Joe McGinniss's interview on the Today Show, and "Todd Palin's" written, not in person, response. Update!

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

And here is Todd's ghostwritten response:

"This is a man who has been relentlessly stalking my family to the point of moving in right next door to us to harass us and spy on us. He traffics in innuendo and falsehoods. A few years ago he interviewed members of Sarah's administration for a magazine article, and afterwards they said that he was the most disingenuous and intellectual dishonest writer they'd ever dealt with. He's spent the last year interviewing marginal figures with an axe to grind in order to churn out a hit piece to satisfy his own creepy obsession with my wife. I'd ask that people consider these facts when evaluating his latest lies." 

"I'd ask the fathers and husbands of America to consider our privacy when one summer day I found this guy on the deck of the rental property, just 18 feet away next door to us, staring like a creep at my wife while she mowed the lawn in her shorts, unbeknownst to her that he was prying. As well as our teenage daughters while they tried to enjoy our traditional Alaskan summer days outdoors. Joe's son told the media he advised his dad not to move from the East Coast to become our next door neighbor, but said his dad 'was just waiting for Todd to be out of the picture.' Sarah has never spoken to this intruder into our lives, our friends and family don't speak to him, so we have no idea where he would come up with content for his book. He was on our doorstep one day trying to make conversation with our son until Track cut the conversation short after discerning Joe's odd behavior, and I spoke to him one time when I saw him 18 feet away, just to find out who he was. He took that conversation and reported it to the media as me 'threatening' him."

Well this is clearly the work of somebody who is NOT Todd Palin.

The opportunity to write THIS kind of statement is exactly why Sarah made those "creepy" references about Joe when he first moved in next door. The idea was to create a meme that he was a pervert, and possible pedophile, in order to lay the groundwork to dismiss his book out of hand when it was finally published.

And if the book had come out only a few months after Palin's Facebook post, that might have worked like a charm.

The question is now with EVERYTHING that has been revealed about Palin in articles, books, Nick's movie, and the blogs, and how similar it all is, will that actually be enough to discredit McGinniss and keep his book from selling?

I think the answer to that is no.

By the way here is today's Doonesbury strip.

Update: Okay since everybody is asking for it, THIS is what Joe McGinniss would have seen if he had actually been staring at Sarah Palin in her shorts.

Feel free to "ogle" away.

Sadie's Playboy pictures (For those too embarrassed to buy the magazine.)

Well I think Sadie looks beautiful.  (Which you can judge for yourself by clicking here.)

Though keep in mind that I am a liberal, so I really don't have any hangups about nudity or sexuality.

Of course the point of the pictorial was to get information like this out to a wider audience. Which this pictorial, and accompanying interview, accomplished quite well.

My understanding is that Playboy was surprised by the amount of attention that Sadie's pictorial and interview received.A friend of mine said they could not find even ONE issue available here in Anchorage.) Well good, perhaps they might just ask her back for more pictures and tidbits about the Palin family?

Oooh, I don't think that will make the Grizzled Mama, and her vicious little cub, too terribly happy.

Do you?

P.S. Stay tuned as Sadie will be making some more public appearances, and telling even more secrets about "you know who," in the near future.

Sarah Palin pops up to satisfy her contractual obligation to Fox News.

I have been noticing lately that Palin has started cramming two or three interviews with Fox News into one day about two or three times a month.  To me this appears to be an indication that she is really not terribly interested in doing them anymore (Except for the paycheck), and that they are not terribly interested in having her do them (No more ratings boost for them like the old days.)

So yesterday Klondike Kardashian heated up her old leftover talking points in her microwave and sat down to pull a train of Fox News interviews one after the other.

First up the feisty Megyn Kelly, newly returned from birthing a future bubble-headed Fox News commentator.

Now I was going to go through the interview and pick it apart, but there are three of these damn things and I just don't have that kind of time. (If you are absolutely determined to subject yourself to what Palin vomited forth, just click the image and it will take you to the You Tube of the interview.)

Besides I had a REALLY hard time listening to her drone on about how the President is screwing up this country, and that all we need are "common sense" solutions, because I swear that whatever that is on her head flipped its tail and hissed at me, which completely threw me off my game.

Now this interview was broadcast about 9:00 Alaska time.

Just one hour later Snowdrift Snooki shows up on Fox's "I don't know anything about business" channel with Lou Dobbs.

Do you see it too?

Yep she is still sitting in front of the same backdrop, but whatever had taken up residence on her head seems to have made its escape. (I called the Wasilla PD and told them to be on the lookout for a psychologically wounded, possibly rabid, furry creature racing through the woods screaming in agony. My advice was to shoot on sight.)

Palin also changed out of her Nancy Reagan brand red blazer from Sears, and changed into whatever the hell that outfit is. You will notice she also changed her necklace, but kept the flag pin. (Because as we know seeing Sarah Palin without a flag pin might make the Fox News viewers believe she is a Socialist.)

Now eight hours later Sarah Palin popped up again in her last interview of the day with Greta Van Susteren.

As you can see, though he she had plenty of time, Palin did not bother to change for Greta essentially giving her Lou Dobbs' sloppy seconds.

You will also notice that she is no longer sitting in front of the fake fireplace set, but is now sitting in front of the window overlooking the dead lake next to her house.  But do you want to know something odd? (Yes, I know that everything about this crazy bitch is "odd' but just bear with me.) I live less than an hour away from where Palin was giving this interview, but when I turned and looked out of MY window, though it was overcast, there was substantially more light streaming in than can be seen outside of HER Wasilla window.

