Friday, December 9, 2011

Let's Put A Smile On That Face!

Here we are in December. The most festive month of the year! You know what that makes me want to do? If you guessed carve pumpkins, then you are correct!

A few weeks ago, I bought a few pumpkins for Thanksgiving. I didn't initially want to buy them for carving, but by the time I got to the check out, it was all I was thinking about. I knew I had to wait until after Thanksgiving, but I finally got around to it today.

With the help of Stay Puft, we decided on this pumpkin for our first one. Now, I know the ropes of carving pumpkins, but this was Stay Puft's first time. So we had to look at the instructions.
Eight steps to carving a perfect pumpkin. That really seems like too many...
Five steps? PERFECT! Oh wait...they gloss over getting all the guts out of the pumpkin...guess that's important...
These are all the standard things that come with a set. I got this set on clearance at K-Mart for like $5 bucks. The ghost poking wheel is the single greatest thing I have ever seen, so this was naturally a must buy.
We picked out our tools and we are ready to go to work.
These are small pumpkins that are generally used for pie and not carving. As a result...these are packed with guts and seeds. I was amazed at how much I had to get out of it. Unfortunately...I have rather large hands, so it was a struggle to clean it out properly...
But once I had, the results were beautiful! So clean and not a seed in sight.
Here are the remains. I am writing this as I am munching on delicious pumpkin seeds. Be jealous!
After some work and repeating the steps, here is the final product. All free-hand...as they were far too small for any of the patterns. But you can't argue with the results!
Stay Puft was so happy with the pumpkins. He gave them all big hugs and told them he loved them. I don't have the heart to tell him that they will eventually rot...
I put in some of my electric tea candles and watched them flicker in their glory for a few minutes. If it wasn't already sunrise, you can bet these would be outside. Perhaps later tonight.
Carving pumpkins will always be one of my favorite activities. Everything about it brings back memories and I know there are certainly more memories to come. To help you properly enjoy, here is a video of my pumpkins and there are here to sing you a very special message.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Nickelodeon - 1, Disney - 0

I know it's December and I should be focusing on Christmas stuff, but Halloween still seems like it's here. Maybe I am crazy. Who knows? I felt exceptionally Halloween-centric this evening, so I opened a bottle of apple cider and sat down to finally watch The Boy Who Cried Werewolf.

I feel very sad that I didn't know about this movie sooner. It premiered in 2010 and I didn't even find out about it until November 1st of this year. I try to have my finger on the pulse, but we can't always. As you know from reading my blog, I love the Disney Channel Original Movies centered around Halloween. It makes me sad that Disney has been lazy for the past few years (I don't really count My Babysitter is a Vampire as a DCOM), but in their absence Nickelodeon has picked up the slack.

The story follows a family who goes to Romania to inherit a family castle, but once they arrive, things are not as they appear to be. Isn't that always the case? It's a fun little family movie with good acting and surprisingly great special effects for a made for TV movie. I guess my only qualm is I wish werewolves and vampires weren't so intertwined in this day and age. It seems you can't have one without the other, but that is no fault of The Boy Who Cried Werewolf. They are just following the trend.

I have no clue is Nick will be airing this again before next Halloween, but I wouldn't rule it out as a possibility. If not, I am sure there are other means for finding the movie out there.

A+ Nickelodeon...you have kicked Disney Channel's ass all over the place this past year. Keep it up!

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

The Next Day

Here we are. November 1st. October has come and gone and Halloween is over. I must admit...it gets more difficult every year. Last year, Target moved all the Halloween stuff into a corner and brought in Christmas at least a full week before Halloween. When I went to Target yesterday, they moved Halloween and Christmas songs were already playing. Now, I had seen a few decorations before yesterday, but it still hurt a little to hear Jingle Bells on Halloween.

I have spoken to a couple of people today about how yesterday went for them...and apparently, the trick or treaters were both few and far between. Apparently, some of them didn't even bother to say "Trick or Treat" or wear costumes. To me...that's just disgusting. Makes me wish that Sam from Trick 'r Treat was real, so that justice would be served to these punks who think Halloween is just an excuse for someone else to buy you candy. It's despicable...

Halloween needs a comeback...and I am hoping that it's sooner rather than later. There needs to be paper decorations lining storefront, jack o'lanterns everywhere and the spirit of the season needs to return. You hear the term holiday cheer being spread around during Christmas...Halloween is missing that...but I think that if we all band together, Halloween can become the holiday it used to be. Who's with me?
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Since the writing of this article, I have started a Facebook page called Bring Back Halloween. Like it and tell your friends about it, so we can bring back Halloween to its former glory!

