Entertainment

Ben Kissel Channel: Unleashing Comedy and Chaos in Every Episode

Published on November 20, 2023

The Ben Kissel Channel’s New Episodes are out! The long-awaited return of Ben Kissel, the comedian, actor, writer, producer, and podcast host, has finally arrived! Known for his work as a co-host on popular podcasts, Kissel steps into the spotlight as the sole host of his new show, available on BenKisselChannel.com and YouTube.

In Episode One of the Ben Kissel Channel, Ben and his co-host Cheiknar kick things off with a mix of personal anecdotes and uproarious commentary on current events. They dive into a range of wild topics that set the tone for what fans can expect from this new show.

First, they discuss the demise of serial killer Robert Pickton, offering a dark yet humorous take on the news. From there, they shift to lighter topics with Khloe Kardashian’s weight-loss journey and her drastically new look.

The bizarre journey continues with a story involving a funeral home worker who stole a sex doll: A tale that elicits both laughter and disbelief. The episode wraps up with a jaw-dropping story of a groom in Indonesia who discovered his bride was a man. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions and absurdity, promising listeners an unforgettable experience.

In Episode Two, Ben and Cheiknar maintain their momentum with another blend of personal anecdotes and humorous commentary on the latest news. They start by discussing a new sexually transmitted fungal infection emerging in New York City, adding a comedic twist to a concerning topic.

Then they talk about an Edmonton Oilers fan who achieved internet fame for flashing her assets — a story that’s as unexpected as it is entertaining.

The episode also delves into a spine-chilling urban legend about the Patchwork Man, a tale that might leave listeners sleeping with the lights on. Ben and Cheiknar’s dynamic banter and unique perspectives make each story come alive and keep the audience hooked from start to finish.

Episode Three opens with Ben and Cheiknar sharing more personal stories and humorous insights into some truly outrageous news stories. They begin with a bizarre incident involving a man caught on camera stuffing antique store items up his (you know where) while wearing a kilt. This strange tale sets the stage for a series of equally wild topics.

They then discuss a high school senior paralyzed in a mishap during a game of Assassin, highlighting the unexpected dangers of seemingly harmless pranks. The episode also touches on the cultural shift away from public nudity in Germany, with Ben and Cheiknar humorously lamenting the decline of naked beaches.

Each topic is approached with a mix of humor and insight, making for an engaging and entertaining episode.

Episode Four features Ben, Cheiknar, and guest Jerii Aquino, who bring even more laughs with their unique spin on the latest bizarre news. They delve into the wild world of Power Slap, where contestants slap each other for cash, celebrating a Brazilian butt lift success story that turns a champ into a sensation.

Celebrity body part insurance also takes center stage, with JLo’s $28 million derrière stealing the spotlight. J.Lo is often rumored to have insured her famous buttocks. This rumor has become part of celebrity folklore.

The episode takes an even stranger turn as they discuss a psychologist/mom’s unorthodox stance on shopping cart etiquette and the controversial prison life of Larry Nassar. They also touch on Scott Disick’s dramatic weight loss and his struggles with Hawaiian rolls, adding a humorous twist to his saga.

To top it all off, they address the controversy surrounding a Mississippi state trooper dismissed for sharing a private video. The episode concludes with a special guest appearance by artist Randall Kaplan, who creates a unique piece of artwork live on the show, adding a creative and unexpected element to the mix.

Ben Kissel, renowned for his wit and multifaceted talents, does not disappoint with his newest venture. He builds off his roots in stand-up comedy that started at the University of Wisconsin-Stout before co-hosting the groundbreaking “Last Podcast on the Left” with Henry Zebrowski and Marcus Parks. The podcast garnered millions of listens.

Kissel has carved a niche by blending humor with true crime, a combination that garnered over one billion listens and a dedicated fan base across social media.

Now, on his own platform at BenKisselChannel.com, Kissel continues to captivate audiences with personal stories and uproarious takes on the latest oddities. Expect everything from bizarre criminal antics to eyebrow-raising cultural shifts, all delivered with Kissel’s trademark charm and towering six-foot-seven presence. Stay tuned for many new episodes to come as Kissel marks his long-awaited return to podcasting and show hosting.

Joined by co-hosts like the enigmatic Cheiknar, each episode promises a blend of comedic genius and offbeat insights that have made Kissel a household name in podcasting. With special guests like artist Randall Kaplan adding their own creative spark, the Ben Kissel Channel isn’t just a podcast — it’s a journey through the eccentricities of life you won’t want to miss!

Also available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

Start watching the first episode below.

Rose Kreider: Internationally Recognized Seattle Female Filmmaker Breaking Barriers In The Local Film Industry

Published on September 28, 2023

Rose Kreider. A name you’ll hear more often than not. Rose started her career during COVID as an actor and model. She walked for New York Fashion Week in 2020 and 2021 for mini fashion designers across the nation, as well as participating in Seattle’s North American fashion week and walking for Macy’s department store four times. Rose began her film directing career in January 2021 after writing her first screenplay, The Woman, and becoming internationally recognized and winning three awards for the film, which includes Best Drama, Best First Time Director, and Best Actor and Director Award. Rose’s original screenplay The Woman is about a struggling art major college student who finds out that he was kidnapped at a young age and that his whole life and everything he’s been told is a lie. He comes to the conclusion to find who he really is and search for his family through trial and error. The film has been featured on many different streaming platforms, including Tubi TV, Xumo, Amazon Prime, OneHub TV, and many more. Tubi TV is The number one platform you can still stream The Woman on. The film has been played over 20,000 times and has been broadcast in over 55 countries since its release in March 2022.

