What Possessed Me?

I foraged through all the junk on my kitchen table and discovered my little red pouch full of discount cards. Thus, I was able to trek out to Costco to buy some much needed kerosene. (Couldn't you just go somewhere closer to get your kerosene? Yes, but they don't serve rotisserie chicken.) On the way there, I popped into a BookOff and, much to my surprise, found a Puffy CD that I don't have. (Aside: I just popped out to the car to grab the CD. Inside is a Collectors Card! Oh no, another obsession!)

 The card in question!

This video may not be available in your country, so just Google "Tokyo, I'm on my Way". Then sing along!

I just happen to pass a cinema on the way so I checked out what's playing. The timing was right, so I sat down and watched The Conjuring: Last Rites. It was on an X screen, the largest of the screening rooms and I had to pay a little extra for it. But you get to see it on three screens simultaneously (sometimes). It's not a bad effect, though I would have liked the shaky seats and squirting mist/water one gets with 4DX. Imagine getting sprayed with Holy Water all the time!

 

The translation of the title of the movie in Japanese (死霊館 最後の儀式 Shiryokan Saigo no Gishiki) is "The Last Ritual of the Dead Museum" which seems like overkill.

 

 You don't need to see the previous movies (I've seen 2/3 & Annabelle), but it helps.

Not a bad movie, I was confused at times by the characters, perhaps I wasn't paying close enough attention. Otherwise, a pretty good flick with one good jump scare and a few great effects.

I flagged down an usher in the lobby to snap my photo. I wish I weren't so rushed and I would have tilted my head properly.

 Here are a few more of the posters and displays in the lobby.

Oh is that about Justin Bieber?

Unfortunately Tron Ares is only shown in English at inconvenient times, it would be terrific in 4DX. Alas, it's only in Japanese with no subtitles.

I also picked up a flyer for Wicked 2, Back to Ozu (or whatever it's called). I'm annoyed that we have to wait until MARCH 2026 for it!!

 

I went to a Game Center on the way home, do you find this surprising? One of the commenters (I've linked to him before, Deadpan Flook) on my Labubu blog entry mentioned that they remind of Monchichi from the 80s. I said that they are still around and for proof...

 

I would like one of these dolls in my possession, but they're a little out of my price range.

I think that is Annabelle!

 

I also popped into another BookOff and found a movie pamphlet (I'll showcase it tomorrow). But within the Exorcist pamphlet were these two pages ripped out of a newspaper or something. It gives you some insight into some of the Exorcist special effects. 

 

Eda-mame soup! 

 

 

Since we're on the topic of possession.Today's Oni looks like a little boy, but is nastier than most.

The kanji to the right up there (天邪鬼 amano jaku) means "Evil Spirits".
 

A quick comic that is sort of related to the above:

Before I go to bed, I'd like to wish to those who celebrate, "Happy Back to the Future Day!"

 

And the heartiest of Congratulations to the Blue Jays who enter the World Series for the first time since !93!

 See ya tomorrow.

Looping With Lupin.

You know, I never knew that the Monkey Majik boys sang a version of Lupin III. Sing along:

So here he comes, right on time
And he has class, 'n quite a style
All of his own and they all know him
As Lupin, the third

He walks the line, one fine line
Though danger lies, he'll be just fine
He's here today but gone tomorrow
He's Lupin, the third

All his life has been
One roller coaster ride of dreams
No time for looking back
Never regretting that
His smile is all that he can leave behind

And there he goes, nice and slow
Wish he would stay, another day
So we can dance, darkness away
My Lupin, the third

All his life has been
One roller coaster ride of dreams
No time for looking back
Forgetting who or what
His song is all that he can leave behind

On silent nights, I hear him still
Whistling a tune, I know so well
Gun in hand, rose in another
He's Lupin, the third

So let's take a look at some of the vehicle Lupin & pals ride around in, shall we.

These beauties are courtesy of Roots coffee. I'm kind of disappointed I didn't get the first series now (but to be honest, I'm not a big fan of canned coffee...I usually give the cans away!) Forgive the choices of music, I didn't make 'em, I only offer up the sweet anime-ted goodness.

These 4cm-long modes of travel include really big heads as well.

Since I mentioned them earlier, may I reiterate all that the Monkey Majik boys have done for the relief effort? Kudos to one and all. Btw, here is a pic of BJ, former Blue Jay and current Rakuten Eagle, Randy Ruis and I enjoying a silly moment.