We can all use some more cuteness in our lives… so here’s a new Scottish Fold cat video, starring Basil Farrow!

The footage includes my kitten sprawling out on his catio, his private enclosed outdoor balcony. See the biscuit-headed cat pounce on the carpet, sit on a laptop, and wag his tail as he’s being squished. His feet are too short and sideways for him to fold them under his body, so this is the best he can do (above)…

There’s more on the way, so we invite you to subscribe to my YouTube channel. Yukiro and I have evil plans for shooting a video in Tokyo next week… you don’t want to miss it!

Yes, I’m obsessed with my Scottish Fold, but you would be too if you had this teddy bear baby in your house… Come awww at more photos on Basil Farrow’s blog and Facebook.

Does your cat chase after moths or sit on your computer? Don’t forget to enter to win a t-shirt with Basil’s round face on it!

Japanese Word of the Day: Nioi = Smell
Song of the Day: Savage – Goodbye (I knew something was missing from my life in the past month or so… I haven’t been Italo Disco-ing!)

Remember when CSN Stores sent my Scottish Fold fat cat a giant parcel? What on Earth could be inside? Only the most epic pet product in existence… a Kittywalk Systems Sport cat stroller!

For our inaugural stroll, I dressed like a crazy cat lady. Half hippie, half bag woman. My clothes match Basil Farrow’s fur color.

Big blue circular sunglasses: from Halloweentown in Burbank, CA.
Fitted jacket with corset back: I got it ages ago in Hong Kong.
Baggy knee high socks: Also an old thing from the streets of Hong Kong.
Fuzzy dreadlock scarf: a DIY project.
Smiling kitty backpack: gifted from Limebarb. It increases the kawaii quotient of any coordinate!

Basil is not afraid of anything (except tin foil and belly dancers), so he enjoyed being rolled around outdoors in his personal carriage. Check out the top right photo — what a good little boy.

The removable “cage” has soft netting over the front, so your cat can look outside (with a cute squishy-face). This stroller comes in pink as well, but I thought blue would be the more manly choice.

The Kittywalk Systems Sport pet stroller is constructed as well as a human one: there are cup holders, spaces to store items, and levers to lock the wheels in place.

Looks like this kitten is ready for another walk! Many thanks to CSN Stores for the fabulous pet stroller. Come see more of Basil Farrow’s sideways-feet on his blog, Facebook and YouTube videos.

PS: My latest Global Gothic column for Lip Service Webzine is up. “The original Goths weren’t the members of Joy Division (haha) but the Visigoths and Ostrogoths – the East German tribes who invaded and ultimately decimated the Roman Empire. Today, Deutschland remains a Gothic hotspot, albeit in the black-lipstick-wearing, subcultural sense.” I interview my friends about Germany’s dark fashion trends and Schillerndes Dunkel, a new reference book on Goth culture. Come read it here!

Do you spoil your pet? What’s the most ridiculous item you’ve gotten for your baby?

Japanese Word of the Day: Moonbeam = Gekko
Song of the Day: Moon Kana – Hebi Ichigo

My dark ones, I’m very excited to announce my latest travel hosting job! Andrew Zimmern (Bizarre Foods host) introduced me to Project Explorer, an educational nonprofit travel series for young people. The mission: to provide students with access to multimedia resources that foster cross-cultural understanding. Project Explorer has put the spotlight on four countries to date — and I’ll be hosting the next travel series in Asia.

(The fanart above is by the ultra-talented Erika Relyea, age 13 — my cat’s happy smile is spot on! If you’d like to showcase your Carmina / Basil art here, send me an email.)

I’m so excited to be part of a project that fosters causes dear to me. On Project Explorer’s Good Global Citizen website, anyone can upload videos to share ideas on global citizenship. Anthony Bourdain, Andrew Zimmern and I participated; you can see my video above and here.

How travel has changed your global perspective? What does it mean to YOU to be a Good Global Citizen? Submit your own video response at http://www.goodglobalcitizen.ning.com

No need for circle contact lenses or eyelid surgery to achieve the big-eyed effect — dramatic fake eyelashes will do the trick. As for your lips: say no to collagen, and yes to sparkly pink lip gloss. My shirt with the cute ghost print is by Peace Now, from Closet Child Ikebukuro.