Rose had a successful red carpet premiere on March 13, 2022, in Edmonds, Washington. She had a sold-out theater of 100 people and a beaming applause after the film. Many friends and family were in attendance as well as locals to the Edmonds area eager to support artists. Rose knew that she was bound to be in a career where she could be creative and outspoken. She says a psychic also told her that she should consider leaving her corporate America job, so that she can blossom her creative outlet. Only a couple of years later went by before she found her true calling: film directing. “I am a very passionate, extroverted, outspoken individual, who is welcoming, determined and driven”, Rose says regarding her film career. Rose has proven again and again on her film set that she creates a safe space, is very friendly, listens to her actors, and even takes advice on script changes or character personality traits from the actors themselves in order to create a healthy balance on the film set she runs. Everyone who has been on her film set says they would love to work with her on a future project again and loves her dynamic as a director and feels heard and respected.

Rose is looking forward to the future of her Rose Kreider Productions. She plans to branch out by offering her directing services as well as equipment rentals. Whether people want to bundle their rental and hire her as a director as well or just her equipment for their film sets. She is planning on creating a broader production company that involves all and wants to create a female run platform and make an everlasting stamp on the Seattle film industry. What Rose has in store next is something Seattle has never seen before: a documentary spotlighting individuals who have saved a life with a firearm. The title is Silent Citizen Heros, and it is in pre-production as Rose and her crew plan on filming in 2024. She hopes that everyone watches her documentary as it will be inspiring, non-biased, and educational. Not many documentaries come out of Seattle, so she’s very excited to be one of the few. She is also in preproduction for an Amazon book called Deadly Delivery which is a feature crime/thriller that will be filming in early 2024 as well as Wish You Well, a short comedy that will be released before the New Year’s!

The two films currently available to watch now include The Woman, a 60-minute drama feature film and A Room by the Road, a 9-minute crime/thriller short film that is about a robbery gone bad and the consequences that come with it, which was filmed in Kirkland Washington in May 2022. ARBTR is available now to watch on the free TV or phone app, Reveel! Rose was approached by a local screenplay writer for A Room by the Road and decided to turn this person’s idea into a film while adding her own flair to it also. Rose loves adding unexpended twists and turns in her films and plans on leaving it up to the audiences’ interpretation at the close of her movies.

Make sure to follow Rose Kreider’s journey on her social media pages:

Instagram @rosekreider

Facebook.com Rose Kreider

Rose also has a director’s reel and a trailer for her first film The Woman if you are interested in watching before you tune in on Tubi TV! She asks if there is interest or any questions about current or future films, to message her on social media.

We can’t wait to follow Rose Kreider’s film career!

What Is Seattle’s Bumbershoot Music Festival?

Published on September 4, 2023

Bumbershoot, hosted annually in Seattle, Washington, stands as a renowned international music and arts celebration. Recognized as one of the grandest festivals of its kind in North America, it graces the Seattle Center – a sprawling 74-acre site constructed for the 1962 World’s Fair – every Labor Day weekend.

The festival’s roots trace back to 1971 when it was initiated as the “Mayor’s Arts Festival” or “Festival 71”, funded by the city with a budget of $25,000. This festival aimed to uplift the city’s spirits during a local economic downturn, attracting 125,000 attendees. With innovative attractions such as light shows and electronic jam sessions, it garnered significant attention. Only a year later, the festival, renamed “Festival 72”, saw 175,000 guests. By 1973, it adopted its current moniker, “Bumbershoot”, expanding to accommodate 200,000 attendees over five days. Over the subsequent years, it witnessed steady growth in duration and attendance.

In 1980, One Reel, a Northwest non-profit, took over the festival’s production, retaining control even when Seattle Center attempted to reclaim it in the mid-1980s. In 2008, a collaborative agreement was forged with AEG Live, a global entertainment promoter, aiming to bolster bookings and sponsorships. However, this collaboration came to an end in 2019, after a five-year production tenure. Regrettably, the 2020 and 2021 festivals were suspended due to the global health crisis, and the 2022 event was postponed to revamp for its 50th-anniversary celebration in 2023.

Bumbershoot remains accessible to all age groups, with children under ten enjoying free entry. The festival remains committed to its schedule, come rain or sunshine. If you visit this event, be sure to come early because there is lots of traffic and people (over 100k come to the event).

September 2023 prices were $130 for general admission and $75 for a single-day pass.

Superfine Seattle 2023 In Belltown 7/27/23 – 7/30/23

Published on July 21, 2023

Colorful, creative, and accessible, Superfine Art Fair returns to Seattle at the height of summer with 2000+ high quality artworks by 70 in-person artists, thoughtfully curated and approachably priced from $50 to $5000. After launching the fair back in 2015, entrepreneurs Alex Mitow and James Miille expanded the nationally recognized fair to Seattle in May 2022 as its seventh market and are excited to return to Belltown’s Block 41 from July 27-30.