Facebook - Bring Back Halloween

Monday, October 31, 2011

Macabre Melodies

There are far more than 10 songs that are spooky, so here are a few more that you can hopefully add to your playlist for tonight!


Halloween (She Get So Mean) by Rob Zombie - Rob Zombie has every right to sing about Halloween, but I think that is where the line should be drawn (Sorry if you liked his remake of Halloween...). It's catchy and delightful and you can catch me humming it sometimes.


Low Red Moon by Belly - I won't lie...don't exactly know the whole meaning behind this song, but I absolutely love it. Then again...any song about the moon is one I enjoy listening to. It's got a very spooky melody to it. A must listen.


Laurie (Strange Things Happen) by Dickey Lee - As I stated in my blog about Are You Afraid of the Dark?, I love stories about hitchhiking ghosts like Resurrection Mary. This whole song is similar to the urban legend and it is kind of spooky to listen to.


Dead Man's Party by Oingo Boingo - A perfect '80s Halloween song. You really can't go wrong with it. It's catchy, upbeat and all around fun to listen to. I would dance to this at a Halloween party...or at least attempt to dance...



Everyday is Halloween by Ministry - A song all about me. Haha. But really...don't you wish that everyday would be like Halloween? I know I do. Crap...now this song is stuck in my head...

Any songs you think should be on my playlist?

Scary Soda...

I am going to be playing a little catch up on here today.

I am quite a fan of displays created out of 12-packs of soda. Unfortunately...they mostly deal with football and such, which really isn't my thing. Although, around this time of year, you can find some excellent displays that are Halloween styled.

Last year, I found this excellent jack o'lantern at Safeway and I have kept the picture on my phone since.
It's simple, but that's what is so great about it. I wouldn't have minded yellow instead of black for the face, but black works just as well.

Wal-Mart has really been the hero of these displays this year. I have found three different displays this season and I love each and every one of them.
Still simple, but effective. The black works here much better. It's not my favorite of the three, but you can't help but smile when you see that face.
I rather enjoy the sinisterness of this one. Not to mention the black cat, spider and scarecrow. I found this one at a Wal-Mart I don't usually frequent, so you can imagine my excitement when I saw it. I couldn't resist snapping a picture, even if it was at three in the morning.

This one...might...blow...your...mind...












WHAT! HOW AMAZING IS THAT?!? A Frankenstein Monster made entirely out of 12-packs of soda...I was delighted, excited...and things of the like. Different kinds of soda and even using tape to make a scar...you can't beat that. I dare you to try...no...really. Next Halloween...I want to see something that will make me feel even more giddy than this one did. Your move Wal-Mart...

Happy Halloween!

It's finally here folks! The day we have all been waiting for. As a pumpkin pie cools on the rack and my quarts of Trick Oreo Treat are keeping cold in my freezer, I feel I am ready for the events of the day. What happens, could be a mystery, but I know that I today will be a great day for all. Hopefully it involves carving pumpkins, watching movies on VHS and munching on assorted types of candy.

Hopefully I haven't let you down over the course of these two months. If I have, I am sorry for this. Need to get some day of laughs/enjoyment, I strongly urge you to check out X-Entertainment and I-Mockery. Two of my favorite websites of all time.

Stick around...I have a few more posts that I will post today, then a wrap up of things tomorrow.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Universal Horror

In my Top 13 list, you will no doubt notice I didn't include any of the classic Universal monster movies. I did that more because I could never really pick just one that I love and leave the others in the dust, as there is so much history there. I was also very surprised that no Universal Horror films showed up on the ShockTillYouDrop.com list of fan submitted horror films. Are these classics getting the love they deserve? I personally don't think so. With such history ranging from the unforgettable performance of Lon Chaney in The Phantom of the Opera to the hopeful performance of Benicio Del Toro in the remake of The Wolfman. Maybe Universal should have rereleased Dracula and Frankenstein this year for their 80th anniversary? At least a new DVD set would have been nice, as it has been five years since the Universal Legacy sets of those two.

So, please, for me...watch at least one Universal Horror film this Halloween. It will make me very happy.

My Top 13 List

Today, one of my go-to sites for horror movie news, ShockTillYouDrop.com, posted a list of 13 Horror movies that fans would watch during a marathon this month. I don't exactly enjoy this list, so I have taken it upon myself to craft a new list. Will it be a better list? I am not certain. So here are the Top 13 films that I would watch during a horror movie marathon that are not on the Shock list.

