Friday, September 30, 2011
10th Anniversary of First Japan Trip
by Armand Vaquer
Above, Armand with the Godzilla statue in Hibiya. Photo courtesy of Richard Pusateri.
Ten years ago this coming Halloween (October 31), I arrived at the United Airlines Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) terminal for my first trip to Japan. Up to that point, my only "foreign" travels consisted of automotive crossings of the Canadian and Mexican borders from the United States.
October 31 of 2001 was an uneasy time. The September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. were still fresh in peoples' minds. The National Guard posted armed (some say the rifles weren't loaded) guardsmen in airport terminals around the country. LAX was no exception. Security was (and still is) extremely tight at airports.
Above, Richard and Armand with Haruo Nakajima at the Tokyo International Film Festival. Photo courtesy of Richard Pusateri.
But, I wasn't about to let this heightened security stop me from making my first overseas visit to another country, even though my mother really didn't want me to go. As Japan is 17 hours ahead of Los Angeles time, I arrived at Narita Airport on November 1 (the International Dateline is crossed in the mid-Pacific).
The year before, fellow G-fan Richard Pusateri took a trip to Japan to see Godzilla x Megaguirus. After hearing his tales of adventure and grand time he had upon his return, I got the urge to go to Japan myself. Luckily, I was working as a temp at a Farmers Insurance claims office and security patrol at the time, so I was able to afford a Japan trip. All I had to do was to get a U.S. Passport, plane ticket and hotel reservations. In rapid order, all were obtained.
The 2001 Tokyo International Film Festival was featuring the premiere of Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-out Attack on November 3. So, I decided to time my visit for that. As it happened, Richard was also planning to attend and we met several times at Chili My Soul in Encino to plan the trip. At least I would know somebody while there (other familiar names and faces were also there, it turned out).
Since I was writing for G-FAN at the time, I was also able to obtain a press pass for the Godzilla screening. This allowed me access to the stage for the pre-movie festivities (below).
Following the movie, Richard and I rubbed shoulders with Haruo Nakajima, Hideyo Amamoto, Shogo Tomiyama and others.
Above, Godzilla prop at Toho Studios. Mothra rests nearby on a shelf. Photo courtesy of Richard Pusateri.
I was invited to take a V.I.P. tour at Toho Studios while in Japan and was able to invite Richard along. Fortunately, 2001 wasn't 2005, when Toho began demolishing the big pool and several of their old sound stages and facilities, so we were able to see the studio as it was when Eiji Tsuburaya and Ishiro Honda were making movies. One of the things we were greatly impressed with was Toho's old snack bar. It was like stepping back 40+ years in time. Unfortunately, the snack bar is now history. We were shown the studio by Executive Producer Shogo Tomiyama, spfx director Koichi Kawakita and Shozo Watanabe of Toho International following lunch in Hibiya.
For my first visit to Japan, I decided to stay at a ryokan (Japanese inn) to see what it would be like. It was an enjoyable experience (plus the room was cheaper in price). The ryokan was the Hotel Fukudaya in the Shibuya ward of Tokyo. The Tokyo International Film Festival would be screening the Godzilla movie at Orchard Hall in the Bunkamura in Shibuya, within walking distance.
Above, Godzilla entertains attendees of the film festival. Photo by Armand Vaquer.
The Hotel Fukudaya was also a couple of blocks away from a Denny's Restaurant (it was a surprise seeing Denny's in Japan). While I like Japanese food, I prefer to have a western-style breakfast. Denny's came in handy for that.
Above, Atami, Japan. Photo by Armand Vaquer.
My wanderings in Tokyo on that first trip included Ginza, Hibiya, the Imperial Palace, Tokyo Tower, the National Diet Building, Harajuku, Zojo-ji Temple, Shibuya, Shinjuku and Nakano (where I bought a few things from the Mandarake store). Outside of Tokyo, I visited Atami and some areas near Mt. Fuji. After all, I just had to include some Shinkansen (bullet train) traveling experience on the trip!
I also visited the HMV video and record store in Shibuya to see the Godzilla and Baragon filming suits from GMK on display.