The decision to position the fair in time with the Seattle Art Fair was a carefully considered one:

“A21 and Art Market Productions, the teams behind The Seattle Art Fair, have really pioneered the concept of a first-rate art fair in Seattle. As colleagues in the industry, we frequently cross paths and are thrilled to position our unique, artist-driven model in context of their world-class event this summer. We feel that the events together provide a vast survey of what the contemporary art world offers to Seattle residents and visitors at every stage of the art collecting journey,” says Superfine CEO Alex Mitow.

Superfine’s artist-to-buyer model creates a direct link between creator and collector in a professionally curated space that maintains the warm sense of hospitality the brand’s dynamic duo are famous for. Keeping with its democratic ideals, 100% of art sales go directly to the artist, and work is available at price points friendly to all collectors. As a result, the fair attracts a high-intent, art-buying audience, creating a sustainable opportunity for independent artists to sell art and build their collector network (over 75% of visitors report coming to the fair to buy new art). “It’s rare that someone visits one of our fairs and doesn’t walk out with something they’ve fallen in love with – at the very least a print, but often an original painting, sculpture, or limited photograph,” quips co-founder James Miille, also an exhibiting photographer whose own career spurred on the Superfine method. Artists are encouraged to show affordable prints and merchandise as a means of motivating collectors at all stages.

Superfine’s unique, artist-driven, people-focused approach has been widely recognized by national and global media outlets including Forbes, the Guardian, and the Advocate. Aside from Seattle, the fair hosts annual editions in Los Angeles, New York City, Washington DC, Miami, and Savannah, as well as biannual shows in San Francisco.

Fairgoers enjoy a long weekend of art at Superfine and across Seattle. Art installations like Holly Martz’s Prime Cuts will be displayed, live performances from musical guests like international saxophonist LE//ON and local musicians Chhaylee Young and Craig Suede, and collaborations with arts and culture organizations like Make.Shift and Northwest Film Forum are all on tap. Body painting artist Kree Arvanitas, whose solo show with Bonfire Gallery opens a day before the fair, is providing a live demonstration. On Saturday 7/29, Superfine will host a free Night Market featuring local food vendors such as MariMakan and Ms. Helen’s Soul Bistro. It all starts Thursday 7/27 with a Grand Opening sponsored by local non-profit Path with Art: a group that fosters the restoration of individuals, groups, and society from the effects of trauma through arts engagement and community building.

Superfine Seattle runs from 7/27-7/30 at Block 41 in Belltown. To get your tickets to the fair and discover all the programming, visit Superfine Seattle’s home page www.superfine.world/seattle-art-fair.

Lee Hardin Brings Clean Comedy To The Carco Theatre

Published on June 26, 2023

Lee Hardin Comedian Coming To Renton Washington

For comedian Lee Hardin, standup comedy is something that should be enjoyed by everyone. That is why it is important to him to bring quality comedy to theatrical venues nationwide that is appropriate for all ages.

Lee is a comedian based out of Murfreesboro, TN. He has been performing standup for ten years. In that time, he has performed in comedy clubs, filmed and released a Dry Bar Comedy Special, and was featured on the Huckabee Show. His unique point of views highlights his experiences growing up as a single child, dating, and shopping at Goodwill. He also shares his opinions on Taco Bell and Le Croix. His energetic approach to his subject matter engages audiences of all ages and keeps them laughing all night long.

At the beginning of this year, he embarked on a new journey. He began contacting theatres looking for venues that might be interested in bringing a night of clean comedy to their scheduled seasons. His venture has been a success. He has been touring non-stop since January 2023. He generally has at least one feature comedian at these shows, and sometimes includes a comedian to host the show.

He is excited to bring his brand of comedy to The Carco Theatre in Renton, WA. Lee will be there on August 18 at 7:00 PM for a one night only engagement. For information, please visit carcotheatre.org. You can also follow Lee Hardin on Facebook and Instagram.

Even Though Western Washington Has Liberal Tendencies, Threats On Drag Events Continue To Happen

Published on May 9, 2023

“A lot of people use children as their scapegoat to vilify anyone who doesn’t agree with their lifestyle.”

By Connor Nash

Washington State over the past decades has become increasingly more liberal, with Seattle and the counties surrounding the Puget Sound driving the move to the left. As Western Washington becomes more liberal, more diversity and different expressions are engraining themselves within the area. Especially when it comes to the LGBTQ+ community.

In Seattle, every type of bar and restaurant has a drag event, whether it is a show, a bingo game, trivia, etc. And not just in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, Seattle’s gaybourhood, but in Freemont, Ballard, and even the suburban Madison Valley.

Drag is not just in the big city anymore but in smaller-suburban cities like Renton, Bremerton, and more rural areas, like Maple Valley and Kingston.

In the US, drag has become another area of conflict in the culture war that has consumed the nation. Now, areas that are considered left-leaning are getting caught up in this culture war topic, even in Western Washington.

One of the first flare-ups over drag events in Western Washington didn’t start when states put up legislation banning drag, but in June 2019 in Renton and Issaquah.

In Renton, dozens of protestors and counter-protestors came to a Drag Queen story hour held at Fairwood Library for Pride month. Both sides had pro-gun organizations supporting them, with Three Percenters on the right and the Puget Sound John Brown Club, escalating tensions. No attendees or protestors were harmed and no arrests were made.

