Countdown to 10/31 - It's Time!

Happy Halloween!!

I hope everyone has a happy and safe Halloween!

I'd like to thank each and every one of you that's stopped by this month, linked to my blog, left comments and/or tweeted with me. When I started this blog a few months ago I felt like I was Trick or Treating in a neighborhood with no lights on. Now, lights are on, the houses are decked out and people are waiting on the porch for me with bags of candy. Now that I know someone's entertained by what I have to say, I'll keep at it.

Here's some photos from around Salem the past few weekends to give you an idea what it's like here. On October weekends in Salem, everyday is Halloween!

I'll be posting more photos from tonight over the next few days.

 

Click to view the photos

I hope you enjoyed the Halloween posts this month. Be sure to stick around at least for the rest of the week. Tomorrow will be the final Countdown post for this year. Also I have an idea I've kept under my hat for a couple years and now that I've made connections with other Halloween freaks, I want to see if we can get it rolling.

Here's my final goodie for you virtual Trick or Treat bag. You can't have Halloween without the Monster Mash, Ghostbusters and Thriller, right? Well now you'll have a few different options to listen to so it's not the same old thing all the time.


Thriller & Monster Mash

Bustin' makes me feel goood!

Countdown to 10/31 - Hot Wheels

For the past several years Wal-Mart and Target have each had their own exclusive Halloween themed Hot Wheels. I have to give a slight edge to Target because they always package their cars in a 5-pack which makes it easy to get all the cars at once.

If you want to see what's come before, our pal Monsterfink did a great two part history with photos over on his blog: Part 1 & Part 2

Since he did such a bang up job covering those releases, I'm going to post about some other non-Halloween Hot Wheels cars. That's right, it's the day before Halloween and I'm making a post about non-Halloween branded toys! We also got a little snow last night. Dogs and cats living together, mass hysteria!

Every time I'm in the toy aisles (which is at least once a week) I always check out the Hot Wheels to see if there's any that I feel would be at home in my Halloween Garage.

These aren't specifically branded for Halloween, but I think you'll agree the look the part.
These are all 2011 releases. Bottom to Top they are:

Skull Crusher - First released 2010 as a Color Shifter Demon (turns different colors when it's hot or cold). I like the metallic gold on this one much better.
Hammerhead - First released 2011. This car was designed by NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. Orange & black, you can't go wrong!
Custom '53 Chevy - First released 2007. I really like this one because it's in the secondary Halloween colors (purple & green). The hood is also transparent.
Evil Weevil - First released 1986/WalMart Fright Car 2008. It's a giant bug on wheels!

Not quite Ghost Rider but very cool! You can see the rider's brain and arm/leg bones. The translucent blue gives him a very phantasmic look.

You may be thinking "Gee, there's something missing here." And you'd be right. Our favorite flavored Frankenstein has his own van but I haven't been able to hunt it down in stores yet.

This spooky tour bus is the only entry not from this year. It's actually from the 80's. I came across it on eBay while hunting for other Halloween Hot Wheels and it was too cool to pass up!

Countdown to 10/31 - The Price is Right

Originally, I was going to do an entire week of Vincent Price related posts but things got in the way. Instead, here's one semi-lengthy post, my contribution to the Vincentennial.

Our first stop is Rue Morgue Radio Podcast where Feedback recently interviewed Vincent's daughter, Victoria, at this year's Festival of Fear. This interview makes me just a bit sadder that I'll never have the chance to meet Mr. Price. Most people only know him from his acting career, but he was a real Renaissance man who was also passionate about art and cooking. You can listen to the interview here.

I don't recall my first introduction to Vincent although I'm fairly certain it was his appearance on the Muppet Show. Is it a coincidence that Uncle Deadly, that creepy Muppet who made his first appearance in this very episode, is also one of my favorite Muppets? It could be...it could also be that I'm just into weird things.

I also grew up on Creature Double Feature on Saturday afternoons, they probably played The Fly at some point but I may not have realized it was the same person. Although now a fan of 50s/60s horror and scifi, I was generally more interested in kaiju monsters and aliens in my movies. My next memorable encounter with Vincent was not until Thriller in 1982. I'm sure I saw him on Hollywood Squares between Thriller and Edward Scissorhands...I was a game show addicted kid.