One thing that was not planned was a 24-hour flu bug I caught. Thank goodness it only affected roughtly one day of the trip. Since then, I make sure I take Vitamin C tablets every day for about two weeks before a trip and continue taking them during the trip. (I have been back to Japan five more times and have not gotten sick since I started the Vitamin C regimen. This is a word to the wise!)
Above, with Shogo Tomiyama (far left) and Koichi Kawakita (far right) at Toho Studios. Photo courtesy of Richard Pusateri.
Besides the jaunts around Tokyo, Mt. Fuji and Atami, I attended an after-premiere dinner party at a Chinese restaurant in Nakano that included Kenpachiro Satsuma and Hiroko Sakurai. It was interesting riding shotgun in a taxi on a rainy night as the driver zig-zagged through traffic (Japanese cars have the driver on the right, just as in England) on Tokyo's side streets to get to the dinner party.
Above, the Nijubashi Bridge at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.
This was the trip that started me on the kaiju location article series for G-FAN and, eventually, The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.
For me, it was a memorable trip and a highly enjoyable one. I decided then that I would re-visit Japan as often as time (and the ol' wallet) will allow. It is hard to believe that ten years has already passed since this trip. The next time I traveled to Japan was with the first G-TOUR in August 2004. I've returned there four more times (2005, 2006, 2007 and 2010).
Above, Armand with the Godzilla statue in Hibiya. Photo courtesy of Richard Pusateri.Ten years ago this coming Halloween (October 31), I arrived at the United Airlines Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) terminal for my first trip to Japan. Up to that point, my only "foreign" travels consisted of automotive crossings of the Canadian and Mexican borders from the United States.
October 31 of 2001 was an uneasy time. The September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. were still fresh in peoples' minds. The National Guard posted armed (some say the rifles weren't loaded) guardsmen in airport terminals around the country. LAX was no exception. Security was (and still is) extremely tight at airports.
Above, Richard and Armand with Haruo Nakajima at the Tokyo International Film Festival. Photo courtesy of Richard Pusateri.But, I wasn't about to let this heightened security stop me from making my first overseas visit to another country, even though my mother really didn't want me to go. As Japan is 17 hours ahead of Los Angeles time, I arrived at Narita Airport on November 1 (the International Dateline is crossed in the mid-Pacific).
The year before, fellow G-fan Richard Pusateri took a trip to Japan to see Godzilla x Megaguirus. After hearing his tales of adventure and grand time he had upon his return, I got the urge to go to Japan myself. Luckily, I was working as a temp at a Farmers Insurance claims office and security patrol at the time, so I was able to afford a Japan trip. All I had to do was to get a U.S. Passport, plane ticket and hotel reservations. In rapid order, all were obtained.
The 2001 Tokyo International Film Festival was featuring the premiere of Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-out Attack on November 3. So, I decided to time my visit for that. As it happened, Richard was also planning to attend and we met several times at Chili My Soul in Encino to plan the trip. At least I would know somebody while there (other familiar names and faces were also there, it turned out).
Since I was writing for G-FAN at the time, I was also able to obtain a press pass for the Godzilla screening. This allowed me access to the stage for the pre-movie festivities (below).
Following the movie, Richard and I rubbed shoulders with Haruo Nakajima, Hideyo Amamoto, Shogo Tomiyama and others.
Above, Godzilla prop at Toho Studios. Mothra rests nearby on a shelf. Photo courtesy of Richard Pusateri.I was invited to take a V.I.P. tour at Toho Studios while in Japan and was able to invite Richard along. Fortunately, 2001 wasn't 2005, when Toho began demolishing the big pool and several of their old sound stages and facilities, so we were able to see the studio as it was when Eiji Tsuburaya and Ishiro Honda were making movies. One of the things we were greatly impressed with was Toho's old snack bar. It was like stepping back 40+ years in time. Unfortunately, the snack bar is now history. We were shown the studio by Executive Producer Shogo Tomiyama, spfx director Koichi Kawakita and Shozo Watanabe of Toho International following lunch in Hibiya.
