July 2009
The Archives
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07.24.09Listen up ladies, there’s a new anti-aging treatment!Who knew the secret to looking young was a nice long soak in Franzia? Okay, so that's not exactly what the Japanese are doing. They have taken inspiration from Western Spas and created liquid bath salts that contain wine to help tighten the skin, the product is called Spavino. Still, maybe there is an at home substitution that would work just as well.
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07.24.09High Tech Vending Machines Coming! U.S. streets could be someday be cool!Coca Cola is rolling out a new line of vending machines, similar to the high tech vending machines of Asia. There new machines use "PurePour" technology, originally invented for pharmaceutical purposes along with RFID to dispense a dizzying array of beverage options. They are now being tested in Georgia and California, but look for new vending machines in your area very soon!
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07.14.09Brad Pitt’s a Butler in New Cell Phone AdBrad Pitt has cashed in on many Japanese commercials, and for this cell phone company's ad he plays a Sumo Wrestler (Musashimaru's) butler, and he doesn't do such a bad job. No wonder he wants a huge family, lots of kids to pick up after. We had the actual video, but it was taken down. Here's a snap of what it looked like.
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07.10.09Paintball Guns > Real Guns !!Oh please! Japanese police are really carrying paintball guns?!? What sorts of criminals are they trying to stop with those? Tip for future criminals: While attempting to steal an old ladies purse, remember to wear an old shirt so as not to stain your nice white tall tee.
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07.10.09Can I get some cream cheese with that?So, we have to admit, this one we don't particularly understand, but teenagers will do anything to be unique. The latest body mutation trend: bagelheads. Teenagers are actually injecting themselves with a saline solution to create lumps on their heads in the shape of a bagel. Thanks goodness the disfigurement only last about a day! Uh, if anyone has any insight as to WHY this is a popular thing to do please let us know....
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07.10.09The Bellevue Bar Has Been Named!Thanks to the great participation in our Name our Bar Competition we have finally chosen a proper name for our Bellevue Bar. Nomu Lounge is the new name and it means "to drink" in Japanese. We actually received this entry from 5 different guests, and we are pleased to announce that Vanessa Stusser was our Grand Prize winner! (Photo to Right) The 4 other winners are Lea Lo, Henry Torres, Sara Seumae and Myra Rivera! Thanks so much for your great ideas! One of the things we wanted was a name that our staff wasn't embarrassed to say, and one ...
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07.06.09Japan Mourns King of PopAll over the world people have been mourning Michael Jackson's sudden death. Japan was especially hard hit as many of the Japanese citizens were huge fans of American Pop Culture and Michael Jackson in particular. As news broke in Tokyo fans flocked to displays in music stores and purchased albums. Rest in Peace Michael!
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07.06.09Anime EXPO: LA 2009Over 40,000 people are expected to attend this year's 18th Annual Anime EXPO in Los Angeles this week. "The American market for Japanese anime-related products peaked in 2003 at $4.8 billion and has fallen ever since, to just $2.8 billion in 2007," but that doesn't mean the trend has died. (The Japan Times) Supporters of Anime are recruiting at universities, holding industry wide meetings, and honoring leading artists this week to keep the love of Anime alive. So if you missed the festivities a few months back in Seattle, it may be worth the drive to LA.
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07.06.09Japanese Street Style Spreads WestJapanese street style is now spreading to the UK. Followers have either been to Japan, or have always been interested in Japanese style, and now they are bringing the fame of the Harajuku Girl to the west. Is it us, or does it just seem more creepy when non Japanese people go for this look? http://tiny.cc/vknuL