In fact Greta even asked her about why it was so dark in the second half of the interview, and Palin made some halfhearted mention of fall coming and a nip in the air. However I find it hard to believe that Fall is coming faster to Wasilla than to Anchorage.

Which of course once again makes me consider whether or not she is sitting in front of a fake backdrop instead of an actual window. But who knows, perhaps her presence also sucks all of the light and heat out of the room just like it sucks all of the oxygen out.

So there you have Palin's contractual Fox News appearances crammed together in one day, each featuring the same tired old talking points and viscous attacks on the President, but each distinguished by different hair, changes in attire, or simply the movement of her chair.

Watching Palin's lazy ass approach to these interviews kind of reminds me of an old married couple where the husband finally convinces the wife to have sex with him but she stipulates that he not take very long, not mess up her hair, and not block her view of the TV.

Just imagine how thrilled Fox News is that Palin has NOT thrown her hat in the ring to run for President, and is still making them honor their part of the contract they made with her lo those many, many months ago when they actually thought she was worth a million plus dollars.

Serves them right, don't you think?

(Just a reminder that if you want to watch the interviews, just click the images to be taken to You Tube.)

Tea Party denounces Christine O'Donnell for abruptly quitting CNN interview.

Courtesy of The New Civil Rights Movement:

Characterizing her performance as a “temper tantrum,” Judson Phillips, founder and head of Tea Party Nation writes, “if you are going to play in the big leagues, you have to play by the rules. CNN and Piers Morgan are pretty far to the left but this time Morgan is right and O’Donnell was not only wrong, but extremely unprofessional to walk out of the interview. 

“She was on the show to talk about her book, which Morgan commented on favorably. O’Donnell refused to answer the question about gay marriage, saying it is in the book. If you write a book, be expected to answer questions about what you put in the book.” 

“Piers Morgan was not asking anything inappropriate. Christine O’Donnell’s immature and unprofessional response makes the Tea Party movement look bad. Was she ashamed of her position on gay marriage? Did she not feel competent enough to defend her beliefs? We will never know. 

“Conservatives everywhere should be able to articulate their political positions and the reasons behind them without throwing a temper tantrum when they are asked to defend them. 

“We may have just seen Christine O’Donnell’s last prime time performance. I am sure she is a nice person but she does not understand what she has to do if she is going to be a national figure. 

“If she does not understand this, perhaps fading from the scene might not be a bad thing for her.”

Ooooh, THAT'S going to leave a mark!

Christine "I'm not a witch" O'Donnell walks out of interview with Piers Morgan over questions about gay rights.

I have a confession to make.

Of all of the Teabaggers I have seen, Christine O'Donnell offends me the very least.

Sure she is ignorant, politically incompetent, and an opportunist, but she just never seemed as dangerous, or vindictive as a Sarah Palin, Rick Perry, or Michele Bachmann to me.

She kind of reminds me of that girl in high school who JUST got "saved" at church and cannot stop talking about how cool Jesus Christ is, and how much she wants you to come to her next church barbecue/flea market/tent revival.

Having said that, I still think it is funny that she simply cannot stand up to ANY scrutiny about the things that she believes or writes in her book.In other words, EPIC FAIL, Miss "I am not a witch."

Bristol Palin avoids questions about Mercede Johnston Playboy interview.

Bristol Palin Fields Questions About Mercede Johns

Damn, I don't think Bristol liked this introduction into the world of the LA reality star one little bit.

And you just know she was biting a hole in her lip to keep from responding to those questions about Sadie.

Somebody who has access to her REAL Facebook account needs to monitor is carefully, because I have little doubt she will let her anger out later on today.

It was nice to see that Willow has been allowed to accompany her sister and Tripp on their adventures.  She has been out of sight for such a long time.

(If the video does not play click here.)

UPdate: What is this? Bristol's reality show is a big fake? Say it ain't so!

This may come as a bit of a shock, but, from what can be seen here, Bristol Palin's new reality show isn't very, well, real.Footage taken of Palin, son Tripp and co-star Kyle Massey on their new BIO channel reality show features the trio in a number of Los Angeles-area locales. 

They go in and out of a baby supply store, timed with their cameras to get the shot just right, and take a strangely long amount of time to order food at a burger stand. 

Perhaps the most authentic of the crew? Little Tripp, who had a cute fit when someone tried to pry him off an electric rocking horse. 

(Here is the video of what's described above.)


Fake pregnancies, fake political credentials, fake marriages, fake chins, and now fake reality. Isn't there ANYTHING real about this family?

Greta Van Susteren pulls the short straw and once again has to pretend that Sarah Palin has anything intelligent to say about what is going on in this country.

You know the first thing that leaps out at me is that Fox News hosts ALWAYS refer to Palin as "Governor" multiple times, like they are trying to remind their audience that once upon a time this dimwit actually had a real job.

Then only a few sentences into her remarks she starts the middle school attacks on our President. (By the way you nasty harpy bitch, the President is referred to as "No Drama Obama." HE is not the reason that we are facing a potential crisis, that would be the politically illiterate Teabaggers YOU helped get elected to sabotage our country!)

By the way Geitner said we "would not default" based on his belief that the politicians would not really allow that to happen:

Geithner said Republican House Speaker John Boehner and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell "had been absolutely clear, they are not going to let this country default.

But pressed several times, Geithner refused to reveal if the Obama administration had a back-up plan and had begun deciding which checks would be signed and which would not.

"We will do everything we can to mitigate the damage," he said, revealing that the United States writes 80 million checks a month.

