In a small village of Nagoro, Japan. In the Iya Valley region of Tokushima Prefecture, Japan, on the island of Shikoku.
This tiny village is like any other village, except for one thing: it stands apart from the others. There are numerous human-like dolls that are stationed throughout it.
Credit: Unusual Places
The idea to put life-like dolls throughout the village came from a woman named Tsukimi Ayano. Her family was originally from the area, but they had moved out; however, her father still lived there at the time. So, she decided to move back to the small village located on Route 439 in the Iya Valley to look after her dad.
Credit: OffBeat Japan
However, when she returned to her hometown village, there was a noticeable decline in the number of townspeople who had left the area for one reason or another. By September 2019, the number of people living in the area had dwindled to as few as 27 people.
Credit: CNA
Tsukimi Ayano decided to create a doll that resembled her father and put it in a random place in the village. This inspired her to continue creating these life-like dolls, and she has since made approximately four hundred dolls. She has replaced those villagers who have left the area and is still going strong.
Credit: PennLive.com
This trend, created by Tsukimi Ayano, encouraged others who were left in the area to create dolls of their own. In September 2012, a school in the area shut down. The remaining townspeople then created dolls to fill the rooms in the school.
Credit: The Japanese Experience.Credit: Offbeat Japan
Until Next time!!!
Sources: Wikipedia, Japan Experience, Offbeat Japan, CNA, Unusual Places
Peaches n’ Cream Barbie made its debut in 1984. Although I never had this particular Barbie doll growing up. For some reason, I had the dress for the doll, but it had always been on my wish list. This doll was one of the best sellers of 1985. In part because of its catchy name, memorable dress, and its short commercial.
This Barbie was named after her peach-colored gown and cream-colored bodice.
This Barbie also came with some hair clips in a dark pink color. This doll was released in 2009 and most recently in 2025. The designer of the last two revamps of this doll is Bill Greening, and the packaging of the new boxes was Vicky Gevorkyan.
The latest relaunch was due in part to the Peaches ‘n’ Cream 40th anniversary of the original doll’s launch. It was only available for pre-order for about two days, and I was able to place my order within that timeframe. I’m super excited to finally have this doll.
I am not an avid Barbie collector, but I have always wanted this doll, and I took this opportunity to finally get it.
If you had a chance to buy a toy that you had always wanted. What would it be and why? Comment below!
Barnes & Noble recently announced that they are offering 50% off all Criterion Collection movies! Here are my top five wants:
Sorcerer, directed by William Friedkin (year: 1977, Spine Number 1267). and starring Roy Scheider and Bruno Cremer. I watched this earlier this year, and I wasn’t expecting much from it. However, there were moments in the movie where I was literally yelling at the screen.
Basquiat, directed by Julian Schnabel (year: 1996, Spine # 1260). Starring Jeffrey Wright and David Bowie. I watched this movie after reading one of my favorite books, “Widow Basquiat: A Love Story” by Jennifer Clement:
Ugetsu, directed by Kenji Mizoguchi (year: 1953, Spine number 309). Starring Masayuki Mori. This movie is haunting, and it feels as though you are part of the movie.
Fiend Without A Face Directed by Arthur Crabtree (Year: 1958, Spine Number: 92). I am a massive fan of 1950s Sci-Fi movies and anything that could conquer the masses in a weird form.
Jean de Florette/ Manon of the Spring: Two Films by Claude Berri. (year: 1986, Spine: 1257). This would be a blind buy for me. I have never watched any of Claude Berri’s films, but they look interesting, and I am a fan of Gerard Depardieu’s early work.
Hello everyone! I am back and writing once again. Here are five books I am planning to read this summer:
The Summer I Ate the Rich by Maika Moulite and Maritza Moulite: This read is interesting. It is about a girl who has untapped talent to harm those who hurt those she loves.
Everything is Now: The 1960s New York Avant-Garde–Primal Happenings, Underground Movies, Radical Pop.. by J. Hoberman. 1960’s New York was one of those hub decades that had a lot of new writing, art, and movie movements and themes. The link to buy is here:
True Crime Japan: Thieves, Rascals, Killers and Dope Heads: True Stories From a Japanese Courtroom by Paul Murphy. Real-life courtroom tales from Japanese Courtrooms!
What I am currently reading is this:
Us Fools by Nora Lange. It is about two sisters living in the Midwest during the 1980s during the farming crisis.
What books are on your summer reading list? Comment below!
The first time I watched Tales from the Darkside was when I started subscribing to Shudder. I was flipping through the content and could not decide what I wanted to watch until I saw the name of the TV series. Tales from the Darkside. I was wondering if this is a new series. I have heard of Tales from the Crypt, but I have never heard of Tales from the Darkside?
