Osaka Life During Occupation Photos

Here are more photos of Osaka, Japan in 1947 during the time of the Allied occupational forces following the end of World War II.

Very few photos have any notations.  The ones that do, seem to indicate that my cousin's father-in law was with the 4th R.D. (I am guessing 4th Regimental Division).  My cousin said she is checking with her husband for more details.  Regardless, these photos are of historical importance as they depict the history of occupied Japan.  Perhaps someone who was there at the time (65 years ago) will see these and will post information on them.

The occupation period began following the Japanese surrender in 1945 in Tokyo Bay.  The occupation Forces were commanded by General Douglas MacArthur in Tokyo.   The Japanese surrendMy cousin Julie gave me 60 photographs taken by her father-in-law while he was stationed in er was the direct result of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, 67 years ago this month.  The surrender was announced over Japanese radio by Emperor Hirohito (Emperor Showa).  This was the first time the Japanese heard their Emperor's voice in a radio broadcast.

The photos below are from 1947 in Osaka.  Unfortunately, there are no photographs of Osaka Castle or of the European castle-looking building across a road from the Castle that served as the Osaka headquarters of the occupation forces.  Both buildings were featured in the 1955 Toho feature, Godzilla Raids Again (a.k.a. Gigantis, The Fire Monster).

In researching this period online for this post, I noticed several times it was written that the members of the U.S. Army gained the respect and affection of the citizens of Osaka as they treated them with respect and courtesy, rather than as a defeated enemy.  This made the occupation experience much more pleasant for both sides.

My dad was briefly stationed in Sendai (in northern Honshu) in 1951 (at about the time the occupation was ending) after his National Guard Division was called up for the Korean War.  His experience in Japan was an enjoyable one, most likely due to the goodwill that was built up between the occupation forces and the Japanese citizens.

The photos I am posting here are generally of life in Osaka during the occupation.  I was unable to identify any of the buildings shown, with the exception of Osaka Station. (I've been to Osaka once, but that was limited to touring Osaka Castle and seeing some of the city from the inside of a bus.)   But they are still interesting to see.

To view larger, right-click and go to Open Link In New Tab.

The first set was one I posted several days ago.  But here it is with some explanation (the best I can do):

1.  U.S. Army/Occupation Headquarters.
2.  Three Osaka citizens.
3.  U.S. Army Encampment.
4. Young Japanese boy.  It appears he's wearing a modified (U.S.?) army uniform, probably given by friendly G.I.s.
5. An Osaka street of storefront businesses.
6.  Osaka Station.  Note the "Third Military R.T.O. Railway Service" sign.

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The next 2 sets are more focused on Japanese life in Osaka:

1.  Osaka.

2.  Fire truck.

3.  Boxing match.

4.  After the knock-out punch.

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1.  A man with his cart.

2.  Japanese citizens going about their business.

3.  Osaka.

4.  Farmland outside of Osaka.

5.  Osaka shopping area.

6.  Overhead view of an Osaka street.

7.  Shoreline near Osaka (it looks like a view from Godzilla Raids Again).

Why Do Things Have To Be So Complicated?!

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

There's an old axiom, "You learn something new everyday!"

That certainly is the case in getting The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan made into an ebook. The process is a lot more complicated than I imagined.  Either that, or ebook sellers are just very particular on formatting books into ebooks.  Everything's got to be just perfect, it seems.  Thank goodness I only have 52 pages to be concerned about.

I found a company who provides ebook converting/formatting services. I am currently waiting for their estimate on the cost.  If it is within reason, I may have them do it as I don't have the program to do it myself.

Even if the guide is offered as an ebook, the "hard copy" will still be available through ComiXpress.com or through me.

Stay tuned!

Comics For Sale Saturday In Tarzana

Above, can you believe it is almost 20 years since this comic was published?

Two more days until Saturday's comic book yard sale number 3.

This will be the last one for a bit, so I can enjoy my Saturdays and not wake up my roomie as I carry stuff out for setting up.

It starts at 9:00 AM until 1:00 PM.

