"Godzilla Minus One" Figure Ordered

 

Well, I could have waited for G-FEST this coming summer, but I decided to go ahead and get this Bandai 6" Godzilla Minus One figure now over at eBay.

I am limited on the amount of room I have available, so a 6" figure will work.

It is due to arrive from Japan by December 15.

Mattamuskeet Sportsmans Box

Back in the late 1970s or the early 1980s, I received from my parents at Christmas this Mattamuskeet Sportsmans Box.

It is ideal for guns and/or ammunition. 

One recently sold at eBay and this is what the seller wrote about it:

Very nice. Large box for ammo or storage or pretty much anything. A great sportsman box. 23 in wide by 9 in deep by 10.5 in tall. Has a nice interlocking wood edging on the corners. There is lightwear and tear here and there, it's not mint condition but it is entirely intact and only displays cosmetic issues. Please see all photos. What you see is exactly what you get. If you have any questions please ask any time. Happy bidding and good luck!

 

It was listed at $66.50, which is pretty much the average price for this box. It comes with a removable tray and is solid wood.

Who else, besides me, has one of these? 

The Mug Has Arrived

The three-sided Tiki cocktail mug from Latitude 20°, the Polynesian restaurant/nightclub that was in Torrance, California until 1980, arrived in the mail.

It was one of two that were offered on eBay. The other one was ten dollars more and had a chip on the bottom edge. This one was in great shape with no chips or cracks. 

Above, yours truly with the Latitude 20° Tiki mug.

This is a nice souvenir of a place we used to frequent. 

For more on Latitude 20°, go here.

Latitude 20°

This week's Classic Rock Music Monday focused on the Mike Curb Congregation.

I once saw them perform at Latitude 20°, a Polynesian restaurant and nightclub in Torrance, California around 1975. The Congregation jogged a memory of Latitude 20°.

A group of us used to go there back in the 70s. It closed in 1980, to be replaced by a Country nightclub that was short-lived called Waco's (during the Urban Cowboy fad). I think the location is now a parking lot. They had good food and Mai Tai cocktails. 

According to Wikipedia:

The Mai Tai is a cocktail made of rum, Curaçao liqueur, orgeat syrup, and lime juice. It is one of the characteristic cocktails in Tiki culture.

Remembering Latitude 20°, I took a look through Google and found some vintage cups for sale on eBay. 

Above, the cup I bought today on eBay. Photo by seller.

I found this one for $40. There was another one offered for $50, but it had a chip at the the bottom of it. I bought the one offered for $40. I tried buying one years ago by a vendor, but the deal fell through and the vendor was non-responsive to my queries.

Looking further, I saw some photos of Latitude 20° along with menus, advertisements and other cups. It was known as The Polynesian under prior owners.

Here's a sampling:

Above, the restaurant when it was The Polynesian. An undated postcard.

Above, an advertisement for Latitude 20°.

Above, a Latitude 20° matchbook.

Above, Latitude 20° menu.

"Invaders From Mars" (1953) Blu-ray

A couple of days ago, I blogged about the restored Invaders From Mars (1953) using the original film negatives.

After posting, I looked around to see where I could get a copy. That was a daunting task, it seemed that neither eBay nor Amazon had it.

But last evening, I saw an ad for it on Facebook from Ignite Films. 

Here it is (screen capture):

$55.00?! That's pretty pricey for an old movie! 

Then, I used the ad's drop-down widget and found that the Blu-ray is $45.00. That's a little better. But considering the extras that come along with it, I decided to buy it.

If $45.00 doesn't scare you away, you can order it by going here.

Pee and Have Fun With Pee-Litical Targets

 

Just in time for Christmas!

Want to give His Fraudulency something that he deserves while you're in the loo taking a whiz? 

This fun item hooks onto a toilet seat and projects an image of Biden (or others) down into the toilet. Then you can pee on his face to your heart's content!

Above, the projected image of His Fraudulency.

I suppose women would have a bit more difficulty in pissing on the image.

I've seen these available on both eBay and Amazon. Have fun!

First Issue of My Superman Subscription

There are some things in one's life experiences that stick to one even after 56 years have passed.

