Armand's Rancho Del Cielo

Twitter Causes Global Uproar

2012-01-28T08:00:00.000-08:00

The news that Twitter plans to allow censorship has caused the "fit hitting the shan" globally:

According to the Associated Press:

NEW YORK (AP) -- Twitter, a tool of choice for dissidents and activists around the world, found itself the target of global outrage Friday after unveiling plans to allow country-specific censorship of tweets that might break local laws.

It was a stunning role reversal for a youthful company that prides itself in promoting unfettered expression, 140 characters at a time. Twitter insisted its commitment to free speech remains firm, and sought to explain the nuances of its policy, while critics - in a barrage of tweets - proposed a Twitter boycott and demanded that the censorship initiative be scrapped.

If allowed to go through this will only benefit dictators in their efforts to stifle dissent. So much for Twitter's commitment to free speech.

To read the full story, go here.

Monsterpalooza Program Ad

2012-01-28T06:48:00.000-08:00

Monsterpalooza is just around the corner. It will be held again this year at the Burbank Marriott Hotel and Convention Center, across the street from Bob Hope Airport from April 13 to 15.

Single day admission is $20 (Sat. day of show entry is $25) and $50 for the weekend for adults. Children are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.

The program book is being edited by Jessie Lilley. She got a hold of me yesterday about placing an ad in the program book.

I will have this (above) business card-sized ad for The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan in the book. Jessie re-worked it from the one below that was made by Archie Waugh (originally for Famous Monsters of Filmland magazine), so that it would fit on the page horizontally:

For more information on Monsterpalooza, go here.

Monster Japan Travel Guide Review In Gadget Samurai

2012-01-27T09:30:00.000-08:00

Above, Yuu Asakura with "The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan." Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It's been a trifle over a year since it was posted, but only now I managed to stumble upon the Gadget Samurai website's posting of Japan Today's review of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

The Gadget Samurai covers "news, gadget, otaku, kawaii from Japan."

To view the site, go here.

Criterion's "Godzilla" Blu-ray: The Extras

2012-01-27T00:24:00.000-08:00

This is the third and final part of my review of the new Criterion Blu-ray edition of the 1954 Godzilla and its Americanized counterpart, the 1956 Godzilla, King of the Monsters!

I started off watching the Special Effects feature with SPFX Director Koichi Kawakita. What I found fascinating with it were the unused effects shots, recently located, as well as a detailed discussion on the matte work and, especially, the composite imaging (more extensive than I thought) used in the movie.

Following that, I watched an interview with Japanese-film critic Tadao Sato. The most interesting parts were the discussion of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945 and the occupation of Japan from 1945 to 1952 (including photographs).

Above, the Lucky Dragon No. 5, a big inspiration for Godzilla.* Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I then watched "The Unluckliest Dragon," the documentary of the Lucky Dragon No. 5 (Daigo Fukuryu Maru), the fishing trawler that was showered with nuclear fallout from the "Castle Bravo" hydrogen bomb test at Bikini Atoll. It was interesting that the bomb was three times more powerful than predicted by U.S. authorities. The documentary also touched on the Fukushima nuclear meltdown following the March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

Before viewing the interviews with Akira Takarada and Haruo Nakajima, I watched the original Japanese trailer.

On Akira Takarada, it was interesting to hear of his experience in making the movie (Godzilla was his third movie). He stated that in 1954, Japan had a population of 88 million. About 11% of the 88 million went to see Godzilla during its initial release, he said. He also calls Godzilla his "classmate."

For me, the most interesting tidbit from Haruo Nakajima was that he'd go to theaters and turn his back to the screen to observe the audience reaction to what's being shown.

These were all the time I had for. There's other goodies to feast your eyes and ears upon: Interviews with special effects technicians Yoshio Irie and Eizo Kaimai and an interview with Godzilla score composer Akira Ifukube. If the ones I did manage to view are an indication, then the remaining extras should be just as good.

There's one extra I wished was included: "The Spirit of Godzilla" documentary that appeared in the Toho deluxe edition of Godzilla Final Wars. A subtitled version of Spirit would have been the icing on the cake!

Kaiju historian David Kalat provided his insights in the commentary tracks for both versions of Godzilla.

My grade for the extras I was able to view: A.

*Information on the Lucky Dragon No. 5 (Daigo Fukuryu Maru) and how to visit it can be found in The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

Ryokan Experience

2012-01-26T05:40:00.000-08:00

Above, Shibuya, Tokyo's Hotel Fukudaya.

News On Japan's Travel section has an article on experiencing ryokans (Japanese inns).

The article begins with:

Ryokans are Japanese-styled inns from centuries ago and are more than just a place to stay. They offer the visitor a chance to experience traditional Japanese lifestyle; from tatami (rice mats) covered floors and futon beds to Japanese styled baths and local cuisine presented in an authentic manner. They are a window into life in Japan in the old days. Ryokans originated sometime in the 17th century, and their primary purpose was to serve those travelling along Japanese highways such as the famed Tokaido road between Tokyo and Kyoto. They are typically stationed in a quiet, idyllic setting, often next to natural hot springs.

I've stayed at three ryokans (Tokyo, Sendai and Kumamoto). They tend to be cheaper (price-wise) than hotels and are family-owned and operated. They also offer excellent food.

To read the full article go here.

Criterion's "Godzilla" Blu-ray: The Movie

2012-01-26T00:45:00.000-08:00

Criterion's newly-released Blu-ray edition of Godzilla (1954) and Godzilla King of the Monsters! (1956) is definitely a must-have item. No other previously-released DVD or Blu-ray of these movies can even compare to this one.

I can categorically say that these movies never looked so good!

If you are expecting no scratches or other flaws in either movie, you will likely be disappointed. There are some scratches evident in both films. However, the images of both movies on this disc have never been as sharp or vibrant, or as clean (Criterion cleaned up both versions). My roomie (no kaiju fan by any stretch of the imagination) was very impressed. She was most impressed by the water images.

If I were to gripe about the Japanese version, it would be over the white subtitles. Criterion should have used yellow or some other colored font for easier reading. But that's just a pet peeve of mine.

The "long-lost" TransWorld Releasing Corp. logo card has been restored to Godzilla, King of the Monsters! at the start of the movie, following the Toho logo card (inserted in at Toho Co. Ltd.'s insistance). Also, the ending credits and Jewell Enterprises card have also been restored to the movie.

Both movies had their monaural soundtracks digitally restored. They've never sounded better!

My grade: A+.

Newt Gingrich and Ronald Reagan

2012-01-25T21:04:00.000-08:00

Above, Ronald and Nancy Reagan at Los Angeles International Airport in 1980. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

National Review Online has an interesting article on Newt Gingrich. It was written by Reagan Assistant Secretary of State Elliott Abrams.

The article starts off with this:

In the increasingly rough Republican campaign, no candidate has wrapped himself in the mantle of Ronald Reagan more often than Newt Gingrich. “I worked with President Reagan to change things in Washington,” “we helped defeat the Soviet empire,” and “I helped lead the effort to defeat Communism in the Congress” are typical claims by the former speaker of the House.

The claims are misleading at best. As a new member of Congress in the Reagan years — and I was an assistant secretary of state — Mr. Gingrich voted with the president regularly, but equally often spewed insulting rhetoric at Reagan, his top aides, and his policies to defeat Communism. Gingrich was voluble and certain in predicting that Reagan’s policies would fail, and in all of this he was dead wrong.

Many conservatives look at Gingrich as a loose cannon. The article above is a good example on why this is so. It is a real eye-opener, to put it mildly.

To read the full article go here.

UPDATE (1/26/12): Newsmax is reporting that Michael Reagan and Rush Limbaugh are blasting Mitt Romney and his supporters over "false claims."

Ronald Reagan’s eldest son Mike Reagan has issued a statement lambasting Mitt Romney and his supporters for claims that Romney’s Republican presidential rival Newt Gingrich was a strong critic of President Reagan.

Reagan says such claims are false.

Even Rush Limbaugh, shocked by the Romney claims, chimed on his Thursday radio broadcast to say "This is obviously a coordinated attack to take Newt out here in Florida."

Rush slammed the Romney-backed smear campaign against Newt.

“That kind of stuff is why people hate Romney so much," Limbaugh said.

Limbaugh added that Newt has always been a conservative from his early days in national talk radio in the 1980s.

“He was perhaps the premier defender of Ronald Reagan,” Limbaugh said.

Read more on Newsmax.com: Mike Reagan, Rush Limbaugh Blast Romney

Criterion's "Godzilla": The Packaging

2012-01-25T13:21:00.000-08:00

The new Criterion Godzilla (1954) Blu-ray has landed ashore at La Casa Vaquer. I haven't watched it yet, but I will most likely do so before the day is out.

Since this is one very special edition (how many horror or science-fiction movies have been given the Criterion treatment?), I think that I would do it better justice by dividing my thoughts on it in three parts in separate posts.

Here's how I am going to approach it:

Part One: The Packaging (see below)

Part Two: The Movies (the disc contains both the Japanese version and the Americanized Godzilla, King of the Monsters! from 1956)

Part Three: The Extras

Here we go.

GODZILLA: THE PACKAGING

I generally don't like paper (or card-boarded) DVD or Blu-ray packaging due to wear & tear from many uses, but I do like how Criterion packed this. It is a folded heavy paper package with a plastic holder glued inside for the disc.

The artwork on the front cover is a nice rendering of Godzilla's back surrounded by flames and images of destruction. Godzilla's form seems rather generic, but still unmistakenly Godzilla. It looks like it was done in watercolor.

The packaging containing the disc is a pull-out, also of heavy paper. Opening it will unveil a booklet and a pop-up of a Kiryu-Goji (2002-2003) Godzilla. Why Criterion used this version of Godzilla instead of the 1954 Godzilla is unknown. Perhaps that's the image Toho allowed Criterion to use. Still, the pop-up is a nice touch.

The image of Godzilla on the inner sleeve outer covers is of Godzilla amidst swirling bubbles that represent the detonated oxygen destroyer.

The booklet includes the list of chapters, cast & crew credits, an excellent essay ("Poetry After The A-Bomb") by J. Hoberman (senior film critic of The Village Voice) and details about the transfers, acknowledgements, special thanks and the disc's production credits.

So far, I am impressed by the work Criterion put into this Blu-ray.

Next: The Movies

Ambitious Japan: 9 Million Tourists In 2012

2012-01-25T10:40:00.000-08:00

Above, the Fuji TV building in Odaiba, Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan has big hopes to draw more foreign tourists to the country this year.

The Mainichi Daily News reports:

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's tourism minister Takeshi Maeda said Tuesday that the government aims to attract over 9 million foreign visitors to Japan in 2012, exceeding the past record of 8,611,000 in 2010.

I was one little piece of the 2010 record as I made my last Japan visit in December 2010 to promote The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

Japan's ambitious goal for 2012 is a tall order as there are still fears (most of it unfounded) over radiation problems in Fukushima in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 11.

To read the full article, go here.

Kansai Airport Reports Big Drop In Foreign Visitors In 2011

2012-01-24T14:04:00.000-08:00

Above, the Kinkaku-ji "Golden Pavilion" in Kyoto. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Kansai International Airport reported a steep drop in foreign visitors in 2011 according to The Mainichi Daily News.