That does NOT mean there is not a crisis, only that the grownups will try to minimize the damage if the children continue throwing a fit and not taking seriously the responsibilities that the American people assigned to them.

Okay is it just me, or does Palin look especially venomous today?


Gee I certainly hope I did not have anything to do with that.


"Well scaring the American people is exactly what President Obama is doing in that bizarre speech he gave last night. It reminded me of when he insisted that TARP had to be passed. You know it was life or death at that time also. We had to..uh..increase spending or the Federal government, or people would be starving on the streets..I mean..uh uh..look at what TARP resulted in."

You know I hate to distract Palin while she is on one of these anti-Obama rants of hers with facts (After all we know how much she hates facts, because they always seem to favor liberals.), but TARP was passed in October of 2008, by George W. Bush.  It is kind of hard to blame President Obama for legislation that was put into place BEFORE he was in office.

Oh, and you would think that Palin might remember this, since her running mate John McCain suspended his campaign to help get it passed. (Damn, no WONDER Palin hates facts so much!)

But sorry to interrupt, you were saying?

"Reinvent the will?"  You know I have never met an Alaskan who could not say "wheel" properly. Every time she opens her mouth she embarrasses the crap out of us.

You know the minute that Palin says, concerning the debt ceiling, "I don't want to see it raised," is when a real journalist would stop the interview and apologize to their audience for bringing on somebody who has no understanding of the topic being discussed.

And riddle me this Batman, why are the Teabaggers, who wave the Constitution around like it is a sacred document on par with the Bible, now pushing for a Balanced Budget Amendment?  Aren't they the crowd who believe that the Amendments which freed the slaves and allowed women the right to vote, are what started this country's downward spiral into Socialism in the first place?

When I watch these "interviews" there is always a moment where I stop and wonder if ANYBODY is really taking what this idiot says seriously.  I hear her spout these canned talking points, and rattle on using inflammatory language, and yet everytime she stops to take a breath I realize that the oxygen that she just used up was completely wasted. Actually, not that I want to see any harm come to her, I kind of think ALL of the oxygen she uses is wasted on her.

I really think that the only reason that we see Palin in this interview is because she is contractually obligated to appear on camera a couple of time a year, and that she was overdue. She has no expertise on the topic, adds nothing to the debate, and, even with the teleprompter reflected in her glasses, relies almost solely on the regurgitation of one size fits all talking points that essentially make her sound like a Chatty Cathy doll.

Her looks are fading rapidly, her wigs are becoming more obvious, and her talking points are becoming punchlines for late night comedians.  Hell even her most ardent supporters cannot force their families to go to her movie with them, or buy her daughter's book.

Even an endorsement from her, which used to carry some weight in conservative circles, would probably hurt a candidate far more than it would help them, so I cannot see anybody seeking her out for a photo op.

I still think we need to keep at least one eye cocked in her direction, because her base is potentially the most likely groups of Americans to open fire in a mall, or drown their children because they are possessed by liberal demons, but I think for all intents and purposes that Palin is yesterday's news.

Of course I still think we all need to buy Joe's book, and Nick's movie.  After all every corpse deserves a postmortem.

P.S. Oh, and don't forget the babygate book too. I have a call into the author for an update, andI hope to have that for you soon.

Some chilling words from Bill Maher.

I tend not to agree that Palin has a chance to become President, and I am always taken aback by the fact that there are many well educated people who believe it is not an impossibility.

I will say that if there was a devastating terrorist attack, and Obama was perceived to have not reacted adequately, that all bets are off as to how terrified and stupid the American people would suddenly become in response.

In THAT climate even an idiot like Sarah Palin, who did nothing but talk about God and American exceptional-ism, might actually have a shot.

However I have great confidence that Obama WOULD react appropriately, so this scenario is unlikely to present itself.

Anybody of a different opinion?

Sadly I have seen WAY too many Bristol Palin videos today, but this one is the strangest.

I have watched this video about four times now, and there is something very wrong with how her face moves.  Is that the result of cheek implants, or is she just high? Anybody?

So besides the video there is also this article.  Here are some of her more bizarre answers.

On abstinence:

"I hate the word abstinence," she says. "My mom knows I hate that word, everyone knows I hate that word. People think that I'm just 'abstinence only, do not have sex.' No. If you're going to have sex, practice safe sex. But the best option to prevent teen pregnancy is to not have sex."

You know, not only does Bristol hate the WORD abstinence, she also hates the PRACTICE of abstinence.

On her jaw surgery:

In person, a double take is required to first recognize her. The fullness of adolescence in her face is gone, leaving her with a much more angular look.

The surgery has been fodder for the likes of Kathy Griffin and Bill Maher.

"Why do people care?" asks Palin. In the mirror, she says she can't tell much of a difference. "Do people care when someone gets braces or glasses? Honestly, I'm just thankful I have tough skin to deal with that kind of stuff."

She doesn't read blogs and says her critics will talk regardless of what she does. What you'll never see her do?

"Pose naked," she shoots back. "Never."

You know, not to be mean, but I don't think anybody is clamoring to have Bristol pose naked. That may be the one thing she will not have trouble abstaining from.

On her next hook up:

What she wants: "Someone with the same religious beliefs as me and someone who's a family man." But "I have no time to date anyone right now."

Unless of course they brought their own tent and ice chest stocked with wine coolers.

Afer all a Wasilla girl can only hold out so long ya know.

I so wanted to believe that Bristol was just the victim of her mother's poor decisions and that there was something redeemable about her character.  I was wrong to give her that much credit.

