WOTD: Gruenization
I just read the word gruenization on a blog post today. I couldn't quite figure out the meaning of this word, and it wasn't in any of the dictionaries that I examined. Later, I did a simple Google search for the word gruen and the results turned up something called the "Gruen Transer." Wikipedia defines the effect as "the moment when consumers respond to "scripted disorientation" cues in the environment." Specifically, it has to do with that confusing feeling that you get when you enter certain shopping environments.Link

RULES OF JAPAN #1: Obey Hello Kitty
I took this picture with my camera phone will riding the subway. She's saying "Abunai!" In English, this means danger. I'm pretty sure it is a warning to not get your fingers stuck in the train doors.

MAD MERCHANDISE OF JAPAN #4: The Alien Shrine of Nagakute
The center of all life in the quiet Nagoya suburb of Nagoya, Japan is the Apita department store. For no apparent reason, the third floor hosts an alien (from the Aliens saga) guarded by defunct Coke and candy machines.

MAD MERCHANDISE OF JAPAN #3: PET BEETLES
The kabutomushi, also known as the Japanese rhinocerus beetle, is a popular pet in Japan. When wandering around downtown Nagoya a few months ago, I found a little shop that sold only beetles. Inside the store some of the beetles were larger than my hand, and they sold for up to ¥20,000 ($200). Th

MAD MERCHANDISE OF JAPAN #2: Godzilla Plastic Food
Takayama, Japan, located in Gifu prefecture, is famous for the beauty of the Miyagawa River, its quaint narrow streets, and its exciting festivals. A niche industry that thrives in this four hundred year old community is Japan's plastic food market. Nearly all Japanese restau