Will Japan's Travel Industry Get The Hint?

by Armand Vaquer

Above, Haruo Nakajima. Could he and his alter ego be the ones who revives Japan's tourism industry?

It is amazing how things can go viral over the Internet.

A few days ago, I posted a blog "Can Godzilla Save The Japanese Tourism Industry?" at Monster Island News, Godzilla 2012 and Armand's Rancho Del Cielo blogs. I posed the question in this way:

Getting up this evening from much-needed sleep (I have to work the graveyard shift in Burbank again tonight), I found an email about a Twitter Tweet from Tom Baker of The Daily Yomiuri:

Can Godzilla help save Japan's tourism industry? Monster expert @ArmandV comments on an editorial from @DailyYomiuri.

I think Godzilla would be a great help in saving Japan's tourism industry. He's as internationally recognizable as Mickey Mouse. Of course, the tourism industry would need the cooperation from Godzilla's owner, Toho Co., Ltd., but ads featuring the King of the Monsters promoting Japan tourism could do the trick. Also, taking on Haruo Nakajima, the original Godzilla suit actor, as a goodwill ambassador in a advertising campaign for Japan tourism would be a plus. Given his age (he's 82), his participation would have to be limited a bit. But seeing the crowds gather around him on Hollywood Blvd. (see photo below from his daughter Sonoe) convinced me that he could be useful. And, I think he'd have a ball!

Above, Haruo Nakajima drew a crowd on Hollywood Blvd. last month. Photo courtesy of Sonoe Nakajima.

As I said before, the Japanese tourism industry needs to think "outside of the box" to get travelers over to Japan. It's worth a try!

Checking Google, I found that a number of websites have picked up on the posts. They range from other bloggers to travel websites. Maybe the Japanese travel professionals and tourism bureaus (especially the Japan National Tourism Organization) will get the hint?

Wouldn't be cool to see Godzilla and Haruo Nakajima featured in promotions for Japan travel? They would certainly catch a lot of attention!

Both Godzilla and Haruo Nakajima are valuable resources that could and should be tapped. We'll see what develops.

Will Japan's Travel Industry Get The Hint?

by Armand Vaquer

Above, Haruo Nakajima. Could he and his alter ego be the ones who revives Japan's tourism industry?

It is amazing how things can go viral over the Internet.

A few days ago, I posted a blog "Can Godzilla Save The Japanese Tourism Industry?" at Monster Island News, Godzilla 2012 and Armand's Rancho Del Cielo blogs. I posed the question in this way:

Getting up this evening from much-needed sleep (I have to work the graveyard shift in Burbank again tonight), I found an email about a Twitter Tweet from Tom Baker of The Daily Yomiuri:

Can Godzilla help save Japan's tourism industry? Monster expert @ArmandV comments on an editorial from @DailyYomiuri.

I think Godzilla would be a great help in saving Japan's tourism industry. He's as internationally recognizable as Mickey Mouse. Of course, the tourism industry would need the cooperation from Godzilla's owner, Toho Co., Ltd., but ads featuring the King of the Monsters promoting Japan tourism could do the trick. Also, taking on Haruo Nakajima, the original Godzilla suit actor, as a goodwill ambassador in a advertising campaign for Japan tourism would be a plus. Given his age (he's 82), his participation would have to be limited a bit. But seeing the crowds gather around him on Hollywood Blvd. (see photo below from his daughter Sonoe) convinced me that he could be useful. And, I think he'd have a ball!

Above, Haruo Nakajima drew a crowd on Hollywood Blvd. last month. Photo courtesy of Sonoe Nakajima.

As I said before, the Japanese tourism industry needs to think "outside of the box" to get travelers over to Japan. It's worth a try!

Checking Google, I found that a number of websites have picked up on the posts. They range from other bloggers to travel websites. Maybe the Japanese travel professionals and tourism bureaus (especially the Japan National Tourism Organization) will get the hint?

Wouldn't be cool to see Godzilla and Haruo Nakajima featured in promotions for Japan travel? They would certainly catch a lot of attention!

Both Godzilla and Haruo Nakajima are valuable resources that could and should be tapped. We'll see what develops.

What I Wore Today

Hello there lovelies,

Oh my gosh, I can't believe that it is back to worm tomorrow already. I haven't even washed any of my uniforms yet. I've been too busy spending yesterday crocheting, and today revisiting the animatronics exhibition from last weekend, & photographing at the Japanese-themed gardens in Ipswich. I really need to get to some processing & developing of film. I realized that I haven't had any new photography for you guys to see for quite a while now! At least you lucky ducks get to see what I was wearing, even if comfort was more on my agenda today than style.

Outfit Rundown:

Long-sleeve Top: Trade Secret, $12.95
Pants: Roxy, $29.95
Boots: Trade Secret, $29.95
Owl Necklace: sent to me by the lady with the chutzpah, Sarah.

I got a few snapshots from the animatronics exhibit with our point-and-shoot digital camera. I didn't bother taking it last weekend because I assumed photography wouldn't be allowed, but they did have a few things you could take photos of. Excuse the poor quality - our point & shoot is about a million years old, and flashes weren't permitted.

Today I met a unicorn!

Or, at least half of one.