I have lots of Silver Age (1960s) DCs, Bronze Age (1970s) DCs and a mix of Modern Age (1990s) comics from different publishers (DC, Image, Valiant, Dark Horse).

The location is 18618 Collins Street, Tarzana, CA (cross streets are Reseda Blvd. and U.S. 101 Freeway).

Above, this 1961 "Death of Superman" was actually the better story.

As this year marks 20 years since the "Death of Superman" storyline, I have to mention that I have many copies of the comics of this historical storyline.  I have several UNOPENED bagged collectors editions of Superman no. 75.   That's the one that has the mourning band with the Superman "S" on it, etc.  I'll let them go for $10.00 each.

Additionally, I will have The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan available!

C'mon down!

Mission 26: The Big Endeavour

Photo: NASA

Source: California Science Center

I received a press release from the California Science Center. The date of space shuttle Endeavor's arrival in Los Angeles has been set (weather permitting):

Mission 26: The Big Endeavour

The countdown has begun for Mission 26: The Big Endeavour. The space shuttle's arrival, transportation and grand opening at the Samuel Oschin Space Shuttle Endeavour Display Pavilion.

Endeavour, which will be transported on top of NASA's Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA), is expected to arrive at LAX mid-day of September 20. The target date is flexible, pending weather conditions at Kennedy Space Center and along the flight path and in Los Angeles. When Endeavour arrives, it will be moved into a United Airlines hangar. The shuttle will stay at the hangar while final preparations for its transport and display are completed.

More information + Press release

I was present for Endeavor's first mission landing at Edwards Air Force Base.  I am looking forward to being present for its last.

Monster Japan Travel Guide As An Ebook?

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

It is hotter than hell here in the San Fernando Valley.  So I have been staying indoors in my air conditioned splendor and working on different projects.

One of them involves The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.  I am considering (just considering, mind you) offering it as an ebook.  The format, price and availability are the key factors in deciding on going this route.  Also, what kind of hassle is it to get it properly formatted?

We'll see what I am able to come up with on this.

In the meantime, go here to order a nice paper copy!

Good-bye, Royal/T Cafe

Above, the "Utsutsu" press and kick-off party at Royal/T Cafe.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Royal/T Cafe in Culver City has closed its doors for good.

I've only been there once (for the press and kick-off party for "Utsutsu"), but found the food and ambiance to be refreshing.  The staff couldn't be friendlier.

According to the Huffington Post:

Cosplay cuties, Japanophiles and pop art fans all over Los Angeles shed a tear this week when Royal/T Cafe -- a combination art space, shop and cafe -- closed its doors for the last time. 

For five years, the Culver City gem welcomed thousands of people for high tea, art exhibits and premiere parties. The playful combination of saucy waitress costumes, bold, colorful art and adorable objects for sale made for an overwhelming sense of kawaii -- the Japanese word for cute -- that will likely not be replicated soon. 

Actress, Japanese language instructor and model (for The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan) Yuu Asakura invited me to attend the press and kick-off party that was being held for "Utsutsu" back in November 2010.  She also worked at Royal/T Cafe.

Above, swordplay demonstration at "Utsutsu" party at Royal/T.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

According to the Huffington article, Royal/T isn't dead:

Royal/T isn't dead; the concept is just taking on another, more fluid identity. The defunct cafe's site lists brand/art collaborations, pop ups, museum consulting and art trips as part of Royal/T's next life. 

This'll be interesting to see.  It should be interesting.  Best of luck to owner Susan Hancock.

To read the full article, go here.

Ryuji Yamakita In KATA-NA [SWORD]

Another friend is also appearing in the play, KATA-NA [Sword] in Santa Monica.  I just discovered this today.

Ryuji Yamakita, who I met at the press and kick-off party for Utsutsu in November 2010, is also appearing in the play along with Yuu Asakura and Kyoko Okazaki.

Above, Ryuji Yamakita (left) at the "Utsutsu" press and kick-off party in 2010.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

KATA-NA starts this Friday at the Morgan-Wixon Theatre.