OSAKA (Kyodo) -- The number of foreign visitors to Japan through the Kansai International Airport in 2011 posted the steepest-ever fall of 22 percent to 2,734,196, due to the higher yen and the March 11 earthquake and tsunami that ravaged a wide area of northeastern Japan and triggered a nuclear crisis, Kansai International Airport Co. said in a preliminary report Monday.

The overall number of air passengers passing through the 24-hour airport on a man-made island in Osaka Bay during the year, including domestic travelers, fell 6 percent to 13,520,663, following a revised 7 percent increase in 2010, according to the airport operator.

To read the full article, go here. In

Ernie Borgnine Is 95 Today

2012-01-24T08:56:00.000-08:00

Above, Ernest Borgnine during his days on the PT-73 on "McHale's Navy."

A favorite actor is 95 years old today.

From IMDB:

Ernest Borgnine, was born Ermes Effron Borgnino on January 24, 1917, in Hamden, Connecticut. His parents were Charles who had emigrated from Ottiglio (AL), Italy and Anna who had emigrated from Carpi (MO), Italy.

One of my favorite shows from the 1960s is McHale's Navy. Thanks to the wonders of the This Network, I am able to watch McHale's Navy all over again.

Borgnine was also the jailer "Fatso" in From Here To Eternity who beat Frank Sinatra to death.

A big happy birthday to Ernest Borgnine!

10 Sleep Hacks for the Avid Traveler

2012-01-24T07:55:00.000-08:00

Above, commuters snoozing on a Tokyo subway train.

Whether you're traveling to Japan or anywhere else, getting enough sleep is always a concern.

This little item came across my desk this morning. These are tips on getting some shut-eye while traveling: "10 Sleep Hacks for the Avid Traveler."

It starts with:

On a train, in the rain. When on planes, energy wanes. Whether you're a business traveler, a posh international jetsetter, or a college kid with dreadlocks and a ratty old backpack, travel can be both stressful and fun. No matter your modus operandi for seeing the world, one of the key elements to successful travel is the inclusion of sound and restful sleep. Before you complain about not having the time for a decent doze, consider these 10 sleep hacks, both digital and analog, especially tailored to the avid traveler. In the words of William Wordsworth, "rest and be thankful."

To view the site, go here.

Female Werewolf Movie: A Film & Video Project

2012-01-23T11:51:00.000-08:00

Above, Donald F. Glut. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Writer/producer/director Donald F. Glut plans to make a "female werewolf movie" (as yet untitled).

He has set up a Kickstarter.com website to raise the necessary funds to make the movie. His goal on Kickstarter is to raise $175,000 in 60 days.

Says Glut:

My passion for movie-making began at age 9 when, in my Chicago backyard, I made my first of 41 amateur films. Decades later I realized my dream, producing/writing/directing (so far) 6 independent professional feature-length, campy/sexy horror and fantasy movies – DINOSAUR VALLEY GIRLS, SCARLET COUNTESS, THE MUMMY’S KISS, COUNTESS DRACULA’S ORGY OF BLOOD, THE MUMMY’S KISS: 2ND DYNASTY and, the most recent. BLOOD SCARAB.

Next up -- but requiring financing – is a sexy yet scary female werewolf movie (sorry, the title is still secret; I don’t want anyone snagging it) about the last werewolf in Transylvania who flees to the USA and starts a brothel (or den) of lusty female werewolves, a beautiful “lost girl” who becomes a member of her “pack,” a charismatic Native American psychic investigating the gruesome “full moon murders” and … oops!, I don’t want to give away too much of the plot.

The movie will shoot in Hollywood and nearby Southern California areas.

Financial backers will receive credits or benefits (depending on amount pledged).

Kickstarter.com is "the world's largest funding platform for creative projects."

To see Glut's Kickstarter.com page with all the details, go here.

USA Today Article On Criterion's "Godzilla" Blu-ray

2012-01-23T08:04:00.000-08:00

USA Today is carrying an article on the upcoming Criterion Blu-ray edition of the original 1954 Godzilla and the 1956 Americanized Godzilla, King of The Monsters!

The article also includes interview comments by kaiju historians David Kalat and August Ragone.

The article starts with:

From terms like "Bridezilla" to films like Godzilla vs. the Smog Monster, the thought of Japan's most famous monster usually evokes a chuckle, not a roar.

But the roots of the Tokyo-stomping beast are dark and terrible. Long before its 27 sequels and endless spinoffs, the original 1954 film, called Gojira in Japan, was a fearful atomic fable from expert filmmakers, a metaphor for the bombing of Hiroshima that ended World War II just nine years earlier.

On Tuesday, the highbrow Criterion Collection, which usually traffics in the world of Hitchcock, Truffaut and Japan's Akira Kurosawa, will add digitally restored editions of Toho Studios' Gojira and the watered-down American version from 1956, Godzilla: King of the Monsters with Raymond Burr, to its prestigious DVD and Blu-ray catalog.

The article is by David Colton, the head honcho of the Classic Horror Film Board.

To read the full USA Today online article, go here.

Vixxa Violet

2012-01-22T21:53:00.000-08:00

The other night, when I met Jerry "Karlos Borloff" Moore and Don Glut for dinner, I asked Jerry who the girl was on the Monster Madhouse promo video (above) he made for The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan. He said she's model Vixxa Violet.

Above, Vixxa Violet without the ghoulish make-up.

This came as a bit of a surprise as I knew of Vixxa, as she is a follower of this blog as well as a friend on a social networking website or two.

Vixxa is an actress/model/dancer from Philadelphia Pennsylvania. Her Linkedin profile says:

Independent entertainer; modeling, acting, dancing, self-stylist, prop-building & make-up; concept design; self-help guru.

I sent her a note on the above and thanked her for "spicing up" The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan promo video.

Vixxa's website is http://www.vixxaviolet.com.

Small world!

Skip "The Iron Lady"

2012-01-22T15:10:00.000-08:00

Above, Meryl Streep as former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

It is disappointing that Hollywood's depiction of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher is another "hit piece" on conservatives we've come to expect.

Big Hollywood has a review of the new movie, The Iron Lady with Meryl Streep as Lady Thatcher.

In it, Charles C. Johnson writes:

Hollywood has learned something effective about conservative women: If you play them convincingly enough to left-wing stereotypes, people will believe that the caricature is the real deal. We saw this with Tina Fey’s portrayal of Sarah Palin where so many young people actually seem to believe Palin said she could see Russia from her house.

Expect to see a similar nasty portrayal by Julianne Moore in HBO’s “Game Change.” Moore confesses that it was hard to find a good side to Palin, and the miniseries is candid that her ambition outstrips her capacity. Hollywood knows well that you only get one opportunity to introduce these figures of national or international import, and they intend to make it bad impression on their behalf.

So it is with Lady Thatcher in “The Iron Lady,” whose creators have ridiculously compared Meryl Streep’s Thatcher to a modern-day King Lear in their disgusting attempt to dance on Thatcherism’s memory.

It looks like The Iron Lady is one to skip. That's too bad. I am a fan of Lady Thatcher and Meryl Streep is one of our greatest actresses.

To read the full review, go here.

"Little Elf: A Celebration of Harry Langdon" To Be Published In August

2012-01-22T13:16:00.001-08:00

Above, Chuck Harter (left) and Michael J. Hayde.

Authors Chuck Harter and Michael J. Hayde announced today that publication of "Little Elf: A Celebration of Harry Langdon" by Bear Manor Media will take place in August 2012.

Rep. Giffords To Resign

2012-01-22T12:27:00.000-08:00

Some sad news was emailed to me by the Washington Post:

Rep Gabrielle Giffords (R-Ariz) announced that she will resign from her congressional seat this week to focus on her recovery. Giffords made the announcement in a video posted on her Web site Sunday.

Giffords suffered a traumatic brain injury when a gunman shot her in the head at a constituent event in Arizona one year ago.

Although a Democrat, Giffords was/is no left wing ideologue. I wish her well in her efforts to recover from her injuries.

Dinner With Karlos Borloff, Part 2

2012-01-21T12:25:00.000-08:00

Following our delicious Italian dinner, we migrated to The House of Glut for more conversation and to see Don Glut's collection of dinosaur goods & fossils and movie memorabilia.

Since a picture is worth a thousand words, I'll let the photos herein do the talking.

Starting off in the kitchen where tea was served, Don poses with a poster (left) of Christine Nguyen in Don's movie, The Mummy's Kiss: Second Dynasty.

Below, Jerry Moore and his fiancee, Marta in the kitchen of "The House of Glut."

Above, here I am sporting my new Godzilla baseball cap, custom-made by Jerry. He also gave one to Don. Jerry brought along some "Monster Madhouse" DVDs, which he gave to Don and I. Don gave Jerry and I DVDs of his movie, "Scarlet Countess." I brought some copies of "The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan" for Jerry and Don.

Above, Jerry filming Don in the den for future use on "Monster Madhouse."

Left, Don with some concept art for an aborted Ultraman project.

Below, Jerry shows Don some of his Karlos Borloff pictures.

Left, Jerry and Don.

Below, Jerry and Armand.

Dinner With Karlos Borloff, Part One

2012-01-21T11:26:00.000-08:00

Jerry Moore, a.k.a. Karlos Borloff of Monster Madhouse, is in L.A. for business and pleasure. We agreed earlier this week to meet up to discuss some Japan business.

Last night, we met up at an Italian restaurant in Burbank with dinosaur expert and writer/director/producer Donald F. Glut for dinner and conversation.

Upon arrival at the restaurant, I found Jerry and his fiancee Marta on the sidewalk in front. After greetings, we went inside and found Don waiting for us.

After more greetings, we were seated and began to order appetizers and entrees.

Here's some photos from the restaurant:

Above, Jerry and Marta.

Above, Don Glut.

Above, the obligatory group shot. From left, Don, Armand, Jerry and Marta.

Following dinner, we then migrated to The House of Glut. Photos of that will be in Part 2.

School District Idiocy: Cougar Mascot Vetoed

2012-01-20T13:02:00.000-08:00

Talk about politically correct stupidity! The latest is from the Canyon High School District in Utah.

Left, the mascot of Hawthorne (California) High School.

From the Huffington Post:

Students across the Canyons school district voted to select the "Cougars" as the new mascot for Corner Canyon High School -- slated to open in fall 2013. But the Board of Education decided that victorious mascot -- selected by 23 percent of voting students -- is too offensive toward women, KSTU-TV reports. The term "cougar" is often informally used to reference an older woman seeking a sexual or romantic relationship with a significantly younger man.

A cougar is a name for a mountain lion (puma is another). Other schools have "Cougars" as their mascot. In fact, the high school I attended, Hawthorne High School (the high school of the Beach Boys), has "Cougars" as their mascot. There's even an alumni website called "Cougartown."

Now, suddenly school administrators are injecting PC into mascot selection. It has been my opinion, based on personal experience, that many school administrations are run by idiots. This just re-confirms my opinion.

To read the full article, go here.

Tokyo Tough Enough For Major Earthquake?