Now, I’m wondering if you can help us out with something… Might you have any contacts with the tourism boards of Japan, Korea or Taiwan? Project Explorer would like to speak to a representative to collaborate on the travel series. Please let me know if you have any tourism board contacts or can help out in any way.

Do you remember when CSN Stores sent my Scottish Fold a fancy cat lounger? Wahh, another package has arrived for the little prince!

My round-head kitty sniffed the big box. What could be inside? CSN has online stores for lights, health and fitness, office supplies… Or could it be another pampered pet product? (And how cute are Basil’s sideways-feet?)

Basil Farrow is giving me an angry face; I guess I’d better open up the box. Keep checking this blog to see what he received!

What’s your favorite travel TV show? I’m a fan of Andrew Zimmern and Anthony Bourdain, but I’ll watch any program that involves travel. Please let me know if you have contacts with Asian tourism organizations; thank you in advance!

Japanese Word of the Day: Chikyu zentai no = Global
Song of the Day: ohGr – cracker

How about a run-down of Osaka’s best Visual Kei joints? There’s a large Jrock / VK music store in Shinsaibashi’s Big Step building (it’s the Visual dot on my Osaka shopping map). At the entrance, you can pick up free flyers plastered with the faces of your favorite Visual rockers.

Last May, Deluhi and Mix Speaker’s Inc were well-ranked in the Top Ten. Their Tokyo concert proved that they could deliver live as well (you can read my full show review here).

The Vambie demonstrate two cute new Asian poses.

Kansai is also home to several head-banging bars that blast Visual Kei music. In my new CNNGo article, I write: “When bands tour Osaka, they frequently stop by Territory, DJ Taiki’s occult shop in Shinsaibashi. Then they might walk around the corner to Moonwalk, a bar that pumps Marilyn Manson and Japanese glam metal to a young, heavily pierced crowd.”

Yukiro and I randomly found Bar Moonwalk after we left DJ Taiki’s haunt. We saw a sign that said “All drinks 200 yen” — and then glimpsed the eyeliner-smeared bartender above (named Kouta) – and that sealed the deal. Kouta is the bassist in a new Visual Kei act, which also has a Swedish member. Even though the band hasn’t even started rehearsing, he’s got the look down. And just like Fu-ki, he brought over free drinks… three shots, for all of us!

Osaka’s most famous hard rock / heavy metal hangout is Bar Rock Rock; Alice Cooper and Motley Crue are among the celeb customers. And don’t forget Midian, run by the ex-member of BLOOD: “Like a Goth Elvis, vocalist Fu-ki is alive and ominously wielding an ice pick behind the counter of his Bar Midian.” (You can see photos and in-depth directions to Fu-ki’s bar here).

Come read the rest of my CNNGo article about Osaka’s rock bars here. Please rate and “Like” it so that CNN will publish more articles about Visual Kei and boy-on-boy antics.

Wahh, my Scottish Fold’s fancy outdoor playpen featured on the Catio Showcase blog! “This isn’t the kind of catio for rambunctious cats, but Basil Farrow is quite well-mannered (no jumping or escaping), plus he is always supervised on his catio, I’m assuming by his bodyguards.” That’s about right…

Have you been to any of Osaka’s Visual Kei bars or record stores? Which bands would YOU rank in your top ten? Thanks for supporting my CNNGo article with a Like.

Japanese Word of the Day: Goumon = Torture
Song of the Day: Malice Mizer – Beast of Blood

Wahhh! My spoiled Scottish Fold, Basil Farrow, now has a Catio — a cat patio, like the ones featured in the New York Times article! Need I say that he adores it?

When it was ready to use, Basil very carefully approached the catio with his sideway-feet.

He sniffed the screen door, and felt the straw mat…

… and gazed through the plastic fencing at the yard.

“Wahhh!” he said, proudly sniffing the fresh air. “I’m an outdoor cat now!”

Well, sort of. Basil Farrow is too precious to brave the elements… so he’s only allowed on a hyper-clean, protected balcony with parental supervision!

Basil’s grandpa closed up the two “open” sides of the balcony with a staple gun and sturdy plastic netting (don’t use chicken wire, which has sharp edges, or splintered wood). He put an old Body Shop beach mat on the ground.

The staircase is closed off with a plastic baby gate, locked with a string and hook. Oh Basil Farrow — he keeps pawing at the door and trying to escape!