I also met a rather funky-looking monster from the movie Pitch Black.

And the crocodile from the live-action Peter Pan movie.

Or, you know, at least his head and tail.

Rad. I hope your weekend has been half as good as mine - and perhaps a little more productive.

Until next time, xo.

THE MONSTER THAT CHALLENGED THE WORLD Worm On Girl Promo Pics

Written By: Ken Hulsey

Okay here is another topic that I had been talking about on Facebook. Is it my imagination or do all the promo photos from the 1957 movie "The Monster That Challenged The World" look like worm on woman intercourse?

Really! Look at the photo on the left and tell me what comes to mind? Be honest!

If that doesn't look like monster rape I don't know what does?

Then again .... maybe she consented?

Anyway .... pretty racy stuff for the 1950s.

Actually I had never seen the movie until last week and I honestly thought it was one of the better monster movies from that era.

I'll post a better review in the next few weeks .... I promise.

Here is the info:

The Monster That Challenged the World (1957) is a science-fiction monster movie, about an army of giant mollusks that emerge from the Salton Sea, California. Directed by Arnold Laven, the film starred Tim Holt and Audrey Dalton.

It was produced by Gramercy Pictures (not related to the former PolyGram division) and released by United Artists. The film is currently available on DVD as part of UA sister Metro-Goldwyn Mayer's Midnight Movies collection.

An earthquake has led to the hatching of eggs belonging to a prehistoric mollusk. The hatchlings emerge from the Salton Sea, escape into an underground aquifer, and proceed to terrorize the citizens of California's Imperial Valley. The navy is called in to battle these monsters. Navy Lieutenant Commander John Twillinger (Holt), teams up with several scientists to battle the threat.

Here are a couple more of the scandalous photos:

Real Or Hoax? Youtube Videos From The Other Side (05/28/2011)

Written By: Ken Hulsey

I think that everyone has probably seen the popular series "Fact or Faked: Paranormal Files" on the SyFy Channel by now. To make a long story short (in case you haven't seen the show) the series revolves around a group of investigators who find UFO, paranormal and crytozoology based videos online then go out and try to stage the events depicted in them to prove if they are real or BS.

Over the past couple of days I have been posting videos from Youtube on my Facebook page and asking my friends to rate them as "Fact or Faked?"

Most of these get a lot of "faked" votes, but there have been a few that left people scratching their heads. Either people really captured the "real deal" or they have a future in the movie industry.

I thought it would be fun to move the subject off of Facebook to Monster Island News where more people could enjoy these videos and respond with their own two cents about whether the videos contain something paranormal or are just the work of bored people with cinematic talent.

To keep the legal eagles out there happy I have changed the name of this feature from "Fact or Faked" to "Real or Hoax".

Here are the videos with their descriptions from Youtube:

Outstanding UFO Sighting Alien Encounter Caught On Tape 2011

Outstanding UFO Sighting Alien Encounter Caught On Tape 2011 A Closer Look of what apears to be an ALIEN or TROLL Caught on tape you decide?

Note: It has been pointed out that the people who made this one run a movie production company .... so it is a hoax. Regardless .... it freaked the shit out of me!

BIGFOOT SIGHTING!!!

Uploaded by samantha13950 on May 23, 2011



While hiking, we accidentally caught an image of bigfoot walking through the woods. I didn't even notice until I got home and saw it on the computer! This scarred the crap out of us!

UFO's making Crop Circle

Daytime Gold Sphere UFO Over Chicago 27 May 2011

Uploaded by guttergawker on May 28, 2011

I saw this gold shape shifting UFO sphere flying over Chicago May 27, 2011. This is the 3rd time this year I have seen it. It also flew over on 4/29 and 5/22. It appeared as a point of light looking East towards the Downtown. It was a gold sphere then a diamond shape back to a sphere it seemed to flicker and change from copper to burnt orange back to gold color. I saw to seperate MUFON reports of this being seen over Chicago I will include the links to those sightings and my own here in the description.

UFO Japan May 28, 2011

Something Big (and blurry) On Security Cam



Uploaded by lucysandini on May 26, 2011

This is security video captured on 5/25/11 at my house. Keep your eye on the tree next to the vehicle across the street. Watch as the blurry object descends the tree, seems to attack something in the driveway and then climbs back up the trees actually going from tree to tree.

Tatra Mountain Yeti

The Tatra Mountains are a range of mountains that form a natural border between Slovakia and Poland. They are the highest mountain range in the Carpathian Mountains. In the summer of 2009, a rock climber named Piotr Kowalski captured an unexplained humanoid creature in the Tatra Mountains. Piotr is quoted as saying, "I saw the huge ape-like form hiding behind the rocks. When I saw it, it was like being struck with a thunderbolt." The footage is shocking and confirms a Sasquatch on multiple levels.

Celebrate The 100th Birthday Of Vincent Price With HOUSE OF WAX in 3D!

Source: Downtown Independent

I just wanted to quickly pass along this information on a special screening of the Vincent Price classic "House of Wax" at the Downtown Independent cinema her in Los Angeles on June 11th.