In Issaquah at a King County Library Systems meeting, 10 men with “Make America Great Again” hats loudly protested drag queen story hours at the libraries. Although there were no guns at this protest, the Issaquah Reporter noted that “…a male was arrested in the parking lot for harassment after brandishing a baseball bat.”

In response to all the protests, King County Libraries stop hosting Drag Queen Story hours after June 2019. With no family-oriented drag events happening in the Renton area, local business owner Marley Rall of Brewmaster’s Taproom began hosting monthly drag events. For the past year, Sylvia O’Stayformore has hosted a monthly drag story hour and bingo, creating a family-friendly drag event.

“I’m no reader, I’m no literate. My mom was a teacher and I’ll read a storybook. And I’ll do bingo on the side.” said Slyvia. “This has been very positive and has been one of the sweetest events…maybe 8-12 kids show up and their liberal parents bring them.”

A typically small event became a flash point in late 2022 when a Reddit post called for people to protest the bar over the drag story hour. Before the December show, a pellet gun was shot at the bar breaking a window; no one was injured. Rall taped a sign on the window saying “This is what intolerance looks like.”

The community came out strongly in support of the Brewmaster, with 250-300 individuals coming to support the bar. “There was a full gay marching band, and the bar was full of supporters,” said Slyvia, and only “2-3 people out protesting.” Although caused by a dangerous and potentially bigoted act, the Renton community responded in a much more favorable manner than during the library protests.

No other incidents or protests have happened at Brewmaster since the December event.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the sound, Kitsap County has seen more drag events popping up in bars and other event spaces. This is both surprising and not because Kitsap is a moderate county, and is slightly right-leaning compared to the state, according to a 2021 Crosscut/Elway poll.

Although liberal enough to have drag shows in cities like Bremerton and large towns like Kingston, Kitsap still has a conservative presence that will silently disapprove of the event or post all about it on social media.

Clara Voyance, a popular drag performer in Kitsap, has become a local celebrity by performing at many local events. As a “local queen” Clara has shows that are not just at 21 and over gay bars, but at “straight” restaurants, or at all-ages events, but what dispels many conservative fears is that she thinks about who the audience is.

“As a performer, you have to consider what audience you are performing to.” said Clara, “ If I’m performing in front of a straight crowd, I gear my show to them.”

She went on to say, “If I’m going to Pride, which is all ages, it touches me when there are queer families, to have a child that comes up and says ‘I’m beautiful.’ That experience would have been important to me as a child, to see someone confidently living.”

And that is the point of these all-ages drag events, for there to be a positive, appropriate, fun queer representation. Yes, many people can find a few examples of a controversial drag event, but the overwhelming majority of drag performers have the knowledge and competency to create a family event like any heterosexual performer.

For the most part, there was no major adverse reaction to any of Clara’s shows in Kitsap or any other drag event in the county. Only passive-aggressiveness and indirect comments. That was until late March when Bookshelf under the Stairs, a store in Bremerton, was told by their mall landlord that the drag queen story hour was canceled.

According to the Kitsap Daily News, the landlord told the bookstore, Terry Heath, was told by their landlord that “The mall is not an appropriate venue for controversial and divisive events that are likely to result in disruption to tenants and visitors, not to mention possible injury and damage to the mall itself,”

Maybe the mall was worried about social media posts made criticizing the story hour saying that it would “groom children.” Maybe the mall was worried about the incidents in King County, cited earlier in this article. Whatever the reason, the effect has been chilling on free expression, and parents’ rights on what they find appropriate for their children. Ideas that conservatives have been decrying for years.

“A lot of people use children as their scapegoat to vilify anyone who doesn’t agree with tier lifestyle,” said Clara, referring to conservatives. A sentiment that does ring some truth.

As for Sylvia O’Stayformore, “We need to have conversations, and we need to be respectful of each other. Even in my groups, they are not doing that.” Groups Syliva is referring to the liberals and progressives that are generally open to diversity if it fits into their worldview.

Both are correct, many people do use the safety of children as a disguise to push particular policies forward. With all the scapegoating going around, people just go back to their corner to be vindicated in scapegoating more. It feels like a doom spiral that we are going down.

For our drag performers, the future seems both hopeful and worrisome. “In Seattle, I don’t see it getting worse, [it’s] very progressive in that aspect. As it goes for the country, I am not sure,” says Clara. She continued, “It’s about queer and trans erasure, and I’m not having it. If enough people give up then they will continue to take away rights.”

Sylvia hopes that the energy that Clara has, and the younger generations, is supported by the general public, regardless of age. “I hope that we get to the point where we are more respectful of each other, I hope that we get to support the youth that has more energy….

“Not sitting around and thinking that someone else will fix it.”

Sylvia O’ Stayformore has been performing in drag since 1991 in Utah as a creative outlet to raise money for Mormon Churches. She then moved to Seattle in the early 2000s, later starting Bacon Strip in 2005, a monthly variety show in South Seattle.

Clara Voyance is a drag performer currently residing in Kitsap County. Clara now mainly performs burlesque numbers in 21+ bars in Seattle, Bremerton, and other Western Washington establishments. Clara hopes to one day be a contestant on Rupual’s Drag Race.

Emerald City Comic Con is On at Seattle Convention Center

Published on March 9, 2023

The Emerald City Comic Con (ECCC) is currently in full swing at the Seattle Convention Center. The event is happening at the new Summit building at Convention Center in downtown Seattle.

