SaikouCon 2015

Hi All! This is Miss Shelly, and I'll be covering this awesome Lehigh Valley event!

SaikouCon 2015 will be taking place August 28, 29, and 30, 2015 at the Best Western Lehigh Valley Hotel Conference Center; located at 300 Gateway Drive, Bethlehem, PA 18017. The Best Western features over 11,000 square feet of dedicated meeting space, The Foundry restaurant, and The Bar with No Name Nightclub. The Best Western will afford SaikouCon 2015 more vendor space in the Merchant Hall which will be set in the hotel's Hanover Grande Ballroom and more artist space in a separate Artist Alley set in the hotel's Lehigh Room Banquet Hall. SaikouCon's third year is going to be bigger, better, and more diverse in its programming than any SaikouCon to come before, 2015 is a game changer; don't miss it! SaikouCon was initially conceived in May of 2012 and held its first show in August of 2013, the convention has grown consistently each year.

Guests of Honor for SaikouCon 2015 are RuffleButt Cosplay (Jessie Pridemore), Voice Actress Leah Clark, Voice Actress Danielle McCrae, and Voice Actress Tia Ballard! Featured Guests this year are The Gamer's Edge Comics and Gaming (hosting and sponsoring our tabletop gaming room), Sci-Fi Photo Guys, Hazel Dayze, and Cosplay Burlesque! Musical Guests include headlining band The Adarna, Adam WarRock, Take Away The Ugly, and DJ Teez! And for the first time at SaikouCon, Special Guests Koralene Cosplay and comic book author and artist Derrick Fish!

DJ Teez

Take Away the Ugly

The Schedule for SaikouCon 2015 is posted on the Events page on SaikouCon.com. For full details on all panels, events, activities, autograph sessions etc. please visit SaikouCon's Facebook page, www.facebook.com/SaikouCon and click on the Events tab. Make sure to use Facebook's new Subscribe feature for Fan Page Events so you get notified as soon as we post an event.

Be on the lookout for me at the event! I'd love to feature you in my next blog post!

40 Years of Terror

I have been obsessed with horror films since I was a little kid. It’s true. I remember watching movies like A Nightmare on Elm Street and Child’s Play when I was in elementary school. Maybe not the best thing for a kid to watch, but I loved horror and I could not get enough! Even if a film gave me the heebee jeebees, I would watch it over and over. I liked being scared. The movies that were always the scariest to me weren’t ones with ghosts like in Poltergeist or with villains like Jason Voorhees. The ones that always got me were films where I felt that I could be in that exact situation. 

Horror movies that had less of a supernatural terror always made me crap my big girl panties! Now, don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t saying “Candyman” in the mirror three times or hanging around clowns just in case I bumped into Pennywise, but at least those didn’t feel as real as some horror flicks. Scream freaked me out, despite how much I loved it, especially when I went to the bathroom alone at school. Who knows who could be hiding in a stall with a knife! Teen slashers always got my blood flowing. Urban Legends and I Know What You Did Last Summer always made me a little paranoid. The Blair Witch Project creeped me out, mainly because I live in Maryland and had a tendency to play in the woods. Now, even with all of these unstable teenagers, the film that scared me the most had a villain that wasn’t even human. Nope. The film I’m talking about had a great white with the best theme song ever. Yes, I am talking about the shark in Jaws!

Movie poster for Jaws 1975

While I didn’t remember much from the film after the first time that I saw it, I do remember the impact it had on me every single time I went into the water. Every time I went to the beach I always had the thought of a shark attack in the back of my head. If a fish or piece of seaweed touched my leg underwater I would have a mini panic attack. I would jump up and wouldn’t want to touch my feet back down to the ground. There were times when I would go into the ocean and wouldn’t touch my feet to the ground once I made it past where the waves break. And if you think that is bad, I used to freak out in pools. Yes… those big things with clear water and chlorine that no shark would survive in. I had myself convinced that there were sharks hiding in the deep end and in the grates at the bottom of the pool. I would never swim over them or even dare touch them with my feet. Luckily, this phobia ended when I was in middle school… thank god! I still can’t believe I let a movie have that much of an impact on me, but like I said, Jaws was a terror that felt possible.

Still from Jaws 1975

Jaws has now been out, terrorizing beach goers for 40 years now! That’s amazing! I was lucky enough to attend one of the screenings for it’s 40th anniversary last month. It still had it’s moments. Cheap shots that made me jump, drunken sailor singing, and Bruce! Ohh, fun fact, they named the shark Bruce on set. I probably would have named him something like Snuggles or Mr. Wigglesworth, but that’s just me. No judgement. Bruce is a great name… if it is followed by Campbell. 