2012-01-20T06:35:00.000-08:00

Above, the business district near Tokyo Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan is confident that Tokyo can withstand a major earthquake, according to an article in the Wall Street Journal.

The article states:

If and when the next major earthquake hits Tokyo, Japan’s post March 11-Reconstruction Minister Tatsuo Hirano is convinced the capital, and other urban hubs around the country, are in good shape to withstand the force.

“Please rest assured, and don’t flee Tokyo,” said Mr. Hirano, who is also the country’s minister of state for disaster management, speaking at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club in Tokyo on Thursday.

The reason for his apparent confidence? The strength of Tokyo’s buildings and transportation systems like elevated roadways and tracks.

Hopefully, this statement isn't akin to the boast that the Titanic was "unsinkable."

To read the full article, go here.

DC Comics' Ugly New Logo

2012-01-19T04:24:00.000-08:00

Above, the new DC Comics logo.

DC Comics/DC Entertainment has registered a new logo.

Well, I got my first look at it and can only say one thing: "Damn, that's ugly!"

Looking at it, I have to wonder what moron at DC decided that a new logo was needed and why they chose this design. There was nothing wrong with the present one (below).

The current regime at the comic book giant recently revamped and restarted their line of super-hero characters with ugly new costumes, etc. I guess the new logo is probably fitting since they made their cash cows look like hell (especially Superman).

What were they thinking?

The Top Ten Travel Scams To Watch Out For

2012-01-19T03:41:00.000-08:00

Above, while traveling be mindful of your surroundings and people near you. One may have sticky fingers.

A website was brought to my attention which involves travel scams. It is a list of "The Top Ten Travel Scams To Watch Out For."

The site begins with:

Traveling is generally an exciting and enjoyable experience, but it doesn’t take much to ruin a good trip. Every day, unsuspecting tourists fall victim to sneaky travel scams. It doesn’t matter how beautiful or quaint of a location, there are always scammers waiting to prey on naive, money-toting vacationers. Most scams can be prevented by using your common sense, while others are trickier and harder to spot. Before you travel domestically or internationally, it’s a good idea to do your homework and brush up on these 10 common travel scams.

The list has things to be mindful of and to think about.

To view the list, go here.

Godzilla "Concept" Art: Nothing To See Here, Folks!

2012-01-18T23:52:00.000-08:00

These images purported to be "rejected concept designs" for the Legendary Pictures/Warner Bros. Godzilla are making the rounds over the Internet.

Sites such as Shock Till You Drop, Dread Central and others have posted articles proclaiming that these are "the real deal" and, also, citing G-Fan as the source.

From Dread Central:

The images popped up in the latest issue of G-Fan. It should be noted these concepts were rejected, but at least they offer insight into which direction they're looking to go. Thankfully it's the right one!

Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending upon one's point-of-view), the images are fan-art drawings. They are not rejected concept drawings.

Sen. Toomey Denounces Obama Keystone Rejection

2012-01-18T13:08:00.000-08:00

Source: Office of U.S. Senator Pat Toomey

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) denounced President Obama's rejection of the Keystone XL pipeline permit today.

"President Obama has been trying to campaign against a do-nothing Congress, but he is the one who is impeding job creation and economic growth in this country," Sen. Toomey said. "The Keystone pipeline has the potential to create tens of thousands of American jobs, increase our access to oil from our friend in Canada, and diminish our dependence on less secure sources of energy. The pipeline has broad bipartisan support in Congress, and it does not require any taxpayer dollars to build it. I'm extremely disappointed that President Obama has chosen to sacrifice American jobs and our energy security to appease environmental special interests."

Japan Tourism: CNN Gets It Right

2012-01-18T10:17:00.000-08:00

Above, dusk in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Finally, a news organization got it right.

CNN.com reported on the state of Japan tourism:

Hong Kong (CNN) – More than 10 months after the Fukushima meltdown and Japan is still dealing with the fallout - this time the key industry of tourism is reeling from the catastrophe.

According to government figures released Tuesday, the number of foreign nationals entering Japan dropped 24.4% from a record of 9.45 million in 2010 to 7.14 million in 2011.

New entries of foreign nationals - a figure that excludes working or studying expatriates that may have returned after home leave - made a similarly dismal showing. The Immigration Bureau of the Justice Ministry said new entrants fell from 7.92 million in 2010 to 5.45 million in 2010, slumping 31.2%.

The government says a combination of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami and the high level of the Japanese yen were the key factors in the decline.

There's been many articles on the state of Japanese tourism, but their only focus has been on the earthquake, tsunami and radiation problems. They fail to take into account the poor rate of exchange between the U.S. dollar and the Japanese yen.

More Americans would seriously consider a vacation in Japan if the dollar could buy more yen.

A kudos to CNN for getting it right!

To see the full article, go here.

NO ON SOPA AND PIPA! KEEP YOUR MEATHOOKS OFF THE INTERNET!

2012-01-18T09:02:00.000-08:00

NO ON SOPA AND PIPA! KEEP YOUR MEATHOOKS OFF THE INTERNET!

Ebook: Something I'm Considering

2012-01-17T18:30:00.000-08:00

Sales of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan this month have been the best since the initial months when it became "live." Sales are up at ComiXpress and direct mail order. Sales at the L.A. Comic Book and Science Fiction Convention went well (left).

This has gotten me thinking that perhaps it's time I also offer it as an "ebook," which seems to be a growing trend these days.

What's an ebook? Here's what Wikipedia says:

An electronic book (variously, e-book, ebook, digital book) is a book-length publication in digital form, consisting of text, images, or both, and produced on, published through, and readable on computers or other electronic devices. Sometimes the equivalent of a conventional printed book, e-books can also be born digital. The Oxford Dictionary of English defines the e-book as "an electronic version of a printed book," but e-books can and do exist without any printed equivalent. E-books are usually read on dedicated e-book readers. Personal computers and some mobile phones can also be used to read e-books.

Having the travel guide as an ebook would be convenient to travelers who may not want to carry around a paper copy while traveling, but could access it through an iPad or any other capable electronic device.

One problem is that the Japanese cellular phone system is different from the American system which makes American cell phones useless in Japan (unless things have changed since I last looked into it). This can be overcome if one uses a compatible WiFi device or rent a device in Japan that can access the Internet.

It is something for me to think about and to check around to see who best can provide this service.

Thoughts? Recommendations?

"Gamera The Brave" Blu-ray Due Out May 22

2012-01-17T16:15:00.000-08:00

Above, Gamera and Zedus locked in battle in Nagoya.

Media Blasters' Blu-ray edition of Gamera The Brave (2006) is set to hit shelves on May 22.

Above, "Gamera The Brave" Japanese poster.

Gamera The Brave is an entertaining movie targeted to the younger set, but it is "adult" enough so that it won't make adult viewers cringe.

For Media Blasters' website, go here.

Ameritopia

2012-01-17T12:35:00.000-08:00

Mark Levin's new book "Ameritopia: The Unmaking of America" is now out. It is sure to tick off the liberal establishment.

David Limbaugh (brother of Rush) wrote a review of "Ameritopia" for Human Events.com. Here's an excerpt:

Levin takes us through the seminal thoughts of some of the most noted political philosophers and writers who laid out the utopian vision -- from Plato to Thomas More, Thomas Hobbes and Karl Marx -- and then unpacks the contrasting vision of John Locke, Baron de Montesquieu and others whose ideas greatly influenced America's founders.

Liberal utopianism is a fantasy of arrogant philosophers and philosopher kings who believe their vision is superior to those of other lowly mortals. Levin calls them the "masterminds" -- the latest and most prominent being President Barack Obama and his cadre of utopian elitists. They believe they are proponents of enlightenment thinking and rationalism who could construct the ideal society if deniers and other obstructionists would just get out of their way.

In reality, however, they couldn't be more irrational, as they reject human nature, history and all empirical evidence that contradicts their vision. Indeed, writes Levin, "utopianism is regressive, irrational, and pre-Enlightenment."

Levin's "Liberty and Tyranny" was a blockbuster best-seller and "Ameritopia" is sure to top that.

To read more of David Limbaugh's review, go here.

Karlos Borloff On The Loose In L.A.

2012-01-16T19:40:00.000-08:00

Above, Karlos Borloff (Jerry Moore) gets a chest exam from Haruo "Mr. Godzilla" Nakajima. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Karlos Borloff, in the guise of mild-mannered Jerry Moore, the host of horror and rock 'n roll show Monster Madhouse, is in Los Angeles this week.

I just got off the phone with Jerry and he has some big plans for Monster Madhouse, as well as some other projects that he is in L.A. for.

We will be meeting up later this week to talk "some serious bizz-ness" about Japan and monster movies.

Jerry and the Monster Madhouse gang made a promo video on The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan, for which I am eternally grateful!

Here it is:

2 Years...

2012-01-16T17:16:00.000-08:00

Left, a glamour portrait of my mom from the early 1950s.

Yesterday marked the second anniversary of my mom's passing.

Since she was the one who got me interested in horror and science-fiction movies as well as comic books (she would read all the ones I brought home), it was only fitting that I spent yesterday at the L.A. Comic Book and Science Fiction Convention. She would have approved (and probably would've liked to have attended).

The last convention I took her to was a Dark Shadows Festival in Burbank a few years ago. She also attended the awards banquet at G-FEST 2000 in Hollywood.

L.A. Comic Book and Science Fiction Convention Photos

2012-01-16T12:42:00.000-08:00

Above, lots of comic books for sale.

We (my roomie and I) had a great time at the Los Angeles Comic Book and Science Fiction Convention at the Shrine Auditorium Expo Center. Rain was predicted but none fell (I am sure exhibitors were grateful for that).

I managed to get away from my table where I was selling The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan to look around.

I did see some Godzilla goods there. In my last post on the convention, I mentioned seeing kaiju fan Raven White there. I also bought a subtitled DVD of Space Battleship Yamato from him.

Here's a few photos of the convention:

Above, mannequins that one doesn't often see everyday.

Above, the Superboy panel group. Producer Ilya Salkind is at the far left and Superboy John Haymes Newton is second from right.

Above, the L.A. Comic Book and Science Fiction Convention, a collectors' paradise!

L.A. Comic Book and Science Fiction Convention: A Success!

2012-01-15T17:22:00.000-08:00

The Los Angeles Comic Book and Science Fiction Convention was an enjoyable and successful event.

I was able to catch up with kaiju fan Raven White for a bit and sold many copies of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan. I sold more than enough to cover the table cost!

The day went so well that we went out for sushi.

AOL News Posts Monster Japan Travel Guide Release

2012-01-15T07:44:00.000-08:00

Above, Miki Hayashi with "The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan." Photo by Armand Vaquer.

AOL News carried the news release on The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan at today's Los Angeles Comic Book and Science Fiction Convention.

To view it (cached), go here.

L.A. Comic Book and Science Fiction Convention Is Today!

2012-01-15T06:41:00.000-08:00

Today's the day!

The Los Angeles Comic Book and Science Fiction Convention opens its doors at 10:00 this morning at the Shrine Auditorium Expo Center.

We're all packed up with The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan and will be heading out to set-up our table.