I watched the first couple of episodes of the series, such as “I’ll Give You A Million,”
The New Man ( a personal favorite)
I was hooked and watched every single episode I could. Fast-forward to this year, and I decided to revisit the series since I last watched it a couple of years ago.
Tales from the Darkside first aired on October 29, 1983, and was created by George A. Romero. Each episode mixes horror, magic, and dark comedy. Laurel Entertainment also produced one of my favorite movies, Creepshow (which was based on the EC Horror Comic):
Wanted to do something similar to Creepshow but without the comic book elements, and thus, Tales from the Darkside was born. This show had a fantastic array of writers involved, such as Stephen King, Clive Barker (one of my favorites), John Cheever, and Robert Bloch.
(The Yattering and Jack, written by Clive Barker).
Apart from the episodes, the show’s introduction is also very creepy. The combination of the deep voice that starts speaking within 10 seconds of the music playing and the scenic background creates an undercurrent of a peaceful calm before you see the chaos and darkness of the show. I am watching the series again and enjoying it as though I am watching it for the first time.
Some interesting facts about the show:
Tales from The Darkside: The Movie was made in 1990 and was directed by John Harrison
The show had four season and ran from 1983-1988.
The pilot episode was called “Trick or Treat” and aired in October 1983.
Which is your favorite episode of Tales from the Darkside? Comment below!!
Thank you to all of the stores that submitted their items! If you have any particular questions about any of the items below, contact that small business. These are all incredible small businesses from which to get a gift!
Greenwich Letterpress:
This is my favorite store, and they always have the best items ranging from cards to puzzles and this cute Lucy zip-around wallet.
“Emperor of the Moon is a LGBTQIA+, female-run business specializing in queer, witchy art and medieval-style stickers, prints, and stationary. In her art, shop owner Ashley Werlinich seeks to remix and rework medieval and Renaissance iconography into art that expresses queer joy and pop culture in a playful way.”
“This Space Cowboy print is sure to add a touch of Western flair and whimsy to your home. Like all of our prints, this piece is an archival quality giclee print, and is printed on high quality matte card stock, so it will stand the test of time.”
Upcoming sales: Stay tuned for our Black Friday/ Small business Saturday sale for great deals across all the items in our shop! If you want to be kept informed of all upcoming sales and promotions, follow @emperor.of.the.moon on Instagram or favorite the Etsy shop!
Shipping deadlines: Because many of our prints are printed and shipped on demand, we ask for you to allow two weeks for shipping around the holidays.
PALMTREEPRIESTESSSTAROT:
Do you want clarity in your life? Get a read from Jessica! To book a reading, contact her through her instagram at @palmtreepriestesstarot.
1 hour read is : $80
30 mins: $40
MovieJawn:
“MovieJawn is a writing collective dedicated to a love of film in print and online.”
“Annual MovieJawn Subscription
4 rad issues of everyone’s favorite print movie zine, delivered quarterly (March, June, September, December). Shipping included.”
“To receive the Winter print issue for Christmas – any order marked as a gift in notes section will include a card – orders will need to be placed by December 15.”
Tag Snapper Vintage:
” i sell vintage items, mostly clothing from the 80s and 90s, from my booth at a multi vendor vintage market in easthampton massachusetts called Keystone Vintage Market as well as online. the online presence can be found at https://www.depop.com/tagsnappervintage/ or on Instagram at @TagSnapperVintage
“a simpsons tshirt from 1998 depicting homer defending his desire to be affectionate towards his son while bart is completely grossed out. it appears to be not as common a vintage simpsons tee as some others out there as i can’t find many other representations of this design but i will always have a soft spot for earnest homer loving his family
shipping deadlines for holiday season definitely depend on the shipping carrier and i normally ship usps as it is normally the cheapest option but i will mail anything using whatever shipping method a customer wants as long as they’re okay with paying for a more expensive service! ideally an order should be placed a couple weeks in advance of when one would want the item to allow for holiday shipping delays in the mail system.”
Kerry Quinn’s Kitsch:
“Kerry Quinn’s Kitsch is a woman-owned, teeny-tiny greeting card business based in the suburbs of Los Angeles. Kerry predominantly works in watercolors and artist crayons. She is inspired by the beauty of California and her penchant for all things retro. All designs have been hand drawn, scanned, and printed digitally onto 80lb. cardstock.”
