then shut up and get the f@#! out of the way. However, the rest of the album provides new ideas, both lyrically and musically.Don’t get me wrong- there is still plenty of drinking, smoking and love making, but a more poetic sound dominates many tracks such as “Other Side” and “Half the Man”. (hed) pe expose themselves on this album not only as musicians but also as people. Their pain is real and can really be felt on songs like “Blackout” and “Bury Me”.
The party life lives strong within (hed), though, and “Crazy Life” is definitely the single most accurate representation of what (hed) pe has become. (hed) Planet Earth can bring it the way few other bands can and “Blackout” proves it. This album and this band rock.

by CHRIS BROWN

Based on the semi-autobiographical book by the same name Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is a tale of drug-induced journalism that feels remarkably familiar to this reporter. Starring Johnny Depp as Raoul Duke and Benicio del Toro as Dr. Gonzo, this movie chronicles a journey across the desert from Los Angeles to Las Vegas.
Armed only with ” two bags of grass, 75 pellets of mescaline, five sheets of high-powered blotter acid, a salt shaker half full of cocaine, a whole galaxy of multi-colored uppers, downers, laughers, screamers, plus, one quart of tequila, one quart of rum, a case of beer, and one pint of raw ether,” Duke and Gonzo embark on a quest of the indescribable activity that takes hold of a relatively simple assignment to cover a motorcycle race.
As the story and lunacy continue, we are taken deeper and deeper into the mind of the original Hunter S. Thompson. Filled with intense political and sociological undertones, it quickly becomes evident that this story is much more than a remarkably humorous tale of two incredibly messed up individuals. It is a defining work- an opus- and, for Hunter S. Thompson, it was a story of truth.
The DVD itself is filled with many special features with information not only on the creation of the film, but on the life of Thompson. Featured are the standard DVD extras- still photos, commentaries and deleted scenes. But the real treat is Johnny Depp reading actual letters of correspondence between himself and Thompson. Depicting actual events in both Depp and Thompson’s lives, the letters served as a chance for Depp to learn more about the story behind Fear and Loathing and perfect his character.
An entire section is devoted to the life and career of Thompson. An incredibly talented author, Thompson’s attention to detail and ability to paint a picture of words have inspired many in the worlds of both journalism and fiction.
This undeniably enjoyable film is, and will always be, a cult classic made to order for anyone twisted enough to actually get it. The extras are superb and are well worth viewing. Looking for perspective or just a good time? Then go on out there and enjoy the bat country.

by CHRIS BROWN

On Oct. 28, 2000 Congress passed the Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act (CSCPA). This federal law, which is an extension of the previously enacted Megan’s Law, is designed to provide faculty and students on every college campus in the nation with records of every convicted, registered sex offender currently enrolled or employed at said university.
The CSCPA, which was sponsored by Arizona Congressman Jon Kyl, amends the Jacob Wetterling Crimes Against Children and Sexually Violent Offender Registration Act by requiring that the state provide sufficient information to the institution where the offender is enrolled or employed. According to Kyl, “The purpose of this provision is to guarantee that when a convicted sex offender enrolls or begins employment at a college or university, members of the campus community will have the information they need to protect themselves.
“Put another way, my legislation ensures the availability to students and parents of the information they would already receive-under Megan’s Law and related statutes-if a registered sex offender were to move into their own neighborhood.”
Longview student Pauline Cowden thinks this is a great idea. “It’s not something I spend a lot of time thinking about,” she said, “but, yeah, it’s nice to know that someone is looking out for us.”
As of Oct. 28, 2003 it will be required that all information on convicted offenders be made readily available to all faculty and students on campus. The information must be supplied to the presiding law enforcement agency on campus by the state in order to ensure that the university continues to receive certain federal funding tied to the act. In addition, the CSCPA amends the Jeanne Clay Disclosure of Campus Security and Campus Crime Statistics by requiring that the university provide notice of where information on offenders can be obtained. Previously, only offenses that took place on campus were required to be released to the public. Kyl notes that, “In order to ensure that the information is readily accessible to the campus community, the Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act requires colleges and universities to provide the campus community with clear guidance as to where this information can be found, and clarifies that federal laws governing the privacy of education records do not prevent campus security agencies or other administrators from disclosing such information.”
According to Janet Cline, Longview’s Dean of Student Development and Facilities, the Missouri Department of Education, which is currently in charge of the development of the CSCPA, has until the end of May to come up with a plan regarding the best way to make the information available to students. When this plan is secured, Longview will be notified and will proceed to provide the information needed for students to readily protect themselves.
At this time all information on registered sex offenders in Jackson County is available through the Jackson County Sheriff’s department. When the state formulates a plan, Cline said that Longview will continue to “provide all information on registered offenders exactly as the state mandates.”

Distance and crime concentration merit atTention from Longview administration

by CHRIS BROWN

As the rain comes down in sheets or the snows pile feet off the ground, they make their journey. These lonely travelers embark on the cross-country trek that will eventuate in their arrival at campus. They are the few, the strong of will- they are the inhabitants of parking Lot D.
Lot D has long been the Achilles heel of student drivers at Longview. The distance from campus is always a concern, but during the winter months circumstances are often dangerous. Lately, though, the trend toward negativity regarding Lot D has only increased. The unimaginable is taking place- at about 10 a. m. everyday, there will occur a spectacle that many thought would never happen- parking lot D is full of cars.
“It sucks,” says student Jason Yunker. “Not only is it a mile away from campus, now it’s getting hard to even find a place to park.”
Recently, in addition to the terrible weather conditions and the less than ample parking there has been somewhat of a crime spree going on in lot D. Since December there have been six reported thefts from vehicles parked there. Compared with the three incidents reported between Jan. 1 and Nov. 30 2002, it is obvious that there is a definite increase in these incidents.
This begs the question, where is campus security while all these thefts are happening? The focus of campus security has obviously turned toward the illegal parking we see going on all over campus. While this is a big concern to all students, perhaps more emphasis should be placed on reducing theft and finding the persons responsible.
The main responsibility of campus security is to provide a safe environment in which students can learn. Any time this safety is jeopardized the problem must be addressed. If even one student feels unsafe leaving a car unattended, if only for a few hours to attend class, changes must be made. With the increasing congestion and the reoccurring theft the time has come.
Perhaps the best solution would be to bring the Lee’s Summit police in on the action. In the past there have been many occasions where a report was filed with campus security but not with the Lee’s Summit Police. Wouldn’t it be more comfortable if the real cops were out there serving and protecting.