The Art of King Kong, featuring William Stout

Above, permanent display of King Kong atop the Empire State Building. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This evening was spent in Burbank at the Creature Features monster store. There, an exhibit of King Kong related art work opened.

The new Kong: Skull Island by Legendary Pictures is set to open in theaters next week.

The store was crowded when the exhibit reception opened at 6:00. I met Brant Elliot at a nearby Italian restaurant before heading over to Creature Features, which was nearby. Brant had one piece of Kong artwork on display along with 50 other artists.

The exhibit is titled, "The Art of King Kong, featuring William Stout".

Creature Features screened a new King Kong documentary (not yet released) during the reception.

Here are some highlights of the event:

Above, the window display advertising the reception. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Kong atop the Empire State Building. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Fay Wray on the Empire State Building. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, "Kong Tiki", made of foam and coated with resin. Photo by Armand Vaquer. 

Above, King Kong art on display. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, transporting King Kong from Skull Island. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, more Kong art on display. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Kong: Skull Island movie posters. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Fay Wray as Ann Darrow. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Kong wins by a knock-out. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Kong sculpture. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a rare early print of King Kong art. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Brant Elliot and William Stout. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a Kong portrait by William Stout. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, "Son of Kong Dragon" by William Stout. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Armand with Donald F. Glut. 

Above, Donald Glut and William Stout having a discussion. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, construction paper art by Brant Elliot. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

More photos to follow in part 2.

Easy Access From Narita Airport

Above, transportation ticket windows in Terminal 1 arrival lobby at Narita Airport. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Narita Airport in Chiba Prefecture is Tokyo's primary airport for international flights, but Haneda Airport in Tokyo is rapidly catching up.

The main problem with flying in and out of Narita Airport is that it is about an hour away from Tokyo. But, fortunately, there's many different ways of getting to and from Narita.

Live Japan takes a look at the transportation options that are available to travelers.

They begin with:

Narita International Airport, Tokyo and its metropolitan area’s gateway to the sky. Located in Narita, a city in Chiba Prefecture and right next to Tokyo, the airport offers a variety of different ways to get to central Tokyo, bus and train being only two of them. This variety can seem a bit overwhelming, however, especially to first-time visitors to Tokyo and Japan. Let’s take a closer look at Narita Airport’s many ways of access to turn confusion into convenience!

To read more, go here. 

The Power of Fukuoka Tower

Above, Fukuoka Tower. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Godzilla fans are familiar with a tall structure that was prominently featured in the 1994 Toho feature film, Godzilla vs. Space Godzilla.

That structure was Fukuoka Tower.

Australia's Gold Coast Bulletin has an interesting article on Fukuoka Tower.

They begin with:

DOMINATING the shore line of the southern Japanese city of Fukuoka is the impressive mirrored Fukuoka Tower, the tallest seaside structure in the country. 

Fukuoka is on the island of Kyushu and is actually closer to Seoul than Tokyo. 

The city has a population of 1.42 million and opens out onto the Sea of Genkai which features many islands and clean beaches. 

The best way to take it all in is from the Tower’s observation deck, 123m above sea level. 

Going up in the glass elevator, you realise that all that shimmers on the outside is not what it seems with the structure mostly hollow inside of the 8000 mirrored panels. 

The Fukuoka Tower’s main purpose is to serve as television broadcast facility with an overall height of 234m.

In 2007, I took a whirlwind trip to Kyushu and visited Fukuoka. One of the places I visited while there was Fukuoka Tower, which is also within easy walking distance from Fukuoka Yafuoku! Dome, which was featured in Gamera, The Guardian of the Universe (1995).

Above, a view from Fukuoka Tower's observation level. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Fukuoka is spotlighted on page 45 of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

To read more about Fukuoka Tower, go here.

President Calls For Investigation of Schumer!

President Donald Trump called for an investigation of Senate Minority Leader "Chuck-U" Schumer:

Ask Rep. Brad Sherman About His Russian Contacts, Etc.