Here are the details:

The Board of the Vincent Price Art Museum Foundation and the Family of Vincent Price invite you to celebrate
THE ONE HUNDREDTH BIRTHDAY OF VINCENT PRICE and THE GRAND OPENING OF THE VINCENT PRICE ART MUSEUM.

Join us for a 3-D screening of 1953's HOUSE OF WAX starring Vincent Price PLUS "THE LIFE AND ART OF VINCENT PRICE" slide show and talk by Vincent's daughter, Victoria Price.

Proceeds raised will benefit THE VINCENT PRICE ART MUSEUM.

Everyone will receive a set of commemorative 3-D glasses!

TICKET INFORMATION:
$85 VIP tickets or $150 for 2 tickets:
($50 per person is tax-deductible)
includes 6:30PM rooftop pre-screening celebration.
Beer, wine, and culinary selections from A Treasury of Great Recipes by Mary & Vincent Price.
Meet Victoria Price, Museum Director Karen Rapp, and VPAM Board Members.
$25 Tickets for: "The Art & Life of Vincent Price" and HOUSE OF WAX in 3-D.

More Info: http://www.downtownindependent.com/events/the-one-hundreth-birthday-of

See Also: The Fly - Bobble Head Figure / Shock It To Me! Brings Two Classic Vincent Price Movies To San Francisco's Clay Theatre / Vincent Price Presents - A Wonderful Horror Comics Anthology From Bluewater / House of Wax (1953)(Warner Bros)

Bryan Singer Begins Production On 3D Remake Of JACK THE GIANT KILLER

Source: Warner Bros

Principal photography is underway in London on acclaimed filmmaker Bryan Singer's 3D epic action adventure "Jack the Giant Killer," with Nicholas Hoult in the title role of Jack, for New Line Cinema and Legendary Pictures.

"Jack the Giant Killer" tells the story of an ancient war that is reignited when a young farmhand unwittingly opens a gateway between our world and a fearsome race of giants. Unleashed on the Earth for the first time in centuries, the giants strive to reclaim the land they once lost, forcing the young man, Jack, into the battle of his life to stop them. Fighting for a kingdom, its people, and the love of a brave princess, he comes face to face with the unstoppable warriors he thought only existed in legend—and gets the chance to become a legend himself.

Hoult and Singer recently collaborated on the Singer-produced "X-Men: First Class," for release later this year. "Jack the Giant Killer" also stars Eleanor Tomlinson as Princess Isabelle; Stanley Tucci ("Captain America: The First Avenger," "Julie & Julia") as the deceitful Lord Roderick; Ian McShane ("Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides," HBO's "Deadwood") as the besieged King Brahmwell; Bill Nighy ("Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows") as the giants' leader General Fallon; and Ewan McGregor ("Star Wars," "The Ghost Writer") as palace guard Elmont.

Singer will direct from a screenplay by Darren Lemke and Christopher McQuarrie and Dan Studney, story by Darren Lemke & David Dobkin. The film will be produced by Neal Moritz, David Dobkin, Bryan Singer and Patrick McCormick.

The creative filmmaking team includes Singer's longtime collaborators, director of photography Newton Thomas Sigel ("X-Men," "Superman Returns") and editor John Ottman ("X2," "Superman Returns"). The production designer is Gavin Bocquet ("Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith").

"Jack the Giant Killer" is filming on location in and around London, and is scheduled for a summer 2012 release.

A New Line Cinema presentation, in association with Legendary Pictures, the film will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

New Guest Stars Announced For TORCHWOOD: MIRACLE DAY

Source: Starz

Imagine a day when nobody dies. All across the world, nobody dies. And then the next day, and the next, and the next, people keep aging. They get hurt and sick but they never die. This is the extraordinary premise of the highly-anticipated STARZ original drama series, "Torchwood: Miracle Day," produced by BBC Worldwide Productions for STARZ, BBC Cymru Wales and BBC Worldwide. The series will premiere on STARZ July 8 at 10 pm ET/PT.

Today, the network announced that in addition to Torchwood alumni, John Barrowman, Eve Myles, and Kai Owen and new headliners, Mekhi Phifer, Bill Pullman and Alexa Havins, that the 10-episode, hour-long series will also feature an impressive list of guest stars: Wayne Knight (“Seinfeld,” Jurassic Park), C. Thomas Howell (“Southland,” The Outsiders), Ernie Hudson (“OZ,” Ghostbusters), Nana Visitor (“Star Trek: Deep Space Nine”), John DeLancie (“Star Trek: The Next Generation”), Mare Winningham (Mildred Pierce, George Wallace) and Frances Fisher (Titanic, The Lincoln Lawyer).

Additional actors starring in the cult sensation include: Arlene Tur (“Crash,” Eat Pray Love) and Lauren Ambrose (“Six Feet Under,” The Other Woman) who join the cast in an extended guest role. The show's original creator, writer/producer Russell T Davies, serves as executive producer along with BBC Worldwide Productions' SVP Julie Gardner, with Davies also serving as show-runner for "Torchwood: Miracle Day."

