A new decade is here and my journal has been resurrected to document its epicness. But first, I must write about my adventures in the land of the rising sun. For the past few weeks I've been lost in translation, immersing myself in the sights, sounds and tastes of Japan. It would prove to be one of my favorite holidays...and not only because it introduced me to the awesomeness that is Gackt. Japan is, quite possibly, the most civilized, advanced nation on Earth. It was neat to have a brief glimpse into the future:
Vintage Advertisements
Oui Magazine:
(Rolling Stone issue 196, September 1975)
(Rolling Stone issue 196, September 1975)
Eldridge of Paris Fall Collection:
(Rolling Stone issue 197, October 1975)
(Rolling Stone issue 197, October 1975)
Polaroid:
(Rolling Stone issue 200, November 1975)
(Rolling Stone issue 200, November 1975)
Toyota campaign:
(Rolling Stone issue 199, November 1975)
(Rolling Stone issue 201, December 1975)
(Rolling Stone issue 199, November 1975)
(Rolling Stone issue 201, December 1975)
Christmas is Coming...
Christmas is fast approaching and I can't think of a better gift to give (or receive) than the newly released 2010 Winnipeg Animal Services Calendar designed by Oblada Creative! More than just a pretty thing to hang on the wall, the piece serves a dual purpose by also acting as a guidebook for dog owners including training tips, information on local veterinarians, and a list of the best Winnipeg-area places to take your pooch for a stroll.
Sure, you can get a free calendar from your insurance broker but all proceeds from this one benefit the dogs at the pound. For this reason, I feel it will be the best $10.00 you've ever spent. Guaranteed.
The calendar is available for purchase at Winnipeg Animal Services located at 1057 Logan Avenue.
Rad!
This is actually pretty clever. Alternative rock band Weezer has found a new way to market themselves and increase sales of their new album 'Raditude' by partnering with the makers of the Snuggie to sell a branded version of the infamous backwards robe that comes with a free CD:
Yes, this is a real commercial. I think it's a brilliant marketing ploy that has resulted in the type of media exposure you simply can't buy these days. On another note, I am the proud owner of a knock-off Snuggie that I obtained at Liquidation World. It's tiger print and it is fabulous. I feel so majestic when I wear it...like a wizard. A wizard that can concoct a mean grape Kool-aid.
Officially the Last Halloween Post...Maybe
Even though Halloween is winding down, this is too awesome to not post. I think I'm in love:
Happy Halloween!
As a child of the 80s, my costume is all about Michael Jackson this year. I'm a little old for trick-or-treatin' but I will totes moonwalk for a handful of miniature Caramilk bars:
1 Night 'til Halloween
Over the past two weeks, we've posted some truly terrifying subject matter as we counted down the nights until All Hallows Eve. With only one (restless) sleep left until the ghosts, ghouls and goblins are unleashed, we look at some other websites that will give you the heebie-jeebies:
• Frightbytes.com
• CavernsofBlood.com
• GhostVillage.com
• BadClown.com
• HauntedPortraits.com
• Classic Horror Movies
• Classic Horror Literature
• BlueBombers.com
2 Nights 'til Halloween
Meet Arthur Brown - Singer. Poet. Voodoo shaman. This video is infinitely more terrifying than 'Thriller':
3 Nights 'til Halloween
I have never personally seen a ghost, but I am quite open to the belief of their existence. Several people in my circle who would never, EVER admit to seeing one have confided about paranormal experiences that they have no logical explanation for. One tale involves a notoriously haunted church in St. Andrews, Manitoba.
Back in 1967, Donald* and several of his teenage cohorts decided (on a dare) to make their way to the church to possibly witness the strange phenomena firsthand. After entering late at night to nothing more than empty pews, the boys eased their fears by cracking jokes and engaging in adolescent mischief...but the jovial atmosphere was shortlived. The sound of footsteps emanated from the stairwell near the only door. Creeping closer, the group of teenage boys made a dash for the exit but as they did so, a "haze" filled the air which was later described as "grayish-white" in appearance and "odorless". After safely exiting, they realized that a getaway would not be easy - all four tires on the automobile used to get to the church that dark, starless night were slashed. Cruel joke? Or just another haunting at St. Andrews parish? There are things in this universe that we as humans aren't meant to know. But we can believe.
*Name has been changed for privacy.
4 Nights 'til Halloween
I have always been somewhat of a night owl. I enjoy staying up until the wee hours of the morning reading a book or listening to the radio. One late-night program that I rarely miss is Coast-to-Coast AM. Hosted by George Noory, the talk show covers a variety of topics ranging from politics to the supernatural. For those less inclined to stay up until 5:00am, there is also a podcast available.
Some of the best shows on Coast-to-Coast AM have to do with Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP). EVP are speech or speech-like sounds that are inaudible during initial recording but detectable upon playback. One of the most interviewed guests on this fascinating subject are members of the Ghost Investigators Society. Listening to a few of the sample EVP recordings on their website is better than caffeine for keeping one wide awake...but side effects may include trembling, paranoia and involuntary urination. Boo.