March 3, 2017 Unsubscribe Update My Profile Website | Biography | Contact Us | Press | Legislative | Help With Federal Agencies Congressman Sherman Town Hall April 22 -- Save the Date Dear Friends, Please save the date for my upcoming Town Hall. And stay tuned for more information. Saturday April 22, 2017 2:00 – 3:30 PM Reseda High School Auditorium 18230 Kittridge St, Reseda Free parking available on site http://sherman.house.gov/town-hall-rsvp Sincerely, Congressman Brad Sherman P.S.  Please visit my website at www.BradSherman.house.gov and click on the link to my Federal Issues Questionnaire.  Also, please give us your email address, so we can send you updates on Congressional activity. Contact Information Website: http://Sherman.house.gov Washington, D.C. 2181 Rayburn Building Washington, D.C. 20515-0524 (202) 225-5911 tel (202) 225-5879 fax San Fernando Valley  5000 Van Nuys Blvd. Suite 420 Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 (818) 501-9200 tel (818) 501-1554 fax Update My Profile - Unsubscribe - Privacy Policy

OFFICIAL STATEMENT ON RUSSIAN CONTACTS

Above, proof that a painting commission was the topic, not the Trump campaign. Photo by Lori Thornhill.

Subject: Russian Contacts

OFFICIAL STATEMENT: Last year, I had repeated meetings with a Russian national. They had nothing to do with the Trump campaign, they only concerned an art commission. So if any Democrat whine-baby wishes to make an issue out of it, they can kiss my ass. Thank you.

✌✌✌✌✌✌✌✌✌✌✌✌✌✌✌✌

Reactions:

With all due respect, Armand: I would've let her fill out MY ballot.

OMG! I talked with her. Do I have to file some sort of affidavit with the Democrats?

So is that painting hanging in your Oval Office?

And, thanks to Michael Triggs for this:

Elvis Presley's "Way Down In The Jungle Room"

Above, the album cover, the booklet and promo insert. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yesterday, my cousin and I did some rummaging at CD Trader, the local record store who specializes in new and used vinyl LPs, CDs, DVDs and Blu-rays.

I picked up two CDs for listening while traveling in The Beast. One was Gordon Lightfoot's Complete Greatest Hits and the other was Elvis Presley's Way Down In The Jungle Room. I had previously mentioned about Way Down In The Jungle Room in this blog post. The recordings were made in Presley's Graceland den that later became known as The Jungle Room.

As mentioned, the two-disc album (released last year) are tracks from Presley's last two albums: From Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, Tennessee (1976) and Moody Blue (1977). Disc 1 is comprised of the master recordings from those albums and Disc 2 are the outtakes from them.

The set also includes a 23-page booklet about the two 1976 recording sessions these recordings are mainly from and his life at the time along with notes on each track.

It is an interesting album, particularly the outtakes. Elvis is listed as executive producer and Felton Jarvis is credited as associate producer.

My grade: A-.

Tarzana's El Paso Barbecue Now History

Above, El Paso Barbecue in Tarzana today. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A forty-year institution in Tarzana is now history.

El Paso Barbecue ceased business on February 26. The furnishings inside are now gone. The only thing left hanging on the walls inside was the Hopalong Cassidy movie poster that featured George Reeves in the credits.

Above, the Hopalong Cassidy movie poster. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today, my cousin Ralph and I went to lunch at Vip's Cafe in Tarzana. Afterwards, we headed over to CD Trader to rummage around. El Paso Barbecue is only two doors away and I noticed a "For Lease" banner in the restaurant's window after we parked. I then looked towards the entrance and saw the owner of the restaurant, Teddy, and walked over to him. He saw me and yelled, "Armando!" (My mom and I had been regular customers since 2000.)

Above, El Paso Barbecue in 2015. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Teddy told me that they lost their lease and he decided to retire now instead of waiting one or two years from now, as he originally planned.

I asked him if he is going to spend his days fishing and his response was, "No, just playing golf!"