"Torchwood: Miracle Day" begins with a day when nobody dies. The result: a population boom, overnight. With all the extra people, resources are finite. It's said that in four month's time, the human race will cease to be viable. But this can't be a natural occurrence - someone's got to be behind it. It's a race against time as C.I.A. agent Rex Matheson investigates a global conspiracy. The answers lie within an old, secret British institute. As Rex keeps asking "What is Torchwood?," he's drawn into a world of adventure, and a threat to change what it means to be human, forever.

See Also: TORCHWOOD: MIRACLE DAY To Premiere July 8th On Starz / The 100 Greatest Monsters From Movies And Television #51 - #60 / Former BUFFY And TORCHWOOD Stars Return To TV In SyFy's THREE INCHES / Starz Aquires The US Rights To The Fourth Season Of TORCHWOOD / The Top Ten Hottest Women Of 2009 / Russell T Davies Talks About The Future In The Latest Issue Of 'Torchwood' Magazine / Torchwood: Children Of Earth - Day Five / Torchwood: Children Of Earth - Day Four / Torchwood: Children Of Earth - Day Three / Torchwood: Children Of Earth - Day Two / Torchwood: Children Of Earth - Day One / Torchwood: Children Of Earth (2009)(BBC) / Torchwood: Children Earth Doctor Who On BBC America In July / Torchwood Children Of Earth Air Date And Spoilers / New Michael Golden Artwork For The Cover Of Torchwood Magazine / Torchwood Jack Harkness And Gwen Cooper Mug / Tonight's The Night Gives One Doctor Who Fan The Chance Of A Lifetime / Torchwood: Children Of Earth - Trailer / Torchwood Children Of Earth Trailer To Screen On Both Sides Of The Atlantic / Torchwood Wave 1 Action Figure Set / Eve Myles - New Myspace Photos And Convention Appearance / Freema Agyeman Talks About Doctor Who, Torchwood And Her Latest Series Survivors / 400 Fans Go Behind The Scenes Of Doctor Who And Torchwood / A Devastating Virus Wipes Out Most Of The World Population In Survivors / Fans Are Given A Rare Chance To Visit The Sets Of Doctor Who, Torchwood, And Sarah Jane / Torchwood: Children Of Earth Begins Filming / Torchwood Is Set To Experience The Big Bang / Torchwood Star Eve Myles Is A Knockout For BBC Radio / Torchwood - Are You Missing The Best Series On TV?

Dracula (Bela Lugosi) Film Cell

Source: Entertainment Earth

Order Your Dracula (Bela Lugosi) Film Cell For Only $54.99

Dracula Bela Lugosi Film Cell

Dracula Bela Lugosi Film Cell. Bela Lugosi vants to be on your wall! This is an 8-inch by 10-inch print of Bela Lugosi as Count Dracula alongside a series of 35mm film clips. This item comes in a beautiful black ash effect frame with a stunning sublimated plaque and certificate stating authenticity.

After a harrowing ride through the Carpathian mountains in eastern Europe Renfield enters castle Dracula to finalize the transferral of Carfax Abbey in London to Count Dracula who is in actuality a vampire. Renfield is drugged by the eerily hypnotic count and turned into one of his thralls protecting him during his sea voyage to London. After sucking the blood and turning the young Lucy Weston into a vampire Dracula turns his attention to her friend Mina Seward daughter of Dr. Seward who then calls in a specialist Dr. Van Helsing to diagnose the sudden deterioration of Mina's health. Van Helsing realizing that Dracula is indeed a vampire tries to prepare Mina's fiance John Harker and Dr. Seward for what is to come and the measures that will have to be taken to prevent Mina from becoming one of the undead.

See Also: New Images And Casting News For DRACULA'S ORGY OF THE DAMNED / Universal Monsters Select - Dracula Action Figure / A New Retro Style Poster For DRACULA'S ORGY OF THE DAMNED / The 100 Greatest Monsters From Movies And Television #10 - #1 / New Behind The Scenes Photos From DRACULA'S ORGY OF THE DAMNED / Vampirella Goes Toe-To-Toe With Dracula/ New Teaser Art And Casting News For DRACULA'S ORGY OF THE DAMNED / BELA LUGOSI'S TALES FROM THE GRAVE Gets Rave Reviews / Universal Monsters - Life Like Stretchable Figures - Complete Set Of Six / Dracula - Dracula's Ring - Collectors Edition - Prop Replica / Dracula - 12 inch Figure - Bela Lugosi As Dracula - Sideshow Collectibles /

It's Official: Media Blasters To Release "Godzilla vs. Megalon" and "Destroy All Monsters"

by Armand Vaquer

Above, the U.S. poster of "Godzilla vs. Megalon."

After weeks of speculation and rumors, it is now official: Media Blasters has Godzilla vs. Megalon and, also, Destroy All Monsters.

According to their Facebook page:

Talking about Godzilla we can make it official now, we have DAM and Godzilla vs. Megalon. DAM is scheduled for October and will be both Blu-Ray and DVD releases. Do not know all the details about the extras yet. We will post with it later as they become available. Now for the funny part, we were not looking at Godzilla vs. Megalon till everyone said we have it so we asked they said ok so we picked it up.

There is no word as yet on the release date of Godzilla vs. Megalon, but it will likely be in 2012.

The last sentence from Media Blasters' announcement is interesting:

Now for the funny part, we were not looking at Godzilla vs. Megalon till everyone said we have it so we asked they said ok so we picked it up.