Chris Wallace to Michele Bachmann: "Are you a flake?" Can I answer that?

Oooh, I do NOT think that Bachmann enjoyed that question!

"Well I think that would be insulting, to say something like that."

Really? Because Wallace JUST said something like that.  So if she were to be insulted you would think THIS would be the time. I don't believe she is completely connected to reality.

(H/T to Political Carnival.)

An interesting photo from Frank Bailey's book.

Until today I did not realize that a picture existed of the exact moment that Sarah Palin was e-mailing Frank Bailey in a desperate attempt to find out the name of the person who had just interviewed her.

That person in fact, was ME.

Here is the interview, for those who have never seen it.



What happened next I covered in my post titled The Bloggers and the Barracuda or A funny thing happened on my way to Wasilla.

We finished packing things up, thanked her for the interview, and exited the building to load up the car. After we finished I left Dennis outside with the equipment and went inside to get my friends and tell them that we were ready to hit the road.

When I located them in the sports center one of my friends asked “Did you see her?”
“See who?” I asked warily.

“Sarah Palin! When you left she handed Trig to Piper and charged across the middle of the basketball court in hot pursuit of you guys!”

Uh oh!

As we walked toward the exit we kept our eyes peeled, but did not see any sign of the Governor, so I figured that maybe it was no big deal and that she had given up and decided to rejoin her kids on the basketball court.

However when I climbed into the car I asked Dennis if HE had seen Palin.

“Oh yeah” he said. “She came out with a notebook and wrote down your license plate number.”

Apparently right before she stormed after us she was frantically e-mailing Frank Bailey, which was why moments after we drove away he would call Dennis Zaki's phone and try repeatedly to find out just who had interviewed the Governor. I was still anonymous in those days so he did not get an answer.

For some reason the incident was not mentioned in the book, but there is no doubt that the picture is from that day.

You can read the rest of the story, and discover how I think she DID find out who I was, by clicking the link above.

Manba Returns?!

I think by now, most of you have seen this from EGG's May issue;

I was intrigued to see it, and read it - especially with a title such as 'Manba Returns!!' We all know Manba is a hit-or-miss topic when it comes to Gal - some say it is out, others say it isn't. Well I decided that I was going to translate this for those who can't read Japanese - and as far as I know there isn't an English source for it at the moment.

So what does it say?

When I/You say 'Manba' it's probably this person.

[meaning this person comes to mind]

"Ka~tan is a charisma Manba who began the 2nd Manba movement.

Now she is a reader model on one magazine and has started a work clothes brand 'kon-burenda'."

Manba Transformation~

"The finished look, all 5 of them applied too much foundation.

They clearly have a border between their face and neck (lol)"

"Mami having her foundation applied by Ka~tan. 

Mami was really nervous in front of her."

"She couldn't apply concealer straight onto the face as the foundation was so dark. Therefore she applied it with a brush."

"I liked that person (referring to Ka~tan), Manya said."

[showing an old issue of EGG with a feature on Ka~tan]

"The last weapon is FACE STICKER DECO!

[They emphasis how great and cute it is for creating a winning look]

"Their hair didn't have much power with their normal style.

Therefore hair extensions/decorations from CARRY were put on."

The desired Manba project finally started!

Going to change to the strongest Manba!

" 'Let's do Manba project!'

Word started of this project through E.GIRLS. To tell you the truth they were inspired by issues of EGG that they had read when Manba was popular - these 5 girls wanted to try Manba (lol).

In fact, they were so eager to do the project that they even made a proposal (project paper) and handed it in directly (lol).

Anyway, let's be Manba~☆

So they met up, but they weren't sure how to be Manba as they weren't around during that time (Kanako was around in that generation?? lol).

To know the special secret (essence) of Manba they invited a girl who is Manba.

Founder of Manba religion: Ka~tan sama ☆☆

She graduated from Manba 6 years ago and [today] there are no signs of Manba on her. [you can't notice she used to be Manba]. However her sense of Manba may be revived [she may became excited with the ex-soul of Manba when she remembered].

She picked up a CANMAKE white concealer (for eyes) and black foundation and began her lecture. 

The 5 girls were confused about using [very] black foundation and massive eye make-up, but they also introduced their own way by themselves and created a new generation of Manba (Neo-Manba), which was a combination of old and new styles." 

Finally, from left to right:

Gugun, Pink Manya, Kawabatan, Mamin, Mira (Daiso?)

[The kanji on the end of some of their names means old woman/hag/bitch]

There you have it! Unfortunately this is more of a special interest piece (likely due to EGG's recent anniversary) and not a proper revival of Manba. But who knows? Maybe people will be inspired by these girls and will feel the call of Manba once again ;D

Special thanks go to my Japanese friend who helped me with the parts I got stuck on! This is not a literal translation, otherwise it wouldn't make much sense. I translated it into English that made more sense but still kept the original meaning.

Interview with Kirin of Tokyo Kawaii etc.

Kirin is a Japanese lady living in Tokyo, she runs the popular blog Tokyo Kawaii etc. Her blog focuses on Japanese culture, language, lifestyle and much more. She has also mentioned Gyaru a few times on her blog .

You may remember I recently did an interview for her blog about my life in Tokyo.

Recently, I was lucky enough to meet Kirin in person. We walked around 109 together and chatted in a nearby café over tea and coffee. Whilst we talked she told me how she had not been to 109 in almost 15 years and that she felt her feelings about it had now changed. I found this very interesting and after finding out her reasons I thought it would be informative and helpful to my readers to hear the opinions of a Japanese person who doesn’t dress in Gyaru fashion.