I didn't really start getting into (and collecting) his movies until the early 00's but once I did, I was hooked. I can't tell you how many Midnite Movie Vincent Price double feature DVDs I own! I find him fascinating to watch. No matter what role he's playing he owns the screen when he's on it.

Here's a clip from one of my favorite movies. The Comedy of Terrors which also starred Peter Lorre, Boris Karloff and Basil Rathbone. Price and Lorre are undertakers but business is bad so Price decides to start "creating" new customers!

I couldn't find the clip of a favorite scene where Price is telling a woman she's become a widow, but it goes something like this...

Price (elegantly, referring to her former husband): I'm afraid he's made his final journey to that Stygian shore.
Woman: He what?
Price (deadpan): He died.

Here's a few of his movies that I recommend: Shock, The Last Man on Earth, The Dr. Phibes movies, Witchfinder General, The Pit and the Pendulum (heck, pretty much every Poe movie he did), The Raven and Dr Goldfoot and the Bikini Machine (oh yes, I went there! But only see this after you've watched all his Poe movies).

And what would a post about Vincent Price be without a little audio to go along with it?

A Hornbook for Witches

Countdown to 10/31 - Famous Last Words Friday

The usual blog features have kinda been on hold whilst the Halloween Countdown is underway. But I'm happy to present a special Halloween edition of Famous Last Words Friday. I've been saving it for a few months now!

I hope for little Timmy's sake his dad didn't get that skull from an Indian burial ground...

Countdown to 10/31 - Suggested Listening

You may want to go grab a snack and get comfy before proceeding...

If you're looking for new Halloween music to go with your weekend activities, you came to the right place! No matter who you are or your taste in music, at least one of these should appeal to you. They're listed in no particular order of favoritism but instead I'll start with the "lighter" sounds and move onto heavier ones.

Kristen Lawrence

I'd be ok with calling Kristen the Musical Mistress of Halloween. She coined the term Halloween Carols to describe her songs, and really, why has it taken this long for anyone to do that? Her music is inspired as much by Bach as Danny Elfman/Oingo Boingo. Her vocals can be ethereal, lending an extra spooky touch to her haunting music.

Official Site          Hear samples of songs and buy cds

Dan Blakeslee aka Dr Gasp and the Eeks

If Kristin is the Mistress of Halloween Music, then Dr Gasp is the Imp King. I've been seeing the Doctor usually twice a year as part of my Halloween regimen. In addition to his October show, he also performs around May for a Springalloween show (photos). It's very similar to his Halloween show, just in the Spring! His folksy acoustic style, vocal range and quirky lyrics make him a must for any Halloween fiend. If you only get one album, you'll want Halloween Special.

Listen to songs              Order CDs

 

The Darkest of the Hillside Thickets

Rock out with your Cthuluhu out! This band's songs frequently include references to the Cthulhu Mythos...if the entire song is not outright dedicated to it. Their song "Shhh...." was featured as DLC in Rock Band. I "discovered" them when they opened for They Might Be Giants at GenCon one year.
Official Site

 

Zombina and the Skeletones

ZATS is a band I could gush about constantly. They are one of my favorite bands on the planet! They're just as much punk rock as they are doo-wop and surf. And they somehow manage to fit infectious pop in there too. Their songs frequently have B-movie inspired lyrics and are a lot of fun. One of their best songs is "The New Orleans Incident" which tells how the band is stalked and killed off one by one. As each death happens, that band member drops out of the song. That is genius, right there, folks! Their concept album, Death Valley High, is an amazing showcase of just how diverse they are. 

Official Site

This is the video for the newest single, Teenage Caveman Beat Gargantua. 

I think it gives you a good idea of what they're about.

Ghoultown

 If you never thought you needed more western influenced music in your ears, this is the band to change your mind. But they're more "drifter waiting in the dirty alley behind the saloon looking for a fight" than cowboy. The first, and probably only, band to be called "Cowpunk" they are a blend of horrorpunk and psychobilly with heavy spaghetti western influences.

