“Comedy is my mistress.”

by Danielle Fulmer

The lights will dim and silence fall over the crowd of 18,500 as they await the arrival of chart-topping comedian Dane Cook at the Sprint Center on Saturday. Cook’s new tour Isolated Incident – Global Thermo Comedy Tour comes through Kansas City at 8 p.m. on May 16.

His new special, Isolated Incident, debuts on Comeday Central May 17.

Cook recently took the time out of his schedule to dish about the new tour, his inspiration for his writing, and his love life on the road.

DF: What does this tour have that is going to be different from the other tours and stand you have done in the past?

DC: I did an arena tour in ’07 and it was a blast, the larger capacity crowd. What’s new is the material, a new hour. When I did the tour in ’07, the point of that tour was really to share. There was a lot of new material, but that was almost like a best of, it was like, let me do all my favorites and the fans favorites that I have accumulated over 16 years. So now what you have is a completely new hour and a hour of fun and an enthusiastic fan base that has one thing in common when they come to my show, and that’s laugh their butts off.

DF: Do you like the big arena shows better than the small intimate stages?

DC: I wouldn’t even say I like it better, but it’s very rewarding at this point because you know I’ve spent the last I guess two years straight except for the arena tour in early ’07–it’s like night club after night club after night club, working on new material. So imagine, it’s almost like you’re in a lab working on your hypothesis and you’re finally sharing it with the masses, with the people that are waiting for you to kind of emerge from the lab, so it’s just a blast. I love doing clubs and I love doing solo venues, but the energy from an event like this makes it just a really memorable night for all of us that are in the arena.

DF: Being on stage, what is one of the best moments you’ve had?

DC: The first thing that came to mind is the first time that I ever preformed a late night television spot. I was in the village in NYC, just grinding away in 1995, when I got approached by the people from Letterman, and they asked me to do my first five minutes ever. Standing on that stage where the Beatles had preformed and Elvis had performed, that beautiful Ed Sullivan stage, that was just the first of many highlight moments in my life and career and when I think about it I still get chills.

DF: I heard you were a little bit shy back in high school.

DC: A little bit? A lot! I was introverted I was quite…I had panic attacks. I was scared to connect with people. I had a lot of anxiety.

DF: So what do you think it was that helped you to get past that and make it possible to do arenas like the Sprint Center? What was it in you that changed?

DC: It took a lot of years just slowly building my confidence up. It really came down to where I needed to earn some [self confidence]. I knew I wanted to be a comedian since I was a young boy. Certainly my parents and my family knew I wanted to be a comedian. They also realized that my biggest hurdle was, I was so introverted, I was so painfully shy, but what I really just needed to do was be confident in my voice and be confident in my beliefs. That took time and during my formative years as a comedian, there were certainly nights that I was staring straight down at the floor and a little bit trepidatious to show my face or raise my voice up a little bit, but then I slowly began to realize that I felt more at home on stage, where I could be all the things in my imagination and share all those things without really feeling like I’m being judged. It’s just people listening and enjoying and I came out of that shell.

DF: In your comedy, what do you think your strengths are? Do you think it’s the content or do you think it’s the delivery?

DC: Well, first and foremost [there are things] I am very committed to as a performer. I believe in the old traditions that you are an entertainer. You’re always there to put on a show for people, don’t give them 5o percent,or don’t try to be too cool for school. Bring them the authentic you as an entertainer. Strength-wise, I do believe over the years my use of language–I love words. I am a verbologist–I love interesting use of words. Incredible jargons, any way to tell a story with language that helps to paint a picture I think is creating your presentation. So language certainly, physicality–it’s not a put on. I wouldn’t have to pretend to be to be excitable because I just get out there. I love motion, I love movement and I think connecting with people. Who knows, maybe being that shy trepidatious young kid actually enhanced the entertainer in me now because that never goes away I mean that’s still in me. Maybe part of the connection that is very apparent with the fan base is that they know that I am a real person and that I am not putting on a façade. Really, what you see is what you get. I think that’s glamorous to people, a source of respect. I know it is for me and the people that I look up to.,

DF: You had huge success with Good Luck Chuck. Is there going to be a second Good Luck Chuck?

