STONEking's Island

A Holiday Interview

Posted: 12/16/2008

by Marie Hansen, free-lance journalist   Following the release of his third book in a year's time, Jeffrey STONEking granted me the opportunity to meet with him once more. I was thrilled when I phoned to announce my 'thumbs up' regarding his new effort, On-Going Sagas: A Testimony Of Events, and wanted to ask some questions. His inviting me back to his Centerville, Ohio home on December 14th for another one-on-one was an overwhelming surprise.   Just like the August interview, I was met by a humble man slightly messed up with paint, apologizing for not being totally prepared. Sitting in his luxurious, Holiday-decorated home, with Christmas music quietly playing in another room, being served tea and homemade cookies again by an imposing German woman, I was barely into my first bite and sip before he reappeared scrubbed and groomed like magic.   MH: How do you get so clean in such a quick time?! JS: Lemony-fresh?! It's a little secret I'll never divulge! MH: I notice you're now flying a 'Don't Tread On Me' flag outside. Why? JS: After the devastating windstorm in September, my US flag was obliterated as much as my yard. I put up the snake, first because I don't want to break out the commemorative flag Congressman James Traficant, Jr. flew on the US Capital in honor of my deceased grandfather. Second, I dare anyone to mess with me at this point! Nine days without power back then brought on a raging fit. MH: That's what I don't understand. You're a gentleman, and I can't imagine you any other way. JS: Thank you. I pride myself on being what you perceive. I've been messed with previously and had to get ugly. Who hasn’t?! My preference is to remain with the peace I'm blessed in receiving. MH: On that note, I want to discuss On-Going Sagas. I'm already on my fifth read. JS: What?! Are you kidding me?! MH: No. It's quite the mysterious work, and I've tried drastically to figure out why these things happen to you. 'You're not alone', as the saying goes, but you seem to be handling it quite well. JS: I'm trying. Once the 'unexplained' becomes a regular, daily occurrence, what choice do you have in the matter? Since you know the book, take pride in knowing that you are sitting in the same chair as Leo, the grandfather to The Equinox! MH: Don't. JS: Don't what? MH: I should've known you were going to fill me in to some capacity. JS: You asked. MH: Do we need to go to another room? JS: You'll be alright. It's been a few days since the 'unseen' has been here. MH: That's not funny. JS: You're right. There's no joking around. This is quite a serious matter, and one I cannot define. I was hoping that writing the book would give clarity and definition, but no. It all just continues inexplicably. MH: Did you contact The Equinox about this book? JS: Actually, he received his copy a few days ago, but no response. He's likely as scared shitless as I am, if not more! MH: How would you react if someone wrote about you and your deceased relatives making an appearance, or them stopping by their grave? JS: I've tried to put myself in that position. I'm not sure. If I weren't as stable, sober, and coherent as I am then I would probably be a bit apprehensive. MH: No doubt about it. But you have witnesses, too. JS: Correct. A number of them, I might add. MH: That makes it better or acceptable? JS: It makes it real. MH: I'm surprised to see your room decorated for Christmas along with your menorah. What brought that on? JS: I always knew I would receive a ‘sign’ of when I was supposed to dive back into the decorations. A Jewish man I’m quite intrigued by told me that I would be decorating for Christmas this year, which I wasn’t planning on doing. His words stayed with me. Then I drove north. Figures the ‘sign’ would arrive on that trip into Rochester, Michigan on the night of a meteor shower called Leo-nid. MH: No, way. JS: Yes, way! Add to that a particular Christmas tune from Mariah Carey, “All I Want For Christmas Is You”. I can't explain it. The song keeps popping up in thee most unusual places and circumstances. I just go with it and keep wishing for someone “standing right outside my door”. Since Chanukkah ends on December 29th, that would be the most appropriate date. MH: I remember that day from your book. JS: More than one book, actually. Nothing would make me more complete, actually. MH: Anything else going on in your life? JS: I've finished my long-overdue children's book which is spawning an animated series which I've been wanting to do for quite some time. All in due time. MH: You mention the absence of time in your life in On-Going Sagas. JS: Correct! Without a television blaring its stupidity for almost three years now, there is no calculated time. Just music or silence. The latter is my preferred, actually. MH: That's surprising. You always talk about 'rocking out'. JS: That I do, and well! I was jamming in the third row to Duran Duran last week. Not one of their better shows, undersold, wasted on stage, but myself and an excellent friend from Detroit were having a fantastic time! She's all about Simon LeBon. MH: Is that the same woman in your book at the Detroit Masonic Temple Duran Duran show? JS: Yes, Bonjo! She is Detroit! Never met anyone quite like her. Good God, what she has witnessed relating to all this stuff. Unfathomable! MH: What’s with your band you told me about in August? JS: Stay tuned. MH: I knew you were going to say that. Do you have any plans for the holidays? JS: Back to Detroit, though my last trip I met with Delphi's Steve Miller which was quite an experience. Initially, we corresponded briefly about our books, and a mutual adoration for model railroads. As I told him, "For the record, I am a HO!" MH: Are you? JS: In train gauge, yes! MH: You're too much. JS: Back to Christmas, as I'm all about it this year. Rochester, Michigan really ignited my holiday cheer with its phenomenal light display. It all goes back to Rochester, doesn't it. MH: Sure seems that way. JS: Let me blow your ass away with one more Rochester/On-Going Sagas-related tidbit. I was having a tiff with my publisher in an effort to get the book complete for my course requirement. They weren't compliant, and I was becoming quite the rage. You know, the side you can't imagine. On October 24th... MH: Oh, that 'special' day that continues to make its appearance known. JS: Right! On October 24th, I wanted to sign-off completely, but it did not happen. When the manuscript came back for my approval the following workday, the date printed on the copyright page is October 24th. I nearly shit! I had no control over it. Let me show you. MH: Oh, my God! The birth date of The Equinox and so many other related items. What does he think of all this? JS: Who knows. He's still silent. A package of Cottonelle Flush-able Wipes was included with his delivery with the words, "You are Really going to need these!" I hope he's already gone through my gifted pack and onto the next. MH: That's hilarious! JS: I know! (We both burst into a bout of laughter at the thought!) MH: Oh, you are unique. Thank you for allowing me to come back one more time. JS: You're very welcome. I'm rather touched by your interest. If you can make heads or tails of On-Going Sagas then please let me know. MH: You and The Equinox, both. JS: Thank you. That‘s very kind. Have a Merry one. ***I must note that as soon as I started my car to leave his house, Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You” started playing on the all-Christmas radio station. It delightfully scared me. There is something magic about Jeffrey STONEking.