Official Site

Calabrese

 Self described as "The Misfits meets Ramones meets The Damned." These guys are also high on my favorite band list. When performing, they are fierce, hammering their instruments (especially drummer Davey) and belting out horror laced lyrics and frequent "whoooaaa"s. Off stage, they're guys that you want to hang out with and total geeks (in a good way). I got to hang out with them a bit after their recent Providence, RI show (gig photos)

Official Site 

Lordi

These Finnish heavy metal shock rock monsters draw a lot of inspiration from Kiss. They even refuse to be photographed without their makeup. They have done unmasked interviews, but the band is always shot from behind so their faces are obscured. They may look fierce but their songs are generally in the horror B-movie vein.

Official Site

Countdown to 10/31 - Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark

Today was supposed to be another day of Halloween toys but I'm missing a couple things to round out the photos.

So for now, grab your flashlight, turn out the lights and get under the covers...

It's time for some Scary Stories!

Somehow in my childhood, I missed out on these books. I know there's a lot of people out there who are big fans of them. The books are remembered just as much for their stories as the nightmarish illustrations that accompany them. In fact, as a series, they are the #1 most frequently challenged kids book of the 90s!

What we've dug up for you today is all three volumes of Scary Stories narrated by George S. Irving. I haven't made it through all the stories yet but I can say for a "kids book" some of these are pretty intense! And some of them go for the cheap scare with a shout at the climax. But isn't that what ghost stories are all about? Luring the audience in and making them jump out of their skin?

Experience the horror of Mi Ty Dough Ty Walker

If you're looking for more Tricks n Treats, be sure to visit the main list of bloggers over at Countdown to Halloween by clicking on the good doctor below.

Countdown to 10/31 - Creepy Toy is Creepy

I don't remember what these things are called. I've seen them in the toy aisles before and they look a bit perverse all puckered up as they are. Needless to say, when I saw one that looked like a ghost and had Halloween sounds, I had to play with it.

I can just imagine it intoning Trick or Treat in its sing-song voice repeatedly...
as it comes out of the closet...
to kill you...

I laughed it off as a silly toy over a week ago when I saw it. Now I'm convinced I need one because it's a Halloween toy and am trying to find one.

Countdown to 10/31 - Tech Deck Dudes

Continuing with a look at some of my Halloween toys, here's a few Tech Deck Dudes I've picked up over the years. I know there's more monster ones out there but these guys just scream Halloween at me.

I think the one on the right is a nod to Elm Street. I mean, how often do you come across a green and red striped sweater? And as you can see...

his head comes off! I guess that makes him the Headless Skateboardsman!

I recently learned there was a Ghostbusters inpsired Dude named Murry.
They never were very subtle! If anyone's ever come across a visual checklist of Dudes, please let me know. I've been hunting all over the internets.

If you're looking for more Tricks n Treats, be sure to visit the main list of bloggers over at Countdown to Halloween by clicking on the good doctor below.

Countdown to 10/31 - Playmobil Figures

Over the years Playmobil has released, and re-released, a variety of Halloween themed figures. Some releases are in a regular Playmobil box and other times they've been in plastic pumpkins (see mummy photo below). A few Octobers ago, I found out about these figures and decided I had to get them all for my Halloween collection...and a few others that fit in well with the Halloween theme.

Obviously, I enjoy these because they are Halloween related, but the other thing I like about the non-Trick or Treaters is that they are spooky and creepy figures in a toy line aimed at young kids. You can click on any of the images below to see larger versions. The haunted house backdrop was found at a dollar store.

A group of Trick or Treaters with loot.

Dragon - The eyes on his mask glow in the dark. Not sure if the Jack-O-Lantern thing is a balloon or something else. You can't see it very well here, but the costume has a tail to it also.
Tiger - This one also has a tail. I like that they made some kid-sized figures.
Devil - Again, costume has a tail. Also a red cape and pitchfork!
Witch - Her top has a flying bat and the skirt has a night sky.
Wizard (not pictured) - There is a child Wizard that either I can't find or don't have. He has a purplish robe (covered in stars), wizard hat, white beard and magic wand.

 

Here is the mummy/skeleton set that came in a plastic pumpkin.