Do you remember when you first heard about Gyaru?

I guess it was some time around 1996 - 1997 (or even before?) when I had already started working after graduating from university - if my memory was correct. Those days Amuro style and “Atsuzoko” boots (platform boots) were popular. Some sales assistants, especially from Shibuya 109 became so famous that they frequently appeared on TV or in fashion magazines. They were called “Karisuma tenin” (charismatic sales assistant) and the outfits they were wearing sold like crazy. Some hair dressers also became famous and they were called “Karisuma biyoushi” (charismatic hair dresser). But “Gyaru” in this period was very different from what it means today.

What were your first impressions? Did you think of a stereotype etc.?

Gyaru at the early stage was more like high school girls who were wearing short skirts and loose socks. That’s why they were called “Ko-Gyaru” (small gyaru). They dyed their hair but they did not wear false lashes or circle lenses. Those things were not available like they are today. Ko-Gyaru were the people who created new trends. Japanese companies liked to listen to what they wanted.

What I thought about it? My generation is always between hot trends. When I was a high school student, college girls were hot. At that time Japan was enjoying the good economy. College/university girls and boys could easily get a good job, nevertheless they were playing around all the time and I expected I could be like that after graduation. But with the bubble economy’s bursting, our economy situation completely changed when I went to university. What came next was high school girls trend. Our society treated university girls well when I was a high school girl, and then they shifted to high school girls once I became a university girl. I felt it was quite unfair. At that time Gyaru = high school girls, so it was not what I was to pursue anyhow. I just regarded Gyaru as something that had no connection with me.

You said that you were too shy to go into 109 by yourself before, why?

Ko-Gyaru generation grew up and they wanted to have their gyaru taste even after they were aged. Now Gyaru is not limited to high school girls, but I still have a feeling that it’s for younger people. I’m 36, which is too old to dress like Gyaru, and I think it looks too absurd if older people still dress exactly like younger people. I mean it’s cool to take some part and mix with other items or styles, but to dress full Gyaru coordination from head to toe is not very cool. I was afraid to go back to Shibuya 109 because I thought everything sold there was for gyaru style and it would be too gyaru-tasted to me and I would be totally out of place among full-gyaru customers.

Why did you change your mind after we visited?

I saw many non-Gyaru styled people and older people, as well as people with no makeup! My delusion that there would be only Gyaru customers and Gyaru clothes was completely wrong. I found many attractive clothes and I feel like shopping there. Although some pants were too skinny for me even to try them.

☆~♥~☆

How do you think Japanese people view Gyaru?

Young people like it. But as Tsubasa answers in an interview, which I happened to watch on TV, they may not be seen as hard workers or industrious - only because of their appearances. Tsubasa said she tried to work as hard as normal people multiple times because people never believed that she was serious from her looks. Unfortunately many of us don’t always have good impressions of Gyaru just because of its impression of flirting. Unless we become a sales assistant at a Gyaru fashion store, we cannot even continue the style and look at most other jobs. Too much light hair colour is basically banned at work. Also circle lenses, long nails and flashy deco nails or patterns drawn on the nails.

I wonder how working people can continue to be Gyaru after all?!

Gyaru mama can stay like that because they do not work.

Why do you think Gyaru is so popular with young Japanese girls?

And if you have an opinion, why do you think it is popular in the West?#

I think Gyaru is kawaii and if they are young, it’s good to enjoy it. I think it’s got an expiration date, which is to say, before they start working. As mentioned above, most offices have dress code. We cannot work and dress as Gyaru unless we get a job at gyaru brand or something. Everyone has to graduate from Gyaru style someday. I think that’s why they try to fulfil it while they are young.

I don’t know why it’s so well-received by western people. We have a longing for white girls and Gyaru style I guess is a stem from it. Making big eyes with longer lashes and dyed hair in bronze is maybe to make ourselves look like white girls.

Do you think that Gyaru celebrities (idols) are good role models for young girls?

Yes, I think so. But I wonder what their sales points will be after they have aged.

In this respect I think Tsubasa and Momoeri (among others) stand out from the rest of Gyaru models. They make business.

☆~♥~☆

Have you ever been tempted to try Gyaru? If not, why?

No, I’ve felt it’s just too young for me, but I think now it’s OK to buy some Gyaru tasted clothes and mix with others. However I never feel like wearing circle lenses and dye my hair bronze etc. False lashes maybe OK once in a while.

I have no reason to spend so much time transforming myself when I am busy with everything else. If I had time and money, I’d rather spend them travelling abroad than shopping Gyaru tasted items or getting my nails or hair done.

Free talk -

This is only an opinion from a Japanese woman in her mid 30’s. I don’t see anyone in my generation dressing like a Gyaru around me. It’s reasonable because our generation is busy working and raising kids. Our interests are directed toward something else.

As for me, I like to hang out with young people and talk about something kawaii, but my real life is much different from what you may imagine from my blog. It’s full of work and I’ve read books about investment, economy and business and to tell you the truth I don’t read fashion magazines. (So I am not quite sure for the styles, I just pick up whatever I like to wear.) But my hair dresser is so kind as to give some old ones, so I find interesting articles from them to introduce on my blog while I am bathing. (I love to have a long bath time.)

So I have 2 reasons I don’t dress like Gyaru.

1. I’m too old to do so.

2. I’m too busy to keep the style.

If I were 20 something years old now, I think I would love to spend my time and money for Gyaru style and I’d enjoy that so much. I guess I totally missed the chance :p

But while you can enjoy it, you should do it fully.