DC: I’ve heard some rumors going around that somebody wants to make a sequel. I have not been approached for a sequel, but I know we had a blast making the movie. We probably laughed too much on the set. For me, honestly, at this point, I feel like I have gone through such a metamorphosis the last couple of years in what really informs this album. I feel that I have really matured and grown up with a generation of comedy fans. So even the content in the scripts and the roles that you’re going to see me enter into over the next couple of years, I feel like I am going to take some risks and step away from what people would expect. So certainly going to still try to find the funny. We’ll have to see about the Good Luck Chuck sequel, but I am definitely moving into greener pastures and hopefully more entertaining stories to tell.

DF: What is your one piece of advice for aspiring comedians be?

DC: That is a valuable question. I certainly know that I sought it out from the comedians that I was entertained by. I always tell the comedians that I meet on open mic nights to be very careful as who you listen to advice from, because it is a really gentle process and it’s all about precision when you’re a new comedian. I say precision because what you really need to get the pin prick on in your personality is, what is really funny to you. There is two kinds of comedians, there is comedians that say funny things that they think of that they think people will laugh at. They go through a process in their mind and they say, oh I bet that will be funny to them. I bet people will laugh at that observation A really great comedian, I feel, says, What’s funny to me and how can I bring people in my world and my observations and share that with them? So try to write from within and don’t listen to too many [people] and trust your core friends, your road dogs, as we call it in comedy, the people who travel with you the most. Don’t listen to too many people. Just let it unfold and get on stage, get on stage, get on stage!

DF: What is your favorite college sports team?

DC: Oh, boy, wow…I always go with my first thought and I have always loved football and my dad went there…I am going to go Boston College Eagles.

DF: Are you single?

DC: I say this comedy is my mistress. I am with her night after night. You’re talking about a tour that it’s just me out here with a couple of my favorite comedian pals, so unfortunately for that part of my life there is not a lot of time for the romance. I am just really enjoying being on the road with stand up. I’m sure your readers will be happy to hear that no [I’m not seeing anyone] at this time, I am just on the road.

DF: Where do you get your inspiration from when you are writing?

DC: My inspiration with my writing is from a lifetime of loving stand up comedians. Listening to early comedy albums when I was a little boy and playing them over and over. On a personal level it will always be my mom and dad. My true inspiration, my true comedic heroes, two funny people that just cracked me up when was a kid. If they didn’t laugh so much and make them laugh so much then I would not be doing this.

DF: You are the second youngest of six kids. Did this have any effect on the comedy in your life?

DC: I definitely had a crowd to perform in front of. I had a couch full of people to entertain with my skits and I was always lip syncing songs and coming up with little comedy skits to do. I had a few people in there to encourage.

DF: Where do you see yourself a in the next five years? What is it that you see yourself doing?

DC: I would really like to…I’ve done a few films that other people have written and made some great friends with some excellent writers and had some wonderful experiences there, but I think I would like to develop my own feature film hopefully even direct it. I am going to direct some short films after the tour. In a perfect word if I was batting 500 I would love to in the next few years branch into producing films that I have written with my group of guys.

DF: Is there anything that we should keep our eye out for?

DC: The tour is my 100 percent commitment. I took everything off the books so that I can be out here on the road. I do have a great new application on the iPhone. It’s called Dane Cook Global. It’s almost like a live documentary. I can update from the phone I have in my pocket with video and photo and text. People can literally be traveling with me. If you can’t be at a show I am posting pics and documentaries from them so I can share some comedy with my fans that way.

Vice Chancellor Tuesday Stanley, McCaskill, PV student Dominique Hernandez (Danielle Fulmer/The Current).

by Danielle Fulmer

Sen. Claire McCaskill held a press conference at MCC-Penn Valley May 2 to heighten hopes of students and their families by discussing the elements of the economic recovery package. McCaskill reminded students that there is new aid, as well as increased funding, that can ease the pain of the pocket-robbing cost of college that puts an average debt of $20,000 on new graduates.

The package includes up to $2,500 for the American Opportunity tax credit. It is an annual credit that is available for not only two-year college students, but for all college students. This will support college tuition as well as expenses such as lab fees and computers for college use. An added $3.84 million of funding for the Missouri work-study programs and an estimated $450 will be added to the Pell Grants available in Missouri.

The Gay/Straight Alliance sponsored a Day of Silence in support of equal rights (Danielle Fulmer/The Current).