 

Yarrr, here be pirates. The all have glow in the dark faces and bones. The one on the left came with the aforementioned child wizard and I don't remember where the one on the right came from. The one in the middle was part of a recent line of undead pirate sets. So technically he's not playing dress up like the other two...Uh oh...

 

Gh-gh-gh-ghosts! I'm not sure who thought a black ghost was a good idea, that is very odd. The two on the right have "normal" people under their sheets. The one on the left has a ghostly person with bones, a very pale face and white hair. Another one not dressing up for Halloween! He has a ball and chain and all his white parts glow in the dark.

 

This is actually two sets combined: the Scarecrow and Forest Witch. I think the thing on the witch's head is supposed to be some type of head-wrap a la your stereotypical Hollywood gypsy fortune teller. The Scarecrow set also comes with a little wagon and a child. Where has that kid gotten to now?

 

Oh, there he is! Well, as long as he's smiling...

 

 

Finally, here's a couple of gentlemen you don't want to meet in an alley...or anywhere else! The Reaper is available now in Playmobil's blind bag series of figures. The dapper Vampire was released both as a special and in a pumpkin. Both figures glow in the dark.
 

If you're looking for more Tricks n Treats, be sure to visit the main list of bloggers over at Countdown to Halloween by clicking on the good doctor below.

Countdown to 10/31 - Doctor Druid's Haunted Séance

Have you ever wanted to hold a séance in your very own home? 

Doctor Druid is here to guide you in communicating with the spirit world!

Click to purchase mp3 download on Amazon

Originally released on vinyl on 1973, Doctor Druid's Haunted Séance makes full use of stereophonic sound. To get the full experience, you'll need to have left and right channel external speakers. Of course, you can always listen to it yourself with headphones but we all know what happens when you try to contact the spirit world by yourself, right?

Along with the audio are scans of the album sleeve which give you a few tricks and tips for getting the most out of your séance. I really like this album because in addition to being genuinely spooky with its atmosphere, it sort of gives you an idea into how people faked séances in the past.

Speak to us, O spirit of the great beyond!

If you're looking for more seasonal goodness, be sure to visit the main list of bloggers over at Countdown to Halloween by clicking on the good doctor below.

Countdown to 10/31 - Mars Attacks!

Got my Mars Attack cards from Brad McGinty with some original art! 

You can order some cards for just $2 at this link

Countdown to 10/31 - Real Family Halloween Fun

Order Kindle e-book

e-Book Review: Real Family Halloween Fun by Maggie da Silva

I knew from the second sentence in the introduction that I was going to really enjoy this book. How? Because she mentions "the olden days of the 70's." The 70's were my prime Trick or Treating years and those childhood Halloweens are what started my lifelong love affair with this oddball holiday.

For some people, Halloween is about gore and scares, for others it's all about the kids. Me, I'm a bit in-between. What drives my love of Halloween more than anything are those childhood memories. A more innocent time for myself...and the world at large. Kids today will probably never have the excitement of being able to go out on their own on Halloween night. There is something really magical (and spooky) about adventuring around the neighborhood for treats and encountering other creatures of the night without a parent. It's the promise of a night where anything can happen.

A few years ago, I had an email correspondence with a woman who lived in the Midwest. She told me how every year her entire street setup this amazing Halloween night for the neighborhood. They would plan out a dinner for the night. Each participating house would have one course and in good time they'd all move on to the next home. The neighborhood was essentially shut down for a block party, which also allowed the kids to go from house to house freely without a constant guardian. It sounded, in a word, idyllic. The epitome of what I think Halloween should be.

And that brings me back to Real Family Halloween Fun. That feeling the kid in me longs for is everything this book is about. From decorating and crafts to homemade costumes to planning a full-on Halloween party night, this book has you covered.

Another thing I really like about the book is it dips into some of the activities from Halloween's history: fortune telling games, bobbing for apples and traditional Irish recipes (and some modern ones too, including hot dog mummies, caramel apples and apple crisp). The history of games on Halloween has always been a point of interest for me.

