Random randomness

Hiya kids, it's your ol' pal Stephen writing about nothing again! Had some thoughts I wanted to put down to computer screen or is that up? Hmm?
This is America and filled with many people of various religions and cultures. What I don't like is certain Christian groups or individuals that say that Christianity is the definitive religion and those whom believe otherwise will go to hell. Wow, really guys? So a man or woman goes through life doing good things for other people in need yet because they may be Muslim/Buddhist/Atheist, that they deserve to go to hell? That does not sound something Jesus Christ would have approved of!
On the other side of the coin are Atheists who think that because people believe in religion or a higher power that they are idiots and are always wrong. I'm not saying all Atheists think this way. Most are decent people who just go along with their everyday lives, however there are some who mock people who believe in something greater than themselves. What harm are they causing? If a person leads a richer more fulfilling life from believing in God then I say more power to them. If a person believes that when we die we just die, then that's great if that works for them.
9/11/01 was a horribly sad day for America. Today was the ten year anniversary of that tragedy. Many people are mourning in their own ways or showing pride by displaying an American flag or wearing a NYFD t-shirt. What I hate seeing are tv shows that go into the conspiracy theories of the who/why/what of the event. Can't we just have a day of remembrance as opposed to crazy conspiracy nuts on talk radio saying that the event was caused by the Bush administration or aliens from outer space,etc... Give it a fucking rest already!!!
Star Wars is being released on Blu Ray and it's causing alot of controversy because Mr. Lucas has put it on himself to yet again tamper with the original trilogy. Why does he feel the need to do this? Well, I can tell you that money is the main reason, why else? Look I understand as a fellow artist that sometimes when you look back on an older piece of art that you know you can do much better now. You have more skills and better equipment. I would not however go and draw on an old piece of artwork and then put it out as a special edition! I personally don't understand why George Lucas won't give many fans what they want a re-release the original trilogy in its untampered form. No cgi or extra scenes with Boba Fett. Han shoots first! Just clean up the picture and redo the sound for THX standards and well be happy as a Rancor eating a fat Gammorean guard.
Ok kids the night grows old and I'm heading for bed

Until next time...

Jet City Comic-Con !!!

Hey gang I am going to be working at the Jet City Comic-Con in beautiful Seattle September 24th. It's going to be held at the Seattle center convention http://www.jetcitycomicshow.com This is the site to check out the finer details (directions,parking,etc..) I am going to be selling a number of 8 1/2" by 11" prints for $5 bucks.Also this year is a first for me because I am going to also be selling original pieces of artwork! They are going to be running $20 dollars and up.
Unlike some artists, my autograph is always free on every pic or if you want me to sign your t-shirt,paper,child,lol, I can do that too! Also at Jet City is the star of the 80's tv series "The Greatest American Hero" William Katt!! He was also in the classic horror flick "Carrie" and cult movie "House". I'm stoked to get to meet him!
Also I am going to be handing out flyers for the indy film I'm in "Fantastic Stan Goes To Hell". It's done by the soon to be famous Knapp Bros. It stars local popular music artist Jenni Potts and tv and film star Gabe the bulldog!! You may have seen Gabe recently on the hit tv show "America's Got Talent". The movie is going to be alot of fun and will hopefully get a fall release. Be sure to go to the "Fantastic Stan Goes To Hell "Facebook fan page and become a fan and you'll get regular updates on the film and other fun tidbits. Support local cinema!


Cheers
Stephen Whitener

Too controversial for the paper!!!!

So recently I submitted a letter to the Skagit Herald and their website about the cancellation of the Rocky and Kristine Fields karaoke show at the Skagit Valley Casino. I was sent a reply this morning stating that the article was slanderous towards the casino and was an internal dispute between the Fields and the casino.
I guess I can somewhat understand the papers side of it, but how is this slanderous if it's true? Since this is America and I have free speech, I'm going to exercise that right and let you folks read the letter that I submitted to the paper..

Hello my name is Stephen and I am a huge karaoke fan. I try to go out for karaoke at least once a week. I live in Bellingham and in town unfortunately there are not many quality karaoke shows to go to, so when I do go out I would wait until Thursday evening and go to the Skagit Valley Casino to attend the Rocky and Kristine karaoke show.

I have been attending the Rocky and Kristine show for nearly four years. They have been running a show there for seven years. They have a very large fan base that come from as far north as Vancouver, B.C to Olympia – this really says something about the product they put out if people are willing to drive up to two hours out of their way for a karaoke show!

The karaoke at the Skagit casino is held in a section called “The Winners Lounge”, it’s a nice spacious room with a very large stage for people to cut loose and perform on. There is a large screen tv that shows music videos between karaoke singers. The sound quality here is fantastic! Rocky knows how to make the singers sound the best they possibly can. I know that when I come here I am confident that I’m going to be at the top of my game.

Of course Rocky doesn’t do this by himself. He has a partner in crime, his wife Kristine who is out with the audience making sure the sound is perfect and gives Rocky the thumbs up or down until it’s just right. Kristine is what I would refer to as the first lady of karaoke in the northwest. She is a very sweet, caring down to Earth person who makes everyone who walks into the Winners Lounge feel welcome.

Rocky Fields also makes people feel good about themselves as early in the evening he comes out and shakes hands with and hugs the patrons attending the show. No matter what a persons skill level at singing, he is always very encouraging and it just makes you want to go back up and sing again and again.

The Fields karaoke show is like a family gathering because most of the audiences are people who return week in and week out. It’s like the classic tv show Cheers- everybody knows your name! I have met many, many wonderful people from all walks of life here. We all go over and give hugs to one another and catch up on our daily lives and talk about the songs we’re singing for the eve.

This is what sets Rocky and Kristine’s show above the rest and that’s the family atmosphere feel. This is my karaoke home….and now unfortunately that home has been taken away! Two weeks ago was the last karaoke show that the Fields are doing at the Skagit Casino. I was told that they received a letter at the last minute stating that their show would be ending. No reason was given to the what or why’s of this choice of action.

Dozens and dozens of people were shocked to hear this, myself included. Why would the casino end something that so many people love and spend hard earned dollars at their establishment? I don’t believe it would be budgetary cutbacks. I have sent a letter to the casino asking why as have many other people, however none have gotten any response what so ever.

The Skagit Valley Casino has a fan page on the popular social network Facebook and many people have been going there to voice their opinions on the matter. Their posts are almost immediately taken off. Why is this? Does the casino not care about what the public thinks or look for ways to improve their business? By taking away the karaoke here they have now lost thousands of dollars of revenue that the crowds brought in, not to mention the amount of joy that had been brought to so many people…

I’m asking anyone out there who is a karaoke fan, singer, or just from any walk of life who believes in doing the right thing and please write to the Skagit casino and let them know that they should keep the Rocky and Kristine Fields karaoke show going! I for one am not going to be supporting the casino anymore until the Fields are back. Many other patrons are with me on this!

Thank you everyone for reading and thank you to Rocky and Kristine for the wonderful memories and friendship.

Sincerely,

Stephen Whitener

So that is it kids. I hope all of my Facebook friends read this. I'm sure they all won't but I digress... If at least some of you read this and make your voice heard then my job has been accomplished!

Cheers,
Stephen