Third Time Is A Charm

Posted: 10/17/2008

In conjunction with an Independent Studies summer quarter course, Lives In Transition with Don Wallis, Antioch University McGregor student, Jeffrey P. STONEking, wrote a final assignment that is also being submitted for publication, set for release later this month. This makes for his third book in a year’s time. Says STONEking, "I was quite insistent on including several spiritually-charged books to further guide the course, including The Secret by Rhonda Byrne and Deepak Chopra’s The Spontaneous Fulfillment of Desire. "Last year, an inspiring and influential man I was dining with from Detroit asked, ‘Has anything strange ever happened to you?’ That really is the overall theme of the book. I’ve been documenting everything occurring to me on a regular, daily basis. When you begin to see the cyclical patterns, and recognize the many revealing signs leading to one’s destination or goal, you must remain grateful, and you will be more aware of your environment. In my case, I’ve watched myself evolve, adding strength and determination to the mix. To really test it, I went into a pit of live alligators, forcing a childhood phobia right out of me. I’m not the same person I was last year when I went into a writing frenzy, churning out an autobiography that I really did not have control over writing. It just kept coming on its own. In all, it was an extremely cathartic experience. "This new one is in the same vein, with improved writing skills, but not as lengthy. It is heaping with circumstances I cannot explain, but thankfully have witnesses to." The new book, entitled On-Going Sagas: A Testimony Of Events, is a year-long journey into STONEking’s admittedly strange and episodic life. He writes, "My fellow Ants of Antioch University remark that I am unlike anything they’ve ever encountered. In noting our alumni member, The Twilight Zone’s Rod Serling, I am now referred to as The New Rod Serling of Antioch. A humbling honor. "He may have written The Twilight Zone, but I am living it." When asked why the ‘stone’ is all capped in his last name, he states, "I was fed up with constantly having to correct people on how to pronounce something so simple. People went as far as ‘Staan-uh-king’, but the award goes to ‘St. One King’. Maybe they knew something that I am continually learning about myself!"