Bloomzy's comments:

I am so happy that Kirin could do this interview for my blog. She is very sweet and really interested in other cultures, and those who are interested in her own. If you haven't already visited her blog (I doubt it) then make sure you head on over.

- She has also written a response to this interview here.

If you have any comments or questions for her, please feel free to comment and I am sure she will respond when she has the time.

I am always open for Gal/Japan related questions, and you can visit my formspring here.

'Tokyo Kawaii etc' Interview

Check out my interview about 'life in Tokyo' for

☆~ TOKYO KAWAII ETC ~☆

If you have any questions for me, why not ask me here?!

Gaijin Gyaru Series; Ash (Hedonists) [Week 3]

Here is the third interview in the 'Gaijin Gyaru Series' - meet the fabulous...

1. First off, thank you for agreeing to this interview. Could you tell us a little bit about your fashion background and how you got into gal.

I've been all over the place in terms of fashion. In middle school I went through a phase where I had NO fashion sense at all. I actually used to steal my brother's clothes and change out of my "girl clothes" before school. I had about a billion "alternative" phases after that. As I started leaning further away from "alternative" I got a bit girlier, and even leaned on the hipster side clothing wise.

As many people already know, I have family here in Japan. From a young age on I'd always annually visited. In my visits to Japan I never really cared about fashion till about age 17, 18 as everyone lives in Chiba… for those of you who don't know Japan well, that's like living in New Jersey suburbs instead of NYC. Meaning I wasn't really exposed to fashion in Japan much anyway. Around 17, 18 I started venturing into Tokyo by train with cousins… that's where I had my first run ins with Shibuya, gals, an SERIOUS FASHION as a whole. It was love at first sight.

I didn't really seriously pursue it, however, till I realized a friend of mine in the US were into it too. Though she and I don't really talk anymore, I really consider her my motivator.

2. What are you favourite things about gal?

The confidence it brings, the fact that its ultimately girls dressing for the admiration of other girls rather than dressing for guys, and the immaculate detail required for even the most haphazard of coordinates.

3. Do you have any style preferences and is there anything you wouldn't try?

I could never see myself as manba. Seeing as that style is more or less dying here in Tokyo, it's not saying much.

That and I really can't see myself in either him or mori gal styles. They're just too frilly for me, and there's not many ways to tone them down in that way. I'm very feminine, but I like an emasculate and rough touch. Hence my love of skulls, crosses, chains, etc. Note that I generally carry a man's bag and have a lot of men's accessories.

4. In your pictures you always have flawless hair, but how do you stay on trend with it? And do you have any hints or tips for those wanting to carry off something similar?

It's safe to call me hair obsessed. Teasing, curling, straightening, setting. I own more product than anyone should. I certainly wouldn't call it flawless though. On a good day, I'm at best 80% satisfied with my hair.

In terms of being on trend, I watch magazines (both men's and women's oddly enough) as well as people I see on the streets, and take what I like and apply it to myself. Hair is a very personal thing as it really needs to flatter YOUR face shape and YOUR overall style. There're many styles I love that simply look ridiculous on me and as such I never wear them or I've only worn them once.

Hints/tips… Hmm… One: definitely have a very layered cut-- no matter how long or short your hair is. Layers help give thin hair more volume and help give thick hair more playability. Two: Don't be afraid to play. Watch tutorials, mess around. Days you have no plans are awesome for this-- you stay entertained and you learn a new style. Three: Invest in a GOOD tail comb for teasing. I'm talking like the ones you see at salons. Those cheap plastic ones tend to break too easy and they also tend to tease your hair in a more messy/visible way as the teeth are a bit further apart.

5. You always have the perfect mix of casual and sexy in your coordinates, but who and what do you look to for inspiration?

In terms of WHO, I really love Sakurina, Kanako, Hiromin, Lie… the list goes on and on really. I'd say I relate most to Sakurina as she, like me, likes to add edge to girly styles. Kanako and Hiromin I love for them being themselves in such a girly and feminine style. Even while their personal styles tend to be a little TOO tomboyish for my own taste. Lie aka Kei… She's just ridiculously sexy. I buy EDGE's just for her really. She was my favorite NUTS model.

I also look at gals I see on the street a lot for ideas… and even let my eyes wander to OTHER style subcultures.

6. You currently live in Tokyo and are often socializing with gyaru-o and hosts. Do they relate to you as a gal and how do you get on with them?

First let me say, to put nicely most gyaru-o and hosts are none too bright. I've met a lot of nice guys and I've met a lot of assholes-- but nearly all of them are relatively empty headed. It's kind of unfortunate. It's as if to be cute and fashionable means your brain has to disappear.

I get approached pretty easily as being mixed people take the chance I understand Japanese more often-- even though half go both ways. About 50% speak and about 50% don't. Guess that 50/50 shot is good enough odds as generally the fear a foreigner won't understand them is pretty much the number one thing that stops guys from hitting on foreign girls here.

About half the guys who talk to me would drop any interest in me in a second if they were to meet a "cute tall nosed blonde" who speaks Japanese. I've seen it happen as one of my best friends is a cute German girl with quite the proficiency in the language, hahaha. Of course, there're guys who will approach despite not speaking English and despite knowing the girl likely won't understand, but yeah… many don't for fear of communication failure.

One thing I hate though is because of the lifestyle of ViVi model Marie, a lot of these guys assume mixed girls are easy so I've had to teach a few idiots a lesson here and there. In general though, most of my friends are male and I relate pretty well to the GOOD guys I've met of the host and gyaru-o variety.