Two young middle school students leave for school one afternoon. One never returns home. The national Day of Silence was formed to honor this young man because he, a middle school child, was a victim of a hate crime and was murdered for his sexual orientation.
In April MCC Longview participated in the national youth movement called DOS, the National Day of Silence. DOS is intended to make students aware of the silence that is faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people (LGBT).
Participants placed tape over their mouths in order to show their support for those who have suffered from anti-LGBT bullying and harassment.
The group believes that “ending the silence that surrounds these issues is the first step to building awareness.”
Outside of Lakeside Café, students passed by, some without even a glance at the bold red tape that was shutting the mouths of a table full of people, while others stopped to ask questions. Some students laughed and make derogatory jokes about the LGBT community; others were okay with the project.
“I am for gay rights,” said Casey Kemerling, a Longview student. “I’m not gay myself, but I have friends that are gay and I want them to be happy.”
“[I] don’t care as long as it doesn’t affect me. If they are happy, then I am happy,” said Marcus Britton, a student sitting next to the DOS table.

For the past couple of  months, a string of thefts have left Longview Public Safety scanning the parking lot for intruders. Unfortunately thefts can happen in broad daylight and officers say it can take less than five minutes for them to take place.

Here are some pointers to help you to prevent theft to your vehicle.

• Do not leave your vehicle overnight.
• Do not leave your valuables left in the open.
• Lock them in your trunk, or take them with you.
• Remember to always lock your doors.
• Set your car alarm if you have one.

Whereas patrol in these areas has been increased, there is never a certainty to not being a victim so make sure to follow procedures that will protect your motor vehicle.

Any unusual activity should be reported to Public Safety at 816-672-2123.

Hard Bean Cafe (Danielle Fulmer/The Current)

by  Danielle Fulmer

Sounds from the one-man act filled the air and traveled all the way to the top of the loft at The Hard Bean Coffee. Eyes focused on the singer, Brady Toops, who played his guitar in front of the coffee bar. The Shop is decked out in an urban alternative motif. Perfect seating is arranged throughout the downstairs and a cozy, small lounge-like overlook is available for customers.     View slideshow    

The Hard Bean Coffee’s slogan, “The Alterative Drinking Establishment,” explains the feeling of the coffee shop. Located in Grandview, Hard Bean sits in the downtown area. Rebecca Wills started the coffee shop three years ago on St. Patrick’s Day.

“The timing was just right,” Wills said, “My uncle had a coffee shop of his own that I loved to hang out in when I was younger, so when the opportunity came I jumped on it.”

Wills runs a variety of specials. Her self-proclaimed best espresso is half off during happy hour which is Monday thru Thursday, four to six pm. Hard Bean offers a free classical movie night on Friday nights. Bring a date, grab a favorite cup of joe, and snuggle up to your love toy in front of the 100 inch TV and listen in full surround sound.

“It is a clean night of fun for those who can’t stay away from the coffee shop scene”, Mike Richardson an avid coffee drinker, said.

Wills said that she also loves the light flow of live music presented in The Hard Bean. It is a good place for musicians to start out and get some practice in front of an audience, she said, and encourages people to come in and bring a sample of their music to see whether it is the right fit for a showcase.

“I found music to be the path I wanted to walk, and I love playing in places like this,” Brady Toops said. “It’s very personal feeling when you are so close to your audience in such a relaxing atmosphere.”

Whether it is a fantastic cup of coffee, a romantic night out with your honey, or a place to begin your musical roots, the Hard Bean Coffee offers it all.

Longview students Emma Jo Blakenship and Kyle Scheel heard about an anti-gay rights rally planned for Overland Park in April. As the gay community decided how to approach this attack in a positive manor, Blankenship and Scheel wondered whether they could fight for equality through music.

On April 18, their band, Emma Jo and the Poets Down Here, played for the Rock for Equality concert. Even though no one in the band is an open gay, they wanted to show their support for gay rights by helping the event with four hours of music.

“I view it more as equality and human rights than a moral thing,” said Scheel.

Scheel said he stumbled on an ad on Craig’s List looking for some musical talent to perform “as a counter-fundraiser to the anti-gay rights one being put on by the Kansas Family Policy Council at the Doubletree Hotel in Overland Park,” the ad. “Rather than a protest, we want to do a positive event in place of the other one.”

Local and national organizations came to aid the event, including nationally known groups like the Human Rights Campaign, the largest civil rights organization for the LGBT, and the Trevor Project, an LGBT suicide prevention hotline. Local supporters included the Kansas Equality Collation. The cost was free, but donations were being accepted and the proceeds went to the Human Rights Campaign.

“Our generation is so much friendlier towards [LGBT],”Blankenship said.