As a 20^th-anniversary celebration event, the Emerald Comic Con in Seattle has attracted over 75,000 visitors. It takes 4 days. At the event, visitors have a chance to meet celebrities, see and buy unique items, and even attend interesting panels. Actor Mark Ruffalo was said to be in attendance too.

The Emerald City Comic Con has seen thousands of attendees from different parts of the country and even Canada.

According to Chris D’Lando, manager of the event, the city is proud to host this year’s 20^th anniversary of the Emerald City Comic Con. The response has also been overwhelming. Saturday saw a huge crowd of more than 25,000 attendees, many in colorful costumes.

There were also many vendors with all sorts of items inside the venue. “One thing that hasn’t changed though is that the event is a bunch of nerds from all parts of the country and beyond having great fun together,” D’Lando said.

Game of Ham Co-Chief, Laura Berns, stated that it was a fun and busy time for all in attendance. “It’s great to talk to a lot of people and watch the great costumes and people just having fun,” she said.

Another great thing about this year’s ECCC in Seattle is the fact that it is the first to be held without stringent Covid-19 restrictions since 2020. There were no masking and social distance requirements. “There are of course recommendations for masking but we encourage all attendees to make the best decisions for their sake.

However, everything is being done to ensure everyone remains safe and comfortable at the event,” said D’Lando. “After all, the goal of Comic Con and other similar events is to be yourself and have fun.”

The Emerald City Comic Con was previously known as the Emerald City Comicon. It is a convention for comic book and movie fans that takes place in Seattle. The event first used to be hosted at the Qwest Field, then later at the West Field Plaza and Event center before it moved to the Seattle Convention center in 2008.

The ECCC features a wide range of exciting activities including celebrity signings, discussion panels, prize draws, photo opportunities, and costume competitions. It is attended by many leading industry guests.

The ECCC also includes a large exhibition inside the Exhibitor’s hall where comic retailers from all over the Pacific Northwest showcase a wide array of both vintage and modern comics, statues of famous comic characters, and action figures among others. Some areas of the convention center even have tabletop, RPG, and CCG gaming.

This year’s Emerald City Comic Con has seen a record number of attendees from across the country and Canada. As the 20^th anniversary Emerald City Comic Con event, it also marks an important milestone since the ECCC began.

“Lea Thompson at Emerald City Comicon presents Back To The Future at SIFF Cinema at the Uptown – by Lavid Dichterman is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

Elyes Gabel Releases New Single – LACUNA. Read More About His Career & Music

Published on March 1, 2023

On February 28th, 2023, Elyes Gabel released a new music video and single on his Instagram and YouTube Channel called, “Lacuna (Live)”. The single also features Koi Anunta and Glenn Holdaway. The performance was done in Los Angeles and will be available as a single track on March 24th 2023. You’ll be able to grab a digital version at your favorite streaming platform.

The song, LACUNA, has a nice sound and I would describe it as being soulful. It has a mix of Gabel on guitar (fingerpicking) and Koi Anunta on violin & Glenn Holdaway on trumpet.

Elyes Gabel – Live performance of his new single – LACUNA (Koi Anunta on violin & Glenn Holdaway on the trumpet)

Elyes Gabel has made a name for himself as an actor, starring in two hit television shows, Game of Thrones and Scorpion. However, his favorite role to play is himself—a musician. He says music is the only platform where he feels he can be himself, and he’s happiest when he’s playing his guitar. His YouTube channel goes back as far as 11 years, when he started posting homemade videos. He sings his blues rock soul music with his raw, raspy voice that seems to slide from bass to alto effortlessly. He sings from somewhere deep in his soul while strumming his folksy acoustic guitar melody. Many of the videos he has shared are exactly that: him playing guitar and singing the impeccable composition of his songs.

Raised Roman Catholic, Elyes Gabel went to college at the young age of 16. However, when he was 18, he decided to pursue his television acting career instead. London-born Gabel has a well-rounded background, all of which feeds into his unique sound as a musician. His voice has been described as having a “naturally light northern accent.” He was raised partly in Canada and partly in Manchester, and he has an eclectic ancestry. His heritage includes countries such as India, Ireland, Algeria, France, Spain, the Netherlands, and Portugal. Pulling from this range of cultures, his music stands alone. You can hear the influential echoes of his diversity as they merge into one unique and passionate vibe accentuated by lyrics laden with poetic beauty. The ambiance of his sound resonates with the serious and classic truthfulness of an old soul.

On his demeanor, he’s been described as “Real, honest, and edgy with superb natural energy.” The creator of the TV Show Scorpion, Nick Santora, said of him, “Gabel was able to play the difficulty of expressing emotion while being emotional” for his role as Walter O’Brien, a character who had difficulty expressing and processing emotions.

In addition to acting and singing, Gabel has tried his hand at television and short film writing, directing, and producing. His last short film Game Show Hurt debuted in 2019. He also appeared on Apple TV+’s Suspicion alongside Uma Thurman in a thriller based on False Flag, a hit Israeli TV series.

In addition to acting and singing, Gabel is an active philanthropist with interests in a number of non-profits such as American Forces Network’s Stop Bullying Body Positive, the US Tennis Association Foundation, CBS Cares Autism, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the One Step Closer Foundation, the Cerebral Palsy Celebrity Poker Tournament, MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, and Children in Need. He also supports the ALS Association in honor and memory of his maternal grandmother, with whom he was very close. Sadly, she succumbed to ALS when Gabel was a teenager.