C'mon down! It will be a fun show!

For more information, go here.

Dark Shadows Movie Photo

2012-01-14T10:29:00.000-08:00

A new photo from the upcoming Dark Shadows movie, starring Johnny Depp as Barnabas Collins, has surfaced:

The movie is set to be released this coming May and will feature cameos by original Dark Shadows cast members, including the original Barnabas, Jonathan Frid.

Standard & Poor’s cuts credit ratings for France and eight other European nations

2012-01-14T09:39:00.000-08:00

More evidence that European socialism (something that Barack Obama is trying to impose here) doesn't work and is breaking the economies of several European countries, Standard & Poor downgraded the credit ratings of several.

From the Washington Post:

Standard & Poor’s imposed a sweeping cut to the credit standing of major European nations including France on Friday in an action that could further weaken the region’s finances and make life more expensive for governments as they fight to control a chronic crisis over public debt.

The action robs France and Austria of their prized AAA ratings, something the French government in particular had vowed to protect through recent measures to cut spending and raise taxes.

The fact that President Nicolas Sarkozy lost that battle could bode ill for the entire 17-nation euro-region — as well as for his own chances in an upcoming election. The effort to rescue countries like Greece and keep Italy from needing international help rests on the capacity of France, Germany and a cluster of smaller, economically successful countries to keep their economies on track and be able to borrow money at low rates.

The S&P action left the AAA rating of Germany, the Netherlands and Luxembourg intact.

A Year and A Half Later...

2012-01-13T14:27:00.000-08:00

A year and a half after it went to press, I finally got around to ordering a copy of Mad Scientist #21 (Spring, 2010) that contains a review of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan (go here to read an excerpt of the review).

Martin Arlt of Ann Arbor, Michigan puts out Mad Scientist which covers the world of science-fiction and horror movies (issue 21 has articles ranging from Godzilla to Island of Lost Souls to comic books).

Mad Scientist #21 features a great cover illustration of The Alligator People by Don Marquez (at right).

It is well-written and sports eye-pleasing layouts.

To order Mad Scientist go to the official website at http://www.madscientistzine.com/.

Give Mad Scientist a read. I think you'll enjoy it!

Smarter Travel.com: 13 Thrilling Real-Life Horror Locations

2012-01-13T09:04:00.000-08:00

Regular readers of this blog know that I specialize in Japanese science-fiction and fantasy movie locations and landmarks which resulted in the world's first and only travel guide to those places, The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

Right, the Shibuya 109 building in Tokyo, Japan that was demolished by Gamera and Megaguirus in two different movies.

I received a notice about an article on 13 horror movie locations from Smarter Travel.com.

They start their article with:

Happy Friday the 13th! Bored with the usual slasher movie marathon routine? Experience the terror first-hand by visiting a real-life horror movie location. Just make sure to bring along a friend who's a slower runner than you.

The locations covered include Friday The 13th, Jaws, and The Exorcist.

To see the article, go here.

Debt Ceiling: Another Capitulation In The Works?

2012-01-13T06:27:00.000-08:00

Question of the day:

Will House Speaker John Boehner and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell bend over and spread their cheeks and give into Obama's demand for another trillion dollars?

"Gamera The Brave" Blu-ray Coming

2012-01-12T15:19:00.000-08:00

Above, yours truly perusing the souvenir table at the 2006 "Gamera The Brave" Tokyo premiere from the Region 2 DVD.

Media Blasters announced on their Facebook page that they will be putting out a Blu-ray edition of the 2006 feature, Gamera The Brave.

I already have the Kadokawa Japanese Region 2 and the Media Blasters U.S. DVDs, so unless Media Blasters includes extras that their DVD doesn't include, I may pass.

If Media Blasters includes the April 2006 Tokyo premiere, I'll definitely get it.

Universal Centennial - Restoring the Classics - A Lifetime of Memories

2012-01-12T01:37:00.000-08:00

Universal Pictures is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, and to celebrate, they are doing some great things.

Here's what Universal Pictures posted:

Universal will mark its 100th anniversary in 2012, and will commemorate its centennial with a yearlong celebration honoring the studio's rich film history and cultural legacy. The campaign draws its inspiration from Universal's extraordinary and diverse library of films, many of which will be highlighted throughout the year, and is designed to engage fans of all ages in the art of moviemaking.

A significant element of the centennial includes the extensive restoration of 13 of the studio's most beloved titles such as To Kill a Mockingbird, All Quiet on the Western Front, Jaws, The Sting, Out of Africa, Frankenstein and Schindler's List.

Also included in the centennial restoration project is the 1931 Dracula starring Bela Lugosi and the 1931 Spanish version. Besides Frankenstein, Universal is restoring Bride of Frankenstein (1935) starring Boris Karloff.

Here is a 9-minute YouTube video Universal posted on the restoration:

Perfectpeople.net Picks Up Monster Japan Travel Guide News

2012-01-12T00:17:00.000-08:00

Above, Yuu Asakura with "The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan." Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Perfectpeople.net's Yancy Butler Gossip and News page picked up the press release on The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan at the Los Angeles Comic Book and Science Fiction Convention on January 15.

Ms. Butler (Witchblade television series) is one of the special guests of the convention.

To view the site, go here.

L.A. Comic Book and Science Fiction Convention

2012-01-11T15:45:00.000-08:00

The Los Angeles Comic Book and Science Fiction Convention at the Shrine Auditorium Expo Center is four days away (specifically, Sunday, January 15).

I'll have plenty of copies of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan available along with some table signs printed up, so I'd be easier to find.

Additionally, the travel guide will be available at a special 20% discount for convention attendees. That means $3.00 in savings! So you can get it for $12.00 at the convention.

The Shrine Auditorium Expo Center is located at 700 West 32nd St. in Los Angeles. It is near the University of Southern California (USC) and Exposition Park. Doors open at 10:00 AM.

For more information on the Los Angeles Comic Book and Science Fiction Convention, go here.

Mitt Romney's New Hampshire Victory Speech

2012-01-11T08:46:00.001-08:00

The Good Ol' Days

2012-01-10T19:36:00.000-08:00

Above, Ronald Reagan at the 1976 Republican National Convention. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This year's GOP primary season is different for me.

In past election cycles, I've always had a clear favorite candidate. This year I don't, although all of the Republican contenders would be light years better than the Marxist incumbent in the White House.

This year also brings me back to days of yesteryear when Ronald Reagan was running and I was heavily into political activism.

At the "ripe old age" of 22, I was a California area chairman in my congressional distict (the Hawthorne-Lawndale-Gardena area of Los Angeles County) for Reagan when he ran against President Gerald Ford. I was also a Reagan delegate to the 1976 Republican National Convention in Kansas City, Missouri.

Although Reagan lost the nomination to Ford, I still wouldn't trade that experience for anything. After the convention, as we were being bused to the airport for our flight home, we passed a business that had a sign that read, "Goodbye, Republicans. You blew it!" Sure enough, Ford lost to Jimmy Carter in the general election.

Right, actor Michael Landon with Ronald Reagan at the 1980 California Primary Victory Party at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

In 1980, I again was the area chairman for Reagan as well as a delegate to the 1980 Republican National Convention in Detroit, Michigan. That year, it was plainly obvious that Carter was an incompetent president (much like Obama this year) and that he should be defeated.

Thankfully, Reagan won the GOP nomination and general election.

In 1984, I served as the area chairman for Reagan's re-election campaign and served as an alternate delegate to the 1984 Republican National Convention in Dallas, Texas.

Above, a "welcome home" rally was held for Ronald and Nancy Reagan at Los Angeles International Airport following the 1980 GOP National Convention. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After that year, I ended up getting married and had a daughter (now age 25). That pretty much ended my years of hardcore political activism. But I remain somewhat involved here and there. Once it gets into your blood, it's hard to completely quit.

It will be interesting to see how this year's campaign turns out. This country is at the crossroads. Will it return to being the country that we grew up with or will it be permanently transformed into a socialist mess if Obama wins re-election?

Romney Wins New Hampshire GOP Primary

2012-01-10T18:51:00.000-08:00

The voters of New Hampshire have made their presidential primary decision.

From the Associated Press:

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) -- Mitt Romney cruised to a solid victory in the New Hampshire primary Tuesday night, picking up steam from his first-place finish in the lead-off Iowa caucuses and firmly establishing himself as the man to beat for the Republican presidential nomination.

Returns from 52 percent of New Hampshire precincts showed Romney with 37 percent of the vote, followed by Texas Rep Paul with 23 percent, former Utah Gov. Huntsman with 17 percent and former House Speaker Gingrich and former Pennsylvania Sen. Santorum with 10 percent each.

To read the full article go here.

NOTE: While there is an active (and heated) primary season, I am refraining from endorsing any candidate. In 2008, each candidate during the primaries fell by the wayside when I did. Call me superstitious.

Event Monsters Picks Up Monster Japan Travel Guide News

2012-01-10T15:52:00.000-08:00

Above, Yuu Asakura with "The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan." Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Event Monsters.com picked up the news release on The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan at the January 15 (this coming Sunday) Los Angeles Comic Book and Science Fiction Convention at the Shrine Auditorium Expo Center.

About Event Monsters:

Have you ever thought to yourself, "Hmmm...I'm really bored. I really want to do something different but I keep doing the same old thing." Well,of course you have. The concept behind EventMonsters is to solve this very problem. If you're trying to find something new to do in your home city or on travel, then EventMonsters is the perfect site for you.

The passion behind EventMonsters is to build a community-based format to help you explore a city like never before. So take a stroll around our web pages, make sure to join our newsletter to get up-to-date listings of events and give us feedback on how to make this site better. Most of all, we want you to enjoy yourself.

To view the site, go here.

Monster Japan Travel Guide News In 7Life7

2012-01-10T13:56:00.000-08:00

Above, Miki Hayashi with "The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan." Photo by Armand Vaquer.

7Life7.com picked up the news release on The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan at the January 15 (this coming Sunday) Los Angeles Comic Book and Science Fiction Convention at the Shrine Auditorium Expo Center.

7Life7.com is a search engine for all kinds of subjects.

To view the site, go here.

Obama's Arrogant Authoritarianism

2012-01-10T07:40:00.000-08:00

Source: The Heritage Foundation

Last week, President Barack Obama took the latest step on his road toward an arrogant, new authoritarianism with four illegal appointments that entirely trampled on the Constitution's requirements. More troubling still, the President chose to shred the Constitution all in the name of serving his Big Labor agenda while killing jobs in the process.

The President's actions once again gave voice to his animating view of governing: doing so is much easier when one isn't constrained by the Constitution and its checks and balances. "We can't wait," the President exclaimed after unilaterally appointing Richard Cordray as director of the newly inaugurated Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). He also appointed three officials to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), two of whom had been nominated less than a month before.

The policy implications of the President's appointments? The CFPB will now have unmitigated authority to issue regulation upon regulation, contributing to the already-crippling red tape that is strangling business in America. And the NLRB will have the power to advance the President's agenda to bolster unions across the country at the expense of job growth in a smarting economy.