The concert was a hit and the band helped to bring in donations even from unlikely sources.

“There was even an older gentleman in a motorized wheelchair that gladly made a donation to the Human Rights Campaign,” said Matt Davis, a coordinator for the event.

People were able to come and be themselves with no fear of persecution. The event also spread the awareness of local groups that can help anyone who is struggling with coming out.

“There has just been a misunderstanding of who LGBT people are and what they stand for,” said Davis. “With events like this, we are slowly chipping away at the misunderstanding and people are realizing the LGBT people are a lot like themselves. I am glad that I, along with Emma Jo and the Poets Down here, could be a small part of that change.”

Whitnee Burgette and Cindy Noyes of LV Mighty Voices rehearse for the spring production, Made In America. The show runs April 17-18, 24-25 at Longview's Cultural Arts Center (Danielle Fulmer/The Current).

Hooper at Tom Fooleries (Danielle Fulmer/The Current)

by Danielle Fulmer

The sounds of guitars tuning pour into the hallways. Students sit waiting for the next song that will put their learning fingers to use. The instructor sits in the middle of his circling class, telling them note by note the new musical arrangement that creates their next assignment. This is Music 125 at MCC-Longview. The instructor is Ben Hooper, and he is no ordinary teacher.

“I enjoy helping others hone their craft of music,” Hooper said. “I plan on doing this for many years.” After the long hours of teaching not only at Longview, but at Penn Valley and private lessons as well, this talented musician slips into the band scene. Hooper performs at Tom Fooleries, playing his guitar for his band, Gov’t Cheez, on Wednesday and Thursday nights.

Hooper has been playing in bands since before he graduated from the University of Central Missouri. He played in orchestra and in a jazz trio there.

Hooper has been teaching at the MCC for eleven years. A man of many talents, he plays a wide range of multiple instruments, but his array of gifts extends beyond just music. Students appreciate the type of teaching that he brings to the classroom.

“He is a very understanding teacher,” said Logan Coy, one of his Music 125 students. “He takes his time to make sure you are taking in the lessons he provides. He doesn’t get frustrated with you when you struggle, and I value that.”

Other students gain from the teaching methods of Hooper and compliment him on his fresh teaching style.

“He is a very agile, versatile instructor,” said Shannon Rice, an accounting student who is furthering his musical talents in Music 125.

It’s not only Hopper’s students who value his gifts. Listeners at Tom Fooleries also appreciate the talent he contributes to his band.

“I love live music, and I like to stop in everyone once in awhile because I know I can come here and listen to a good band after a hard day of work,” said Bekah Stadler, a fan at Tom Fooleries. “They are very laid back and have a nice chill vibe to them.”

MCC-Longview’s Cultural Arts Center was completed and opened its doors in 2008 not only to theatre, dance and art, but to those seeking shelter as well. Partially funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the center is the neighborhood’s official shelter in case of disaster.

According to the office of Longview Pres. Fred Grogan, here is what to do when faced with a twister:

• Proceed calmly to the Cultural Arts Center as quickly as possible. If there is not enough time to reach the Art Center, then seek shelter in the lowest section of the building you are in.
• Stay away from windows and exterior doors
• Once in a well sheltered area, crouch down, protecting head and face with arms.
• Listen for announcements over the Emergency Notification Messaging System.
• Remain in the shelter area until the “all clear” signal is made.

Transfer Day at Longview's Lakeside Cafe, February 2009 (Danielle Fulmer/The Current).

When two years of community college end, students can be left wondering where to go from here. Longview offered a Transfer Day on Feb. 18 to provide students the opportunity to talk with other college admission administrators and give students information about their school. This allowed perplexed transferring two year students to approach institutions from across the states of Missouri and Kansas with their questions.

“It made it possible for me to meet with colleges that I normally wouldn’t want to drive to find information,” Morgan McKenzie, a Longview student transferring in the fall, said. “I am planning on continuing in the education field, so the information that University of Central Missouri gave me was wonderful because I had no idea they offered such incentives.”

Handing out helpful bits of knowledge and cutting the traveling to a one-stop shop are just two reasons for Transfer Day.

“We can arrange dates for students to come to the University and take a look at the campus. They can also meet with the head of the departments in which the student has shown interest in,” Jessica Raley, the Admissions’ Representative for Ottawa University, said.

The director of transfer enrollment services at Benedictine University, Jon Krebsbach, said, “We like to be able to meet with students that have already applied to our college, get to know them on a face to face basis.”