13. An American Werewolf in London (1981) (I love this poster so freakin' much.)
12. The Amityville Horror (1979)
11. The Changeling (1980)
10. Child's Play (1988)
9. The Fly (1986)
8. The Fog (1980)
7. The Frighteners (1996)
6. Jeepers Creepers (2001)
5. The Lost Boys (1987)
4. The Omen (1976)
3. Poltergeist (1982)
2. Psycho (1960)
1. The Wicker Man (1973)
It's a little crazy to see that certain titles were missed. I can't believe Psycho and The Omen didn't end up on the Shock list. Oh well. You can't win them all.

Friday, October 21, 2011

It's Back!

Sorry for the absence...hopefully over the next ten days I can make it up to you!

If you might remember last month, I did an article about Baskin-Robbins Halloween flavors. One particular flavor sounded very tasty...and it's back!


Trick Oreo Treat! WHAT!?!? I can't believe I missed this. I am going tomorrow to get a scoop. I recommend you do the same!

Friday, October 7, 2011

Horror According To Dan

About a month ago, I had lunch with actor Dan Aykroyd. Without a doubt one of the greatest moments of my life. During the lunch, he and I had a conversation about horror films. Coming from someone like him, if he recommends a movie, you certainly can't go wrong. Here are a few of the titles we discussed in detail.
An American Werewolf in London - Dan called this film the sign of a true horror fan. With every reason to, as it's one of the best horror films of all time. I know it's in my Top 10 Horror Films of All Time. I'd highly recommend it.
The Bad Seed (1956) - A shocking film to be sure. Then again, aren't most films involving bad kids terrifying? This one actually comes out on Blu-ray next week. Certainly worth picking up.
The Uninvited (1944) - The first film to use ghosts as a real phenomenon as opposed to a comedic device. I was actually rather proud that I had just watched this a few weeks before, so I could discuss it. I don't believe that this is available on DVD in the US, but I know it's on VHS.
Blithe Spirit - More of a comedy than horror, Blithe Spirit was a film Dan had a lot to say about. I hadn't seen it at that point, but I have since. It's quite a good movie and great for a laugh.

Hopefully all of these films can find a spot in your monthly viewing. I know they are on mine.

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Spooky Scents!

I recently discovered that my sister is starting her own company for selling soaps, lotions, candles and various other items. Needless to say, I told her she needed a pumpkin scented candles and such to which she responded that she was already working on them and had made some soaps in the shape of jack o'lanterns. She also told me that she is naming all of the pumpkin stuff after me! My excitement cannot be contained! Here is a picture of her soaps and I will keep you updated on any other spooky products she makes this Halloween season.
Yeah...those are called Zach O'Lanterns...BOOM!

To see more of her products, like her company on Facebook here. Beth's Beauty Bar

IT'S HERE!

Here we are folks. It's finally October! So a Happy October to you. Halloween will be here before you know it, so you better enjoy as much Halloween as you possibly can this month! I know I am going to. And keep checking back, as I plan to blog quite a bit until then (and the week or so of my withdrawal afterwards).

Friday, September 30, 2011

Scooby-Doo Movies - A History

Scooby-Doo has been delighting the world for over 40 years and is just as strong now as he was then. But there was a dark time in the Scoobyverse. A Pup Named Scooby-Doo ended in 1991 which lead to a seven year period without any substantial Scooby-Doo release (I don't really Arabian Nights...sorry).

But after that time, Scooby-Doo came back...in a big way.

In 1998, Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island was released and so began the first era of direct-to-video Scooby Movies. The main draw of this new film was that the monsters WERE REAL! If you look into Scooby lore, you will find that this isn't the first time that the monsters weren't just people in masks...in fact, a lot of the material had him and the gang pitted against real monsters. But for me, as a seven year old kid, I couldn't have been more excited for it. The monsters were real! PINCH ME I AM DREAMING! If you ask anyone born in the late '80s, early '90s what Scooby-Doo cartoon they remember most, the answer will be Zombie Island. You just can't top this movie...I dare you to try.
The next year, Scooby-Doo and the Witch's Ghost was released. Again, the monsters are real and this movie is brilliant. You get the sexy Hex Girls (I love Thorn...always will) and a Stephen King style character helping Mystery Incorporated solve the mystery. It's so amazing...you can buy this movie at Wal-Mart or Target for $5. So I highly recommend getting it.
I guess it's true what they say..."Nothing Gold Can Stay". Alien Invaders, while not a bad movie, was not nearly as exciting as it's predecessors. But it holds a soft spot for me as Shaggy gets a musical number all to himself. Since the embedding feature is not being my friend, here is a link to that song. Groovy
Again, not really the best Scooby movie out there. While it's pretty nifty to see the alternate versions of the gang at the end of the film, Cyber Chase steps too far out of the general formula of Scooby-Doo. But it's still a very watchable movie.

