While many people were focused on the Year of the Dog Pageant, there were still plenty others that were interested in the food, the festivities, and the fireworks. But there were other things that were a lot of fun, and funny as well.
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The Golden Mountain Dojo was one of the few places for Animalians to learn martial arts, especially MMA from the Orient, as it was sometimes known. While similar places were being considered in the new colonies, Golden Mountain Dojo would be officially "the First". But it was also the site for an official announcement for a new Project:
"Project Cameron, named after the famous church crusader who rescued many young Chinese girls and teenagers from lifetimes of misery in San Francisco, is to aid those who have been rescued from similar conditions become part of both America and Animalia." said a Panda Animalian who was one of the teachers at the Dojo to a large crowd of official press, thanks to Animalia's PR-MD. "Whether they are victims of trafficking, or refugees from terrible wars, or even worse conditions, all can have a place in Project Cameron, as long as they aren't religious extremists." This last part seemed to be included because of many of the acts of "loyalists" of groups like ISIS, the Taliban, or similar groups. "We're already getting some new volunteers 'rescued' by our dear student Ping, but since the Chinese government classified most of it, we can only show you what was caught on an IPhone Camera by a bystander."
After that, it showed a large group of girls being led into Chinese police vans looking very grateful for it, while the pimp/cult leader was arguing with Ping over her "dispersing" of his circle. When he started getting violent, Ping faked a right and clocked him right below the jaw with her left, dropping him like a brick and allowing the Chinese police to haul him away. As the reporter dispersed, the teacher thought to himself, 'Thank goodness for digital identity concealment.'
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Another Surprising thing was meeting the GGAC in one of the rooms, but what was surprising was that they were seemingly sparring with people wearing motion capture suits and carrying motion capture props.
"Hey guys," said Roland, "What are you doing?"
"Because of the popularity of Spookyville, Nintendo and Double Fine are doing a collaboration." said Peter.
"They're doing a horror comedy beat-em-up game called 'Escape From Spookyville'. It's going to be one of the few horror games that is rated 'T for Teen'." said Adam.
"The plot is that your character is a mad scientist experiment that breaks free from the Mad Scientist Rumpus Room in Franken Castle and tries to escape Spookyville." said Tom.
"In order to escape, you have to fight your way through many of the AHE&C's more popular attractions, such as the Mamba Wamba Voodoo Swamp, Buena Vista Hotel, and Witches Woods, to destroy the magical crystal foci that fuels the barrier that keeps you from leaving." said Jerry.
"Some of the more amusing boss battles come from spoofs of famous 'modern' horror icons such as Freddy Krueger, Jason Voorhees, and Michael Myers." said Lina.
"Some of the more unexpected allies you find there include Dracula as he appears in 'The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy'." said Reva.
"Characters who successfully escape Spookyville can be used in the unlockable 'UFC-A' minigame." said Dela.
"And the one who serves as your guide/tutorial is the ghost of Lon Chaney Sr., the 'Man of a Thousand Faces." finished Mara.
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One of the more popular activities involving the Golden Mountain Dojo, especially for the participants of the Chinese Year of the Dog Pageant, was enjoying the hot springs while drinking sake. Sake was one of the few alcohols that Animalians didn't mind drinking due to taste. The more surprising things about it was that such a thing was somewhat common in hot spring inns in China and Japan, so special trays were designed to float on water and keep the drinks steady.
"Did you not learn anything from Shanghai?" asked Heather, teasingly, of Tyra.
"Yes, they have no sense of humor." replied Tyra. Both of them weren't serious, because such an exchange thing was common in Asian graphic novels, which were being sold (in translated version) during the festivities.
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Everyone was looking forward to the Chinese Year of the Dog Pageant, and everyone was going to be cheering on their favorite dogs, such as Abby and Co. cheering on Sarah and Malice.