These days, he is the frontman for his band, El & The Broken Bones. His website hints at a music project that’s been years in the making and features “imbuing arrangements with his own patina of chaotic yet elegant melodies.” It goes on to describe the music as “rooted in contrast of rough & smooth timbres; the lyrics evoking this duality at times.” Fans of Gabel look forward to the release of more of his indie blues-rock folk music. His deeply moving and poetic lyrics and his aurally appealing and flexible vocals complement the soft acoustic melodies we’ve heard from him thus far. While Elyes Gabel’s career as an actor spans 12 films, 20 television shows, and nine theater roles, he has expressed that his passion for music is what truly inspires him. Looking forward, he plans to make music his main focus in 2023.

Throughout his filmography, Gable has exhibited a wide, extensive range of his performances, giving masterful appearances in a variety of different productions. Here are some of his most memorable performances, gaining him wide appeal across all genres:

Game of Thrones

Premiering in 2011, Game of Thrones took audiences by storm, creating an international fanbase that is still going strong, even after the end of the show. Elyes Gabel’s run on Game of Thrones included working alongside Emilia Clarke, who played iconic heroine Daenerys Targaryen, otherwise known as the Mother of Dragons. Gabel played Rakharo, a Dothraki bodyguard tasked with protecting Daenerys after her ascension to the title of Khaleesi.

Gabel’s first appearance in the show was episode three of season one, titled “Lord Snow,” where he defends Daenerys from her controlling brother Viserys, lashing Viserys around the neck with a horsewhip after he talks down to her. From there, Rakharo’s strong allyship with Daenerys helps her successfully fulfill her role as Khaleesi, despite being viewed as an outsider. At the beginning of season 2, Gabel’s character is unfortunately killed by a rival Dothraki clan, but his character’s loyalty to the Khaleesi followed him until his death.

World War Z

Released in 2013, World War Z is the film adaptation of the 2006 Max Brooks novel of the same name. Starring Brad Pitt, the plot follows the outbreak of a highly infectious zombie virus that inevitably takes over most of the population. Among the survivors are Brad Pitt’s Gerry Lane, a former ranking United Nations official, and Elyes Gabel’s character Andrew Fassbach, a virologist. Deployed to South Korea to track down the virus’s source and maybe develop a vaccine, Fassbach argues that nature is cruel to understand. However, analyzing the pieces left during these trying times is necessary for solving large-scale issues such as the zombie infections at hand.

As soon as they land in South Korea, zombies attack the security personnel sent to accompany them on their journey. In the panic that ensues, Gabel’s character winds up accidentally taking his own life. The complexity of a character like Fassbach humanizes the cast of world elites left over in this apocalypse scenario, reminding viewers that these survivors are all still people. Despite his tragic death, Gabel’s character stands out as a necessary way for the audience to sympathize with the characters in the film.

Scorpion

In this action-drama series, Gabel’s character Walter O’Brien heads a homeland security intel group called Scorpion, whose main goal is to protect the nation’s cyber security. As the starring role of the series, Gabel’s character is central to the plot of the show, which is based on real-life events. Walter’s character is rather stoic, leading his team of experts through their exploits with little to no emotion; however, during times of distress, he drops his cold exterior and shows how he’s feeling through a passionate release of his emotions.

One of the most pivotal plot points in the show includes O’Brien’s father figure, Cabe, lying to O’Brien about a particular project, ultimately changing their relationship for the rest of the series. The interaction begins with Cabe asking O’Brien to build a certain kind of software, and O’Brien, trusting him, complies with the request. Later in the show, O’Brien finds out that Cabe used the technology he built to try and kill a middle eastern leader, but instead, the software led to the death of 2,000 civilians. Gable’s portrayal of O’Brien shows a strong dichotomy between the character’s serious leadership side and his wounded inner child, bringing an intense sense of complexity to the role.

Justice League vs. The Fatal Five

In this animated superhero film, Gabel stars as Star Boy. This previously unknown superhero inevitably joins forces with the Justice League to defeat Mano, Tharok, and the Persuader of the time-traveling supervillain group The Fatal Five. After traveling back in time, Gabel’s Star Boy triggers a trap set by another superhero, inevitably throwing him into a rage and causing Batman to put him into Arkham Asylum. To Batman’s demise, Star Boy breaks out and rejoins the rest of the Justice League; where after he is deemed trustworthy by the rest of the League, the group convenes to solve the problems brought forth by The Fatal Five.

As the heroes and villains battle, Star Boy and Jessica, a newly chosen Green Lantern, begin a sweet and loving friendship. The film climaxes with the Justice League, accompanied by Star Boy, attempting to stop supervillain Eye from splitting the sun and ending the world. Star Boy then sacrifices himself to save the planet, cementing his place as a renowned hero. Gabel’s performance in this film shows his range as an actor by proving he can do more than drama and action movies, highlighting a lesser-known superhero and turning him into a star.