“We could all use a tipple at the holidays – and Santa is no different! This card features Ol’ Saint Nick finishing the dregs of his coupe. Available as a single card or a box of 8. Card measures 4.25″ x 5.5″. Kraft envelope included. All cards are blank inside. Free shipping on all orders. Place orders by December 16th for Christmas arrival.”
PMS:
“Is a series of hand made merch items – t-shirts, long sleeves, hoodies – that started from PMS – premenstrual syndrome, and takes as theme more broadly, the human body’s hormonal ups, and that make who we are. All shirts are made in Europe, and are had decorated with selfmade designs with either screen print or glitter transfer print. All cotton used organic, shirts are sweatshop free and fair trade. The project started in 2018 and has basically been set up without any starting budget from my bedroom (and continues to be organised at this scale ;)).”
“Here is one example of a shirt, but there are so many different designs I actually cannot choose! I love this one as so many different colours are used, the long sleeve is a perfect soft cotton, in a beautiful washed black.”
“Shipping deadline from Europe would be December 8th to make sure it is in time for the Xmas holidays.”
“I am organising a big xmas sale of glitter shirts in London on December 6th, at the boutique Twos Care: https://www.twos.care/info
LE PUZZ:
“Founded in 2021 Le Puzz is a fan favorite jigsaw puzzle company started by two friends with a bunch of silly ideas but serious ambitions to create the perfect puzzling experience. Le Puzz takes much of its inspiration from vintage jigsaw puzzles from the 60s, 70s and 80s. Welcome to your puzzle era!“
“The item I am selecting is this 5-pack of handmade badges which are all one of a kind mini collages and cut-outs from magazines/comics.”
“Shipping deadline is the 10th of December, 2024.”
PaintbrushInMyTea:
“I’m an illustrator from Cyprus, an island in the Mediterranean, and my shop stocks colourful products like greeting cards, prints, tote bags, calendars, planners, stickers and more. I also take on custom orders listed in my shop.”
“An item from my shop I’d like to promote is the custom pet portrait which is a digital download so no item is physically shipped . They are personalised, digitally illustrated portraits of people’s animals with a choice between 2 ready made backgrounds and they are emailed as A4 size (29.7 cm x 21 cm) ready for people to print and frame themselves! They can even print multiples if the pet(s) belongs to more than one household. Turnaround time depends on how many animals people have chosen so it could be between 2 to 5 days but still much faster than shipping. They also make for great surprise gifts. Here is the listing below, and I’ve attached an example.:
KIMKO:
“Kimko design creates colorful botanical illustrations inspired by nature. Her folk art inspired artwork adorns wall art, calendars, and wallpaper collections. Each piece brings the wonder of nature into your home. “
“The 2025 “Looking for the Magic” calendar – Life can be so hard at times. It can also be so beautiful. It is both simultaneously. I try to lean into those beautiful parts. I get outside every day and look for it. My calendar is a collection of all that magic just outside our front doors. It is a reminder to take the time to slow down and find the wonder. “
$32 / $3.5 shipping will be providing a “Thankful for You” sale from Nov 29 – Dec 1 on Etsy. All my art prints, holiday cards, and calendars will be discounted 20%.
Zodiac Film Club:
“Zodiac Film Club is a London-based cinema community, newsletter and independent programmer. With a focus on good-looking films, complex female characters and overlooked genres, we create a fun, friendly and irreverent space for watching, discussing and thinking about cinema.Our bookshop is a curated mixture of rare and vintage film books and new publications.”
“”The Zodiac Film Club x T A P E Collective calendar is here to provide all your aesthetically-pleasing, astrologically-themed film recommendations for 2025. Inside you’ll find a cinematic guide and watchlist for each astrological season, key astrological dates, and dreamy collages to brighten your wall. Proceeds go to supporting the curatorial work of both community cinema projects.”
Standard Delivery Christmas Shipping Dates:
US: 13th December Europe 12th December UK: 18th December”
Funhouse Media & More:
“Funhouse Media & More is here to scratch the itch and tickle the funny bone of pop culture weirdness with one of a kind novelties, movie memorabilia, music merch, and t-shirts with vintage aesthetics”
“You won’t find Cramps brand Canned Brains anywhere else! The perfect gift for any music lover or weirdo collector!
Orders placed by Dec 17 will arrive by Dec 25th”
Birignao Vintage:
“Birignao is now an online vintage shop selling designer and unsigned pieces, mainly made in Italy, and also antique garments, when luck strikes! I’ve grown into focusing on “details” that can make something a rarity and a little treasure to own. https://www.etsy.com/shop/birignao/?etsrc=sdt
One of my favourite items now available in the shop is this pair of Valentino Boutique purple satin shoes from Fall 1977 Ready-To-Wear collection, with rhinestones embellished heels. What makes this pair so special, beside their obvious beauty, is the fact that these shoes are a runway piece, and the model’s name is still visible on one of the soles. Also! After days and days of trying to document these beautiful shoes I managed to find a photo of a model wearing them in the runway backstage.