For my first visit to Japan, I decided to stay at a ryokan (Japanese inn) to see what it would be like. It was an enjoyable experience (plus the room was cheaper in price). The ryokan was the Hotel Fukudaya in the Shibuya ward of Tokyo. The Tokyo International Film Festival would be screening the Godzilla movie at Orchard Hall in the Bunkamura in Shibuya, within walking distance.
Above, Godzilla entertains attendees of the film festival. Photo by Armand Vaquer.The Hotel Fukudaya was also a couple of blocks away from a Denny's Restaurant (it was a surprise seeing Denny's in Japan). While I like Japanese food, I prefer to have a western-style breakfast. Denny's came in handy for that.
Above, Atami, Japan. Photo by Armand Vaquer.My wanderings in Tokyo on that first trip included Ginza, Hibiya, the Imperial Palace, Tokyo Tower, the National Diet Building, Harajuku, Zojo-ji Temple, Shibuya, Shinjuku and Nakano (where I bought a few things from the Mandarake store). Outside of Tokyo, I visited Atami and some areas near Mt. Fuji. After all, I just had to include some Shinkansen (bullet train) traveling experience on the trip!
I also visited the HMV video and record store in Shibuya to see the Godzilla and Baragon filming suits from GMK on display.
One thing that was not planned was a 24-hour flu bug I caught. Thank goodness it only affected roughtly one day of the trip. Since then, I make sure I take Vitamin C tablets every day for about two weeks before a trip and continue taking them during the trip. (I have been back to Japan five more times and have not gotten sick since I started the Vitamin C regimen. This is a word to the wise!)
Above, with Shogo Tomiyama (far left) and Koichi Kawakita (far right) at Toho Studios. Photo courtesy of Richard Pusateri.Besides the jaunts around Tokyo, Mt. Fuji and Atami, I attended an after-premiere dinner party at a Chinese restaurant in Nakano that included Kenpachiro Satsuma and Hiroko Sakurai. It was interesting riding shotgun in a taxi on a rainy night as the driver zig-zagged through traffic (Japanese cars have the driver on the right, just as in England) on Tokyo's side streets to get to the dinner party.
Above, the Nijubashi Bridge at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.This was the trip that started me on the kaiju location article series for G-FAN and, eventually, The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.
For me, it was a memorable trip and a highly enjoyable one. I decided then that I would re-visit Japan as often as time (and the ol' wallet) will allow. It is hard to believe that ten years has already passed since this trip. The next time I traveled to Japan was with the first G-TOUR in August 2004. I've returned there four more times (2005, 2006, 2007 and 2010).
Slink + Gawk + HelaMiyo
Colors, many colors for the new bodysuits by Gawk and the incredible mesh boots by Slink. The pack with 5 sexy poses is called "Ankles Action" by HelaMiyo and it gives special attention to legs and feet, plus mirroed poses included (I'm showing only 2 poses). Check it out!
Skin - IrEn "Nina" (red matte lipstick tattoo) *NEW*
Bodysuit - Gawk! Simple Cotton Body *NEW*
Cabelo / Hair - Analog Dog "Baby" - FREE - (bolhas na land / bubbles in the land)
Poses - HelaMiyo :: Poses Ankles Action (Jewelry Fair 2011 promo)
Etsy Finds Friday - Terry Myhren of Potmaker
It's *♥*Etsy Finds Friday*♥*
Today I am featuring the
Fine Art Jewelry
Created by:
Terry Myhren
of Potmaker
In the Artist's Own Words:
About thirty-five years ago, while working in the super market, a tall hippy looking guy came through my check out line and I asked him what he did for a living? He said, "I make pots and sell them at the swap meet on the weekends." He didn't realize it at the time but he planted a seed in my mind and from there I bought some clay, took it home, and began to make pinch pots on the kitchen table. From there I was inspired to take a class for a year and it has been a labor of love ever since. Most of my learning has taken place just by making pots and trying to be a little better each year. That burning desire that I had at the beginning is still a driving force to this day and making pots for me is a joy, a challenge, and it's something I love and will continue to do until I can't make pots anymore. :) My ultimate goal has always been to make useful, beautiful pottery for the average purchaser and that has stood the test of time.