As mentioned previously, Robert Dunham's daughter Emiko Jade Frost said she was approached by someone working on the extra features for the DVD some months ago. Then, the word about it was announced by August Ragone. I posted the news as Ragone has been a reliable source for news in the world of kaiju. Then Media Blasters said they don't have Megalon. After this, all hell broke loose and Ragone found himself on the receiving end of attacks by irate fanboys.

Perhaps the hullabaloo surrounding the Ragone announcement was a good thing in the end as Media Blasters acquired Megalon and it'll finally receive an official release.

As far as Destroy All Monsters is concerned, I have the ADV VHS and DVD releases. Unfortunately, both have Toho's international dub instead of the original A.I.P. dub. It is hoped that Media Blasters can release Destroy All Monsters with the A.I.P. dub or, at least, the Japanese language, but subtitled version. The international dub is atrocious.

Nevertheless, this is good news! (Now if we can only get Return of Godzilla (Godzilla 1985) and Godzilla vs. Biollante released on DVD.)

It's Official: Media Blasters To Release "Godzilla vs. Megalon" and "Destroy All Monsters"

by Armand Vaquer

Above, the U.S. poster of "Godzilla vs. Megalon."

After weeks of speculation and rumors, it is now official: Media Blasters has Godzilla vs. Megalon and, also, Destroy All Monsters.

According to their Facebook page:

Talking about Godzilla we can make it official now, we have DAM and Godzilla vs. Megalon. DAM is scheduled for October and will be both Blu-Ray and DVD releases. Do not know all the details about the extras yet. We will post with it later as they become available. Now for the funny part, we were not looking at Godzilla vs. Megalon till everyone said we have it so we asked they said ok so we picked it up.

There is no word as yet on the release date of Godzilla vs. Megalon, but it will likely be in 2012.

The last sentence from Media Blasters' announcement is interesting:

Now for the funny part, we were not looking at Godzilla vs. Megalon till everyone said we have it so we asked they said ok so we picked it up.

As mentioned previously, Robert Dunham's daughter Emiko Jade Frost said she was approached by someone working on the extra features for the DVD some months ago. Then, the word about it was announced by August Ragone. I posted the news as Ragone has been a reliable source for news in the world of kaiju. Then Media Blasters said they don't have Megalon. After this, all hell broke loose and Ragone found himself on the receiving end of attacks by irate fanboys.

Perhaps the hullabaloo surrounding the Ragone announcement was a good thing in the end as Media Blasters acquired Megalon and it'll finally receive an official release.

As far as Destroy All Monsters is concerned, I have the ADV VHS and DVD releases. Unfortunately, both have Toho's international dub instead of the original A.I.P. dub. It is hoped that Media Blasters can release Destroy All Monsters with the A.I.P. dub or, at least, the Japanese language, but subtitled version. The international dub is atrocious.

Nevertheless, this is good news! (Now if we can only get Return of Godzilla (Godzilla 1985) and Godzilla vs. Biollante released on DVD.)

Best of the Interwebz

Image.

Hello there lovelies,

I'm keeping things short & sweet today since I'm already kind of running late for a crochet date with my lovely blue-haired Canadian due to my oversleeping. She is going to teach me how to crochet LIKE A BOSS. Also, she has a loom. If you let me, I will ramble forever about how amazing this lady is. Instead, I should probably get ready to visit with her, and get on with the linkage. Enjoy!

A great tutorial for painting your own tiger-print fingernails. Absolutely bitchin'.

My head is exploding from the sheer awesome of this Owl Hand-Painted Chair.

I was incredibly, incredibly intrigued by this article about parents who are keeping the gender/sex of their baby a secret.

The greatest LEGO diorama in the galaxy - of course, it is a 37,000 piece reconstruction of Emperor Palpatine's arrival on the second Death Star.

Speaking of LEGO, meet Sammy the owl. Watch the cool little video of how he moves as well!

A trifecta of gorgeous wedding dresses, on gorgeous sort-of brides - Helga, Vix & Sarah all did their take on vintage wedding dresses this week.

A little history of red shoes - some back-story to the behind the lawsuit concerning YSL & Christian Louboutin's red-soled shoes.

The awesome power of no is a great article about not following the norms of society concerning our bodies.

On body image issues is one womans' story with dealing with weight gain and self-acceptance.

This interview with Courtney Love on The Fix is pretty much made of awesome.

What Tammy Wore is an outfit post where the outfit is on an adorable cat.

Awesome people hanging out together. It's a tumblr devoted to pictures of awesome people hanging out together. Awesome.

How to Self-Publish A Book Without Going (Completely) Insane is a very neat article for all you aspiring authors out there!

And last, but not least, how to do a few simple DIY accessory repairs. For all of us out there cursing stretched-out sunnies.

Eeep, gotta run. Hope you're having a great day!

Until next time, xo.

Q-Tip + David Banner + Kid Sister

Y'all know the kid Rembert Browne? If you don't, you should probably get familiar. He's that dude that runs that there 500 Days Asunder blog. Impressive, no? Well Rem and I are throwing a party in the basement of Gallery Bar (120 Orchard) tonight. Rembert lives to put his team on (both his words and mine), but the Hawks are well eliminated from the playoffs. So I mean. Yea. I'm hoping dude's gonna help me celebrate my Mavs tonight. I mean. Yea. Let's do this. Sports!