An Interview with Mr. STONEking

Posted: 09/08/2008

An Interview with Mr. STONEking by Marie Hansen     In the midst of my summer journal-keeping, I was rather surprised to land the opportunity to meet with Jeffrey STONEking, author of a whistle-blowing book entitled, Theme Park Safety Failure$. After several phone calls, I managed to secure an appointment with the man whose classmates at Antioch University McGregor of Yellow Springs, Ohio are now referring to him as "The New Rod Serling of Antioch". (Rod Serling is a graduate from years back).   What does it take for someone to receive such an honorable title? I was determined to find out.   I met with "Mr. STONEking" in his sophisticated Centerville, Ohio home on August 26th, 2008, but I was somewhat apprehensive given a photograph on his website shows him gripping onto a live alligator’s tail. His open letters on the publisher’s website, AuthorHouse.com, were extremely confrontational and defensive. Imagine my surprise to have the front door opened by a humble, polite, smiling man covered with fresh paint markings.   After apologizing for his appearance, he quickly excused himself for cleanup as a German woman served me tea and homemade cookies in a fashionably-set dining room.   He quickly returned freshly made-up, as though a snap of a few fingers and the wiggle of a nose erased the paint and the frazzled appearance. Then he escorted me to an extremely large room with a variety of collectibles, including The Bat made famous in his YouTube performances promoting his book, Theme Park Safety Failure$.   Our interview was humorous, matter-of-fact, and bold.   MH: I have to begin by thanking you for taking the time to let me have this interview. JS: I’m glad you caught me here! I’ve been celebrating in Detroit the past couple of days, and I’m returning tomorrow for another shin-dig. MH: What are you celebrating? JS: The completion of my third book, On-Going Sagas: A Testimony Of Events. Its a final for a course I wrote at Antioch, so I churned it out in less than six weeks, making it my third book in a year’s time. MH: How does it tie-in to Theme Park Safety Failure$? JS: There’s no comparison, actually. This is more of a continuation of my first book, my autobiography, Reality Therapy: The Influence of Rollercoasters, Religion, and Rock ‘n Roll. The course is called Lives In Transition. I’ve been keeping notes in a daily log about what is occurring in my life, and the changes since last August. Oh, my God, it’s phenomenal! MH: Like what, for example? JS: Since I do not watch television at all, I am extremely alert to what is occurring around me. Good fortune is now commonplace. The theme of the book is, "Has anything strange ever happened to you?" A man I was dining with from Detroit last year asked me that question. I nearly fell out of the booth as I have always been prone to strange occurrences. Some paranormal. MH: Are you psychic? JS: I do not label myself to any degree. If you’re inquiring as to whether I can see the future, I believe we create our own existence. All of us are capable of knowing what will be. Allowing Hollywood and negative influences will only draw more of the same. MH: Then what are the paranormal things you write about? JS: Why give the secret to the book away?! If you read my first book you will learn about my Native American ancestry, along with the events that I dealt with throughout my life which cannot be defined by the corporate or 21st century beliefs of man. MH: Perhaps I do not understand. JS: The concept I believe is that ‘we are not humans having a spiritual experience. We are spirits having a human experience’. You think about that. If it doesn’t make sense, then think about it some more. MH: Do you go to church? JS: Despite being an ordained minister, and a member of The Church of the Latter Day Dude, I do not believe in organized religion. I was recently invited to a black congregation. They are so into giving praise, and I was heavily-inspired the first time I went on Father’s Day. At the end of last year, I was experiencing some hardcore Jewish circumstances, and went to Temple, but the rabbi, well, I don’t have respect for someone outright defaming others. That is not a God-like quality. I was raised Mormon, but I prefer my Native American beliefs and practices. There is more integrity in being in touch with The Great Spirit in the wilds of nature rather than suffering though a screaming Louisiana-type preacher’s ‘Yee-Haw’ sermon. MH: What’s your opinion of the upcoming election? JS: Wow! From religion to politics?! Do you know what you’re getting yourself into?! MH: Maybe not. JS: The current political scene is bullshit, and no one has the courage or balls to admit it. There are more than two parties in this country, but you’d never know it. Politics is the new entertainment, which is dangerous. With the majority of Americans duped by Hollywood and its hidden agendas, along comes the politicrits with their shit-eating grins and sacks of lies. I recently met with my congressional representative’s office, Mike Turner. It should not have taken an e-mail and four phone calls to do so. One of the excuses a staff member gave was her having to schedule him for 4th of