7. It's always interesting to know how Japanese gals relate to Gaijin Gyaru, however have you found they relate to you differently - being part-Japanese?

I don't know how differently… Though I've actually found some girls to be a little more cautious of me from time to time, then they would if they liked the style of a "real foreigner"… though at the same time I've had girls I've never met before run up to me in the club and ask if I speak English and if I can translate for them cause they really wanna shag some foreign guy they met, ahahaha. I'd say it really depends on the girl.

One obstacle I've had is there're a lot of stereotypes here that all mixed Japanese and Caucasian people are what we call here "motteru hito". Basically an expression meaning they're good looking, fashionable and/or people want to date them. While I don't apply to many of these factors in my personal opinion, I think it makes some girls afraid I might be a bit of a bitch.

8. Recently more and more Western gals are complaining about negativity in the community. As someone who has been on the receieving end of this, how do you deal?

I have to be honest, the crueler the secrets got, the more entertained I was. Call me a masochist but I enjoyed most of my hate hahaha. I don't generally get much negative attention online, so it was almost a relief to get some flack, even if it was malicious. To those not like myself who take these things to heart I just have to say-- keep your head up. The secrets are anonymous for a reason. These are generally people who lack the cajones to say these things to your face. Anyone who can't stand behind their words isn't worth your concern.

9. Do you have any advice for newcomers who feel a little apprehensive about joining the style?

Absolutely go for it. Everyone has the potential to make a great gal provided they tap into it. Just remember to take advice and to constantly work at it. While one or two people are fortunate to look gal or close to gal on their first try, most work hard to get to the point where they're undeniably IT.

10. Finally, as you know the aim of this series is to promote a better image of 'Gaijin Gyaru' by showing that it's not only the Japanese gals who can get it right. How are YOU representing Gaijin Gyaru?

I think that by even being here, being involved in gear and gyaru-o social circles I'm contributing to a degree. But I'm not the only one here doing that… There're a few great gals from other countries out here. I wish I was doing something better for us than just being gal 24/7 and partying with/hanging out with gals and gal-o's but at the moment it's all I got. However, I was recently scouted by a modeling agency so I suppose of I get to model as a gal I guess that'd be a real way to really represent those of us with a Western background in the gal scene. My agency's pretty tiny though so I don't know. If I get work at all I may have very little say in the style genre.

A note from bloomzy: I love Ash because she has such a strong-willed, honest attitude. She always looks great and her coordinates are to die for. She doesn't give out advice often but when she does it's very valuable, so hold onto it ;D

If you're a friend of Ash (hedonists) on livejournal then you can enjoy her frequent and interesting posts on her life in Tokyo - she offers an in-depth view of the Gal culture, and often posts photo's and purikura.

You can also find her on ricoche and see posts by Ash on livejournal in the gyaru communities. Keep an eye out for her coordinates @ everyday_gyaru.

Gaijin Gyaru Series; Lucie-Liu [Week 2]

Here is the second interview in the 'Gaijin Gyaru Series' - say 'hello' to...

Name: Lucie-Liu

Age: 22

Location: Northumberland, UK

1. First off, thank you for agreeing to this interview. Could you tell us a little bit about your fashion background and how you got into gal.

You're more than welcome! I'm flattered to have been asked to take part!

My fashion background isn't terribly good; I never had much of an interest in following trends when I was younger...I started getting more into it once I went to uni and wasn't stuck in a school uniform all week and a work one all weekend. I was a bit alternative and gothy/emo for a while but I wasn't very good at that either! I started getting a lot more girly when I was in my final year and it was around then that I started to get into parapara which lead me towards Gal!

I joined Hibiscgyaru as a first generation member and through the more experienced and knowledgeable girls I learnt more about Gal and how to style myself better...I also got a lot more interested in clothes, and following trends.

2. What are you favourite things about gal?

My favourite thing about Gal is probably the way I feel when I've taken the time to make sure my make-up and hair is good. It's true that knowing you look put together and good makes you feel better about yourself and I know I feel awesome when I've spent an hour and a half doing my hair and make-up before I've even got my clothes on.

Other than that, I'd have to say I love how dedicated each style is; if you're into the pale denim, floral, cowboy type trend that is currently around then there are shops like Liz Lisa which have clothing just for that style; if you want to look ultra-sexy there is MA*RS which is packed out with brilliantly sexy clothing...it's dedication to a trend or a specific look which you don't see in the Western world. When a trend emerges here, shops tend to carry carbon copies of the same pieces of clothing but in Japan the shops make the trends their own and each has an individual look and each store has fiercely loyal customers who subscribe to this look to represent themselves.

3. Do you have any style preferences and is there anything you wouldn't try?

I have to say, I do love a range of styles but I find that some just don't fit with the way I look. I really love the cowgirl trend that I have already mentioned but with the 5 tattoos I have on my legs alone, I don't feel I can really pull this look off.

I absolutely love Gilfy, Backs, and Glad News. I feel like the slightly edgier, rockier look of these brands suits my image and my personality, although I also like Cecil McBee for more 'grown-up' clothing, and Co&Lu when I want to be less dressed up and more playful and bright in my clothing. I also love MA*RS for the sex appeal its clothing pretty much oozes.

I think I would steer clear of the cuter, pastel type outfits seen a lot in Popteen because although I enjoy the clothing, I don't think it's for me. I also probably wouldn't try wearing Liz Lisa, or more hime type clothing.