Greg Smith Wins GOP Nomination For Kansas Senate District 21

Greg Smith won his Kansas Senate (District 21) primary race in yesterday's voting. He will face Democrat Juanita Roy in November.

He was just one of many conservatives who routed moderates during the Kansas Primary Election.

According to the Kansas City Star:

Conservative Republicans scored big wins across Kansas on Tuesday as they set themselves up to seize control of the state Senate and clear a path for Republican Gov. Sam Brownback’s agenda.

Moderates lost in many key Senate races in Tuesday’s GOP primary, including five of six seats that were up for grabs in Johnson County.

Congratulations, Greg!



Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2012/08/08/3749775/conservatives-seize-control-of.html#storylink=cpy

Schlitz Jingle - 1972

Post-war Japan, Circa 1947 Photographs

My cousin Julie sent me a thick envelope of photographs her husband Brant's father took while in Japan, circa 1947, during the occupation.

He was stationed in Osaka and all of the photos are from there.

Below, is just a small sample of the photos (there must be about 50-60 (or more) of them in total).  I will go though them and scan them to this blog.  Right click the image and go with Open Link In New Tab to view larger.

Japan Airports Testing New Facial Recognition System

Above, Narita Airport's departure lobby.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A new facial recognition system is being tested starting this week at Narita Airport and Kansai Airport this week.

According to The Japan Daily Press:

On Monday of this week, Narita airport, near Tokyo, and Osaka’s Kansai airport began testing a facial recognition program at the automated immigration gates. The purpose is to speed up the immigration process for travelers, as well as confirm the information stored in passports with an electronic chip. The system is merely being put into place for testing purposes, only Japanese nationals will be involved, and it will only last until September 30th.

Narita Airport is the main entry point for international travelers to Japan. Kansai Airport, offshore of Osaka, is also an entry point airport for international travelers.

The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan contains as section on what tourists can expect when entering Narita Airport.

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

To read the full article, go here.

Yuu Asakura In "KATA-NA"

My friend, actress and model for The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan Yuu Asakura will be appearing in a new play in Santa Monica titled KATA-NA [Sword].

Go here for the trailer.

A Japanese sword action play: the end of Edo period.

Above, Yuu Asakura and Armand at the press and kick-off party for "Utsutsu" in November 2010.

 At the Morgan-Wixson Theatre in Santa Monica.

Show Schedule:
Aug. 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19 [in English]
Aug. 24, 25, 26 [in Japanese]

● For more info:
http://www.iki-e.com
https://www.facebook.com/ikicompanykatana

●For tickets:
http://www.eventbrite.com/event/3032332789

Social Security, Dr. Jekyll and Wolverine

While at work this morning, I met with a supervisor to turn in our time sheets and a conversation ensued.  I mentioned that for the past two weekends (and this coming Saturday) I've been holding yard sales of comic books.

He brightened up and told me that he bought the comics containing the first two appearances of Wolverine (of Marvel's X-Men fame) for $500 each at a San Diego Comic Con several years ago.  He said he had to sell them for the same price a few years later as he found himself unemployed and needed the money.

He said he probably sold them below their actual value, but he was pressed for funds.  I said, "At least you got back what you paid."  He agreed, but groused that he could've gotten more for them.
 
It is interesting to see who in one's life collected comic books in their younger days.

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Congratulations to NASA for the successful landing of the rover "Curiosity" on Mars.  The rover is about the size of a Volkswagen and the unique new landing system went well.
 
I would expect that it should work,  it cost $2.5 billion to make!

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It has been reported that, starting today, people retiring now will have paid more in Social Security taxes during their careers than they will receive in benefits.  This historic shift will become worse for future retirees (i.e., me) according to an analysis by The Associated Press.

How can you get a better return on your Social Security taxes?  Simple.  Live longer.  (Easier said than done.)

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For you horror trivia buffs, a little "Today In History" item:   The first Venice Film Festival opened on August 6, 1932 with a screening of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde starring Fredric March.