After the first era of Scooby movies proved to be such a success, Cartoon Network began airing a new show called What's New, Scooby-Doo? It was nice to see Scooby on the air again, but this led to the second era of movies.
I'd be running too...Starting in 2003 and going until 2009, the second era of Scooby Movies were pretty poor. You have Legend of the Vampire, Monster of Mexico, Loch Ness Monster, Aloha, Scooby-Doo, Where's My Mummy?, Pirates Ahoy!, Chill Out, Scooby-Doo, Goblin King and Samurai Sword. These films used the animation style from What's New, Scooby-Doo? and I genuinely dislike a few of these. I do really enjoy Goblin King, as it's a lovely Halloween romp that focuses on Shaggy and Scooby much like the telefilms from the '80s.

In 2010, Warner reboots Scooby-Doo and we entered the third era of Scooby movies starting with Abracadabra-Doo.
Using a better style of animation more similar to the original series, Abracadabra-Doo was a triumph. I love every second of this movie. It brings back songs as well, which I felt was a very effect part of the first era Scooby movies. Followed by Camp Scare and this month's release called Legend of the Phantosaur, the third era of Scooby-Doo movies is where I hope we will stay for awhile. I'm still getting the bad taste of Aloha, Scooby-Doo out of my mouth.

On a personal note, I love enjoy how Warner is keeping the show, Mystery Incorporated on Cartoon Network it's own thing. There is no need for the films to use the same style of animation or story telling. It's more varied and I love it!

So if you want to get a little Scooby-Doo into your Halloween festivities, I would say the first two of the first era, Goblin King and then all three from the third era. That would be enough to make to bring a smile to any Scooby-Doo fan! Just grab a box of Scooby Snack and get to it!

Saturday, September 24, 2011

A Spooky Trip...

I always enjoy going shopping during Halloween time, because really no matter where I go, Halloween has a presence. Since I go out late at night a lot, Wal-Mart is the only place to go and since most every single Wal-Mart in the world is 24 hours a day and there are a ton of them within driving distance, I tend to go to a few.
I always love these displays. Can't get enough of the jack o'lantern made out of packs of soda. So pretty. Sadly, only one of my Wal-Marts had one of these.
I am not sure exactly what this is, but I could tell you it was amazing. Year after year, these pumpkin pails just line shelves just waiting to come back after no one buys them. I swear...some of these have to be from before 2000...but suspending them in the air with like a cobweb slide into a pool of more pumpkin pails? Color me impressed Wal-Mart.

I'm going to get a little serious here folks...I love Christmas. It's a great holiday and I look forward to celebrating it. But it's Halloween time right now...SO RESPECT THAT WAL-MART! You can put out your lights, as I know that it takes some people months to make their house Christmasified, but you will not weasel in ornaments, decorations and all your other bull crap into my Halloween. It's freakin' September! Honestly...piss me off...
Wonder if that puts me on the naughty list...

Candy Corn is Changing...

If you are like me, you love candy corn. It's not a seasonal treat, but unless there is a distant Halloween feeling to a day, I like to eat it strictly around Halloween time. I have always been just a standard guy, but it seems that life is trying to force new candy corn treats down my throat...literally.
I love candy corn...I love popcorn. This can't go wrong right? Well, I must say...I think it did. The box above is an older design, this is what it looks like today.
It's lovely, it's purple, it's covered with bats and it's $4 for 20 bags of popcorn. Can't be that. So naturally, I opened it up and got to business.

Lovely. I get strong Halloween III: Season of the Witch vibes off the bag itself. This just keeps getting better and better.
Even the instructions are in orange and black. You really thought of everything ACT II.
Isn't that beautiful? Not to mention it made my kitchen smell like sweets and marshmellows!
With anticipation, I put my hand inside that bag that it was full of a million dollars, but sadly, it wasn't. I didn't like it. I really didn't like it. I became sad...but since one of my friends really likes it, I am going to be forced to try this again...I hope for better results. But this wasn't the only product I had to try...

I love candy corn, I love white chocolate and I love M&M's! How could this not be amazing. So I poured some into shot glasses and it became time for the tasting of what I hoped would be the Halloween Treat to end all Halloween treats.

The colors, the magic...it's more than I can bare! So I popped a few of these bad boys and with blissful ignorance hoped for the best...again...I was wrong. When you tell me you are going to be white chocolate flavored, I don't expect strawberries. Honestly...two different flavors (Who have a history of being paired together however...like in Eerie Scream.) Did white chocolate miss strawberry and kept her perfume? I'm not sure nor am I qualified to supply you an answer for that one. But what I can tell you is that I hated these M&M's. Which again...makes me so sad. These had such hope and promise...they could have been a contender...if they didn't suck.