July appearances. Naturally, I wasn’t able to meet with him, rather a side-kick. When I mentioned HR 2320, an amusement ride safety bill that has been on the floor for nine years, I was told that they never heard of it before. Really? Then the five years of my phoning in support, what became of those calls? In the midst of research for Theme Park Safety Failure$, I discovered that the bill does not call for any regulation of amusement ride operations. There are none presently, and none slated. MH: Meaning? JS: Meaning that the Mental Midgets at the control panels, and the companies that employ them, are allowed to conduct themselves in any manner without answering to anyone. In 2000, I was riding The Beast at Kings Island in a lightning storm. Since I was struck by lighting at the age of 10, I am well aware of what happens. It’s not pretty. On that ride, there were a total of eight fully-loaded trains in circuit on that 4-minute course. No one gave a shit when I reported it. That list includes the park officials, OSHA, and the Ohio Department of Agriculture. MH: Why would the Department of Agriculture be involved? JS: They are responsible for ride inspections in this state and several others, including Kentucky, Florida, and California. MH: What do they know about rides? JS: Good question! Read the book, and wipe yourself when you read the quotes I pulled. MH: That’s frightening. JS: Got that right! MH: I’ve got to know, why "Mr. STONEking", and the caps in the last name? JS: Since respect is non-existent in the world these days, it re-introduces the honor of elders I was raised with. Initially, it was a joke since a British anti-Christ Super Star I am related to slammed me on his website as "Mr. Stoneking", encouraging his worshipers to send death threats. It backfired when a dude whose first and last names sounds like ‘Stoneking’ got the bulk of it. As for the caps, I am fed up with people not being able to pronounce my simplistic name. I’ve been called "Staan-uh-king" and, my favorite one of all, "St. One King". It’s really sad how illiterate people are becoming. My tax dollars keeps the stupidity alive and well. Sad. That’s all I can say. MH: Are you planning a big sell with your new book? JS: I don’t have any expectations. It is a personal journey, and also involves someone I met, but haven’t heard from in a year. My message is for those who read it to come away with an awareness of their own existence. People influence one another, and I got the better end of whatever it is. Don’t ask me to explain it, because I cannot. MH: Let’s talk about relationships. JS: Must we? MH: Yes! JS: Not my favorite topic. In fact, you’ve already touched upon the big ‘no-no’s. Good thing my security is only a room away! MH: Come on now. No ring, so I’m presuming you’re not married, right? JS: I’ll send you an invitation when I know the day it’s going to be. MH: So you’re planning? JS: Planning and doing are two very different things, my dear. First, I believe you need to have a love interest. Right? MH: Right. JS: I can’t believe you went there. MH: I did. JS: You’re brave! MH: So tell me. JS: What? MH: Ah, come on! JS: I will tell you this. Dreams are real. A dream I wrote about in my new book revealed to me who I am going to be with. I’m quite ecstatic about it, and I look so forward to the day when it comes true. Whenever that will be. It’s unlike anything I’ve had previously, thank God, and it is going to be the greatest day of my life! I’ve had a brief sampling of it already, and I am doing all I can in an effort to make myself a better person deserving of it. Enough said. MH: That’s fair. When is the new book coming out? JS: I don’t have a release date yet. There’s some adjustments I still wish to make. Simple grammatical changes. Technically, though, it is finished. That’s what is most important. MH: There’s nothing more I wish to ask, but you are not like what you promote. JS: Why do you say that? MH: Your YouTube promos with that bat over there in the red light is really terrifying! JS: It’s a terrifying topic having amusement rides slaughtering innocent riders. MH: I did read your book, and I have to agree with you. I’m more cautious about what my husband and I ride, and what I let our children go on. JS: You should be. MH: What about Kings Island’s new ride next year, Diamondback? Are you going to ride it? JS: Absolutely! It is from a reliable manufacturer, and I’ve already had a strange circumstance involving the day it was officially announced. So, yes, I’m quite anxious to go on it. Almost as anxious as my so-called marriage you asked about earlier! MH: Are there any additional future plans you wish to discuss? JS: I’m working on getting a band together, and there’s another research book brewing, but that’s all I’m going to say. MH: Does your band have a name at least? JS: Mr. STONEking. What else? MH: I should’ve known. JS: You asked! MH: I know! Thank you, again, for the opportunity to meet with you. It’s been a real pleasure, but I’m not sure I get the connection between yourself and the Rod Serling comparison. JS: He may have written The Twilight Zone, but I am living it! You’ll get to read all about it. MH: Something to look forward to. JS: Indeed.