Lucie-Liu workin' some of her Co&Lu

4. You live in the UK, so how do you keep up with the latest gal trends?

I am a religious saver of any Gal photos I see online; the ohyeahgyaru tumblr is brilliant for this, and any photos can be used as inspiration for hair, make-up or outfits! I follow several Gal blogs including the awesome Universal Doll which offers excellent breakdowns of the latest trends and a huge database of information, links and tips! I try to buy Ranzuki and Ageha when I can from the Japan Centre in London and I have a back catalogue of Popteen that I refer to for hair and make-up ideas also. I, personally, have found that posting on message boards can be very counterproductive as there ends up with so many conflicting views on how something should be done, or if it is indeed a Gal look.

When I have been to Japan I take a note of what is popular in the stores and I will either pick up something that is right on trend for the moment or basics that will outlast the trends!

5. Are there any British stores that you would recommend for the gals who can't afford to go to Japan or use a shopping service?

I love River Island, and recently H&M has been producing some items that can be worked into an outfit and made Gal. I find it useful to make a note of specific items I want to create a look and then browsing several different shops until I find as close to what I want as I can!

6. Your make-up is always gorgeous. Do you always use the same routine, or do you like to try out different trends?

Thank you! Most days I use the same routine to be honest...I like saving trying out new things for when I'm either going out or when I don't have to catch a train as I find it very time-consuming!! It's the same with hair; if I'm trying out something new I'll wait til I have the time to spend on it rather than rushing it to get somewhere on time!

7. How did you find 109 and the gal scene in general when you first visited Tokyo?

The first time I visited 109 and Tokyo, I wasn't sure what to expect...Because I was there while the January sale was on, I experience the mania that is 109 at its height! I felt a little intimidated by 109 and the huge amount of fashion it has to offer because I hadn't yet figured out my own personal style, and I hadn't found the confidence to work the style into everyday British life.

When I returned earlier this year I found shopping to be a much more enjoyable experience as I knew what the trends were and I knew the shops that I preferred and what I wanted from them. I found all the staff to be absolutely lovely (apart from one incident in SBY >.<) and practically falling over themselves to help me and make sure I got things that looked good! I'm still not entirely used to how unbelievably busy the most popular shops are (oh my goodness W*C...) but I think that Western clothes shops could learn a LOT from the way the shops are run in 109!!

Lucie-Liu's nails from Donki - I need to steal these ;D

8. You were previously in a UK Gal Circle and are part of the Western gal blogging community. Do you find it easier to 'do' gal when have the support of others who follow the trend?

I find 'doing' Gal a lot easier when I have people who are familiar with it to give me advice and help on it. I talk about the trends to my friends who aren't into it and they are interested but not for long and it's obviously preferable to get advice and information from those who know what you are talking about!!! It's also helpful as people are able to provide links, tips and the meet-ups are always so much fun to go to! If I didn't have contact with people who were interested in Gal, or had negative opinions of it, I don't think I would be wearing the clothes, or investing as much in this style as I do.

On the flip side of this though, the communities like Gal Secrets are so negative that I can understand why people might feel apprehensive of sharing their interest with others. I prefer to stick to my blog than join with the communities on LiveJournal, or Ricoche, purely because I know that the people who comment on my blog are not keyboard warriors trying to start drama for drama's sakes; I get decent concrit and positive feedback!!

9. Do you have any advice for newcomers who feel a little apprehensive about joining the style?

Although it seems intimidating and like an enormous task to overhaul your personal image so that your hair, make-up and style reflect the Gal style, the reward of taking care of yourself and dressing well, and the compliments you receive as a result are worth it!! Don't take every negative criticism to heart; if it's concrit then listen and try and use it to your advantage to improve...if it's just straight criticism and nasty then ignore it. No-one should give up something because someone else thinks something nasty; brush it off and just keep doing your research and talking to the people who are willing to tell you how to improve, not just that you need it! No-one looks perfect from the start, and not 100% of the time either!

10. Finally, as you know the aim of this series is to promote a better image of 'Gaijin Gyaru' by showing that it's not only the Japanese gals who can get it right. How are YOU representing Gaijin Gyaru?

Wow! I think this is really hard to answer without sounding really egotistical, and there will be people who read this who will be saying 'But she doesn't look Gal' at their computer screens but I'll give it my best!!

I think I represent Gaijin Gyaru because I am someone who has to really try in order to make the look work. I've experimented with various styles and I'm finding my niche at last!! Since beginning to develop my Gal style I have improved so much in various areas of my life; I am better at make-up and hair, as well as better dressed (most of the time!). I take better care of myself than ever and my health has improved as I try harder to keep in shape.

I always do my best to make sure I look my best, and I put a lot of thought into my clothes and appearance and as a result, my confidence has improved which is an enormous part in pulling off the Gal look! I am always willing to try a new style or technique and to show people the results weather they are good or bad!

I might not get it right all the time but I'm constantly taking advice and researching through the internet and the magazines for new looks, ideas I could try out using my own wardrobe or British shops, and I'm constantly trying to improve myself. I think that this determined attitude demonstrates my determination to be a good Gaijin Gyaru, and hopefully I will continue to improve and become better at this!! Thank you for interviewing me!!

A note from bloomzy: I have been lucky enough to personally meet Lucie-Liu and she is even more gorgeous than in her pictures. She's a very genuine and kind person who I can tell gives 100% to gal. Her blog focuses on gal, tips and advice, and her own personal life. I love her personal style, especially her adoration of Gilfy and Cocolulu - and she totally does the brands justice with her coordinates. You can check out her coodinates and more @ No-One Sleep in Tokyo