Upcoming Projects

Since the conclusion of Suspicion, Gabel has begun focusing on more passion projects that put him in the director’s chair. Gabel has a penchant for telling stories from behind a camera since he enjoys delving into the details that give rise to fully developed complicated storylines. Stakes, a short film highlighting the stressfulness and explosive dynamics in financial culture, was directed by Elyes in 2017. The 2018 short film Grimshaw, which explores issues of drug addiction, relapse, and the loss of personal autonomy due to addiction, was also directed and produced by Gable. Gable is currently working on his next short film project Game Show Hurt, writing, and directing the film himself. With such a nuanced catalog of work, Gabel’s artistry and commitment to his work are undeniable, leaving fans eager to see his next project.

Developing Innovation: How VERO Began With Ayman Hariri

Published on December 20, 2022

Social media has been a steady fixture in the lives of millions across the globe. Since their inception, sharing posts, connecting with friends, and building communities have been the intended use of these platforms; however, with new data mining software and content-prioritizing algorithms, these sites have lost their sense of community, turning into highly tailored advertisement collections. Traditional social media sites, relying heavily on ad placements and data tracking, have strayed from their once user-focused platforms in favor of selling products for outside companies.

With a more transparent, user-focused view on using social media, VERO promises and delivers a clear-cut take on social media that re-centers and highlights the individual user for a completely honest social media experience. VERO’s development and foundation have always aimed for an innovative approach to social media, purely and openly centering individual users on providing a transparent, trustworthy online experience.

Early Days of VERO

Aiming to create a social media platform that delivers user-oriented experiences, VERO founder Ayman Hariri launched the platform in 2015, providing a platform like that of Facebook and Instagram, only without collecting user data for target advertisements or data mining algorithms. The app lets users share posts chronologically, allowing members to have a more organic flow of posts rather than letting an algorithm decide how to prioritize user content.

Among the first group of supporters for VERO were cosplay communities and groups focused around producing visual art. Tattoo artists, makeup artists, and even popular athletes in the skateboarding community began cultivating large fan bases on the app. VERO’s zoom features were better suited for these artists when displaying their work, allowing followers to examine key details that other zoom features on sites like Instagram were unable to offer.

In 2018, a mass influx of users began migrating from other social media websites to VERO, highlighting its transparency and lack of secrecy behind its data-related processes when compared to other social media sites. In less than a week, VERO went from a small, indie platform to the number one-selling social media site on the market. Continued community support helped draw users from other platforms, opening the world up to the future of social media.

Future Developments and Impact

VERO’s success in the late 2010s opened more avenues for content-sharing services, leading Ayman Hariri to develop VERO 2.0, a newer platform version that gave users more opportunities to connect. Users could already follow one another and create connections, sharing posts on their feeds, and communication in the app was set up with a standard chat feature. With VERO 2.0, members now have the option to set up voice and video chats with their connections. VERO 2.0 also introduced the option for bookmarking posts, added games and apps for users, and changed the design of the app to facilitate the user experience better.

As VERO continues to grow, so do its opportunities to support creators. With VERO Music, musicians now have a completely self-guided opportunity for growth and networking, giving artists complete control over their content sharing and artistic development. Promising the same sense of transparency as their traditional platform, VERO Music gives artists the space to grow and nurture their creativity, presenting music to followers as they see fit.

Until 2021, VERO had been strictly a mobile app, available for download on various mobile app stores. In October, VERO introduced a beta desktop version of the platform for users, opening up more avenues to join and share content. Now, with millions of users worldwide, VERO still holds to its commitment to total transparency, prioritizing user experience over data collection and remaining completely ad-free. The promises of user support and an emphasis on letting users be themselves made by Hariri are still the guiding principles behind VERO’s platform and approach to social media.

Discover VERO Today

As global communication develops, social media begins to change as well. As more social media sites are being taken over by advertisements, collecting user data to create targeted posts, the crucial foundations of social media are beginning to crumble. Having to choose between building meaningful, interest-based communication with others across the globe and having their data harnessed for creating targeted advertisements should not be the only option for social media use. Fortunately, VERO’s platform allows users to have a completely transparent, truthful social media experience that avoids hidden algorithms and data tracking.

Social media platforms were created to help people share their interests and likes with friends, family, and people with similar interests. Social media platforms that prioritize these functions are becoming rare, but there is still hope. VERO allows users to harness their own social media experience, avoiding the complications and privacy concerns caused by traditional social media platforms. Making the switch to VERO is not only helping users reshape their social media experience, but it also provides a way for individuals to authentically present themselves, creating an overall better social media experience.

The founder, Ayman Hariri, is a philanthropist, investor, and has been involved in a number of technology startups including the VERO app.

Sleepless In Seattle Movie: Everything You Need To Know

Published on December 11, 2022

Sleepless in Seattle (1993) is a romantic comedy film released in 1993, directed and co-written by Nora Ephron. The film stars Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan as the main characters, Sam Baldwin and Annie Reed, respectively. The plot follows Sam, a recent widower, who moves to Seattle with his young son Jonah. Jonah, wanting his father to find a new wife, calls into a radio talk show and talks about his father’s romantic troubles. Annie, a journalist living in Baltimore, hears the broadcast and becomes determined to meet Sam. Despite the distance and complications, they eventually fall in love. The film was a commercial and critical success, and is considered a classic romantic comedy. The movie is not a Christmas movie, although it does feature a scene set on Christmas Eve.

The movie had a really great cast. The main characters of Sleepless in Seattle includes Tom Hanks as Sam Baldwin, Meg Ryan as Annie Reed, Ross Malinger as Jonah Baldwin, Bill Pullman as Walter, and Rob Reiner as Rob. Other notable cast members include Rosie O’Donnell as Becky, Victor Garber as Greg, Gaby Hoffmann as Jessica, and Rita Wilson as Suzy.