For what, exactly, can't the President wait, exactly? Quite simply, constitutional republicanism -- the system of checks and balances integral to American government and political freedom. He grew impatient with the delays that inevitably accompany any legislative action an acted outside the Constitution's mandated process. But the American people should ask, "Is such action really preferable to a deliberative, if slower-moving, constitutional republic?"

The President's appointments last week, troubling as they are, are but the next steps on the road to a despotic form of governance that has come to characterize his Administration -- and all of liberalism in America today -- what authors Fred Siegel and Joel Kotkin termed in City Journal this week Obama's "New Authoritarianism." Frustrated by the unwillingness of the people's representatives to enact his agenda wholesale, Obama has, from early in his Administration, sought to enact a series of proposals through administrative fiat, not the legislative process:

The Democrat-controlled Senate rejected his cap-and-trade plan, so Obama's Environmental Protection Agency classified carbon dioxide, the compound that sustains vegetative life, as a pollutant so that it could regulate it under the Clean Air Act.

After Congress defeated his stealth-amnesty immigration proposal, the DREAM Act, the Department of Homeland Security instructed Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials to "adopt enforcement parameters that bring about the same ends as the DREAM Act," as Heritage's Mike Brownfield explained.

When the woefully misnamed Employee Free Choice Act--explicitly designed to bolster labor unions' dwindling membership rolls--was defeated by Congress, the NLRB announced a rule that would implement "snap elections" for union representation, limiting employers' abilities to make their case to workers and virtually guaranteeing a higher rate of unionization at the expense of workplace democracy.

After an innovation-killing Internet regulation proposal failed to make it through Congress, the Federal Communications Commission announced -- on Christmas Eve, no less -- that it would regulate the Web anyway, despite even a federal court's ruling that it had no authority to do so.

In its push for national education standards, the Education Department decided to tie waivers for the No Child Left Behind law to requirements that states adopt those standards, shutting Congress out of the effort.

Rather than push Congress to repeal federal laws against marijuana use, the Department of Justice (DOJ) simply decided it would no longer enforce those laws.

DOJ made a similar move with respect to the Defense of Marriage Act: rather than seeking legislative recourse, DOJ announced it would stop enforcing the law.

While these efforts are all aimed at circumventing the legislative process, none was so brazen as his four illegal appointments. Last week, Obama went one step further: He violated not just the spirit of the Constitution, which vests in Congress the power to make laws, but the letter of the law as well.

The move is "a breathtaking violation of the separation of powers," explain former U.S. Attorney General Ed Meese and Heritage colleague Todd Gaziano, a former attorney in DOJ's Office of Legal Counsel, in a Washington Post column. "[N]ever before has a president purported to make a 'recess' appointment when the Senate is demonstrably not in recess," they note. "That is a constitutional abuse of a high order."

Dr. Matthew Spalding, vice president of American Studies and director of the B. Kenneth Simon Center for Principles and Politics at The Heritage Foundation, explains that this "new despotism" -- a government where regulations and unilateral actions replace republican governance -- runs entirely counter to the Founders' vision of America:

The greatest political revolution since the American Founding has been the shift of power away from the institutions of constitutional government to an oligarchy of unelected experts. They rule over virtually every aspect of our daily lives, ostensibly in the name of the American people but in actuality by the claimed authority of science, policy expertise, and administrative efficiency.

If this regime becomes the undisputed norm -- accepted not only among the intellectual and political elites, but also by the American people, as the defining characteristic of the modern state -- it could well mark the end of our great experiment in self-government.

President Obama's actions are exactly the kind that the Founders feared and sought to guard against. His illegal appointments usurp power from the American people's duly elected representatives, and the regulations they will promulgate will, undoubtedly, contribute to the unabated growth of the undemocratic administrative state.

Now that the President has crossed the threshold of constitutionality, there really is no telling where he may stop. There is a clear trend here, however, and it leads further and further from the constitutional order. With these illegal appointments, the President has taken to new heights his disdain for the separation of powers. Whether it will stop here depends on Congress -- Will lawmakers of both parties reassert the legislature's constitutional authority and take a stand against Obama's arrogant new authoritarianism?

Airbus A380 Should Be Grounded, Say Engineers

2012-01-09T20:36:00.000-08:00

A news item caught my attention while perusing Drudgereport.com.

It concerns the (relatively) new Airbus A380 super-jumbo jet. The first A380 went into service in October 2007 with Singapore Airlines. The maximum seating capacity of the A380 is 853 passengers.

According to the United Kingdom's Daily Mail:

Australian aircraft engineers have called for Airbus A380 - the world's biggest passenger aircraft - to be grounded, after Singapore Airlines and Qantas found cracks in the wings of their super-jumbos.
'We can't continue to gamble with people's lives and allow those aircraft to fly around and hope that they make it until their four-yearly inspection,' said Steve Purvinas, secretary of the Australian Licensed Aircraft Engineers Association.

Both airlines, and Airbus, admitted that they had discovered cracks, but maintained that the aircraft were safe. In total, 67 Airbus A380s are in use worldwide, on seven airlines. The aircraft are in use by Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Air France, Lufthansa, Korean Airlines and China Southern.

I can't say I'm surprised. The A380 is huge. I saw one fly-by while I was en route to Narita Airport last year. When it first came out, a friend who used to work for Boeing said at the time, "I wouldn't fly in one of those things!"

I wouldn't either.

I've always felt that there will come a time when the threshold is reached where an aircraft's size, weight and in-flight aerodynamic pressures will render it unsafe to use. I suspect that the A380 reached that threshold.

I agree with the Australian engineers. It should be grounded before one breaks apart in-flight with 853 people on board.

To read the full article, go here.

007 Discussion

2012-01-08T22:52:00.000-08:00

Since posting about the 50th anniversary of the James Bond movie franchise the other day, some friends have been discussing the best and worst of the movies via email.

I received this one this evening:

We need to look at the Bond franchise from the perspective of the Top 5 and the Bottom 5:

Top 5:

1. From Russia With Love – most realistic spy film. Great fight on the train.

2. Goldfinger – the laser scene is unbeatable.

3. Thunderball - Fiona Volpe – the bad girl

4. Dr. No – the original has to be in the top tier

5. On Her Majesty’s Secret Service – might have been #1 if Sean Connery starred. Nevertheless, a great film

Bottom 5:

1. Moonraker – bullshit in space

2. A View to a Kill – total crap

3. Octopussy – great title, but no substance

4. Any Timothy Dalton film – so that takes #4 and #5 spot

I don't particularly disagree with the Top 5, except I'd place Goldfinger No. 1.

Likewise, I generally agree with his Bottom 5, except when it comes to the Timothy Dalton movies. I liked Dalton's Bond and while the stories could've been better, I would put "Any Pierce Brosnan film" in the #4 and #5 spots. The screenplays were horrible and I never really warmed to Brosnan as Bond.

What do you think?

By the way, Roger Moore is planning to release a new book this year in keeping with the Bond anniversary, "Bond On Bond."

"Piss Poor"

2012-01-08T21:56:00.000-08:00

The following was received from a friend tonight. I can't vouch for its accuracy:

Where did "piss poor" come from?

We older people need to learn something
new every day -- just to keep the
grey matter tuned up.

Where did "Piss Poor" come from?

Interesting History.
They used to use urine to tan animal skins,
so families used to all pee in a pot and
then once a day it was taken and sold to the tannery.
If you had to do this to survive you were "Piss Poor."

But worse than that were the really poor
folk who couldn't even afford to buy a pot --
they "didn't have a pot to piss in," and were
the lowest of the low. The next time you are washing
your hands and complain because the water
temperature isn't just how you like it, think
about how things used to be.

Here are some facts about the 1500s:

Most people got married in June because they
took their yearly bath in May, and they
still smelled pretty good by June. However,
since they were starting to smell,
brides carried a "bouquet of flowers" to
hide the body odor. Hence the custom today
of carrying a bouquet when getting married.

Baths consisted of a big tub filled with hot water.
The man of the house had the privilege of the
nice clean water, then all the other sons and
men, then the women and finally the children.
Last of all the babies. By then the water
was so dirty you could actually lose someone in it.
Hence the saying, "Don't throw the baby
out with the bath water!"

Houses had thatched roofs-thick straw-piled high,
with no wood underneath. It was the only
place for animals to get warm, so all the
cats and other small animals (mice, bugs)
lived in the roof. When it rained it
became slippery and sometimes the
animals would slip and fall off the roof.
Hence the saying, "It's raining cats and dogs."

There was nothing to stop things from falling
into the house. This posed a real
problem in the bedroom where bugs and
other droppings could mess up your nice
clean bed. Hence, a bed with big posts
and a sheet hung over the top afforded
some protection. That's how
"canopy beds" came into existence.

The floor was dirt. Only the wealthy had
something other than dirt. Hence
the saying, "Dirt poor." The wealthy
had slate floors that would get slippery
in the winter when wet, so they spread thresh
(straw) on floor to help keep their footing.
As the winter wore on, they added more thresh
until, when you opened the door,
it would all start slipping outside. A piece
of wood was placed in the entrance-way.
Hence: a "thresh hold."

(Getting quite an education, aren't you?)

In those old days, they cooked in the kitchen
with a big kettle that always hung over the fire.
Every day they lit the fire and added things to
the pot. They ate mostly vegetables and did
not get much meat. They would eat the stew
for dinner, leaving leftovers in the pot
to get cold overnight and then start over the
next day. Sometimes stew had
food in it that had been there for quite
a while. Hence the rhyme:
"Peas porridge hot, peas porridge cold,
peas porridge in the pot nine days old."

Sometimes they could obtain pork, which
made them feel quite special. When
visitors came over, they would hang up
their bacon to show off. It was a sign
of wealth that a man could, "bring home
the bacon." They would cut off a little
to share with guests and would all
sit around and "chew the fat."

Those with money had plates made of
pewter. Food with high acid content caused
some of the lead to leach onto the food,
causing lead poisoning death. This happened
most often with tomatoes, so for the next
400 years or so, tomatoes were considered poisonous.

Bread was divided according to status.
Workers got the burnt bottom of the loaf,
the family got the middle, and guests
got the top, or the "upper crust."

Lead cups were used to drink ale or whisky.
The combination would sometimes knock the
imbibers out for a couple of days. Someone
walking along the road would take them for
dead and prepare them for burial. They
were laid out on the kitchen table for a
couple of days and the family would
gather around and eat and drink and wait
and see if they would wake up.
Hence the custom of "holding a wake."

England is old and small and the local folks
started running out of places to bury people.
So they would dig up coffins and would take the
bones to a bone-house, and reuse the grave..
When reopening these coffins, 1 out of 25
coffins were found to have scratch marks
on the inside and they realized they had
been burying people alive. So they
would tie a string on the wrist of the corpse,
lead it through the coffin and up through
the ground and tie it to a bell. Someone
would have to sit out in the graveyard all
night ("the graveyard shift") to listen
for the bell; thus, someone could be,
"saved by the bell,” or was considered
"a dead ringer."

And that's the truth.
Now, whoever said
History was boring!!!?

So get out there and educate someone!
Share these facts with a friend.

Big Hollywood's "Every Which Way But Loose"

2012-01-08T18:23:00.000-08:00

Above, Geoffrey Lewis and Clint Eastwood.