Still from Jaws 1975

I could sit here and give you tons of trivia about this film, like how Jaws was the highest grossing film for 2 years until Star Wars came out… bastards! But I won’t do that. What I will do is say this… if you have not seen Jaws, do yourself a huge favor and see it on the big screen while it is still out in theaters! All of those anti-piracy ads are right, nothing compares to seeing a movie in a theater. The lights are out, the screen is huge, and for 90 minutes, you are completely focused on the film. Every detail, the music, the props, the characters, and the storyline. For me, the best part is not having any distractions at the theater and letting the feelings of fear and anxiousness take over as I’m on the edge of my seat wondering when that damn shark is going to pop back up again! Okay… maybe I know when the shark is going to pop out of the water, but you get the idea. 

In any case, Happy 40th Bruce! You family vacation to the beach ruining bastard!

xoxo,

Krystal Lake 

Trapped In The Black Lodge: Why I Love Twin Peaks

If you know me, you know I have a love affair with the 90's television show, Twin Peaks. I got hooked, and I got hooked fast. I can't tell you how many times I've watched the pilot, how many slices of cherry pie I've eaten, or how many black and white chevron items I own, but just know its a lot. This years marks the 25th anniversary of the show I'm obsessed with and here are a few reasons why...

"She's dead....wrapped in plastic." Laura Palmer, the prom queen, had been found dead and murdered and it was our job as the viewer to try to figure out who did it. "Who killed Laura Palmer?" was pretty much the slogan of the first season. The quirky town of Twin Peaks lost its teenage beauty and everyone was a suspect. At its core, this offbeat show that included a but of scifi and horror started out as a murder mystery and I loved trying to play detective.

The unconventional, handsome, FBI agent Dale Cooper. Always talking into his tape recorder, coffee in hand, and appreciator of cherry pie, Cooper quickly became my favorite television character. His attention to detail and eccentric methods, such as Tibetan philosophy and being visited by a dancing dwarf and a gentle giant in his dreams, I was confident that this well put together detective would solve the case.

The mysterious Black Lodge, which is an extradimensional place that Cooper first visited in a dream. It is said to be a sort of waiting room; a parallel universe where you meet your shadow self. Weird, right? The red room is my favorite visual aspect of the series. The black and white chevron floor and the vibrant red curtains are perfection.

Audrey Horne. She was gorgeous and had that 90s pinup vibe about her. She was only 18 but loved Agent Cooper but didnt we all? A bit of a trouble maker but she got herself involved in Laura Palmers case and tried to help Cooper anyway she could. Her sense of style was everything. Need I say more?

David Lynch created quite the list of characters. Twin Peaks had some very odd locals. For instance, you had the Log Lady who carried around a log and communicated with it. Nadine Hurley wears an eye patch due to a hunting accident and has an obsession with silent drape runners. Lucy Moran is the sheriff departments receptionist who is a bit clueless but still loveable. These are just to name a few...

No matter how many times I watch it, there will always be those unexplainables. Maybe thats whats so intriguing about Twin Peaks. Its not all straightforward. Everything can be interpreted differently. Just like many other fans, I'm looking forward to next years Season 3.

 I'll leave you with a photo from I shoot we did last year...my ode to Twin Peaks.
Photo: sTOrM Photography
Model/Wardrobe: Bettie Krueger
Make Up Provided by 13th Moon Creations
Shoot for Sinister Rouge Pin Up & More

The PA Burlesque Festival is almost here!

We are exactly 1 week away from the 6th Annual PA Burlesque Festival at the Mauch Chunk Opera House and those of us here at Sinister Rouge couldn't be more excited!

You see, it's because of the Burlesque Festival that we first found our way to this beautiful mountain town that we now call home.  It also happens to be where we met Bettie Krueger & Krystal Lake for the first time!  Madame Corsetiere is an inspiration with the way she brings everyone together.  I'll be the first to tell you that trying to keep a good group of people together and going is not the easiest of feats.  Not to mention her skills when it comes to costume design are incredible to say the least.  But back to the show next week, that's what you really want to know about.....

 Do you see that? Miss Poison Ivory is headlining Friday night!  <<girlie squeals>>  Miss Poison Ivory is definitely the one performance I am always the most excited about ever since I first saw her on the PA Burlesque Festival Stage for their Halloween themed Boolesque Event...So, yes, last year when she won the Crystal Corset Award, we were all ecstatic!  Check out my favorite performance that I've seen so far here: 

 Not only do you have 2 nights of amazing performers (click here for full listing), but they're also doing 2 days of classes!  That's right, in love with what you see in that video above or at any of the shows?  Miss Poison Ivory will be teaching 'Burlesque 101' on Saturday.  Nina La Voix, who can shake it like no other, will be teaching her class "What Dat Booty Do" on Sunday, which if it's anything like last year's packed class will be tons of fun!  Madame Corsetiere will even be teaching 2 classes on Sunday!  I could go on and on, but just check out the full schedule.

See you there!

What's a Blue Moon anyway?

July 31st is the next time a Full (and Blue) Moon hits the skies. What many don't understand, is why a regular old Full Moon sometimes gets referred to as a Blue Moon.