Anyways. No idea what's gonna happen tonight. Obviously gonna rep some Dallas hip-hop. Tum Tum, Big Chief, Dorrough, Damaged Good$, etc. Beyond that, I'm sure I'll play mad Katy and Kylie. And "Vibrant Thing." Hopefully people will dance and give me tips. Maybe some of my friends will come. Maybe you'll come. Maybe I have neither friends nor followers. That's probably more likely, to be entirely honest. Who knows?



So yea. I'll probably play this Kid Sister and David Banner cut too. Or maybe I'll just get housed and rinse Wayne Wonder on repeat. I have quite literally no idea. Tonight's gonna be quite the adventure. I hope you're keen to join.



Best,
Greg

Can Godzilla Save The Japanese Tourism Industry?

by Armand Vaquer

Above, Haruo Nakajima (right) during his Godzilla days. Can Godzilla and Nakajima help save the Japanese tourism industry?

Getting up this evening from much-needed sleep (I have to work the graveyard shift in Burbank again tonight), I found an email about a Twitter Tweet from Tom Baker of The Daily Yomiuri:

Can Godzilla help save Japan's tourism industry? Monster expert @ArmandV comments on an editorial from @DailyYomiuri.

I think Godzilla would be a great help in saving Japan's tourism industry. He's as internationally recognizable as Mickey Mouse. Of course, the tourism industry would need the cooperation from Godzilla's owner, Toho Co., Ltd., but ads featuring the King of the Monsters promoting Japan tourism could do the trick. Also, taking on Haruo Nakajima, the original Godzilla suit actor, as a goodwill ambassador in a advertising campaign for Japan tourism would be a plus. Given his age (he's 82), his participation would have to be limited a bit. But seeing the crowds gather around him on Hollywood Blvd. (see photo below from his daughter Sonoe) convinced me that he could be useful. And, I think he'd have a ball!

Above, Haruo Nakajima drew a crowd on Hollywood Blvd. last month. Photo courtesy of Sonoe Nakajima.

As I said before, the Japanese tourism industry needs to think "outside of the box" to get travelers over to Japan. It's worth a try!

Can Godzilla Save The Japanese Tourism Industry?

by Armand Vaquer

Above, Haruo Nakajima (right) during his Godzilla days. Can Godzilla and Nakajima help save the Japanese tourism industry?

Getting up this evening from much-needed sleep (I have to work the graveyard shift in Burbank again tonight), I found an email about a Twitter Tweet from Tom Baker of The Daily Yomiuri:

Can Godzilla help save Japan's tourism industry? Monster expert @ArmandV comments on an editorial from @DailyYomiuri.

I think Godzilla would be a great help in saving Japan's tourism industry. He's as internationally recognizable as Mickey Mouse. Of course, the tourism industry would need the cooperation from Godzilla's owner, Toho Co., Ltd., but ads featuring the King of the Monsters promoting Japan tourism could do the trick. Also, taking on Haruo Nakajima, the original Godzilla suit actor, as a goodwill ambassador in a advertising campaign for Japan tourism would be a plus. Given his age (he's 82), his participation would have to be limited a bit. But seeing the crowds gather around him on Hollywood Blvd. (see photo below from his daughter Sonoe) convinced me that he could be useful. And, I think he'd have a ball!

Above, Haruo Nakajima drew a crowd on Hollywood Blvd. last month. Photo courtesy of Sonoe Nakajima.

As I said before, the Japanese tourism industry needs to think "outside of the box" to get travelers over to Japan. It's worth a try!

Fictional Style Icon - Hathor

Hello there lovelies,

I give you evidence that I have been watching far too much Stargate: SG1 lately (as if you needed any further evidence to make that assumption). Anyway, as you already know The Boyfriend and I have recently started re-watching all ten seasons of SG1. About half-way through the first season, I was struck by one particularly stylish babe - Hathor, the Egyptian goddess of "love, beauty, music, motherhood and joy", who in the series is actually an alien queen.

After being awakened from 2000 years of stasis she takes over the SG1 base by using a form of brainwashing drug on all of the men, in order to try and conceive a whole new generation of freaky alien babies. She is defeated in a rather hilarious fashion by the women of the base, but escapes through the Stargate to live to antagonize whilst looking fabulous for another day.

I feel that now is a good time to mention, that despite Hathor being played by a rather attractive woman and spending a good portion of her episodes in a metal bikini, it is notoriously hard to find screenshots of her. Apparently there is a first time for everything, including it actually being a hard thing to find pictures of a hot chick in a bikini on the Internet. I have always been fond of the costuming on SG1 though, particularly for the Goa'uld (the freaky aliens). Since they pose as gods in Ancient Egypt, their costumes draw heavily on the styles of ancient cultures, and steam-punk-style influences.

Hathor only really wear variations on the same two outfits - the red/gold dress with the scale bodice, and the metal bikini, although the only shots of this I can find also include a long leather skirt. But I am so enamored with both of them, and her bitchin' hair style & colour that I have to include her in my long list of fictional style icons.