Shipping from Rome to the US usually takes upto 2 weeks, but as we all know it can take longer around the holidays. In order for gifts to arrive on time I’d suggest placing orders by the first days of December so that packages can be sent out before the end of that week. Shipping to the EU instead takes upto 1 week. I still suggest placing orders by the first week of December to avoid possible delays.
Speaking of sales, there’s a new round starting on friday, november 22nd on Etsy, lasting till the end of the month. More will follow, as I set sales on specific categories/groups of items at least once a month – I always suggest keeping an eye on Instagram: @birignaovintage as that’s where I announce them.
Fresh to Death Vintage:
“I am a woman-owned small business based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I sell vintage sustainable clothing- unisex sizes XS-5X. Aiming to combine amazing vintage quality and amazing style.”
Black Friday/Small Biz Sat/Cyber Monday Sale: Starts 11/28-12/3 30%off everything (automatic discount).
Holiday Sale 12/4-12/20 20% off everything (automatic discount)
US Shipping Deadline: 12/18
Intl Shipping Deadline: 12/10
The special item from my shop I’m sharing is this gorgeous 1950’s Silver Charm Bracelet, this one of a kind bracelet contains over 17+ unique charms collected by its original owner. Including an hourglass, poodle, scales, cameo charms and more:
Today’s movie of the day is Home for the Holidays (1995). Directed by Jodie Foster and starring Holly, Hunter, Anne Bancroft, Robert Downey Jr, Claire Danes, Dylan McDermott and Geraldine Chaplin.
It is about Claudia Larson (played by Holly Hunter), who recently got fired from her job and then takes a flight to Chicago to visit her family for Thanksgiving.
She decides to call one of her brothers during the flight to unburden herself on his answering machine of everything that has been going wrong for her. However, when she arrives back home, she is burdened with the chaos of her family and realizes that not everyone is planned out in life.
I watched this movie last year and have added it to my Thanksgiving movie watch list. It is one of those staple movies you must rewatch because of all the rushing and organizing of a holiday season. Watching something to take your mind off the season’s craziness is good.
What movies are on your Thanksgiving movie-to-watch list? Comment below!
On February 7, 1940, The movie Pinocchio premiered at the Center Theater in New York City.
Walt Disney wanted to create a memorable premiere for this second animated movie. So he hired eleven little people to dress up as small Pinocchinos to stand atop the Pinocchio movie marquee.
The eleven little people were given a day’s worth of food and wine to stay there and waved to the guests as they walked into the theatre. However, as the day grew by the afternoon, the area on top of the marquee was getting incredibly hot for the eleven people there. They drank a day’s worth of wine by that point. They ended up getting drunk, took off all of their clothes, and started yelling swear words at the adults and children who came to see the movie.
The police eventually had to come, and the eleven people were physically removed by the police, who put them in pillowcases to restrain them.
Does anyone else have any weird movie premiere stories? Comment below!!
In the spirit of Halloween, here are five horror movies based on actual events. Some movies on this list are on my favorite lists. Can you guess which ones?
Poltergeist (1982), directed by Tobe Hooper.
The Herrmann family, who lived in Seaford, New York, in 1958, had scary things to tell James, the patriarch when he came home from work one day. The children claimed to hear popping sounds all over the house. In addition, many cleaning products in their house are found without caps, and they are extremely hot when they come in contact with them. James called the police many times to investigate the weird occurrences at the house, which caused the stories about the house to become public knowledge. It caused such a commotion that Life Magazine made it their cover story.
Fire In The Sky (1993), directed by Robert Lieberman:
Based on a book by Travis Walton. Travis and his friends were hanging out one night when Travis was reported abducted by aliens.
The Entity (1982), directed by Sidney J. Furie:
The paranormal case in 1974 of Doris Bither is a book and movie that recounts her extremely terrifying experience of being sexually attacked by ghostly spirits or poltergeists.
Devil’s Pass (2013), directed by Renny Harlin:
This movie is based on the actual event of the Dyatlov Pass Incident ere, On Februay 1-5, 1959, nine hikers from the Soviet Union were in the Ural Mountains and passed away in unknown and eerie situations.
The Haunted (1991), directed by Darrah Cloud:
This 1991 made-for-TV movie is based on the Smurl family’s hauntings between 1974 and 1989. The family claimed a demon was haunting them.
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