Howland, Ohio gets Spooked!

Posted: 07/03/2008

On Friday, June 27th in Howland, Ohio I was engaging in conversation with readers at my Borders book signing location. My precise words to each of them was "the industry is overdue for an incident." On May 16th a portable swing ride collapsed inexplicably at a fair in Sacramento. That same day Cedar Point’s Wildcat injured nine when the single car, after disengaging from the lift’s anti-rollback feature, went backwards, by-passing the drive motors which propel the vehicle’s forwards motion, slamming into a parked one in the loading area. Theme Park Safety Failure$ discusses "A Cursed Name" of a comic book superhero, Superman. Rides bearing the ‘S’-word have a freakish history of graphic and horrific accidents. Adding to the thought, "Look at the actors," referencing Superman’s Christopher Reeves’ paralyzing form and George Reeves’ bizarre death shooting. A grotesque Batman-related ride tragedy involving a decapitation occurred Saturday, June 28th in Atlanta. With an upcoming Batman film release featuring the recently-deceased actor Heath Ledger’s Joker portrayal, and the Batman ride tragedy, one must question the paranormal remarks in discussion. Especially those hailing from the community of Howland, Ohio. The manager of the Borders store made an announcement involving graphic depictions relating to the tone of Theme Park Safety Failure$, "Thrill rides are becoming kill rides." Two giggling teen girls were presented a copy of the book. Quickly thumbing to the chapter index, they were squealing in delightful unison, "A Cursed Name", then "A Ticket To Die" fueling their maniacal hysteria. They burst into even more unbridling wide-eyed remarks when learning of a cable breakage severing both feet from a teen rider aboard a Superman ride last summer. Each then reminded the other of a horror film where a cable cuts through an entire crowd without hesitation. I had to tell them the title of the film despite my never seeing it, only hearing about it in a discussion with children entirely too young to be exposed to such a hideous misfortune. "We’re witches!!" the two managed to giggle in stereo, then showing me a thick vampire book they were purchasing. I wonder how much The Witches of Howland are howling now with a Batman-related decapitation the day after an engaging, yet terrifying little chat? Others from Howland, Ohio with personalized copies are also in elevated concern about the timing. Without question.

RochesterHills, MI Borders ROCKS!

Posted: 06/20/2008

There is not enough I can say to sufficiently thank the staff of the Borders in Rochester Hills, MI.  The book signing introduced me to a number of interesting individuals, some of whom were quite terrified about the topic of Theme Park Safety Failure$, particularly when I presented a track spike from a wooden rollercoaster track. It was a night of signing I will not forget. The silver Equinox pulling into a space beside my vehicle was also a sight to behold despite the wrong driver. Jeffrey P. Stoneking Theme Park Safety Failure$