Japan Price Guide

Above, a Kiosk convenience store at the JR Nagasaki Station in the background.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Source: Japan Tourism Agency

Below, are average prices of items sold at supermarkets and convenience stores, souvenirs of Japan and transportation that are likely to be bought or used during a stay in Japan. There is a sales tax in Japan, but the tax is already a part of the prices of goods/services. This is only intended as a reference for shopping.

Convenience Stores/Supermarkets

There are many convenience stores sprinkled throughout Japan. These include AM/PM, 7-Eleven, Lawson and FamilyMart. Kiosk has stands at subway/train stations and convenience stores at many JR train stations.

The convenience stores are pretty much like the ones found in the United States. They carry items including stationery, toiletries, candy, soft drinks, water, hot food, cold food, frozen food, ice cream, milk, umbrellas, gloves, hats, bento box lunches (including sushi) and many other items.

Supermarkets are also like the ones in the United States.

To get an idea on prices found in convenience stores and supermarkets (prices may vary), here's a few examples:

Sandwiches: 250 yen ($3.00); Bento Box Lunch: 500 yen ($6.00); Onigiri (rice ball snack): 110 yen ($1.32); Bottled Water: 120 yen ($1.44); 1L Packed Milk: 250 yen ($3.00); Bottle of Beer: 300 yen ($3.60).

Souvenirs

On souvenirs, prices will vary, but the most popular items tourists buy in gift shops and department stores are basically around these prices:
Yukata: 5,000 yen ($60.00); Sushi Magnet: 650 yen ($7.80); Souvenir Wood Block Print: 2,500 yen ($30.00).

Transportation

Not every Japanese city has such an extensive subway/train system as Tokyo. Generally, the subways/trains charge fares roughly (give or take) 160 yen ($2.00) in Tokyo. But if a subway/commuter train isn't available, taxis, buses and, rarely, car rentals (an international drivers license is required to drive in Japan) are alternatives.

Here's the ballpark prices for these:

Minimum Taxi Charge: 710 yen ($8.52); Minimum Bus Charge: 200 yen ($2.40); Rent-A-Car (6 hours): 6,000 yen ($72.00).

Obama Campaign Sues To Block Military Voting In Ohio

The Looney Left Report

President Obama may have kissed Ohio's electoral votes in November goodbye.

FoxNews is reporting:

In a move that puts new meaning to the term battleground, President Obama's re-election campaign and members of some military groups are on a collision course over voting rights in the critical state of Ohio.

The Obama campaign and the Democratic National Committee have filed a lawsuit to block a new state law allowing men and women in uniform to vote up until the Monday right before an election, while the cutoff on early voting for the rest of the public is three days earlier.

Top Obama campaign officials told Fox News in interviews that the lawsuit in no way tries to restrict the voting rights of military members. All they are trying to do is even the playing field for all voters in Ohio by allowing early voting up until Monday for everyone, including members of the military, because they believe a two-tiered, early-voting process is unfair.

"Along with the DNC and Ohio Democratic Party, this campaign filed a lawsuit to reinstate equal, early-voting rights for all Ohioans -- rights the Republican-controlled legislature arbitrarily stripped away this past year," Jim Messina, Obama's campaign manager, told supporters in an email.

However, the National Guard Association and other military groups have fired back, saying it's "offensive" for Democrats to suggest in the lawsuit it's arbitrary for service members to get special consideration.

Men and women in uniform typically get more time than other voters to send in absentee ballots since they may be serving in an overseas or domestic location that is not close to their home polling station.

The real reason for the lawsuit is that members of the military typically vote predominantly Republican. The Democrats have tried to impede military votes in the past. The 2000 election fight in Florida is a prime example. It was a public relations disaster for the Democrats.

Here we go again.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/08/04/obama-campaign-sues-ohio-over-early-voting-law-for-military/#ixzz22hAirlfn

More Ways To Advertise A Yard/Garage Sale

Since I started doing yard sales I have found more tools to get the word out.

Craigslist is a primary example. Blogs are another. Word of mouth is one other. Some previous buyers yesterday plan to return this Saturday.

I found another one yesterday to spread the word.

It is atgaragesale.com. I posted an ad for the upcoming sale that will be held on Saturday, August 11 at their site.