Tall Colorful Vase With Grapes, Butterfly, Dragonfly and Flowers
This vase would make a great gift for a friend, yourself, or even a fellow worker. It's a piece of pottery anyone would be glad to receive and place in their home. It was hand thrown on the potters wheel, hand carved designs and carefully glazed in order to bring out all the beautiful colors that you see above. A thing of beauty indeed!!
What a beautiful bud vase this is! The detail is amazing and the colors are deep and rich to look at. This cute vase can hold water up to the first cutout so having live flowers in there is no problem. It would look great on the kitchen table, not taking up too much room whatsoever. It would be a warm gift to a friend or a family member, especially if they love pottery.
Bowl
This is a great bowl for salsa, cereal, hot soup, chlli, and candy dish. It was fired to a high temperature in a gas kiln and glazed with a soft green semi-matt glaze. The raw clay adds to a pleasant contrast with the flower design. A very useful piece of pottery it is.
Beautiful Mosaic Coffee Mug
Wow! This mug will be sure to be an eye catcher on the table. It is very colorful, is well balanced for the hand, has a thumb rest on top for easily lifting the mug, and can be used in the dishwasher and microwave oven as well. I threw this mug on the potters wheel and hand carved the mosaic design, making it easily a one of a kind mug. What a gift this would be! It was also fired twice in a gas kiln and allowed to cool slowly which give added strength to the mug.
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(¸.•´ (¸.•` ♥ Thank you for stopping by for my Etsy Finds Friday post!! Please stay tuned for next Friday's Find... It could be YOU! :) Happy Friday!!
~Trina
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Spend Your Halloween With Sasquatch!
ANIMAL PLANET’S FINDING BIGFOOT RETURNS TO THE WOODS TO INVESTIGATE SASQUATCH’S ORIGIN IN HALLOWEEN SPECIALSource: Animal Planet
This fall, the Bigfoot Field Research Organization (BFRO) team from Animal Planet's FINDING BIGFOOT trudges deep into California's Redwood forest to investigate one of the most infamous and disputed pieces of Bigfoot evidence ever - the Patterson-Gimlin footage. Premiering Sunday, October 30, at 9 PM (ET/PT), the two-hour special FINDING BIGFOOT: BIRTH OF A LEGEND takes viewers to the site where the notorious footage was captured to investigate the elusive beast's existence and settle the more than 50-year-old debate originated by the tape.
Outfitted with the latest technology, including night-vision and infrared cameras, the BFRO team also scours the Redwoods to uncover additional evidence of the presence of Sasquatch. With more Bigfoot signals discovered in the Redwoods than anywhere else in North America, each broken branch or peculiar noise could mean a Squatch is lurking nearby.
Prior to the debut of the special, the BFRO team will make an appearance at this year's New York Comic Con convention. On Friday, October 14, at 6:30 PM, the entire cast -- Bobo, Cliff, Matt and Ranae - will debunk Bigfoot myths with a special sneak preview of the BIRTH OF A LEGEND special. Following the sneak peek, the team will discuss its Squatchin' experiences from the show and share years of Bigfoot knowledge and research on a panel.
In FINDING BIGFOOT, a four-person team from the BFRO -- a leading scientific research organization exploring the Bigfoot/Sasquatch mystery -- investigates Sasquatch sightings by interviewing locals, examining evidence and infiltrating the woodlands and forests in places where Bigfoot has been reported.
The History Of Dinosaur Cinema Explored In The BBC's REX APPEAL
Written By: Ken HulseySources: BBC / Radio Times
The BBC has gone absolutely prehistoric with a new documentary about dinosaurs in the movies called "Rex Appeal". The hour-long special covers everything from "Gertie" to "Godzilla" with a collection of clips from the dino films that made all of our Saturday afternoons growing up all that more special.
Here is the scoop from the BBC:
From the beginnings of film-making to the triumph of Jurassic Park - the dinosaur has always been a movie star. Over 60 minutes, BBC4's Rex Appeal takes a bite out of the Cretaceous cinema and reveals the truth about T-Rex.
It's a story that stretches from the charming cartoon apatosaurus Gertie (1914), to the vicious and cunning velociraptors of Spielbrerg's imagination.