Back in the 1960s, DC Comics (known then as National Periodical Publications) offered subscriptions to their comics. If I remember correctly, a year's subscription (10 issues) to their comics was $1.00. At that time, comic books cost 12 cents on the newsstand with 80-page giants costing 25 cents (they were called annuals before). The 80-page giants weren't included in subscriptions.

I subscribed to Superman back in late 1965 and the first issue of my subscription was Superman no. 182 (January 1966 cover date). Someone posted the cover of the issue in a Curt Swan Facebook fan page.

The cover was penciled by Swan and inked by Sheldon Moldoff. It appears Superman's face was re-done by Al Plastino (for whatever reason). 

This particular comic book is now considered a "key issue" as it was the first Silver Age appearance of The Toyman (Winslow Percival Schott). A copy of it is now listed at eBay for $89.99. 

I still have my copy.

This is the cover of that issue:

"John Wayne American" Belt Buckle

Above, the John Wayne American belt buckle I own. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in 1980, roughly a year after John Wayne died of stomach cancer at the UCLA Medical Center, I bought a belt buckle that has a solid brass replica of the Congressional Gold Medal that was awarded Wayne in May 1979.

I wear the belt buckle almost every day.

According to Wikipedia:

Wayne's enduring status as an iconic American was formally recognized by the U.S. government in the form of the two highest civilian decorations. On May 26, 1979, he was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. Hollywood figures and American leaders from across the political spectrum, including Maureen O'Hara, Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra, Mike Frankovich, Katharine Hepburn, General and Mrs. Omar Bradley, Gregory Peck, Robert Stack, James Arness, and Kirk Douglas, testified to Congress in support of the award. Robert Aldrich, president of the Directors Guild of America, made a particularly notable statement: 

"It is important for you to know that I am a registered Democrat and, to my knowledge, share none of the political views espoused by Duke. However, whether he is ill disposed or healthy, John Wayne is far beyond the normal political sharpshooting in this community. Because of his courage, his dignity, his integrity, and because of his talents as an actor, his strength as a leader, his warmth as a human being throughout his illustrious career, he is entitled to a unique spot in our hearts and minds. In this industry, we often judge people, sometimes unfairly, by asking whether they have paid their dues. John Wayne has paid his dues over and over, and I'm proud to consider him a friend and am very much in favor of my government recognizing in some important fashion the contribution that Mr. Wayne has made."

Wayne was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom on June 9, 1980, by President Jimmy Carter. He had attended Carter's inaugural ball "as a member of the loyal opposition", as he described it. In 1998, he was awarded the Naval Heritage Award by the US Navy Memorial Foundation for his support of the Navy and military during his film career. In 1999, the American Film Institute (AFI) named Wayne 13th among the Greatest Male Screen Legends of Classic Hollywood cinema.

"John Wayne American" belt buckles can still be purchased through eBay and other places. Bronze duplicates of the medal (coin sized) can still be found with minimal effort.

Superman Mural Up For Auction

Above, the Superman mural last November. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The giant Superman mural mounted on the outside of the Super Museum in Metropolis, Illinois is up for auction at eBay. It will be auctioned in three sections. The first section to be auctioned is the panel featuring Dean Cain and George Reeves.

According to Morgan Siebert on Facebook:

Our old mural is up on ebay, we started each panel at $1. We are using whatever funds we raise from these auctions to help cover museum renovation from the storm damage from March. There are 3 panels so 3 chances to own a part of Super Museum history. Happy bidding!! This one features Dean Cain and George Reeves.

Above, the mural (left) on the Super Museum wall facing the Superman Statue across the square. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The mural's eBay page reads:

Up for Auction!

Once in a lifetime chance to own a piece of the Super Museum in Metropolis IL!

This Mural was used on the side of the Super Museum in Metropolis for 10 years!

Countless numbers of people have had their photo taken with this sign!

Chances are you know someone who has a picture of this sign!

We are selling this sign because it has begun to show signs of age and heavy wear, there is some damage on the corners of these panels from removal.

and to help pay for the replacement which we have already bought and hung up in its place.