We said our good-byes and parted ways. I then spoke to the head waiter. He is now looking for work. He worked at El Paso Barbecue for 35 years. As he is a nice guy and a good waiter, I gave him my contact information so he could use me as a reference.

Meanwhile, workers were cleaning out the restaurant and one was removing the tropical fish from the big fish tank that was mounting in one of the walls at a booth.

I will miss El Paso Barbecue. To me, they had the best barbecue beef briskets and steaks.

News From Graceland

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The Graceland Experience Discover the personal side of Elvis Presley with an interactive iPad tour of Graceland Mansion, hosted by John Stamos and featuring commentary and stories by Elvis and his daughter Lisa Marie. See where Elvis relaxed, played and spent time with family and friends. Graceland Tour Options See Elvis Presley's Memphis  A new, state-of-the-art entertainment and exhibit complex. Follow the path that Elvis took, surround yourself with the things that he loved, and experience the sights and sounds of the city that inspired him. Plus themed restaurants, gift shops and live entertainment. Learn More Stay at The Guest House at Graceland Located just a few steps from the gates of Graceland, The Guest House at Graceland features 430 spacious guest rooms plus 20 themed specialty suites. Every aspect of this new hotel reflects Elvis’ personal style and the unique character of Graceland. Book Now!

RV Guide To The 2017 Solar Eclipse

Above, The Beast at the West Entrance/Yellowstone KOA. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The general public is starting to catch on about the 2017 solar eclipse that will take place on August 21.

Many people who have an RV or plan to tent camp in the eclipse's path are already booking up campsites in the vicinity to view it.

The astronomy magazine, Sky & Telescope, has posted a "RV Guide To The 2017 Solar Eclipse". The guide tells what campgrounds that will be in the path of totality. I used to be a regular reader of Sky & Telescope when I took an astronomy class at California State University, Long Beach.

I lucked out when I found a campground in the vicinity that still had vacancies and immediately made my reservations. That was with the third campground I checked. The first two were already booked solid.

Sky & Telescope begins with:

Monday, August 21, 2017 is a day that’s probably already on the calendar of every amateur astronomer. It’s the day the Moon will completely eclipse the Sun, its shadow crossing the continental U.S. for the first time since 1979. The path of totality arcs across 14 U.S. states, and hotel spaces are already filling up. Taking an RV can provide a good alternative. 

If you’re planning on RVing your way to totality, be aware — you’ll need to do some planning well in advance! Eclipse chasers from all over the world will be arriving on the eclipse path in the days and weeks before and after the main event. So book plane tickets and rent RVs and campsites well in advance. Follow this RV guide to the 2017 total solar eclipse to plan for the big event.

I was considering a visit to Yellowstone National Park while I am up there, but with neighboring Grand Teton National Park being in the path of the total eclipse, it may not be a good idea as both parks will be packed with people. We'll see.

To read the guide, go here.

U.S. National Parks Set Attendance Records In 2016

Above, yours truly at Yosemite National Park last April.

U.S. national parks set attendance records in 2016. This is not surprising since the National Park Service was celebrating its centennial and that increased public awareness about the parks.

According to the Los Angeles Times:

Death Valley, Joshua Tree, Sequoia and Yosemite national parks all set attendance records in 2016 — as did the park system nationwide, recording more than 330 million visits during its centennial year. 

A new tally shows 330.97 million recreational visits to national parks last year, a 7.72% increase from the year before. 

The Find Your Park marketing campaign, designed around the 100th anniversary of the NPS’ creation, built on a five-year upswing in visitation nationwide, said Jeffrey Olson, a National Park Service spokesman.

To read more, go here. 

T + L: Yellowstone National Park Guide

Above, one of several geyser basins in Yellowstone National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

145 years ago today, Yellowstone National Park was established.

In commemoration of that anniversary, Travel + Leisure has posted a "Yellowstone National Park Guide".

It starts with:

Yellowstone, located in the northwest corner of Wyoming and spilling into Idaho and Montana, stands out among the country’s national parks due to its high level of geothermal activity. 