The Truth About The Media

Posted: 06/20/2008

ANTIOCH WORKSHOPS HIT HOME During the fall 2007 quarter, two AUM workshops exploited the news media, Jim Malarkey’s Palestine: Behind the Media Mirage and John Boucuvalas’ Critical Analysis of the News Media. Each workshop presented news coverage in an effort to provide the participants an unbiased, but comparative examination of how corporate dollars dictate the topics ‘they’ want the general public--read "sheep"--to know, or rather not to. For the Palestine workshop, Malarkey presented a 2004 film documentary entitled "Peace, Propaganda, and the Promised Land" produced by American Jews who are dissatisfied with the present circumstances occurring in Israel, including the Intifada. Ambassador Hassan Halta, a former resident of Tulcar, West Bank, was a guest speaker for the class announcing his agenda, ‘Seeds of Peace’, in support of the Palestine population who are being interrogated by the Israelis in the near-capacity of how Nazis inflicted torment and abuse upon Jews during WWII. Another guest was Antioch College’s Joanna Maier who dared the occupancy and, on a solo mission, went through numerous checkpoints recording the circumstances Halta discussed and the documentary detailed. The amount of American dollars being channeled to the region in an effort to support Israel is staggering, upwards of several hundred million dollars. Lists of contributors were included in the documentary, the majority of whom were christian-based (intentionally uncapitalized). No U.S. media outlet would dare exhibit the truth about the monies or the matter. I couldn’t resist comment during class in my dismay at the church groups channeling tithing dollars in their quest for doing what I refer to as "Jumping Jacks for Jesus". Continuing in the exploitation of deception was Boucuvalas’ workshop, Critical Analysis of the News Media, where news story topics were shown side-by-side only to showcase the constant alteration of details. Only BBC America’s broadcast was the more reliable source of information. The need to fill 24 hours’ worth of air-time with multiple network outlets continues daily. Yet how much of what the consuming masses are being fed is truth? Furthermore, what decides the topic to be disclosed? Despite my broadcasting background from a couple decades back, I’ve always been aware of railroading certain stories lest the truth be definitively told. More recently, when my book Theme Park Safety Failure$ was initially released, I received a call from Laura Borchers, a reporter from WLWT Channel 5 in Cincinnati. She responded to a bulk e-mail containing my press release and contact information. That very day, May 5th, she phoned wanting to interview me in front of Kings Island near the Great Wolf Lodge. Prior to our recorded conversation she inquired as to whether I wished to meet with Kings Island officials immediately following my taped conversation, which I sensibly declined telling her, "That’s on your head." When asked if there was anything I wished for Kings Island officials to know, I remarked, "No more minors at the control panels, and no more volunteers of non-profit organizations anywhere near a ride’s platform. I’d also like to know why there’s high voltage overhead power lines running down the center of the water park?" The interview went on for several minutes in an effort to provide Borchers enough to cut and paste into her story which she indicated would either air that night, or the following. Suffice it to say, the interview and the related story has been indefinitely postponed, and Borchers no longer remembers how to reply to e-mails. This is just a mere, but local example of how the media is influenced by corporate dollars, the very topics both workshops, Palestine: Behind The Media Mirage and Critical Analysis of the News Media, addresses. WLWT, however, is not alone in their holding off on reporting the truth about the theme park industry. There are others, as well. Why? No corporate entity wants to lose any advertising dollars a place like Kings Island carts in, especially when I come along with the truthful statement, "Thrill rides are becoming kill rides." Plus, some little media worker might lose out on the admission passes theme parks provide in exchange for air-time. Let this be a wise lesson to my fellow Ants of Antioch University McGregor. Our workshops and the individuals who are heading them are taking huge risks by making sensitive topics known. Topics laced with extreme bouts of Truth. While I may suffer the consequences of pitiful news media people who lack a spine and a couple of contents housed in a scrotum, it is my encouragement to you, and whoever else reads this, to know that relying upon a solo source of news is destroying your ability to judge accordingly. Read as much as you can, from everywhere imaginable, and still question everything. The Truth is, indeed, out there. Discovering it may take a challenging effort, but it is well worth your time. It may even mean your life. Jeffrey P. Stoneking