These signs will be ending on June 7th 2017

The afternoon before the start of annual "Superman Celebration"

It is made out of 3 Panels of Alucobond that is 1/2" Thick 

This first panel is110.4"x60" 

This panel Features Dean Cain and George Reeves! 

The top of the panel has the word STOP

The bottom part of the panel says 

"Rican Hero"

This was the end panel on the right

Panel #3 of #3

We are starting this panel at $1 and just see where it goes!

There is no shipping on these panels.

They are local-pickup only

To bid, go here (4 days left).

Elvis Bust From Memphis

Above, the Elvis bust my mom bought for me in Memphis. Photos by Armand Vaquer.

Back around 1982 (I'm guessing), my parents went to Alabama to visit relatives there.

While on the trip they were taken to Memphis, Tennessee to tour Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley. I was working at the time and had to stay back home to take care of the pets. I eventually made the trip to Graceland in 2001.

While my parents were there, my mom went to a shop across the street from Graceland on Elvis Presley Blvd. that specialized in Elvis souvenirs. Waiting outside, my dad struck up a conversation with a nice southern gentleman. He said his name was Vester. It turned out, after checking photographs, the gentleman was Elvis Presley's uncle Vester Presley. I told this story to Elvis's daughter Lisa Marie a few years ago.

My mom picked up a few items for my cousin and for me. One of the items was a small bust of Elvis. It is one of the few busts of Elvis I've seen that actually looks like him.

During my 2001 trip there, I checked the souvenir stores to see if they still had these busts, but they didn't.

I saw on eBay yesterday that one of these is being offered from Australia. The seller got it from an estate sale and didn't know much about it. So I sent him a message telling him where it's from. He has since updated his auction page. He also sent me a nice thank-you note for the information.

Above, the bust available at eBay.

To see the auction page, and possibly bid on it, go here.

Brand-new Gianfranco Ties

Last week, I reported that I assisted Asya with a photo shoot she was doing on a new line of men's neck ties.

Those ties are now available at eBay!

According to the listing:

A variety of 1000 brand-new ties to choose from, coming in original transparent packages. Geometric and floral patterns in different colors available, light and dark: blue, green, violet, grey, brown. 

Each tie comes with a handkerchief. Italian fabric design, produced in the U.S. 

Each tie is labeled with Gianfranco label and Italy design label.

I closely examined the ties and they feel great to the touch.

Here's more of them:

Besides being great-looking ties, they are only $9.99! Where else can you get a tie and a handkerchief for $9.99? What a deal!

To order these fine ties to look terrific at the office or out on the town, go here.

Oy! Such A Deal! A Tent For $16.00!

A friend emailed me an ad she saw on eBay for a Coleman 6-person "Hampton" camping cabin tent for $16.00.

She thought the ad might be "too good to be true" but decided (since she was on the market for a tent and other camping gear anyway) to hit "buy now" and ordered it.

Since she did, 33 more orders came into that account and they may be sold out. At that price, small wonder!

She thinks that if this was a bogus ad, it may have been because the account holder's account was hacked. I suspect that, at worst, the $16.00 price may have been a typo and they intended it to be listed at $160.00 as I saw other ads for this model tent for around $150.00. But, as the ad wasn't pulled, the account holder, in my view, is stuck. For $16.00, she thought it worth the risk.

We'll see if the tent is delivered to her for $16.00. If so, then she got herself a great deal!

The Mystery of the Porcelain Godzillas

Above, the porcelain Godzilla figure I bought. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I was contacted today by an owner of a porcelain Godzilla figure. They were aware that I have one and were wondering if I knew anything about them, such as who made them, where they were made, etc.

The email I received:

I came across your info when doing a Google search for Porcelain Godzillas.
I live in South Carolina with my husband who is also a Godzilla fan.
I recently purchased an identical porcelain figure to yours in a local antique store. However ours is painted blue & white like you would find on asian pottery/dishware. Very unusual!
We can not find any info on this piece! He has no stamps or markings.
We'd love to know if you have any info on when and where these were made?
I'll also send you a pick of him if you'd like!
Thanks! Any info would be appreciated.