The baby gate cleverly slides into a plastic magazine rack, so Basil can’t pull the corner open and squeeze through. He rests his head on his Japanese mouse-mouse pillow, hoping and waiting…

Basil Farrow loves watching the birds and squirrels, and lying down in the sun. It’s a great compromise: your housecat stays safe, while getting a taste of the outdoors.

Have you ever seen a Catio, or considered building one for your cat(s)? What are your thoughts on indoors vs. outdoor cats?

PS: Anyone going to see D’espairs Ray on their US and Canada concert tour in August? Here are the dates.

PPS: Dir En Grey announced a North American concert tour with Apocalyptica, August to September 2010. Dates here. WHO’S GOING?

Japanese Word of the Day: Karesansui = Japanese rock garden (literally, “dry landscape”)
Song of the Day: The Cure – Lovecats (maoo!)

Happy Fourth of July! May you have a bloody scandalous weekend. Basil Farrow has dual citizenship (he was born in Connecticut but flew to Vancouver), so he’s waving a flag from Canada Day, which was on July 1st.

If you have a few days off and are feeling bored, my Scottish Fold has some suggestions for passing the time. Basil is a fan of reading; at least, he likes to sit on newspapers and books! Sunday is a great day to catch up on news, revisit your favorite novels, or dive into the La Carmina blog archives. (Perhaps you missed my previous Tokyo adventures or how-to tutorials.)

Everyone deserve to be pampered once in a while (or, in the case of my cat, every 30 minutes). No need to shell out money to visit a spa. I love to relax by taking a long bath, putting on a facial mask, and painting my nails.

And finally… catch up on sleep! That’s my foldy-eared kitty’s secret for staying forever cute. If you want to see more of my kawaii Scottish Fold, I just added new photos to Basil Farrow’s Facebook (add him to see).

Independence Day is also a time for clothing sales… and I’m having one right here. I’ve listed tons of new and barely-worn designer women’s clothing and accessories, including a vintage cage dress, a red Lolita dress, and a Theory ladies suit jacket and pants for $160.

Many items are under $20-25, such as this Sex Pistols T-shirt and yes… Tim Burton Corpse Bride 5-inch character figurines! They’re limited edition vinyl figures from Japan, featuring Victor and the Bride.

Items will sell out fast, so please check out my Sale Listings and contact me ASAP (gothiccarmina {at} gmail) if you’re interested in anything — I’m happy to answer your questions. The link to the store is: http://picasaweb.google.com/lacarminasale/GarageSale

Kampai! How are you celebrating or relaxing this weekend?

Japanese Word of the Day: Kyonshi = Zombie or Living Dead)
Song of the Day: The GazettE – Shiver (The new PV in black and white. Rock out!)

Wahhh! I’m so proud of my Scottish Fold cat Basil Farrow — he was scouted by the producers of “Cats 101″ show! So you’ll be seeing him on the “Fat Cats” TV episode, airing on Animal Planet / Discovery Channel this fall or early next year. (Til then, you can watch his sideways-feet on my YouTube channel.)

Let’s celebrate… by doing another grand giveaway. Remember when CSN Stores sent him this designer cat scratcher/lounge chair? The manufacturer, Marmalade, loved the photos so much that they’ve donated a new, identical “Cheeky Chaise” for you to win.

HOW TO ENTER…
† It’s hard to keep Basil Farrow from getting bored! Please leave me a comment, with suggestion(s) on how to keep my Scottish Fold entertained (games, toys, tricks etc). Much appreciated!
† Please add La Carmina on Twitter, Facebook Group and/or Facebook Page. Include the URL or your name/username in your comment for verification.

The contest is open to all residents of USA, Canada and Europe. You may only enter once and must fulfill both requirements to be eligible. Contest ends Weds, June 30th at midnight Pacific Time.

Everyone deserves a cuteness break, right? I uploaded a new Scottish Fold video (above and here). He stands up on his hind legs, demands tummy rubs, chases a Sega Zhu Zhu robot hamster, lounges on his fancy chair… doesn’t he look like a stuffed teddy bear? I also talk about distinctive Scottish Fold behaviors, the two things that scare Basil, and “truths about cats” that don’t apply to him.

Thanks for entering the contest — good luck, everyone! I’m certain your kitties will adore the prize. You can also find the Marmalade cat scratcher and other items for pampering your pets on CSN Store’s website.