To see it, go here.

From the Mitt Romney Campaign...

These past three years have been the hardest on the middle class since the Great Depression. This election is about giving middle-class Americans a fair shot. On Day One, I will begin turning this economy around with a plan for a stronger middle class.

My plan for the middle class will deliver more jobs and more take-home pay by focusing on:

Energy independence: I will unleash our domestic energy resources and eliminate job-killing regulations, so we can finally get the energy we need at a price we can afford. Domestic energy production will bring over a million manufacturing jobs back to the United States. On Day One, I will approve the Keystone XL pipeline, and I will eliminate regulations destroying the coal industry.

Skills to succeed: I believe that a choice for every parent equals a chance for every child, so I will give every family access to great schools and quality teachers. And I will make sure our workers and children have the skills for the jobs of today and tomorrow by having access to job training programs and affordable and effective higher education options.

Trade that works for America: I will open new markets for American goods and services while stopping the unfair trade practices of countries like China who steal our jobs. I will work to strengthen free enterprise around the world.

Cutting the deficit: It's simple -- we need more jobs, less spending, and smaller government. My plan will immedciiately cut and cap federal spending, balance the budget, and root out bureaucratic inefficiencies. My plan also gives states responsibility for programs they can implement more effectively and efficiently.

Championing small business: Small businesses are being strangled by excessive government regulations and taxes -- I will make government the friend, not the enemy, of business. My plan reduces taxes on job creation through individual and corporate tax reform that's competitive and attractive for jobs to come back to America. Free enterprise is still the greatest force for upward mobility, economic security, and the expansion of the middle class -- and it is anchored by America's small businesses.

I am running for president because I know that my policies and vision will help strengthen the middle class, lift people from poverty, and create sustained economic prosperity. I want to help the middle class -- and I will. My comprehensive plan will create 12 million jobs and grow the economy by 4 percent per year on average.

Find out more about my plan for a stronger middle class here: http://mi.tt/NoiyAv.

Thanks,

Mitt Romney

Comic Book Yard Sale: A Smashing Success!

There's roughly an hour and a half left to go for today's Comic Book Yard sale and already it is a smashing success!

Although I did quite well during last weekend's sale, more people came by and bought more books.

A big thank-you to all of my customers!

I'll be holding another sale next Saturday (August 11) - same time (9:00 to 1:00) and same place (18618 Collins Street in Tarzana, California).

If you happen to be in Medina, Ohio, be sure to stop by Tony Isabella's Garage Sale of Comic Books!

Plaques and More Plaques?

Above, Yonah Hong of the L.A. Unified School District and yours truly with the Godzilla plaque.  Photo courtesy of Richard  Pusateri.

While sitting here at my comic book yard sale, I've been in an email discussion on commemorative plaques with one of the bigwigs of the alumni of Hawthorne High School. I graduated from Hawthorne High School in 1972.

The school is undergoing renovation with old buildings being torn down and new ones put up in phases.

The concern is that Hawthorne High's history will be lost. I suggested a series of plaques erected around the school commemorating historical events and people. The Wilson Brothers and Al Jardine of The Beach Boys attended Hawthorne (a little before my time there). A plaque honoring The Beach Boys was one suggestion made.

I brought up the Godzilla, King of The Monsters! plaque at Frank Del Olmo Elementary School as an example.

As regular readers of this blog know, a Superman plaque is now in the planning stages in Tarzana.

We're going to look into this further.

Comics Yard Sale Today In Tarzana

Hundreds of Silver Age, Bronze Age and Modern Age Comics are for sale today in Tarzana, California.

The sale starts at 9:00 and will run to 1:00 PM.

The location is at 18618 Collins Street (cross streets are Reseda Blvd and U.S. 101 Freeway).

Generally, Silver Age/Bronze Age comics are at $5.00 each and Modern Age are at 2 for $5.00. I have some $1.00 comics available.

The next yard sale will be held on Saturday, August 11, same time, same location.

C'mon down!

Monster Madhouse End Credit (2009)

While perusing some videos over at YouTube tonight, I stumbled upon one that I completely forgot about.