But it's not all teeth and trashing city centres - as our critics explain, dinosaur movies are always about more than just dinosaurs. The 'nature finds a way' DNA argument in Jurassic Park directly mirrored the arguements about GM crops in the early 90s. Godzilla - the radioactive-breathed dinosaur emerged from the seas of Japan just nine years after the nuclear attack on Hiroshima. King Kong and his dinosaur pals on Skull Island have sparked a million film school theories.
Of course, not all dino dramas are so high minded - in the Hammer film One Million Years BC, the audience were just as fascinated with Racquel Welsh's fur tops as they were with the Triceratops. Despite Hammer's claim that 'This is the way it was', the science was a little dubious- the last dinosaur died 64 million years before the first modern human appeared.
Whatever cultural anxieties dinosaurs represent, they've always been a cinematic spectacle that has thrilled audiences on a instinctual level - with each new breakthrough in special effects giving us ever more real Rex's.
Willis O'Brien gave us the legendary Kong v Rex fight that taught us to love Kong, Ray Harryhausen invented 'dinomation' and put dinosaurs and cowboys together in The Valley of Gwangi. And since the 90s - CGI has banished the man in the dino suit, and made prehistoric protagonists are more real than ever.
Contributors include film critics James King and Kim Newman, science broadcaster Adam Rutherford, comedian Susan Calman and broadcaster and film historian Matthew Sweet.
In conjunction with the broadcast of "Rex Appeal" the Radio Times in the UK has released their own list of the top 10 dinosaur films of all-time. It's a decent list but I would yank out "The Land Before Time" and insert "The Valley of Gwangi" but to each their own. You can check out the list HERE
"Rex Appeal" airs again on Sunday (October 2nd) on BBC 4
Just When You Thought It Was Safe To Go Back In The Casino! Universal Monsters Invade MONSTER JACKPOTS
Written By: Ken HulseySource: WMS
I grabbed this little story off a press release about new slot machines that will be featured at the Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas next week.
Slot machine manufacturer WMS has just come out with a new game that will feature the classic Universal monsters Dracula, Frankenstein, The Mummy, The Wolfman and The Creature From The Black Lagoon.
As many of you out there probably already know, I have spent many an hour in Vegas parked in front of the Creature From The Black Lagoon slot machine (photo left) dropping in my hard-earned money ....and loosing it. Regardless of my unlucky ways I always loved playing the game due to the wonderful graphics and animations. This new game promises more of the same so it would be safe to assume that when it comes out I will be dropping a twenty into it hoping that Lady Luck will finally smile on me.
Here is a brief description of Monster Jackpots from the press release:
Monster Jackpots: This new theme is the first game from WMS that features the classic Universal Studios Monsters(TM) such as Frankenstein, Dracula, Invisible Man, The Wolf Man, The Mummy, Creature from the Black Lagoon and Bride of Frankenstein in unique base games and bonus rounds. In the free spin bonus round, players select their own volatility level to try to capture Monsters and win a large jackpot. (initial approvals anticipated in the June 2012 quarter)
WMS also makes a kick-ass looking Star Trek slot machine called STAR TREK Battlestations. You can check that out HERE.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Vintage Gift
Pretty gifts for September at Has Been. There are two gifts for this month, I'm showing only one of them now. The store is also giving great gifts all months, and also many sales *~* Very different from other store groups that only promise periodic gifts and at the end, only give a trashy item - with limited features - after a long time, cof cof... Well, hope you like this cute gift! ^^
Dress - Has Been - Group Gift (Adesão de L$100 / Joining fee of L$100)
Skin - Iren "Nina" *NEW*
Glasses - Filthy
A Little Bit of Nature and a Little Bit of Fun!
Ok... I've said it before and will say it again, I'm officially hooked on Pinterest! I've found so many amazing things, interesting ideas and fun and beautiful artwork. Today I was thinking how wonderful it would be to visit some of the places in the photographs I've pinned in my "Let's Go on Vacation" Pinboard... (Maybe someday... I can dream anyway!) And then I was thinking how absolutely incredible some of the nature shots I've pinned are! Nature is amazing! Anyway, I thought I would share a few of my Pins here with you.