Some books just lay all the information out for you to read but Maggie da Silva is very personable in her approach. As I read the book, I felt like I was a kid talking to a mom about planning the best Halloween night ever. And I mean "talking to a mom" in the nicest possible way! Those with little goblins of their own would probably get the most out of this e-book. Even though I don't fall in that category, I truly enjoyed the feeling of an "olden day" Halloween while reading it. Aside from it being an e-book, this book could easily have been published in any decade from the later half of the 20th century. It really encompasses the timeless aspects of Halloween.

You can find Maggie da Silva over at RealFamilyTime.com where she also has a book about family camping.

The author has graciously given us a copy of the e-book to award a lucky visitor. Please note, this is an e-book. It's available for Kindle or Nook. There is free Nook and Kindle software available for Apple and PC users. To enter, leave a comment below and be sure to include your email address, if it's not in your profile, so we can contact you. The contest is open until midnight EST 10/25/11.

Disclaimer: A review copy of the book was provided in exchange for this review.

Countdown to 10/31 - Mansion Madness!

Today, we wind up the (almost) week-long Haunted Mansion madness.

Here's a deck of Haunted Mansion playing cards. Madame Leota is the Joker and the four portraits from the stretch room are the face cards. The logo on the card back is treated to glow in the dark. However, the glowy stuff the card is coated with makes the backs grainy and hard to shuffle.

Our final foray into the boundless realm of the supernatural is an audio extravaganza. It's got loads of sound effects (separated out from the ride soundtrack), alternate takes and dialog recording sessions. Some of the tracks likely popped up in other posts from this week but you can't have too much, eh?

Wizards and witches wherever you dwell, Give us a hint by ringing a bell!

Countdown to 10/31 - A Swinging Wake

Swinging Wake by Shag

If you're not familiar with Shag's art, you really should be! He's got a fun, unique 50's retro style.

The ballroom in the Haunted Mansion is probably my favorite part of the ride. There's just so much going on there you really have to go through a few times to see take it all in. The dueling portraits and the organist are my favorite gags. If you've ever wondered how this room works, head over to Doombuggies.com but be warned, it may remove some of the magic! 

Fun fact: Did you know the organ in DisneyLand's Haunted Mansion is the same organ used in the movie 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea?

For today's Swinging Wake, we bring you some ghastly grooves sure to brighten up any tomb. There's 13 remixes and mashups all involving the Mansion.

Creepies and crawlies, toads in a pond. Let there be music from regions beyond!

Countdown to 10/31 - Haunted Anniversary

As part of the celebration of the Haunted Mansion's 30th Anniversary, a cd was released in 1999. The first 999 pressings were done with a special green image of the 13 hour clock face found in the Mansion. They also included a bonus 13th track and were signed by Disney composer Buddy Baker and Disney lyricist "X" Atencio, both of whom are responsible for the attraction's "Grim Grinning Ghosts" theme song. These reportedly sold out within a couple hours. I, of course, was no where near the park when these went on sale but I did eventually pick up one of the non-limited, 12 track editions.

You can find detailed info about each track over at Doombuggies.com.

Goblins and ghoulies from last Halloween, awaken the spirits with your tambourine!

A little bonus for today: Haunted Mansion model kit ad from DC Comics Ghosts #24, 1974.

Click for larger version

 I like the "Zap/Action" motion features. If I could own one, it would probably be the organist. Nothing says spooky like a pipe organ with skulls on it.

If you're looking for more Tricks n Treats, be sure to visit the main list of bloggers over at Countdown to Halloween by clicking on the good doctor below.

Countdown to 10/31 - Hitchhiking Jedi?

Wow, I can't believe it's less than two weeks to Halloween! While the weather in New England has cooled to autumn average, the leaves haven't starting changing color much. For me, having dead leaves underfoot is to Halloween what snow is to Christmas Day.

Today's venture into the Mansion is a bit of a rerun, but updated and improved! One of the tracks in Monday's post featured The Song and Story from the Haunted Mansion taken from an original LP (that's old timey speak for "album," kids, those large black disc things before CDs). Today we give you a nice digital version along with clean artwork from the booklet that was included with the album.

Rap on a table, it's time to respond. Send us a message from regions beyond...

And because I normally post something Star Wars related on Wednesday and I'm talking about the Haunted Mansion this week, here's some Photoshop stuff I did when I went to the parks for Star Wars Weekends years ago.