Here's a few things we can all learn from Hathor:

1. Metal bikinis aren't just for Princess Leia. Anyone with a bad-ass enough attitude can rock one.
2. Buff half-naked men are really good accessories. You should always have a few of them hanging around.
   
3. An ornate beaded headdress does count as everyday attire. Casual everyday attire.
4. If you can't do your evil work without messing up your amazing fringe, then you are doing it wrong.
5. Every good wardrobe should include some kind of incredible scale-maille/satin dress that is also tear-away.
   

Here's a beautiful close-up of the metal bikini-top (buff shirtless man in the background is just a bonus - Hathor knows you should always keep a few of them around, just in case). You're welcome.

Until next time, xo.

5 Years Since "Gamera The Brave"

by Armand Vaquer

Above, the Tokyo premiere of "Gamera The Brave." I am in the center waiting to get into the theater. This is a screen capture from the Region 2 DVD.

Following the March 11 Great East Japan Earthquake, my concern and concentration was on Matsushima Bay and Sendai, which were hit hard by the quake and tsunami.

Despite my focus on Sendai and Matsushima, it dawned on me recently that it was five years ago last month that I visited both Sendai and Matsushima Bay in Tohoku. The visit was a highlight of that trip.

Above, at the premiere of "Gamera The Brave," I am at the souvenir table in this screen capture from the Region 2 DVD.

The other highlight of that April 2006 trip to Japan was attending the premiere of Gamera The Brave at the Piccadilly Theaters in the Yurakucho Mullion Building in Tokyo. The Japanese Region 2 DVD has a separate disc containing extras, including the Tokyo premiere. I am in a couple of shots in the premiere footage.

Gamera The Brave was an enjoyable little movie and greatly underrated. It brought Gamera back to his "friend of the children" roots and it was tailored to younger audiences. But it was scripted in such a way that it wouldn't make adult viewers cringe in their seats. It also had good special effects (on a par with Godzilla x Mothra x Mechagodzilla: Tokyo S.O.S. (2003)). The kid actors did a good job.

The premiere was packed to capacity. Unfortunately, the movie failed to wow them at the box office during its run. Had it been even a modest hit, Kadokawa Pictures would have been able to make sequels. The movie deserved better.

Tokyo Shock released the DVD in the U.S. It is probably now out-of-print. But if one should find a copy, I recommend watching the Japanese language version with English subtitles. The dubbed version is atrocious. At least the viewer is given a choice.

Sure has been a fast five years!

Thought For The Day...

But, aside from the fact that Tumblr is awesome, my point is that you can totally be a towel rack too if that's what you want. All you have to do is believe!

Until next time, xo.

Godzilla (Haruo Nakajima) Takes Hollywood! Take 2

by Armand Vaquer

Above, Haruo Nakajima and his daughter Sonoe pose at the Godzilla star on Hollywood Blvd. Mr. Nakajima played a major role in the popularity of the Godzilla character which led to the Walk of Fame honor. Photo courtesy of Sonoe Nakajima.

The original Godzilla, Haruo Nakajima, conquered Hollywood while he was in Southern California as a special guest at this year's Monsterpalooza in Burbank.

Above, ever the performer, Haruo Nakajima poses with the Godzilla star for the tourists. Photo courtesy of Sonoe Nakajima.

While he was here, and during some free time, he was taken to Hollywood Blvd. and posed with the Godzilla star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The star is located in front of Grauman's Chinese Theater.

Sonoe sent several of their personal photos of their visit and these are some of them.

Above, back home in Japan, Mr. Nakajima poses with his Certificate of Welcome from the Mayor of Los Angeles. Photo courtesy of Sonoe Nakajima.

Godzilla (Haruo Nakajima) Takes Hollywood! Take 2

by Armand Vaquer

Above, Haruo Nakajima and his daughter Sonoe pose at the Godzilla star on Hollywood Blvd. Mr. Nakajima played a major role in the popularity of the Godzilla character which led to the Walk of Fame honor. Photo courtesy of Sonoe Nakajima.

The original Godzilla, Haruo Nakajima, conquered Hollywood while he was in Southern California as a special guest at this year's Monsterpalooza in Burbank.

Above, ever the performer, Haruo Nakajima poses with the Godzilla star for the tourists. Photo courtesy of Sonoe Nakajima.

While he was here, and during some free time, he was taken to Hollywood Blvd. and posed with the Godzilla star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The star is located in front of Grauman's Chinese Theater.

Sonoe sent several of their personal photos of their visit and these are some of them.

Above, back home in Japan, Mr. Nakajima poses with his Certificate of Welcome from the Mayor of Los Angeles. Photo courtesy of Sonoe Nakajima.

Godzilla (Haruo Nakajima) Takes Hollywood!

by Armand Vaquer

Above, Haruo Nakajima gives his famous "Godzilla attack" pose at Godzilla's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Photo courtesy of Sonoe Nakajima.

After getting home from work tonight, I found an email from Sonoe Nakajima in Japan with photographs of her and her dad's visit to Hollywood. The photos accompanying this blog post are just part of what she sent of their personal collection.