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(¸.•´ (¸.•` ♥ I'll start with this fun and festive idea. These would make fun decorations to brighten up a patio, or a party and they are so easy to make! I thought this was a fun way to re-purpose old denim jeans, cute!
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(¸.•´ (¸.•` ♥ Moving on to nature... I love humming birds, and have found some awesome shots of them. I thought this one was particularly beautiful!This one is a cool shot, isn't it?
A couple of cute baby animal pictures...
Oh dear... This little guy is getting a bit of a reprimand from Daddy!
Isn't this an amazing Sand Sculpture?
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(¸.•´ (¸.•` ♥ Thank you so much for visiting today! I hope you enjoyed seeing these pictures, I enjoyed sharing them with you!! :)
~Trina
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
FREEBIE TIME!
HAIR: [Anaphora]_Miggs_Additionals
EARS: [Acide!] Fuck Love "GSP ROUND 6 PART 1"
TONGUE: [Acide] FU "GSP ROUND 6 PART 1"
NECKLACE: {*I <3 FashiOn*} Butterfly Set In exclusive For XYROOM "Start oct 1"
SWEATER: D R O P . GroupGift-Point Tee(gray)
BAGGY: LooP *KickOut Pants V2 / grey / male "GROUP GIFT"
SHOES: AKEYO ZUPRA
EARS: [Acide!] Fuck Love "GSP ROUND 6 PART 1"
TONGUE: [Acide] FU "GSP ROUND 6 PART 1"
NECKLACE: {*I <3 FashiOn*} Butterfly Set In exclusive For XYROOM "Start oct 1"
SWEATER: D R O P . GroupGift-Point Tee(gray)
BAGGY: LooP *KickOut Pants V2 / grey / male "GROUP GIFT"
SHOES: AKEYO ZUPRA
Iren: Nina (NEW!)
Nina is one of the newest faces of Iren, she's a beauty queen with a face that fits either a girly shape or an adult one. I'm in the "middle" of it, hehe. Nina is very versatile, she has many make-ups in tattoo layer so you can mix and match the way you like.
The pack includes: 3 eyeliners, 3 lip gloss, 2 red lipsticks (glossy/matte), 3 eyebrow colors, 3 blushes, 2 variatons of freckles, 4 eyeshadows and 2 cleavage versions. There are 5 skin tones and here I'm showing the Medium tone. There's a discount of 30% for group members with the group tag activated in the time of the purchase. Here I'm showing my mix and match of make-ups, to wear multiple layers I recommend Firestorm Viewer but you can still enjoy the single layers in viewers like Phoenix. And, of course, you can still enjoy the pretty Nina's make-up in other skins too! So, let's go to the photos and of course, the demos at the store ;)
Base Skin
1) Blush "Tan" + Eyeshadow "Retro"
2) Eyeliner "Twiggy" + Freckles
3) Eyeshadow "Mother Earth" + Freckles 2 + Minimal Gloss
1) Eyeshadow "Marmaid" + Blush "Winter Burned" + Lip gloss "Pink"
2) Eyeshadow "Smoke" + Red lips "Gloss"
3) Eyeliner Lashes + Red Lips "Matte"
Necklace - Izzie's "Bead Necklace" *NEW*
Hair - Aoharu
(AMD) New Skin: Catalina
Catalina is the newest face by Apple May Designs (AMD), the young and cute face has glossy pouty lips and a well defined body and skin texture. The make-ups are very soft and natural. There are 4 make-ups in 7 skin tones to choose from. Visit the store and try the demos!
(AMD) Catalina - Carmel - Starbust *NEW*
Hair - Truth
Lingerie - TGIS "Dahlia Blanc"
The Magic of a Changing Season
It's Treasury Tuesday!
The leaves are beginning to change colors, it's so pretty in the fall!
The temperatures are cooling down, it's magical outside!
Happy Autumn!
Picked by Trina's Clay Creations
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(¸.•´ (¸.•` ♥ Thank you for visiting today, wishing you a day full of Autumn colors!
~Trina
