This image depicts a large-scale sculpture or prop of Godzilla (resembling the design from Legendary Pictures’ 2014 Godzilla film and its MonsterVerse sequels) under construction in a rural agricultural area of Livermore Valley, Alameda County, California. The background features row crops (likely almonds or similar nut trees, common in the region) and the distinctive rolling hills of the Diablo Range, visible from areas near Altamont Pass and I-580. Workers are using scaffolding and a JLG cherry picker for assembly, suggesting it’s a custom-built piece rather than a film set (no on-site filming equipment or crew beyond construction is evident).
Livermore Valley is a known hub for large-scale prop fabrication due to its proximity to San Francisco (about 40 miles east) and access to industrial workshops, though no specific production is publicly tied to this exact statue. It could be a private commission, art installation, or promotional display—similar to fan-built or licensed replicas seen in California yards or events like Bay Area Godzillafest. If it’s part of a movie, it’s likely not the 2014 Godzilla (filmed primarily in Vancouver and Hawaii with Vancouver standing in for California locations).
Many more convincing AI images by an unknown digital artist can be found on a Facebook page titled Abandoned Houses and Unreal Places. There’s also a link to a YouTube channel that features animated tours.
In November 1855, the Great Ansei Earthquake struck the city of Edo (now Tokyo), claiming 7,000 lives and inflicting widespread damage. Within days, a new type of color woodblock print known as namazu-e (lit. “catfish pictures”) became popular among the residents of the shaken city. These prints featured depictions of mythical giant catfish (namazu) who, according to popular legend, caused earthquakes by thrashing about in their underground lairs. In addition to providing humor and social commentary, many prints claimed to offer protection from future earthquakes.
Namazu are normally kept under control by the god Kashima using a large rock known as kaname-ishi. The Great Ansei Earthquake of 1855 is said to have occurred when Kashima went out of town and left Ebisu (god of fishing and commerce) in charge. In this print, the giant subterranean catfish unleashes destruction on the city while Ebisu sleeps on the job. Kashima rushes home on horseback while the city burns, and Raijin the thunder god defecates drums. Large gold coins fall from the sky, symbolizing the redistribution of wealth during the rebuilding phase.
Namazu with construction tools, portrayed as the legendary warrior Benkei.
You Keep On Worrying Me, Ike Turner & the Kings of Rhythm (1959) “Turner maintained strict discipline over the band, insisting they lived in a large house with him so he could conduct early morning rehearsals at a moment’s notice. He would fire anyone he suspected of drinking or taking drugs, and would fine band members if they played a wrong note.”
Anna Sciontiwon the Melbourne Blues Appreciation Society’s (MBAS) Blues Performer of the Year 2023 (Solo/Duo Category) and represented the MBAS at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis Tennessee in January 2024.
Australian guitar slinger slider Dave Hole is living proof that there’s a Mississippi Delta somwhere in Oz.
So many things to pay attention to these days, and watching the fireworks of the internet go off in unpredictably absurd directions makes me grin. Tomorrow is a good day to do the porch thing, see you when the time is right.
Tacky Raccoons 