Unfortunately, this has been a mystery to me ever since I bought mine around 2000 through eBay. From what I know of mine, it was part of someone's storage unit of goods that were auctioned off due to non-payment of storage rent. I received a second email that included this photo:

Above, the South Carolina Godzilla.

Soon after I bought mine, I contacted Toho in Los Angeles and they checked with the Tokyo office and they had no idea where it came from. To date, I know of three of these figures. They could be very rare items. Like hers, mine has no markings or stamps either.

If anyone knows about these, please feel free to post a comment.

Godzilla 1956 Kodachrome Slide At eBay

A color transparency is up for auction at eBay.

It is of a car's eye view of a New York movie marquee of Godzilla, King of the Monsters! in 1956:

It appears to be the same location as the photo below was taken.

If you want to bid on it, go here.

Thanks goes out to Matt for telling me of this!

He wrote:

Both photos show the Loew's State Theater, Broadway between 45th and 46th Street, Manhattan. 

You can see the Bond sign, Hotel Claridge sign, Pepsi advertisement free-standing script, Maxwell House Coffee store, etc., in both photos.

Internet Sales Tax Making Its Way Though U.S. Senate

The ever money-hungry and money-grubbing Democrat-controlled U.S. Senate is trying to impose a sales tax on Internet purchases.

According to Yahoo! News:

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Tax-free shopping on the Internet could be in jeopardy under a bill making its way through the Senate. 

The bill would empower states to require online retailers to collect state and local sales taxes for purchases made over the Internet. The sales taxes would be sent to the states where a shopper lives. 

Under current law, states can only require stores to collect sales taxes if the store has a physical presence in the state. As a result, many online sales are essentially tax-free, giving Internet retailers a big advantage over brick-and-mortar stores. 

The Senate voted 74 to 20 Monday to take up the bill. 

Supporters say the bill is about fairness for businesses and lost revenue for states. Opponents say it would impose complicated regulations on retailers and doesn't have enough protections for small businesses.

Under this bill, you will have to pay taxes on purchases made at Amazon.com or eBay, just to name a couple.  Contact your senator or congress member to tell them you oppose any new taxes.

To read the full story, go here.

Some Godzilla Collectibles

Above, a "Godzilla Final Wars" Gigan chess piece.

Having a hobby like Japanese science-fiction and fantasy movies, one tends to accumulate collectible items.

Over the years, items collected include autographed photos, toys, statues, posters and other odds & ends.

Here are a few items I have (which don't even scratch the surface):

Above, an autographed copy of Haruo Nakajima's autobiography.

Left, a Bandai Titanosaurus toy.










Right, a Godzilla figure from "Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S." with a Godzilla claw premium from the HMV music and video store at Aqua City in Tokyo. The claw came as a bonus with the "Tokyo S.O.S." DVD.

Above, a porcelain Godzilla figure. It was the first item I ever bid and won on eBay.

Parting Is Such Sweet Sorrow (All The Way To The Bank)

Unfortunately, due to economic hard times (at least I am better off than many), people have to part with collections just to survive.

Fortunately, I have a sizable coin collection and I am a little pinched financially despite 2 jobs and The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan to help.

I was able to get a good price today for an uncirculated Carson City 1884 Morgan Dollar that my dad bought in 1972-73 for $15.00. I had several Morgan dollar sets that I sold over the years via eBay and to collectors. Prior to today, the last one I sold was for some extra cash for my 2007 Japan trip.

Here's the coin I sold today:



Here's a similar one (same packaging).

Michael Jackson To Be Buried Sans Brain

The Guardian in the United Kingdom reported today:

Michael Jackson will be buried without his brain today after doctors retained it following an autopsy to help determine the cause of death.

The King of Pop will be saluted in grand fashion at the Staples Centre memorial ceremony, and reportedly laid to rest at Los Angeles's Forest Lawn cemetery. However, the LA coroner's office has still not completed its tests on Jackson's brain, and the singer's family have been advised that unless they wish to wait, he must be buried without it.

Jackson died from an apparent cardiac arrest on 25 June. Though his body was released the next day to relatives, his brain was not. The pop star's inert brain must "harden" for at least two weeks before doctors can conduct their neuropathology tests.

It wouldn't surprise me if some pieces end up on eBay.