Big Hollywood's has a new article on Clint Eastwood's Every Which Way But Loose.

Thank goodness they put an article up on it or I probably would. Since I agree with their review, I won't have to.

I did post a write-up on the movie's sequel, Any Which Way You Can last June. You can read it by going here.

To read Big Hollywood's article on Every Which Way But Loose, go here.

R.I.P. Tony Blankley

2012-01-08T18:04:00.000-08:00

Sad news.

Conservative columnist and commentator Tony Blankley died yesterday at age 63. He was formerly The Washington Times editorial page editor and Newt Gingrich's press spokesman.

It was reported that Blankley passed away from stomach cancer.

I enjoyed his comments on The McLaughlin Group.

R.I.P. Tony Blankley.

Monster Japan Travel Guide In California Travel Guide

2012-01-07T05:17:00.000-08:00

Above, Yuu Asakura with "The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan." Photo by Armand Vaquer.

California Travel Guide.net posted the news release on The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan at the January 15 Los Angeles Comic Book and Science Fiction Convention.

The website focuses on news and features of California tourist attractions and places of interest to Californians such as the state's national parks, Disneyland, resorts, skiing, wineries and the Mother Lode country.

To view the site go here.

The James Bond Films: 50th Anniversary

2012-01-06T23:43:00.000-08:00

There's one thing that movie fans or, specifically, James Bond fans, can look forward to this year is the 50th anniversary of Eon Productions' James Bond franchise.

Above, Ursula Andress.

It was in 1962 that the franchise was launched by the first movie based on Ian Fleming's British Secret Service agent 007, Doctor No. The film was produced by Harry Saltzman and Albert R. Broccoli. That movie made Sean Connery an international star and it featured Ursula Andress as Honey Ryder, Jack Lord as CIA agent (and Bond pal) Felix Leiter, Joseph Wiseman as Doctor No, Bernard Lee as "M" and Lois Maxwell as Miss Moneypenny. Desmond Llewelyn did not join the regulars as "Q" until the next movie, From Russia With Love.

Doctor No introduced the iconic "James Bond Theme" and the Maurice Binder "gun barrel" Bond opening sequence. It had a budget of one million dollars (low-budget by today's standards) and was released on October 5, 1962.

It will be fun to see what may be in store this year to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the James Bond films.

Left, Sean Connery in his first James Bond outing.

Sen. Marco Rubio's Letter To Obama

2012-01-06T16:32:00.001-08:00

Senator Marco Rubio's (R-FL) letter to President Obama (click image to view larger):

Monster Japan Travel Guide News In Movies n More.com

2012-01-06T14:46:00.000-08:00

Above, Yuu Asakura with "The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan." Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan at the Los Angeles Comic Book and Science Fiction Convention news on January 15 (a week from this coming Sunday) has been picked up by Movies n More.com.

The site carries news and information on the movie industry, movie memorabilia, VHS, home theater systems, etc.

To view the site, go here.

Obama's Idiotic Defense Cuts

2012-01-06T03:19:00.000-08:00

They're clinking mao-tai* glasses in Beijing tonight.

First, President Obama gutted the U.S. Space Program. Now he's cutting the muscle and bone out of the Defense Department and armed forces.

As Fox News National Security Analyst K.T. McFarland editorialized:

Whose bright idea was it for the president of the United States to unveil his defense budget cuts [on] the cusp of a crisis with Iran and in the Pentagon’s briefing room? -- What were they thinking?

Perhaps they think it makes President Obama look like a tough commander in chief to announce he’s slashing the defense budget with the victims standing right behind him.

Perhaps they think it’s a smart political move that will appeal to his anti-war base, cutting defense while keeping entitlements whole.

The legacy of the Obama cuts will be even worse, and invite aggression against U.S. interests around the world. Because, guess what, President Obama has only begun to cut back on America’s defenses. There is another half trillion dollars of cuts on the horizon.

It is clear that Obama intends to make the U.S. a second-rate power, both economically and militarily.

It is not Jimmy Carter all over again. It's even worse.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2012/01/05/obama-unveils-defense-cuts-while-iran-threatens-war/#ixzz1ifyhYEvU

*a strong Chinese liquor made from sorghum

Supergamesunlimited Posts News On Monster Japan Travel Guide

2012-01-05T20:42:00.000-08:00

Above, Miki Hayashi with "The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan." Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Supergamesunlimited.com posted (under Doc Savage News) the news release on The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan at the Los Angeles Comic Book and Science Fiction Convention.

The site features news on all kinds of adventure games.

To view the site, go here.

A New Yamanote Line Station Coming?

2012-01-05T01:35:00.000-08:00

The Tokyo Reporter posted a news item (from Kyodo News) about the possible addition of a new station on the Yamanote Line. If this addition comes to pass, it would be the first for the line since 1971.

According to the article:

The East Japan Railway Company said Wednesday it is studying the possibility of adding a news station between Shinagawa and Tamachi stations, the Yamanote’s longest stretch, according to Kyodo.

JR East operates the Yamanote Line that encircles central Tokyo. I've used the Yamanote Line's trains many times during my visits to Japan.

To read the full article, go here.

George Reeves 98th Birthday

2012-01-05T00:41:00.000-08:00

Today marks the 98th birthday for televison's first (and best) Superman: George Reeves.

According to Wikipedia:

George Reeves (born George Keefer Brewer, January 5, 1914 – June 16, 1959) was an American actor best known for his role as Superman in the 1950s television program Adventures of Superman.

Reeves practiced judo as a hobby and to keep in shape. My dad met him at a gym in Los Angeles as Reeves was doing his judo workouts.

Raise a glass to toast George's birthday!

Mid-Atlantic Science Fiction and Fantasy Writing Conventions Picks Up Monster Japan Travel Guide News

2012-01-04T21:04:00.000-08:00

Above, Ai with "The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan." Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Squidoo website "Mid-Atlantic Science Fiction and Fantasy Writing Conventions" picked up the news on The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan at the Los Angeles Comic Book and Science Fiction Convention.

The site covers science-fiction, fantasy, comic book and writing conventions.

To view the site, go here.

Iowa A Virtual Tie Between Romney and Santorum

2012-01-04T07:18:00.000-08:00

The Iowa caucuses are now over and the result is a virtual tie between Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum with an eight-vote difference between the two.

The results: MITT 30,015; RICK 30,007.

Either one of these two would be perfectly acceptable to me as the GOP nominee to face the most radical and incompetent president we've ever had in the White House.

Next, is the New Hampshire Primary on January 10.

Schema-Root.org Picks Up Monster Japan Travel Guide News

2012-01-03T19:11:00.000-08:00

Schema-Root.org, the "encyclopedia of current events," picked up the news release on The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan at the January 15 Los Angeles Comic Book and Science Fiction Convention. It will be held at the Shrine Auditorium Expo Center.

Left, Ai with "The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan." Photo by Armand Vaquer.

What is Schema-Root.org? According to the site:

Schema-Root.org is an encyclopedia of current events, with over 14,000 pages of current news headlines.

This site is "profusely cross-referenced", allowing readers to rapidly pursue their interests.

Cross-reference links embedded throughout the site help locate topics of interest. The "schema" on the left-hand side of each page is a hierarchical (and somewhat arbitrary) categorization of the pages.

To view the site, go here.

Monster Japan Travel Guide News In Good Bad Movies

2012-01-03T11:24:00.000-08:00

Above, Miki Hayashi with "The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan." Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Goodbadmovies.com has picked up the news on The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan at the January 15 Los Angeles Comic Book and Science Fiction Convention at the Shrine Auditorium Expo Center.

Good Bad Movies covers different genres. The release is in their Science Fiction Movies section. "Movies news from thousands of newspapers, magazines, web portals and blogs."

To view the site, go here.

Monster Japan Travel Guide News In Comics Kong.com

2012-01-02T17:18:00.000-08:00

Right, Ai with "The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan." Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Comics Kong.com picked up the news release on The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan at the January 15th Los Angeles Comic Book and Science Fiction Convention.

They're an online comic book dealer who specializes in comics from the Golden Age to the present.

On their "Welcome" page:

Welcome to Comics Kong. I'm sure you'll agree that eBay has the hugest selection of comics on the planet. On any given day there are around 100,000 lots of comics listed on eBay! That's great except for one thing - if you try to browse through the listings it takes way too long because there's too much junk listed on eBay! Junk and a lot of stuff that's so overpriced that no one is going to buy it.

That's where Comics Kong comes the the rescue. We've stripped out all the junk so you can concentrate on the good stuff! We've got everything broken down into the usual eBay categories so you can concentrate on what you're really interested in. And we've stripped out all the lots that have no bids because there's a reason why they have no bids - see the previous paragraph!

I looked through their site and they have lots of tempting stuff! If you're a comic book collector, you should take a look at their offerings.

To view the site, go here.

ECPlaza Carries Monster Japan Travel Guide Release

2012-01-02T14:02:00.000-08:00

Above, Miki Hayashi with "The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan." Photo by Armand Vaquer.

ECPlaza.net picked up the press release on The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan at the Los Angeles Comic Book and Science Fiction Convention (to be held January 15).

About ECPlaza:

Since started as a B2B business site in 1996, ECPlaza has grown to No.1 Trade Leader providing online and off line service to over 400,000 members. Based on export marketing, we are operating not only B2B website, EDI service, trade consulting and so on, but also offline trade-related services for SMEs.

With worldwide network and high brand recognition, we are extending our business field to the global market by providing great value such as more business opportunities, cost saving and convenience.

Over 4 million offers are posted in our website, which is the largest scale in the world. Besides, our B2B website is listed on the top level of several famous ranking sites such as Alexa, Rankey, 100 HOT etc.

To view the site, go here.

A Roy Rogers Memory

2012-01-02T12:47:00.000-08:00

Above, Roy Rogers and Trigger.

At the end of today's Tournament of Roses Parade, a float celebrating "the King of the Cowboys" Roy Rogers appeared on-screen. It celebrated the 100th birthday of Rogers that will take place this year (November 5).

According to Wikipedia:

Roy Rogers, born Leonard Franklin Slye (November 5, 1911 – July 6, 1998), was an American singer and cowboy actor, one of the most heavily marketed and merchandised stars of his era, as well as being the namesake of the Roy Rogers Restaurants franchised chain. He and his wife Dale Evans, his golden palomino, Trigger, and his German Shepherd dog, Bullet, were featured in more than 100 movies and The Roy Rogers Show. The show ran on radio for nine years before moving to television from 1951 through 1957. His productions usually featured a sidekick, often either Pat Brady (who drove a Jeep called "Nellybelle"), Andy Devine, or the crotchety George "Gabby" Hayes.

Every time I hear or read the name of Roy Rogers, I always remember this little incident:

Back in the late 1980s, my theh-wife and I did a lot of camping (we had a tent trailer and later a micro-mini motorhome). We went to a couple of Thousand Trails campground resorts for free promo camping (for 3 days and two nights of free camping, we sat for their 90-minute membership sales spiel each time). Roy Rogers was, at the time, Thousand Trails' (a membership campground chain) celebrity spokesman. We'd see his image everywhere (billboards, travel shows, etc.) touting Thousand Trails.