It is from three years ago. It is of the Washington, D.C. area television show, Monster Madhouse's beginning and end titles. The show stars Karlos Borloff (Jerry Moore).

I had posted the video in December 2009 here.

I received a credit for still photography during the end credits. I made a screen capture of it and is posted at top.

Above, Jerry Moore, sans Karlos Borloff make-up, and I at Don Glut's earlier this year.

Romney's Overseas Trip A Triumph

If one is relying just on the biased reporting by the liberal mainstream media, one would conclude that GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney's overseas trip was a failure.  One recent survey found that the MSM's reporting on the Romney campaign has been 86% negative.

Washington Post columnist Charles Krauthammer has an article analysing Romney's trip.  He declares it "a triumph."  Here's some passages from the article:

The Warsaw leg was a triumph. Romney’s speech warmly embraced Poland’s post-communist experiment as a stirring example of a nation committed to limited government at home and a close alliance with America abroad, even unto such godforsaken war zones as Afghanistan and Iraq, at great cost to itself and with little thanks. 

And at his previous stop, Jerusalem, Romney’s speech was a masterpiece of nuance and restraint. Without directly criticizing Obama, Romney drew pointed distinctions deftly expressed in the code words and curlicued diction of Middle East diplomacy. 

Look at how Romney was received. In Israel, its popular prime minister lavished on him a welcome so warm as to be a near-endorsement. In Poland, Romney received an actualendorsement from Lech Walesa, former dissident, former president, Cold War giant, Polish hero.  

Scorecard? Romney’s trip was a major substantive success: one gaffe (Britain), two triumphs (Israel and Poland) and a fine demonstration of foreign-policy fluency and command — wrapped, however, in a media narrative of surpassing triviality. 

To read Krauthammer's full article, go here.

Speaking of endorsements, actor/director Clint Eastwood has endorsed Romney for president.

Unemployment Tick Up To 8.3%

From CNS News:

(CNSNews.com) - There were 195,000 fewer people employed in the United States in July than in June, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as the national unemployment rate ticked up from 8.2 percent to 8.3 percent. 

Meanwhile, 150,000 people simply dropped out of the labor force during the month and did not seek to find a job.

Small wonder Obama is trying to divert attention to Mitt Romney's tax returns.  This isn't a record of accomplishment to run on.

How's that hope and change working out for you? 

Not-So-Friendly Skies

Above, my flight to Japan being readied at Los Angeles International Airport.   Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of the biggest complaints travelers have these days are the way airlines are currently treating them.   Instead of bending over backwards in trying to provide excellent service to passengers, the airlines are seemingly treating passengers as cattle.

It was not too long ago that the airlines served meals on domestic flights.  They still do, but they are generally of the cold, brown-bag variety and, most importantly, passengers are charged extra for these meals.  It used to be that meals (hot ones at that) were served on flights and were included in the price of the flight ticket. Fortunately, airlines are still providing hot meals (included in the price of the ticket) on international flights.

With the hike in oil prices, the airlines are passing on the extra cost to passengers (along with taxes and other surcharges).  They are also charging for extra carry-on baggage.  Each airline has their own policy concerning extra carry-on baggage.   So check with the airline before purchasing your ticket.

A recent trend in air travel, one that endears them to the traveling public (that's sarcasm, by the way), is charging extra for traveling families wanting to sit together.  There's no guarantee that a family will be seated together.  Most airlines will try to accommodate a family trying to sit together without charging advance fees.  It is at the discretion of the airline as to whether a fee will be charged for seat locations or even specific seats on a plane (such as an aisle seat or window seat).  Again, check with the airline first before purchasing your ticket.

As flights from Los Angeles (LAX) to Tokyo's Narita Airport (NRT) is roughly eleven hours, I prefer an aisle seat so I can get up to use the restroom or just walk around (to prevent leg blood clots) without bothering anyone.  I also don't like middle or window seats on long flights for that "boxed in" feeling.  Aisle seats take care of that.