Do your cats land lightly on their feet? Or do they make a big PLOP like Basil does in the video?

Japanese Word of the Day: Batta = Grasshopper
Song of the Day: The Danse Society – Heaven Is Waiting (1983, baby).

Aretha Franklin’s iconic hat lives on! Reader and talented young artist Edith Lebeau sent me this stunning La Carmina portrait, rendered in color pencils (and acrylics?). Love the multi-faceted colors and the heart on my cheek.

Edith Lebeau is a fellow Canadian, growing up in Quebec. The artist is inspired by mythology, movies and fairy tales, and always paints women with a strong expression: “The look is the most important thing in my work; it’s the way the character tells the story to the viewer…” More of Edith’s vibrant paintings are on her website.

I’m always eager to promote artists on my blog — if you’re interested, send me a rendering of La Carmina and/or Basil Farrow and I’ll feature you in a post.

In random news… if you’ve been following me on Twitter, you’ll know that my other computer refused to start up. What happened? The Cantonese computer guy looked it over and announced… “Mao moh!” That’s right — CAT HAIR. My darling Basil Farrow is responsible for clogging up the fan, which overheated and killed the video card. But how can one get mad at this plush Scottish Fold when he tries to fit into a shoebox that’s too small for his girth? As some of you Tweeted, ROTFMAO!

Since we’re in random mode, here are some outfit posts that I took on Takeshita Doori in Harajuku. Wait, what happened to my hair? Gotcha: that’s my friend Heidi, who was visiting me from Hong Kong. I dressed her up in h.NAOTO Frill and an Innocent World bunny purse.

THIS is me, in an Innocent World dress from Closet Child Harajuku. Although it could very well be my friend in an orange wig, right? These photos got us thinking… what makes up a person’s style and “image”?

While my friends and I may change things up, we all have our little trademarks. The colors we like, the way we apply eye makeup, the types of accessories we pile on. Kanae has completely different makeup/styling above and in this post, but it’s still Kanae.

The way we adorn ourselves broadcasts who we are. Kanae and Comte de Sang’s lobe piercings alone scream Gothic Underground. A closeup of an ear with gold earrings would tell a very different story.

I’m curious to know about your personal approach to adornment. What type of hair styles, makeup, etc do you favor, and does it reflect an alternative outlook? Let’s discuss in the comments (you can post as Guest without registering).

I’ll get the ball rolling…
† HAIR: I’ve been dying my hair with bright, alt colors since I was 14. It doesn’t feel right to have black or a “normal” shade on my scalp. I had short hair in 2006 but it didn’t fit me; I’m most at home with long, layered chop jobs.
† MAKEUP: Love false eyelashes, stickers on the face and having fun with colorful eyeshadows.
† NAILS: Kept short so I can type, but always painted. Yukiro has inspired me to experiment with DIY nail art.
† PIERCINGS/TATTOOS: None whatsoever (perhaps surprisingly!). I’ve never been able to think of skin art I’d want to wear permanently. I prefer to adorn my clothes and hair with kawaii toys, flowers…

How about you?

PS: Final chance to win MIYAVI tickets! It’s easy to enter my contest for passes for the LA and Vancouver shows here.

Japanese word of the day: Odaijini = Take care
Song of the Day: How about this epic Visual Kei playlist on YouTube. NoGod, MUCC, Moi dix Mois, Mix Speakers Inc and more.

Ready for some kawaii? Let’s give the microphone to my Scottish Fold kitty-chan, Basil Farrow…

Wahhh! CSN Stores sent me a big, long parcel — what could it be? Mommy opened it out and I ran over to sniff the Thing. Made of cardboard, and has a curve. Mmm, could it be a head-rest?

Or a skateboarding ramp for my mouse-mouse? Nooo it’s supposed to be for me!

When in doubt about something, step on it and see what happens. The texture feels nice against my claws… wahh, I understand now. It’s a modern pet chair and scratcher fit for the King of the Maoos.

The ergonomic curves are perfect for curling up into a ball and napping.

Plus, there’s room to stretch out and dangle my big paws. My architect grandpa says it reminds him of Frank Gehry’s fancy curvy corrugated cardboard chair.