Countdown to 10/31 - Haunted Classroom

Today, the Haunted Mansion comes to you! 

That is, if you are currently sitting in a school classroom in the late '70s.

The Hitchhiking Ghosts are here to welcome you on your trip through the Mansion with...Tinker Bell? Boy she sure got around the Disney audio studios back in the day.

There are three audio tracks along with a booklet. The pages were all individually separated images when I found this. I attempted to graphically stitch them together so it would be like having the book open in front of you.

1. A quick walkthrough with the announcer. You'll follow along by turning the pages when your hear Tinker Bell ring her bells and enjoy the images. 
2. You can read along with the text in the book. 
3. A quick activity suggestion for the class.

Serpents and spiders, tail of a rat; call in the spirits, wherever they're at.

If you're looking for more ghoulish goodness, be sure to visit the main list of bloggers over at Countdown to Halloween by clicking on the good doctor below.

Countdown to 10/31 - A Day at the Mansion

Welcome, foolish mortals! If you're not a fan of Disney's Haunted Mansion, then you may want to steer clear of AEIOU for the next few days. It's about to get Disney up in here.

I could probably run the entire month of October talking about all sorts of things pertaining to the Haunted Mansion. If you're looking for some like minded spooks, head over to Doombuggies.com. They have a great forum community and loads of info on all the Mansions.

I have a vague memory of the first time I went. I think I was around 6 or 7. After we exited the portrait chamber, they told us to stay close to the wall. I must have already seen too many movies at that age because I did NOT want to stand next to the wall for fear it was going to rotate me around into a hidden room. I was ok for most of the rest of the ride except for when you exit the attic and the buggy goes down the backwards. That freaked me out. And there started a long time love of not only the Haunted Mansion but dark rides too.

Today's creepy old crypt holds the Disneyland Haunted Mansion Unofficial 35th Anniversary Tribute album dug up in 2004. I'm not sure who the internet phantom is that put this together but it's a veritable greatest haunts of the Haunted Mansion.

Click for larger view

In addition to the audio, there's also a scan of the booklet from the 1969 Story and Song from the Haunted Mansion album.

Be sure you've got your Death Certificate if you decide to join us!

If you're looking for more Tricks n Treats, be sure to visit the main list of bloggers over at Countdown to Halloween by clicking on the good doctor below.

Countdown to 10/31 - Maniacal Monster Music

Today I offer up a couple of sites where you can grab some free Halloween tunes.

If you looking for something new and different for your Halloween playlist, head over to Monster Mash-up for some free downloads.

They have been putting out Halloween themed mash-up albums since 2004. In case you don't know, a mash-up is a similar to a remix but it's more of a Frankenstein-ing of multiple songs. The lyrics from one or more songs are mixed over the music to a different song or songs. It's much easier to listen to than it is for me to explain, trust me. To further enhance the creepy vibe of these tracks, audio clips from movies and TV shows are often woven in too.

There is a wide variety to the songs because different mash-up artists contribute songs to the collection every year. So even if you don't like the first track of a compilation, don't give up on it. Some of these tracks have a permanent home on my year-round playlist, while some are rarely ever played more than once. Everyone has different tastes, just ask a zombie.

My favorite albums are Son of Monster Mash-up and Bride of Monster Mash-Up. I'd also recommend checking out anything by Mr. Fab and His Bag O' Heads.

Another audio ossuary is Halloween Hits. They churn out a new compilation every year and each one features musical genres from all over the time stream. The site is only active each year during the month of October, so you'd best stop by soon if you want to ring their doorbell for some audio Tricks and Treats.

If you're looking for more ghoulish goodness, be sure to visit the main list of bloggers over at Countdown to Halloween by clicking on the good doctor below.

Countdown to 10/31 - Monster Underwear? (Under there!)

Remember that post about soil from Dracula's Castle where I said it was probably the one of the odder things I would post about this month? Well, this ad from Famous Monsters of Filmland #132 (1977) is the one that takes the cake...

Click for a larger version...if you dare!

There's nothing the ladies love more than a man in nylon bikini briefs...unless those briefs say Eerie or Creepy on them! Not only that, but they have full color, monsterrific horror inspired artwork on them. Line forms to the left, ladies.