The best way to avoid those fee surcharge surprises is to shop around and familiarize yourself with each airline's policies.  Their websites should spell out those policies.

As in anything, airlines aren't created equal.  Some have better service than others.  Some have poorer records of losing luggage than others.  Some have better food.  Some still have better ticket prices than others.  Some have better on-time records than others.  It still pays to shop around.

Western Farm Press: Calif. Prop. 37 Will Open Floodgates of Litigation

The trial lawyers are likely drooling in anticipation at the possibility of passage of Proposition 37.

According to the Western Farm Press:

According to a new article in California’s premiere legal paper, The Daily Recorder, the consensus among defense attorneys is that November’s Prop. 37 will result in a “bumper crop of litigation.” The story can be found here. 

"When I used to go and talk about Prop. 65 when it was on the ballot, I would say the biggest beneficiaries would be lawyers. I think that goes double for Prop. 37," said an attorney quoted in the story. 

This view should surprise no one. The official proponent of Prop. 37, James Wheaton, also helped draft Proposition 65, a labeling measure from 20-plus years ago that has generated more than 16,000 actions against businesses and nearly $500 million in settlements, attorney fees and costs. Wheaton and the associations he represents have collected more than $3 million in legal fees and settlements suing under Prop. 65 in the last 10 years.

Those costs will be passed onto the consumer in higher food prices.  Is this what we need in this rotten economy?  We don't need any more money lining trial lawyers' pockets.

Vote NO on Proposition 37.

To read the full story, go here.

Haruo Nakajima Photo Exhibition In Sakata City

Source: Sonoe Nakajima

The original Godzilla (1954-1972), Haruo Nakajima is a busy man these days.

A photograph exhibition on his career is being held from August 2 to August 13 in Yamagata Prefecture's Sakata City. He will be giving a talk on August 6th. Sakata City is on the Sea of Japan side of the main island of Honshu. It is north of Niigata by about 200 kilometers.

The poster advertising the exhibition shown at top.

The Evidence Is In: Tea Party Alive And Well

The evidence is in, the Tea Party is alive and well.

The GOP "establishment candidate" was soundly defeated last night. Columnist Monica Crowley said it best:

Last night, true conservative Ted Cruz won the Texas GOP Senate primary over Lt. Gov. and GOP Establishment Guy David Dewhurst. By a lot. By 13.6 percent. It was a good old-fashioned whoopin'.

Also yesterday, the state of Georgia held a referendum on a $7.2 billion transportation plan that would have required a 10 year, 1 percent sales tax to finance. Voters there defeated it resoundingly.

Remember what the original "T-E-A" stood for in "tea party?" Taxed Enough Already.

The left and the GOP establishment---both incredibly threatened by the Tea Party---have tried everything in their power to smear, lie about, dismiss, mock, humiliate, and destroy it.

Maybe the GOP establishment will finally realize that "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em!"

For more from Monica Crowley, go here.

Comics, etc.

Above, these and more comic books are priced to go!

Today's been a busy one.

This morning, I was told an hour before arrival that a new dishwasher machine will be delivered and installed. Finally! The old one worked, but didn't properly drain. The thing was probably in the apartment since the building was built around 1980.

The new one is nice. It's an Amana.

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The delivery/installation of the dishwasher caused a minor "problem" as I was supposed to meet Richard "OtiGoji" Pusateri for lunch at 11:30. We moved it to 1:30. The installation was completed by 1:00, so that worked out just fine.

Richard and I met at Crazy Tokyo Sushi and had a good time catching up over sushi.

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Following this, I had an AT & T technician stop by. The router for my high-speed internet seemed to malfunction slightly. I had no problem with it, but my roomie's tablet couldn't get any Internet connection with it. After some tests, the problem was resolved in short order.

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I am gearing up for this Saturday's comic book yard sale. It will be from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM (or later if people are still browsing through the books at that time). It will be at 18618 Collins Street in Tarzana, California. The major cross streets are Reseda Blvd. and U.S. 101 Freeway (get off at Reseda Blvd. and go north a block).

Come on by for some good deals on Silver Age, Bronze Age and Modern Age comics!