There's a few reasons why...

1. A Full Moon is called a Blue Moon when it is the second Full Moon in a calendar month (the first Full Moon in July happened on the first).

2. Another definition of a Blue Moon, is when two Full Moons occur in the same Astrological sign.

3. Lastly, the term Blue Moon could be used to describe the third Full Moon in a season of four. Now an Astrological "season" isn't a regular weather season like Spring or Summer, but is a time period between a solstice and an equinox.

Since Blue Moons are uncommon, happening only every two or three years, the saying "Once in a Blue Moon" is used to mean a rare concurrence and has nothing to do with the actual color of the Moon. The next Blue Moon won't hit the skies until January 2018, so July 31st is a good day to do something different. Do something you haven't done before!

If you're looking for some one-on-one astrology or tarot guidance, head on over to my website (www.KSBRodgers.com) to book a reading!

Feeling comfortable in your own skin - just in time for beach season!

Hey there!

So it's summer. I want to talk about feeling comfortable with the body you have right now. I mean it, right now, this second. You with (what you think) is a "terrible" body, listen up! You're awesome, and your body is a gift. Can you walk? Can you lift things? Can you speak and move? Then, guess what, your body is perfect just as it is!

I keep seeing things like this being put up by people on Facebook:

This is Jack Black as Nacho Libre.

Tacos aren't inherently bad for you. You can make them with lettuce instead of corn tortillas, you can use grilled fish, tofu, or chicken instead of ground beef. You don't HAVE to add cheese - use onion and cilantro. If you want a taco, eat a stupid taco. This is what I want to reply when I see it, but I don't. Maybe I should, but honestly, I don't want to make someone with body issues feel worse. Instead, I normally tell them that they're awesome the way they are and that I puffy heart them.

One slice won't kill you. Seriously.

This one really drives me crazy. Again, healthful alternatives - cauliflower crust, whole wheat crust, less cheese, vegan cheese, no meat, etc. If you want it, eat it. Don't eat a whole pie - you'll likely feel gross. Enjoy the damned pizza, and go ahead and have a beer with it if you want. Enjoy your life, damn it!

I'm saying this to you as someone who was there before. I suffer(ed) from body dysmorphia, an eating disorder, and exercise orthorexia. There are some of us who are all or nothing. You can either suffer and burn out, or you can find peace and accept yourself. At almost 35, I've found peace and I accept myself. 80% of the time, I eat small portions and make healthful choices, and the other 20% I eat things that make me happy - like ice cream, s'mores, and hot dogs. I have food allergies and some gut issues, so I am forced to restrict certain items, or I'll end up in the hospital, so there's that. I find alternatives, like sunflower butter, that make me happy and remind me of foods that I used to eat.

Remember, you don't know what someone is battling, but you can be kind. Enjoy your life and please, don't feel bad if you have thighs that rub together - you're closer to a being a mermaid that way. Stretch marks and cellulite - puh-lease - battle scars. Chub? Whatever.

Enjoy the beach - wear an awesome straw hat, wear that suit, and if you need to, an airy caftan or cover up.  Use sunscreen, and enjoy the salt water or pool. Soak in those rays and read a book. That's what summer's about. Oh, and custard!

New Jersey Festival of Ballooning: Up Up and Away!!

 New Jersey Festival of Ballooning!!!

Your Next Date Destination!

If you and your significant other are looking for a fun filled day or evening you should consider taking a trip to the New Jersey Festival of Ballooning at the Solberg Airport in Whitehouse NJ.  The Quickchek NJ Festival of Ballooning is the largest summertime hot air balloon and music festival in North America!!! Held annually, the festival features twice daily mass ascensions of over 100 special shapes and sport hot air balloons, concerts, food, vendors, crafts, fireworks, a balloon glow (evening), and a 5K run. There are also many local hotel accommodations if you would like to lengthen your stay. The hot air balloon ascensions are at 6am and 6pm each day of the festival. The timing helps ensure not only a breathtaking sunrise or sunset experience but is also the calmest time of day in terms of wind. The balloons will not be released if the weather is not adequate.

It has always been on my bucket list to go on a hot air balloon ride and this festival is a perfect opportunity to do so!

Prices and other information:

If you are considering taking your own ride to go up up and away during one of the mass ascensions you will need to order your ticket online for $225-$250 per rider. General admission to the festival is $25 from June 27^th-July 23^rd if purchased over the phone or online. General admission tickets at the gate can be purchased for $35.

Proceeds from the festival benefit the Children’s Miracle Network. If you are interested in volunteering or working as a vendor inside the festival visit the festival website here.

The address for the festival is:

Solberg Airport

39 Thor Solberg Rd

Whitehouse Station NJ 08889

The Festival is held Friday July 24^th through Sunday July 26^th.  See you there!!!!

XOXO

Jennabelle Adams