The movie was directed by Nora Ephron. Ephron was a well-known filmmaker. Nora also wrote When Harry Met Sally, and You’ve Got Mail. She was highly regarded for her work, and won numerous awards throughout her career. She passed away in 2012 at the age of 71.

Where You Can Watch Sleepless In Seattle:
The easiest places to watch this movie is on Prime Video, Apple TV or Redbox.

Sleepless In Seattle Soundtrack:
The soundtrack for Sleepless in Seattle is a collection of romantic songs that were featured in the film. The soundtrack includes popular songs from the 1950s and 1960s, such as “As Time Goes By” by Dooley Wilson and “Moon River” by Andy Williams, as well as original compositions by Marc Shaiman. The soundtrack was released in 1993, alongside the film, and received positive reviews for its nostalgic and romantic feel. The use of the songs in the film helped to enhance the romantic atmosphere and added to the overall tone of the movie.

The soundtrack for Sleepless In Seattle featured several musicians.

Gross Revenue:
The movie had a lot of competition during the summer it was released in 1993. The movie did $17,253,733 on its opening weekend. Worldwide the movie grossed $227,899,326 and was considered a success.

Sleepless In Seattle Movie Locations:
The Movie was filmed in a number of locations, including New York City and Seattle, Washington. Some specific locations that were used in the film include the Empire State Building in New York City, the Space Needle and Pike Place Market in Seattle, and the Baltimore Sun building in Baltimore. These locations were used to create the settings for the film and to provide a sense of realism and authenticity to the story.

Movie Locations You Can Visit (Some You Can’t):

The Houseboat – The houseboat featured in the movie is located near the Boatworld Marinas in a private community. It’s a private community so don’t visit. The location is 2460 Westlake Avenue North around Seattle’s Lake Union. It is approximately 600 acres in size and is connected to the Puget Sound via the Ship Canal. The lake is a popular location for recreational activities such as boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding, and is home to a number of marinas and boat clubs. Lake Union is also a popular location for tourism, and features a number of attractions such as the Museum of History and Industry, the Center for Wooden Boats, and Gas Works Park. The lake is an important part of Seattle’s history and culture, and continues to be a popular destination for residents and visitors alike. Lake Union is public, however, the houseboat in the movie is private.

Seattle’s Gas Works Park – In the movie there is a scene on New Years Eve where Sam Baldwin (Tom Hanks) is watching the fireworks. The address is 2101 N Northlake Way, Seattle, WA 98103. The public park located on the shore of Lake Union. It is built on the site of the former Seattle Gas Light Company gasification plant, which operated from 1906 to 1956. The park features a number of historic structures and pieces of equipment from the gas plant, including the gasification plant itself, a compressor building, and a filter building. The park also has a number of recreational facilities, including a play area, a picnic area, and a public beach. Gas Works Park is a popular destination for residents and visitors alike, and offers beautiful views of Lake Union and the surrounding area.

Pike Place Market – If you’ve been to Seattle, you probably know about the Pike Place Market. It is one of the most popular areas to visit. In the movie, Jay, was played by Rob Reiner visits Pike Place Market to check out Sam Baldwin (Tom Hanks). The movie location is one of the oldest continuously operating public farmers’ markets in the United States, having opened in 1907. The market is located on the waterfront, and features a number of vendors selling fresh produce, seafood, and other goods. The market is a popular destination for both residents and tourists, and is known for its lively atmosphere and unique offerings. The market also has a number of restaurants and food stalls, offering a wide variety of cuisines. In addition to its commercial offerings, Pike Place Market also features a number of historic buildings and landmarks, including the original Starbucks store. The address is 85 Pike St, Seattle, WA 98101

Dahlia Lounge – The hotspot where Sam Baldwin (Tom Hanks) went on a date with Victoria (Barbara Garrick), who was an interior designer. Unfortunately, the Dahlia Lounge is closed now (officially announced by Tom Douglas on March 12, 2021). The location has been in business for 32 years. The location was taken over by its neighbors the Dahlia Bakery and Serious Pie (Pizza shop). The address is 2001 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98121

Alki Beach – In West Seattle, you’ll find the next movie location, Alki Beach. While doing her research, Annie Reed (Meg Ryan) finds Sam Baldwin (Tom Hanks) playing with his son Jonah Baldwin (Ross Malinger). The location is right across from Duke’s Seafood & Chowder on the beach. The address is 2516 Alki Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116. If you don’t know about Seattle’s Alki Beach it is known for its sandy shoreline, beautiful views of the city and the Olympic Mountains, and its vibrant atmosphere. The beach stretches for two and a half miles along the Elliott Bay waterfront, and is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and other beach activities. It is also home to many restaurants and shops, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. In the summer, the beach is often crowded with people enjoying the warm weather and beautiful scenery.

In summary, Sleepless in Seattle was a great movie and featured several locations around Seattle. In my opinion, it is a classic romantic comedy that is well worth watching. The story is heartwarming and touching, and the ending is satisfying and emotional. This is the must-see movie for anyone who enjoys romantic comedies. The cast really did a great job and these types of movies simply are not created today in the same way. Check out the filming locations around Seattle if you have some time.

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