Defending Truth and Integrity

Posted: 06/06/2008

OPEN LETTER RE: RANDY LASSITER’S UNFOUNDED REMARKS There clearly is nothing more disparaging than to be insulted and lied about by another. My new book, Theme Park Safety Failure$, discloses ride-related accidents in the industry. Upon its release, and my admitting to brief and mostly uncompensated contributions to the Lassiter v. Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom case, Randy Lassiter, the father of the victim whose feet were severed, lashed out at me on a rollercoaster-related message board, http://forums.xtremecoasters.com, where he lurks about incognito under the identity "613". Without any means by which to contact Lassiter, I discovered his presence on the boards on January 13th, 2008. The dialogue from those transmissions are posted below:   Mr. STONEking RE: Sharing Your Bandwagon, Jan 13 2008, 06:54 PM Dear Mr. Lasitter; I've done some work with Larry Franklin on your case and, while my minute portion is complete, I am seeking to converse with you about my writing project that is slated for release at the end of March. Unlike the respondents to your circumstances on this website, I agree with you that there is a vast loop that needs to be filled to further prevent these tragedies from occurring again. In doing so, I will be utilizing your case's information along with others and presenting them to the decision makers and would like to invite you to contact me. My office/home phone number is 937-291-9972. I can also be reached toll-free if necessary. Know that in my theme park career with both The Walt Disney Company and Kings Entertainment I have been witness to hideous, inexcusable circumstances which explains my pursuit to have all things changed for the better. What I presented to Larry will hopefully come to light in your case, though the outcome certainly could never erase what transpired. Apologies are never enough, but with similar incidents in my own relations, though not theme park related, I do share your pain and wish sincerely to speak with you and begin the trek to making that change. Respectfully, Jeffrey P. Stoneking     613 Re: Sharing Your Bandwagon, Jan 14 2008, 09:01 AM Going to Nashville today, but I will talk to Larry and then phone you after we are home. Randy   The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are Evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it. Albert Einstein     Mr. STONEking Re: Sharing Your Bandwagon, Jan 14 2008, 09:37 AM Mr. Lasitter; Very well. Know that the materials I am utilizing from your case is merely that which can be obtained through press releases and public records. The writings I am involved are slated to be utilized in Senate and Congressional hearings later this year. Again, I do not wish to drudge up any unwarranted or unresolved circumstances which could jeopardize your case. This project is solely upon my own platter and at my risk. I look forward to hearing from you. Respectfully, Jeffrey P. Stoneking     Mr. STONEking RE: Contact, Apr 25 2008, 11:54 AM Dear Mr. Lassiter; Beneath this message is the press release for my new book, Theme Park Safety Failure$. The work I did for your case is detailed. Unfortunately Larry Franklin has not paid me for the additional work I performed. Were it not for my involvement, Larry would not know how to spell the name of the manufacturer, where they are located, who their president is, or that a ride maintenance manual exists. I was quite pleased to learn of your supplying the press with what you're managed to obtain. Charlie White just phoned and informed me of your going to D.C. on May 20th, or thereabouts, for a meeting with Markey's office and a hearing. I'm forwarding a copy of my book to his attention which will likely encourage the legislation you are in support of. Know that you're not alone. Very likely our paths will cross, and I look forward to that moment. Please don't hesitate to contact me. Respectfully, Jeffrey P. Stoneking www.stonekingsisland.com   Shortly thereafter that post, a call came to my cell phone which I could not answer. There was no message left, so I returned the call and was met with Lassiter’s angry, confrontational, and aggressive tone which I commented on in a previous Open Letter. In response, Lassiter posted the following remarks: http://forums.xtremecoasters.com/index.php?s=394a150ede1c3bc3973d4c6de9743c7f&showtopic=4504&pid=65556&st=0&#entry65556 613 Apr 25 2008, 04:41 PM Post #4 This guy is representing himself as a consultant in our case Which Is Not True! He has been trying to involve himself with us from the beginning, so we asked him to come to the lawyers office early on to see if what he said was true and should we hire him, but decided that he didn't offer anything of an Expert opinion so was not hired but was compensated for his time that day and that day only as were alot of other people in this case. He has been getting in touch with our media contacts and trying to get them to involve him and promote his book. I don't know everything about this guy, but I don't like the way he is mis-representing himself in an association with my family.     