My little nose is very sensitive… but the recliner is made from high-quality recycled cardboard, without any toxic adhesives. After I’ve destroyed it with my claws, it’s 100% recyclable.

Ai-yah, perhaps the Cheeky Chaise is not quite wide enough to contain my girth… but that’s the story of my life! I’m sure your kitties will fit into it just fine.

Don’t I look like a fat baby Buddha? I feel like one when I’m sitting in my comfy throne. (Wink!)

A million head bonks to CSN Stores for sending me this Cheeky Chaise Cardboard Scratcher ($119.99, free shipping). AllModernPet carries every item imaginable to pamper your pet, from plush beds to wheeled carriers and Swarovski collars. From now on, I’m going to refuse to sit on anything except designer pet furniture!

Want to see more of my earless yellow Scottish Fold cat, Basil Farrow? Come visit his blog, Facebook and YouTube (please subscribe).

Do you pamper your pets? If so, how?

Japanese word of the day: Modern = Gendaiteki (na).
Song of the Day: Boowy – Only You

† Name: Jeanette
† Age: 21
† Location: Wauwatosa, WI
† How were you introduced to Gothic Lolita fashion?
I found out about the fashion in my later teens looking through various street fashion magazines and fell more and more in love with it until finally I started wearing them myself. Now I co-admin for the Milwaukee Lolita Society!
† What do you find appealing about GL style and culture?
It is beauty. It is a fashion that proves you can be gorgeous and turn all eyes your way without having to bare your chest or wear miniskirts. On top of that, the outfits are so flattering on a variety of body types. Anyone can feel beautiful wearing them! As far as the culture, you feel like a princess. You can be charming and refined and live your life in a completely separate way from how normal life day-to day is. Unless of course you have already made that jump in your lifestyle!
† What are your favorite Gothic Lolita clothing brands?
I have yet to purchase any hugely recognizable label. I do a lot of eBay shopping for more unique dresses that not every other Lolita will have. They also can be custom-made to your measurements! Otherwise I have a vast amount of my wardrobe from Bodyline and get accessories from Forever 21. It’s how you look in the end that matters to me.
† Any other comments (inspiration, tips, favorites)?
Keep an eye open anywhere you shop for pieces you can mix and match with your existing Lolita wardrobe. Also, experiment with different color schemes and combinations. It will keep the fashion fun and exciting. As well, never be afraid to bring friends into the fashion with you. For me, there’s not a lot out there that’s more fun than walking the malls and parks in Lolita with friends.

Film of the Week: Gothic & Lolita Psycho! The trailer has just been released and oh my petticoats. “The film stars actress and gravure idol Rina Akiyama as Yuki, a girl who lives at home in peace until one day a unit of assassins breaks in and slaughters her mother. In order to reveal the truth behind the seemingly senseless murder, Yuki transforms herself into a demon of vengeance by donning Gothic Lolita clothing, wielding a parasol as a deadly weapon, and executing the guilty in the name of God.” Yoshihiro Nishimura (Tokyo Gore Police makeup director) is on board, so you can expect tons of blood and splatter. If you haven’t seen TGP or Vampire Girl vs. Werewolf Girl, get on Netflix immediately! (You can read Comte de Sang’s review of the latter film here.)

Wahhh! CSN Stores sent my slightly pudgy Scottish Fold cat a giant, rectangular parcel!

What could be inside? The possibilities are endless. CSN has over 200 chic stores with everything you need in life… whether it’s a bathroom vanity, cookware or designer pet accessories. (Hmm, there’s a pawprint on the box…)

Basil Farrow is giving me “the look” so I better open it up… Come back to my blog tomorrow to see the amazing item my kitty received! I can already tell you, it’s too cute for words…

Til then, you can see photos of my son on his blog, Facebook and YouTube.

PS: My latest CNNGo piece is 10 avantgarde performances that make you go ‘huh?’ (featuring Hanakengo from Tokyo Decadance). You can read 100+ of my CNNGo articles here.

If you would like to be the next Gothloli of the Week, please read the submission instructions here. For all your Lolita shopping needs, check out the links to clothing brands on the right column of my blog.

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Thanks so much and please keep in touch (I love hearing from you and try to respond to everyone): RSS feed, posts in your inbox, MySpace, Facebook Group, Facebook Fan page, Twitter, YouTube, Bloglovin and Google Friend Connect (right sidebar of my blog).