It was around 1989 or so when we went to the Warner Center Marriott in Woodland Hills for breakfast. My sister-in-law waitressed there. After we started eating breakfast, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans entered with a young couple and were seated at a table next to ours. My wife's back was to the entry of the restaurant and didn't see them. While sitting down, Dale Evans saw my then-two-year-old daughter Amber in a restaurant high-chair and said, "She's cute."

When the Rogers-Evans party came in, I said (with a drawl) to my wife, "Here comes Roy and Dale!" She responded with something like, "Yeah, right." She didn't bother to look. A few minutes later, my stepson (about age 9) noticed Roy's cowboy garb and said, "That man's dressed like a cowboy!" My wife then looked up and turned her head. When she spotted Rogers, her teeth almost flew out of her mouth. The shocked look on her face was priceless! Serves her right in not believing me!

Here's a tip of the hat to Roy Rogers!

Movie Memorabilia Marketplace Picks Up Monster Japan Travel Guide Release

2012-01-02T09:53:00.000-08:00

Above, Ai with "The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan." Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Movie Memorabilia Marketplace.com picked up the news release on The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan at the Los Angeles Comic Book and Science Fiction Convention.

They specialize in movie posters, both recent and vintage, props and other collectible items connected to movies.

To view the site go here.

Monster Japan Travel Guide At The L.A. Comic Book and Science Fiction Convention On craigslist

2012-01-02T05:55:00.000-08:00

The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan at the January 15 Los Angeles Comic Book and Science Fiction Convention has been listed at craigslist.

To view the listing go here.

Monster Japan Travel Guide News In The Under 21 Guide To Las Vegas, Travel

2012-01-02T05:09:00.000-08:00

Above, Miki Hayashi with "The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan." Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Under 21 Guide To Las Vegas, Travel page of singaporeproperty.5ver.com has picked up the news release on The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan at the Los Angeles Comic Book and Science Fiction Convention.

It is the travel page of Singapore Property Listings which also provides information on property listings, personal finance, money, news, real estate and home improvements.

To view the site, go here.

Airport World On Japan's "Difficult Days"

2012-01-02T02:31:00.000-08:00

Above, Tokyo Station in 2010. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Airport World has posted an interesting article on the state of aviation following the March 11 Great East Japan Earthquake.

The article begins with:

Geoff Tudor looks at how the Japanese aviation market is faring ten months on from the country’s devastating March earthquake and tsunami.

It then compliments the Japanese on how they handled the crisis:

Few countries in the world could have coped with such devastation so well or with such calm dignity as Japan, which in a typical Japanese way, has set about repairing the damage with the minimum of fuss.

The article includes two photos of Sendai Airport. The first taken immediately after the tsunami hit and the second after it was cleaned up on August 24.

From there, the article describes how the disaster affected travel, inbound and outbound, and the efforts the Japanese tourism industry has taken and needs to take.

The article is worth a read if you're interested in visiting Japan.

To read the article, go here.

2012 Off To A Good Start!

2012-01-02T00:03:00.000-08:00

2012 is already off to a good start!

The first ComiXpress.com sale of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan for the year was made last evening.

Some may think that it's silly to constantly promote the travel guide, the constant promotions are designed to keep it in "the public eye." The guide was designed for the long-term, not for some seasonal "splash" and it's done. Promoting it is to reach those who may not be aware it even exists. Promoting also avoids the old saying, "out of sight, out of mind." All the promoting work I do is akin to having a third job.

I plan on doing another round of promotional pictures with a new model in the next couple of months. I just have find the model with the right look to follow in the footsteps of Yuu Asakura, Ai and Miki Hayashi. If anyone has any suggestions, feel free to let me know.

On the upcoming Los Angeles Comic Book and Science Fiction Convention on January 15 at the Shrine Auditorium Expo Center, The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan will be available at a discounted "show special" price of $12.00 per copy. That's 20% off the cover price!

I hope to see you at the convention on January 15!

Monster Japan Travel Guide Release In Comic Book Guide.net

2012-01-01T14:56:00.000-08:00

Above, Yuu Asakura with "The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan." Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Comic Book Guide.net picked up the news release on the L.A. Comic Book and Science Fiction Convention and The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

Comic Book Guide.net is a source for the latest in news on the comic book industry as well as comic book collecting.

To view the site, go here.

Happy New Year, etc.

2012-01-01T00:09:00.000-08:00

Above, Yuu Asakura with "The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan." Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It is nice and quiet where I am at right now: Zuma Beach, California. Well, with the exception of the noise from the waves breaking against the nearby shore.

Happy New Year! It's now 2012 in California (hope the Mayans were wrong)!

The press release on the upcoming (January 15) Los Angeles Comic Book and Science Fiction convention has started to go viral. The latest website to pick it up is the Best Yoga For Life site.

It is interesting to see how things meander around the Internet.

To view the site, go here. Any yoga enthusiasts and kaiju fans out there?

Monster Japan Travel Guide Release In World Famous Comics.com

2011-12-31T21:12:00.000-08:00

Above, Miki Hayashi with "The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan." Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The press release on the L.A. Comic Book and Science Fiction Convention (with The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan) made it into World Famous Comics Network's Comic Book News page.

World Famous Comics is one of the premier sources for comic book news.

To view the site, go here.

Collectors Weekly Picks Up Press Release On Monster Japan Travel Guide

2011-12-31T19:01:00.000-08:00

Above, Yuu Asakura with "The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan." Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Collectors Weekly.com picked up the press release on The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan and the Los Angeles Comic Book and Science Fiction Convention.

If one is into collecting (all kinds of things), this is one site to take a look at.

To view it, go here.

Message From Sonoe Nakajima

2011-12-31T18:46:00.000-08:00

Haruo Nakajima's daughter Sonoe received the birthday greetings and sent along this message and photo:

Happy New Year.

Thank you for father's message on the birthday.

XUSIE.com Picks Up Press Release On Monster Japan Travel Guide

2011-12-31T00:46:00.000-08:00

Above, Ai with "The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan." Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The press release on The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan at the Los Angeles Comic Book and Science Fiction Convention was barely minutes from distribution when it was picked up at XUSIE.com.

XUSIE.com provides news on books, games, movies and games.

To view the site, go here.

"The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan" Available at L.A. Comic Book and Science Fiction Convention January 15

2011-12-31T00:23:00.000-08:00

Above, Miki Hayashi with "The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan." Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The press release service I am using has released the news release on The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan being available at the January 15 Los Angeles Comic Book and Science Fiction Convention:

"The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan" Available at L.A. Comic Book and Science Fiction Convention January 15

Author, Armand Vaquer will be attending the January 15 Los Angeles Comic Book and Science Fiction Convention at the Shrine Auditorium Expo Center and will have available "The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan."

Los Angeles, CA, December 31, 2011 --(PR.com)-- Armand Vaquer, author of "The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan," will be attending the Los Angeles Comic Book and Science-Fiction Convention on Sunday, January 15, 2012 at the Los Angeles Shrine Auditorium Expo Center at 700 West 32nd St., Los Angeles, CA.

Vaquer will have available "The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan," the world's first and only Japan travel guide targeted to fans of Japanese science-fiction and fantasy movies at the convention. The travel guide provides information on movie locations, nearby attractions and accommodations.

"I will have a booth at the convention so fans can purchase the travel guide," said Vaquer. "It is a fun convention featuring comic books, movie memorabilia, collectibles and panel discussions featuring celebrity guests."

The Los Angeles Comic Book and Science Fiction Convention is a one-day event held near the University of Southern California campus.

The celebrity guests include actor Ron Ely (Doc Savage, Tarzan), actress Yancy Butler (Witchblade) and stars of the Adventures of Superboy.

Admission to the convention is $8.00, five years and under are free. Show Hours: 10:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M.

"The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan" covers locations and landmarks shown in Japanese science fiction movies featuring Godzilla, Mothra, Gamera and others.

JR Kanto Area Pass

2011-12-30T23:35:00.000-08:00

Above, the Wako Department Store in Ginza. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Suppose you are in Japan for a few days and would like to have a pass that would give you the freedom to get off and on anywhere for a flat rate. You're now in luck!

There is now such a pass.

It is called the JR Kanto Area Pass. It is good for three consecutive days on JR lines in the Kanto Area.

According to the JR website:

The JR Kanto Area Pass is a discounted pass for unlimited rides in Tokyo and the surrounding Kanto area. Valid for three days, the pass is good for unlimited rides using reserved seats on ordinary cars on Shinkansen, limited express and other trains. The JR Kanto Area Pass makes it easy to visit popular tourist destinations such as Mount Fuji, Izu and Karuizawa.

The pass is valid starting January 1, 2012. It is for travelers from overseas visiting on a temporary visitor's visa.

The cost is 8,000 yen for adults (4,000 yen for children).

For more information, go here.

Thanks For Your Nakajima Birthday Greetings

2011-12-30T17:51:00.000-08:00

Above, Haruo Nakajima in 2008. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Thanks to all who've posted your birthday greetings for Haruo "Mr. Godzilla" Nakajima.

I've sent them on to his daughter Sonoe a few minutes ago as it is December 31 in Japan and his birthday is the next day.

It is not too late to post your greetings if you haven't done so already. I will keep passing them on to Sonoe.

Thanks again!

I'd Change My Name...

2011-12-30T11:22:00.000-08:00

The second dentist's name is interesting...

The Looney Left vs. Voter I.D. Laws

2011-12-30T03:33:00.001-08:00

The Looney Left Report

A battle over voter identification laws in different states is heating up.

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder is railing against a South Carolina voter i.d. law.

The law requires that a person who shows up at the polls produce a picture i.d. to prove who he/she is. Simple, right? Not so to the whiny, crybaby Left.

According to the Washington Times:

Democrats argue that voter ID laws are designed to disenfranchise poor black voters, the voters least likely to have photo ID and most likely to vote for Democrats. They've been referred to as "a return to the Jim Crow era," Wasserman Schultz calling them "a full scale attack on the right to vote."

Republicans counter that the laws are designed to prevent voting fraud. The Supreme Court upheld (6-3) an Indiana law stricter than South Carolina's. Not only did opponents of the law fail to show that it systematically disenfranchised any group, they failed to show that it disenfranchised anyone at all.

The issue isn't fraudulent voters or disenfranchised voters - those are partisan boogie men designed to galvanize the troops - but uninformed and stupid voters. Against stupidity, the gods themselves contend in vain. Against ignorance, we're too lazy to contend.

Remember all those 2008 shenanigans by those "community organizer" groups such as ACORN involving voter fraud?

From Fox News:

Nevertheless, a website of the Democratic National Committee refers to the photo ID push as "GOP tactics" and says: "Photo ID mandates are the most pervasive new restriction on the right to vote. ... They are costly and unnecessary and they disenfranchise voters."

The site goes on to say, "voter fraud is rare."

That is an assertion Republicans ridicule.

"We did a quick study," Norcross said. "In last 10 years, there have been voter fraud convictions in 46 states."

Spakovsky notes that just in April, "a local executive committee member of the NAACP was sentenced to five years in jail for voter fraud in Toneka County, Mississippi."