613 Apr 26 2008, 05:58 AM Post #6 I know, I'm not saying this guy necessarily isn't legit, just don't like the fact he is talking to people and making false claims about his involvement with my family. So he has taking any validity out of his work as far as we are concerened.   613 Apr 30 2008, 02:54 PM Post #2 What a Vampire! Does this person really believe a lawyer belonging to th Inner Circle of lawyers in America two months into a case would not know how to spell. Again the only reason this persons persistent phone calls were returned was to show this person some respect, but after meeting this Vampire of a Human it was decided he had Nothing. But in actuality what he was doing was creating an ability to use his brief converstion to tag it in his book... Whatever...Get a real life..   Contrary to Lassiter’s remarks, there were never any "persistent phone calls" as I never had his phone number. The follow-up correspondence with his attorney’s office two months after his case was retained totals six e-mails, one overnight parcel with documents that were eventually returned with an unpaid invoice, and my attorney’s unanswered letter. Aside from the hostile phone call on April 25th where Lassiter accused me of billing his attorney $6k, which is nowhere near the actual amount, I’ve never communciated with him outside of the message board’s e-mail, all of which is included in this missive. Deception as a means to glorify onesself is a vile nature. Lassiter was not present at my meeting with his attorney, nor has he ever met me. Additionally, he never heard the initial conversation I had with his attorney where I had to spell the name of the manufacturer of the ride which impaired his daughter, the president’s name, or the Switzerland and Maryland address. While I am supportive of Lassiter’s agenda, despite other remaining loop holes in the Congressional Bill, H.R. 2320, I’ve never once belittled him or claimed to represent his family. His daughter’s incident is relatively nothing in my book, two pages at most. Sadly, the industry now has a poster child for ride accidents with an enraging, hostile father in the background. Lassiter is also unclear as to how the media actually operates. Given my previous background in broadcasting, no one ‘owns’ a contact person, though corporate America governs all disclosures on daily broadcasts. Any questions regarding that I encourage you to contact Jim Malarkey of Antioch University McGregor whose autumn quarter course, Palestine: Behind The Media Mirage, is an eye-opener beyond definition. Hopefully the Lassiter family will win judgment in their case, but a judgment never means that compensation will be received. A case in my book against Six Flags involving death took three years to resolve. The Lassiter case is barely one year old. As for his attorney being in the Inner Circle of Lawyers in America doesn’t make him a god (intentionally uncapitalized). I court my own circle of judges, magistrates, and attorneys on a personal level. Same difference, really. It’s all about who you know. My informal affiliation, however, doesn’t win me status, provide for substantial court rewards, or require me to pay annual dues to pucker up to the self-proclaimed elite brotherhood. For Lassiter to call me a "Vampire", however, is clearly going beyond. He doesn’t know me, has never read my books, nor seen my live performances. In keeping with his vampire vein, I boldly suggest that Lassiter go suck himself. Jeffrey P. Stoneking Theme Park Safety Failure$ "Thrill rides are becoming kill rides." www.themeparksafetyfailures.com

Borders Rochester Hills, MI	Posted: 05/20/2008
A huge round of thunderous applause to Sandy, the GM of the Rochester Hills, MI Borders for stocking Theme Park Safety Failure$ before anyone. See everyone there on June 12th. Jeffrey P. Stoneking

Near-death weekend

Posted: 05/20/2008

A galloping deer crossed my path en route to Antioch University early Saturday morning on north-bound 675.  Its ass and my headlight missed one another by less than 3 feet.  If you're driving that direction in the center lane near the large, eastward turn by WPAFB, the 1/2" thick skid mark is from yours truly.  When I was laying it the smoke was just like the cable on Cedar Point's Top Thrill Dragster. Glad to be unscathed and alive. Jeffrey P. Stoneking

Postponed WLWT interview	Posted: 05/20/2008
The Laura Borchers WLWT interview of May 5th, 2008 still has not aired.  I've got my speculations as to why.  Truth is often difficult to cope with. Jeffrey P. Stoneking