Although many have heard only of the legendary “Old Faithful” geyser, there is much, much more within Yellowstone National Park’s boundaries. Some 500 smaller geysers and thousands of hot springs, many of which are accessible to those unwilling or unable to hike into the backcountry, coupled with diverse wildlife and thousands of square miles of vast wilderness, make this park a must-see. 

Surrounded by mountain towns immediately to the north, east, and west, and bordered by Grand Teton National Park to the south, there is plenty to do not only within, but also around the park. And those who visit the park will also experience a bit of history: Established on March 1, 1872 by President Ulysses S. Grant, Yellowstone was the first national park in the world.

To read more, go here. 

10 Surprising Facts About Yellowstone National Park

Above, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There's one thing about Yellowstone National Park, it is a place that never gets boring and it has so many features that it begs for return visits.

I visited Yellowstone two years ago and I may do so again this summer while I am in the general area for the August 21 solar eclipse. The eclipse can be best seen in neighboring Grand Teton National Park.

History.com has posted an article listing ten things you may not know about Yellowstone National Park.

They begin with:

On March 1, 1872, President Ulysses S. Grant signed a bill establishing Yellowstone National Park. Spanning across parts of Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, the site has since become famous the world over for its breathtaking natural scenery and geothermal marvels such as the geyser “Old Faithful.” Below, explore 10 surprising facts about America’s first national park.

To find out what they are, go here. 

The Light At The End of The Tunnel

Above, the Ruger 10/22. Photo: Ruger.com.

The light at the end of the tunnel indicates that the long (since August) annoyance of having to turn in my firearms to the LAPD due to a temporary restraining order application is nearly over.

As indicated before, the application was done in revenge or retaliation over the impending (at the time) Small Claims Court lawsuit (that was heard on Hot Bench) and/or the fact that I was the one who ended all contact with my ex-fiancee, Denise Santos.

According to the Lucky Otters Haven:

When you reject a narcissist they are forced to confront their own emptiness and nothing scares them more than that.  They will fight tooth and nail to avoid it, even if it means they have to destroy you in the process.

Above, Denise Santos on Hot Bench.

Part of the temporary restraining order application stipulated that I had to turn in all my firearms to either a licensed dealer or to law enforcement until the matter was decided. Once it was decided (it was dismissed as I had ample proof that the "stalking" accusation was bogus), I got authorization from the California Department of Justice (DOJ) to retrieve them, except one. The one was my Ruger 10/22 rifle as it was not registered with the Automated Firearms System (AFS) since I bought it in the early 1980s before the AFS went into operation.

Since it is now registered, the DOJ gave me authorization to retrieve it and I have an appointment set for next week to do just that. The main problem had been the slow process with the DOJ and the AFS. One could not act until the other acted.

Despite all, working with both the detective handling the case and the property unit's manager has been a good experience. We're all now on first-name basis.

Once I retrieve it, the whole matter will be over and done with. 

Bob Shayne Is The King!

Above, Stephanie Shayne shows her dad's cane at the Superman plaque dedication in 2014. Photo by Steve Kirk.

Since we're now in March, it is fitting that the month's first blog post should be a Stephanie Shayne post, since it is her birthday month in ten days.

Stephanie Shayne has posted the second video of home movies on YouTube as "Shayne Movie 4".

In this one, Bob Shayne trades in his police inspector's hat for a crown (Holy Imperial Margarine!) and rules his back yard.

From Stephanie:

Christmas party 1966, Stephanie goes to the prom 1968, graduation from Cleveland High and Robert Shayne is the King of the Backyard!

Although much of this footage was taken about ten years after the final season of the Adventures of Superman, Bob Shayne looked as though he could step right back in the role of Inspector Henderson. Although the video is posted below, here's the YouTube link so you can go there and give it a thumb's up.

I wonder if any of Stephanie's classmates were stunned seeing Inspector Henderson running around with a movie camera?