Most instances of voter fraud originated from the Left. One would be hard-pressed to find any originating from the Right.

Facts are stubborn things.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/12/28/battle-over-voter-id-laws-heats-up-in-states/#ixzz1i19MYFUS

Frisky Business At Japanese Airports?

2011-12-30T01:17:00.000-08:00

Above, an Asakusa, Tokyo toy store. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If you thought that going through the TSA screening process is just confined to U.S. airports, guess again.

Japanese transport ministry officials are considering a new policy of frisking air passengers before they board their flights.

According to The Japan Times Online:

CHIBA — The transport ministry is thinking of launching random body searches at international airports in April to bolster counterterrorism measures, airport sources said Sunday.

Departing passengers who set off metal detectors during screening are usually asked to submit to a body search. Under the proposed procedure, about 10 percent of all passengers would be randomly selected for body and baggage checks, the sources said.

Exactly how people would be searched was not specified.

So, if you plan to smuggle a Japanese sword or a kaiju toy in your boxer shorts and it sets off a metal detector, you might get yourself frisked.

To read the full article, go here.

Preparing for L.A. Comic Book and Science Fiction Convention

2011-12-29T05:41:00.000-08:00

Above, Yuu Asakura with "The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan." Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Los Angeles Comic Book and Science Fiction Convention is a little over two weeks away, so I am laying the groundwork for it already. The convention will be held on Sunday, January 15 at the Shrine Auditorium Expo Center.

I will be having a table at the convention with plenty of copies of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan available for purchase.

Press releases are being prepared and sent out.

For more information on the convention go to http://www.comicbookscifi.com/index.html.

Theft Prevented!

2011-12-28T19:07:00.000-08:00

A tip of the hat to my bank!

Their anti-fraud system prevented $500 from being stolen from my account. It appears that someone hacked into my account through my ATM card info. Fortunately, their system caught it and prevented the theft.

I had to get a new ATM card, but that's just a small price to pay.

The Man From Planet X

2011-12-28T13:51:00.001-08:00

Without much (if any) fanfare, 2011 marked 60 years since The Man From Planet X was released.

The movie was directed by Edgar G. Ulmer (who directed the Karloff/Lugosi classic The Black Cat) at the old Hal Roach Studios in Culver City, California. The principal players were Robert Clarke, Margaret Field and William Schallert.

The Man From Planet X was released on March 9, 1951 in San Francisco. Its general release came on April 27, 1951.

William Schallert (right) plays the unscrupulous and ambitious scientist Dr. Mears in the movie.

The story involves an alien scout from the dying Planet X who lands in a Scottish moor. He was sent there to set up a wireless relay station in advance of an invasion from Planet X.

Below, William Schallert has a reunion with his "The Man From Planet X" co-star at the 2010 Monsterpalooza. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Man From Planet X is an effective little movie, considering its budget reportedly was $50,000.

On New Year's Resolutions

2011-12-27T22:12:00.000-08:00

While fast approaching New Year's Day, talk will increase about New Year's resolutions.

Whenever I hear talk about making New Year's resolutions (I never make 'em myself), for some reason my mind drifts to a scene in the 1972 feature, The Cowboys starring John Wayne, Bruce Dern and Roscoe Lee Browne. The scene doesn't involve a resolution, but rather a prayer.

A band of desperadoes, led by Dern, steals a herd of cattle that Wayne was driving 400 miles to market with only Browne and a bunch of schoolboys to help. Wayne's character is killed and Browne is captured and is about to hung by Dern. Before he is to be hung, Browne says a prayer:

Jebediah Nightlinger (Roscoe Lee Browne): [praying to God before he's about to hanged by Asa Watts (Bruce Dern) and his gang] I regret trifling with married women. I'm thoroughly ashamed at cheating at cards. I deplore my occasional departures from the truth. Forgive me for taking your name in vain, my Saturday drunkenness, my Sunday sloth. Above all, forgive me for the men I've killed in anger...
[eyes shifting to Asa Watts]

Jebediah Nightlinger: ... and those I am about to.

Always loved that scene. Bruce Dern was at his scummiest in this movie.

Japan Tourism: Fix The Yen

2011-12-27T20:54:00.000-08:00

Above, Ginza Crossing in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The news of Japan's cancelling of the 10000 free flights plan was a disappointment to many. But it really wasn't that big of a surprise. There's an old saying, "If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is."

If Japan is really serious about boosting tourism, something has to be done about the rise of the yen versus other currencies. This is causing a chilling effect on tourism to Japan.

The San Francisco Chronicle wrote today:

The Japanese currency traded at 77.86 per dollar and 101.78 versus the euro as of 11:38 a.m. New York time. For the year, the yen advanced 4.2 percent against the greenback and 6.7 percent against the 17-nation currency.

This is causing travel to Japan to be more expensive as travelers' currencies aren't buying as much yen (in exchange) than they previously did. In 2007, I got 116 yen per dollar exchanged.

Besides causing tourism to slump, the over-valued yen is hurting Japanese businesses who rely on exporting goods overseas. Toyota and other exporters are talking about big lay-offs due to the over-valued yen as it makes their products more expensive.

Things won't change until the Japanese government gets the yen under control. If people can get a better rate of exchange, they will come.

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2011/12/27/bloomberg_articlesLWVFQ10YHQ0X.DTL#ixzz1hnmkxxOa

10,000 Free Flights To Japan In 2012: Ain't Gonna Happen!

2011-12-27T11:59:00.000-08:00

Above, the Ginza Mitsukoshi Department store in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Remember that story of a few months ago about 10,000 free flights to Japan for foreigners from the Japan Tourism Agency to help boost Japan's tourism? Well, it ain't gonna happen, folks!

The Wall Street Journal reports:

Back in October, Japan’s national tourism agency floated a plan that seemed an ideal remedy to boost flagging visitor numbers in the wake of the March 11 disasters. Free flights to Japan in 2012. A full 10,000 of them.

Now, as the country crunches through the detail of tight budget numbers for next year, the hope many had for visiting Japan in 2012 has evaporated into a pipe dream: There won’t be any free flights next year, period. The budget for them has not been approved.

Whatever tourism authorities thought a good idea, Japan simply can’t afford it, the government’s budget planners have concluded.

Above, the Imperial Palace's Nijubashi Bridge. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Somehow, the announcement was made prematurely, with wire services, news organizations and other sites (including travel-related blogs) running with the story. Potential travelers salavated over the prospect of free airfare.

All this means is that foreign tourists wanting to visit Japan in 2012 will have to come up with the airfare funds on their own. Aw, fiddle sticks!

Above, the Godzilla statue in Hibiya, Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Oh, well. Just get The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan and go anyway.

To read the full article, go here.

Criterion's "Godzilla" Reviewed

2011-12-26T05:36:00.000-08:00

In a few weeks from now (January 24, to be exact), Criterion's Blu-ray edtion of Godzilla (1954) will be available.

Blu-ray.com has posted a review of the Criterion edition. In their review, they wrote:

Criterion's presentation of this classic Japanese film is leaps and bounds ahead of Classic Media's presentation (see review here). Not only are detail and clarity dramatically improved, but there are entire sequences where it literally feels as if a filter of some sort has been removed - the effect is most obvious during the nighttime sequences, even though Criterion's high-definition transfer is notably darker than the one used by Screen Media (compare screenshots #5 and 7 with screenshots #1 and 3 from our review of Classic Media's Blu-ray release).

Since I recently joined the ranks of Blu-ray player owners, I'll be picking up this item.

To read the full review, go here.

2012 World Ag Expo

2011-12-26T02:59:00.000-08:00

When my mother passed away in January 2010, I inherited farm property in Buffalo County, Nebraska.

While I have an excellent tenant farmer working the property, it has been my desire to educate myself in the agriculture industry. Admittedly, I knew diddly-squat about the farming industry when everything fell into my lap. But nearly two years later, I now know a lot more than I did then about Dept. of Agriculture programs, crop insurance, property taxes, corn prices, etc.

But it would be wise for me to further educate myself on agriculture.

This coming February, the 2012 World Ag Expo will take place in Tulare, California (north of Bakersfield by about 60 miles). Former President George W. Bush will be participating at an event during the expo.

According to their website:

Located in California’s Central Valley, 45 miles south of Fresno and 60 miles north of Bakersfield, just off Highway 99. Airfields are located in Tulare, Visalia, Fresno and Bakersfield.

World Ag Expo is the largest annual agriculture exposition celebrating 45 years of innovative agriculture with:

1,600 exhibitors displaying the latest in farm equipment, chemicals, communications, and technology on 2.5 million square feet of exhibit space.

Free seminars on a variety of topics important to dairy producers, farmers, ranchers and agribusiness professionals.

Cooking demonstrations by chefs from California’s top restaurants in the World Ag Women Pavilion.

This looks to be something that could provide useful information for the future. Couldn't hurt to check it out!

Christmas Eve

2011-12-25T13:53:00.000-08:00

After a drive of an hour and a half (95 miles) from Tarzana to the Lake Elsinore area, we had an enjoyable Christmas Eve party at my cousin's in Wildomar.

On the menu was many varieties of Mexican food including tamales and chili verde, along with some good Blue Moon ale.

The traffic was easier than usual. It got heavy at times, but at least it moved.

The drive home was also lighter than usual. The L.A. civic center greeted us with the Lindbergh Beacon lit up on top of City Hall.

A good time was had by all!

Christmas In Japan

2011-12-25T08:43:00.000-08:00

Above, the Wako Dept. Store with Christmas lights lighting up the clock tower in Ginza. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

An interesting article on Christmas in Japan was posted at Huffington Post.com:

Although it is said that most Japanese are Shinto and Buddhist, few people are aware the Japanese also participate in "commercialized Christianity" in order to take advantage of those fun Christian holidays.

Christmas, with its sparkly, over-glitzed trees, a cherry-cheeked Santa Claus and the ritual of gift-giving is irresistible to the Japanese who have taken to celebrating Christmas on a superficial level. You can hardly blame them for wanting to participate in such an entertaining religion.

But the Japanese have adjusted Christmas to their own liking. Santa-san enters the house through the window and brings one gift to each child on Christmas Eve, which he leaves on the child's bed.

To read the full article, go here.

Views of The Saikai Bridge

2011-12-24T03:26:00.000-08:00

The 1956 Toho movie Rodan (ラドン, Radon) featured the Saikai Bridge located near Sasebo City in Kyushu.

The Saikai Bridge is a steel arch bridge constructed in 1955 (just in time to be demolished by Rodan the following year). The bridge has a span of 216m and crosses the Hario Seto Straits, which is famous for its whirlpools.

In the movie, one of the Rodans is being pursued by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force over the Sasebo City area. During the pursuit, Rodan flies over the Saikai Bridge. The wind turbulence from Rodan's fly-by causes the bridge to collapse into the strait in one of the most convincing miniature effects by Eiji Tsuburaya.

I visited the Saikai Bridge in 2007 and took a number of photographs of the bridge, some of which are posted for the first time.

Information on how to reach the Saikai Bridge is included in The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

The following photos are from my 2007 visit to the Saikai Bridge (click on image to view larger):