In case you don't know why the briefs say Eerie and Creepy (other than the fact that they describe them perfectly) it's because those were two popular horror comics published by Warren, the same publisher of Famous Monsters.

If you're looking for more Tricks n Treats, be sure to visit the main list of bloggers over at Countdown to Halloween by clicking on the good doctor below.

Countdown to 10/31 - Scar Stuff

...And speaking of Jason from Scar Stuff, a few years ago he put together some wonderful custom compilations. You can view the original post and download these compilations here. He even made some great spook show inspired covers for them.

Sadly, Jason only updates Scar Stuff once a year around this time. But before that, he shared a haunted house full of classic Halloween music and sound effect albums. I don't know where my own digital collection would be if not for him. Please go check out his update for this year: a Halloween stop motion video made with his iPhone and Hipstamatic. And while you're there, check out last year's video too, it's fangtastic!

If you're looking for more Tricks n Treats, be sure to visit the main list of bloggers over at Countdown to Halloween by clicking on the good doctor below.

Countdown to 10/31 - Contest Winners

There will not be a list of winners and their prizes posted so that everyone can be experience the thrill of emptying a full Trick or Treat bag at the end of the night and be surprised by what they got. Messenger imps (what? owls are too expensive!) have been sent to the winners. Please check your spam folder for mail from AEIOUwhy13...you get what you pay for with imps! If you do not respond by October 15th, no prize for you!

The Trick or Tweet Halloween Giveaway was a great success for a fledgling blog (I think?). We had around 60 entries from over 30 different people. Winners will be sent their loot as soon as our prize goblins can stop slapping each other and get their act together. I knew I shouldn't have let them watch The 3 Stooges! Good help is so hard to summon these days...

Winners are invited, but not required, to send in a photo of themselves (their pet, child, and/or complete strangers) with their loot and I will post the photos here. If you want to send a photo of you in Halloween costume with your stuff, so much the better. Photos can be sent to aeiouwhy13 at gmail.com

I'd like to thank everyone for participating, especially those that helped by spreading the word through the interwebs. And also a big thanks to contest sponsor Strange Kids Club for a copy of their Strange Kid Comix anthology #2, which is still available for sale. If you're a fan of horror movies, video games and vintage horror comics, you really need to check this out!

Now that the contest is over, you're invited to stick around for the rest of our Countdown to Halloween and check out our archives that have some audio Tricks and Treats for download. We're not binding you to the spot, but we hope you'll stick around this crazy place and tell your friends about us.

Photos after the break

Countdown to 10/31 - Sounds to Make You Shiver

I have a large digital collection of old Halloween records that I've amassed over the years. And while it's nigh impossible to remember what I got from where, I'm pretty sure this one came from Scar Stuff. This was a fantastic resource for Halloween audiophiles for quite some time. And for that, I say the Halloween community as a whole owes a debt of gratitude to its keeper, Jason.

Anyone that's heard Sounds to Make You Shiver no doubt remembers the announcer at the beginning saying "So you want to visit a haunted house, hmmm?" This is probably one of the more popular Halloween albums so a lot of you may have it already. But what you may not have is Harvey Midnight's Shiver Extras which feature remixes of tracks from the album. You can click here to read more about those.

Highlights
The Side 2 sound effects aren't too bad for this type of album.
The Witches Laugh was used in the song Halloween Dance on the album Halloween Hootenanny.
The woman screaming for Screams & Groans sounds pretty tortured.
However, the Moans & Groans track sounds like it was taken from an adult film.
The human made sounds for Cats and Hooting Owl are hilarious.

DOWNLOAD the original and remix

If you're looking for more Tricks n Treats, be sure to visit the main list of bloggers over at Countdown to Halloween by clicking on the good doctor below.

Countdown to 10/31 - Star Wars Masks

Similar to last week's post, I dug out a few more Halloween goodies that were recently lost during the StarWars.com remodel. Here are some print and cut-out masks for your little Jedi to be, or you if you want to use them. I won't judge!

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If you're looking for more Tricks n Treats, be sure to visit the main list of bloggers over at Countdown to Halloween by clicking on the good doctor below.