Above, Haruo and Sonoe Nakajima pose at the Hollywood Sign. Photo courtesy of Sonoe Nakajima.

Back in early April, the original Godzilla, Haruo Nakajima and his daughter Sonoe, attended Monsterpalooza at the Burbank Marriott Hotel and Convention Center. Mr. Nakajima was a special guest of Monsterpalooza.

Mr. Nakajima was a big hit at the show, and that's an understatement!

While in Los Angeles, the Nakajimas were taken around Los Angeles by August Ragone, David Chapple and others. Their stops included the Hollywood Sign up Beachwood Canyon and Godzilla's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, located in front of Grauman's Chinese Theater on Hollywood Blvd.

Above, Haruo Nakajima drew a crowd on Hollywood Blvd. Photo courtesy of Sonoe Nakajima.

The Nakajima's visit to the Godzilla star on Hollywood Blvd. was originally going to be a nice, quiet visit. However, once word got around to the tourists on the boulevard that Godzilla himself was in their midst, they gathered around to have their pictures taken with him (photo above).

One can tell from these photographs that the Nakajimas had a great time while visiting Hollywood!

The Japan National Tourist Organization (JNTO) ought to hire Mr. Nakajima. He'd make a great "goodwill ambassador!"

Godzilla (Haruo Nakajima) Takes Hollywood!

by Armand Vaquer

Above, Haruo Nakajima gives his famous "Godzilla attack" pose at Godzilla's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Photo courtesy of Sonoe Nakajima.

After getting home from work tonight, I found an email from Sonoe Nakajima in Japan with photographs of her and her dad's visit to Hollywood. The photos accompanying this blog post are just part of what she sent of their personal collection.

Above, Haruo and Sonoe Nakajima pose at the Hollywood Sign. Photo courtesy of Sonoe Nakajima.

Back in early April, the original Godzilla, Haruo Nakajima and his daughter Sonoe, attended Monsterpalooza at the Burbank Marriott Hotel and Convention Center. Mr. Nakajima was a special guest of Monsterpalooza.

Mr. Nakajima was a big hit at the show, and that's an understatement!

While in Los Angeles, the Nakajimas were taken around Los Angeles by August Ragone, David Chapple and others. Their stops included the Hollywood Sign up Beachwood Canyon and Godzilla's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, located in front of Grauman's Chinese Theater on Hollywood Blvd.

Above, Haruo Nakajima drew a crowd on Hollywood Blvd. Photo courtesy of Sonoe Nakajima.

The Nakajima's visit to the Godzilla star on Hollywood Blvd. was originally going to be a nice, quiet visit. However, once word got around to the tourists on the boulevard that Godzilla himself was in their midst, they gathered around to have their pictures taken with him (photo above).

One can tell from these photographs that the Nakajimas had a great time while visiting Hollywood!

The Japan National Tourist Organization (JNTO) ought to hire Mr. Nakajima. He'd make a great "goodwill ambassador!"

What I Wore Today (Possibly Includes A Blanket)

Hello there lovelies,

It's been a bit of a hard weekend. I've been feeling pretty down, The Boyfriend has been feeling pretty down, our financial situation is getting worse, and it's turning into a bit of a pity party up in here. The best cure for being a bit down in the dumps - in my opinion - is dressing up comfortably, having a stiff drink, and watching a bit of Stargate: SG1. Possibly because I grew up watching SG1, so it has actually started to feel like Colonel O'Neill, Captain Carter, Daniel Jackson & Teal'C are real people. Hallucinations? Possibly. Delusions? Highly likely. Feeling slightly better? Definitely.

Saturday Outfit Rundown:

Knit Cardi: Trade Secret, $29.95
Long-sleeve Top: Trade Secret, $12.95
Pants: Trade Secret, $10
Owl Necklace: Trade Secret, $8.95

I affectionately refer to this knit cardigan as a wearable blanket. I am ecstatic every year when it gets cold enough to wear it again. Here it is last year, and last year again. It seems to be fitting me a whole lot nicer now though. Or is that just me? Perhaps I am starting to have delusions about being stylish whilst wearing blankets. Perhaps I just like blanket-wear. WHO KNOWS.

Moving right along, this morning The Boyfriend and I actually ventured out of the house. We took a trip into the Ipswich Art Gallery, to catch their current "How To Make A Monster" exhibit, which shows a bit about how animatronic monsters are designed and made. If you're in the Ipswich/Brisbane area I'd really recommend it. The exhibit isn't huge, but it is very interesting and it's free! Hurry if you want to catch it though, next Sunday is the last day.

Sunday Outfit Rundown:

Shirt: Trade Secret, $24.95
Long-sleeve Shirt: Bonds, $16.95
Pants: Kmart, $20
Boots: Trade Secret, $29.95
Necklace: made by MarySew

The real star of this outfit is the shirt - I fell in love with the corset-back/bustle detail! I ended up feeling rather steampunkish today. And by steampunkish, I mean awesome. The Boyfriend is in love with this shirt as well, so that's got to be good. I like to think that he is rather enjoying my experimentation with the world of style beyond just jeans & t-shirts. But perhaps I am delusional for the third time in this post? Ah well, you get that.

Until next time, xo.