Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Bobo Pole Dancing

Mystery Manor has something no other haunt has . . . Bobo the pole dancing clown!!

Mystery Manor Puts The Heart and Skull in Haunting

I had such a blast in Omaha! I got to work the gift shop the first two nights while rocking out to their kick-ass sound track. (I should have video soon) Beanie, the girl I was working with Saturday over heard this while she was running in for change:

"Look! It's one of the rocking chicks from the gift shop!"

Felt good to be famous, even if only to those in line.

On the third night, they had more than enough staff to go around so I got my run of the Manor. It was great. I hung out behind the scenes and went through the haunt. It was amazing! My favorite parts are the attic closet and the swamp.

They are open every night through Halloween. And then, in April, they will be having their spring break "Ghouls Gone Wild" show the first three weekends. I will be there doing my best to earn beads at least one of those weekends!

Thursday, October 21, 2010

How I'm spending My Halloween Vacation

I am off work (and a little "off" all the time) October 22 - November 1st! And, after a day in the editing bay tomorrow, I'm kicking it off with a trip to Mystery Manor. That's right, Omaha, hide your muggles cuz I'm a coming!

I can't wait to see the Manor during the season. I've been lucky enough to get behind the scenes tours a few times. And, last December, I got to see the Nightscare Before Christmas show. But, seeing it during the Halloween season is going to be a thing of beauty and I just can't wait.

Are you clawing at the keyboard hoping to find out more about it? We'll you are in luck because here is a handy-dandy little link . .

http://www.mysterymanoromaha.org/

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

A fun way to pass the time

I was sent this a few year's ago and thought it was a lot of fun. So, enjoy!

http://us.mms.com/us/dark/dark_game.jsp

Pumpkin Martini's

I happened across Pumpkin Spirits and alcohol infused whipped cream (pure genious) at my local liquor store, Binny's. Now, all I need are some good martini recipes. Anyone? Anyone?

Monday, October 18, 2010

Haunter Dave Hits the Airwaves!

One of my favorite haunters, Dave from Hauntforum.com and Unpleasant Street, will be interviewed on the radio tonight! I'm so glad that radio stations now stream live since I live nowhere near Pembroke, MA and would have missed out.

Below is a link. Click "Listen Live" at 8:00 EST time tonight, October 18th, to hear all about his haunt.

http://www.959watd.com/

And, here are links to his haunt and the forum:

http://www.unpleasantstreet.com/
http://hauntforum.com/

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Editing, Editing, Editing

Every year, we support a charity by raffling off a part (or 4) in the following year's Halloween movie. About a month ago, we filmed the bulk of the movie, with tiny tidbits filmed over the last few weeks. Now, I'm editing it, and, I must say, I think it could be our best one yet. Maybe even good enough to post here? Yes, maybe.

If you are wanting to win a part in next year's movie, drop me a comment and I'll tell you how to buy a raffle ticket.

Back to the bay. . . .

Friday, October 15, 2010

Things to do in Chicago

I know I've been MIA this year. Hopefully, next year, things won't be as crazy in my life and I can get to what really matters, all things haunt related!!

In the meantime, here are some fun must see's in Chicago . . .

Scary Attractions
If haunted houses are your thing, there are some good ones located right in our own back yard. In Chicago, there are two within minutes of our offices:

The Fear at Navy Pier - Put on by Zombie Army, the geniuses behind Statesville Prison
http://www.thefearhauntedhouse.com/

Chronicles of the Cursed – located just west of the river on Grand
http://www.cursedchicago.com/

There are a two more that I’ve been to in the suburbs and highly recommend

Dream Reapers – Melrose Park
http://dreamreapers.com/

Statesville Prison – Joliet
http://www.statesville.org/

Ghost Tours
Do you want to know who haunts Excalibur and Harpo Studios? Or find out who Resurrection Mary used to be? Maybe you want to hear about the ghosts that linger on the site of the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. If so, I recommend one of these tours. I’ve done both the Chicago Hauntings and Richard Crowe tours. They are both full off spooky good Chicago info. However, if it’s more of a fun atmosphere you’re looking for, I’d go with Chicago Hauntings.

Chicago Hauntings
http://www.chicagohauntings.com/

Richard Crowe Ghost Tours
http://www.ghosttours.com/

I haven’t tried the Segway Tour, but, c’mon! Who doesn’t love a good Segway tour?

Segway Tour
http://www.chicagosegway.com/halloween_tour.html


Halloween Parade
Every year the Lakeview neighborhood throws a big costume parade. This year, Halloween is on Sunday so it will be on the actual day, October 31st!

It’ll take off at 6:00 PM on Halsted at Belmont and head north to Addison.

Pumpkin Carving
A lot of bars and pubs sponsor pumpkin carvings the week before Halloween. Then, they use them as decorations for the actual big event. Here are a few in the Lakeview area:

Wednesday, October 27th
McGee’s - 950 West Webster

Thursday, October 28th
Sheffield's - 3258 N. Sheffield Avenue
Vaughn’s - 2917 N. Sheffield

Fright Fest – Six Flags in Gurnee
This is a good time for the whole family. The actors stalk you in a creepy, starring way and the whole park is re-dressed for Halloween. Check out their website

http://www.sixflags.com/greatAdventure/events/FrightFest.aspx

If I can think of more, I'll post them. Or, if you have events that will interest this haunt thirsty crowd, let me know and I'll post it.

Now, get out there and scare some kids!

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

New England, Columbus Day Weekend.

I love Autumn on the East Coast and while I'm a New Yorker, I really love New England. This past Columbus Day weekend I made it to my friend's house in Portsmouth, RI who greeted me with some pumpkin soup. What's special about this soup, is that it is actually from a Japanese pumpkin.





















Saturday we hit Black Spot Haunted House in Providence, RI. They can be found at Dave & Buster's in the Providence Place Mall. The crew actually had to build the haunt off site, dismantle it and then put it up again in their space. The detail of the sets are incredible and the actors are so enthusiastic.

Then we headed down to Highland Farms Trailsto Terror in Wakefield, RI. The trail was fun, but the best part was going through with other haunters. (We all met through the East Coast Haunt Club by the way.) I liked the maze house the best. It wasn't your typical maze, but had tight corners and sharp angles, low ceilings in some spots and oh yeah, it was pitch black. I was happy to have finally made it out! The night was perfect for the hayride. The sky was full of stars and the night was full of screams. My favorite part was the living statues scene.

The next evening we headed up to Litchfield, NH to visit Nightmare New England and Spookyworld. Wow is what I have to say to that Halloween theme park. There were 7 haunted houses. Some of our group loved the Catacombs the best, but I liked Torment, House of Eternal Darkness the most. The Dead and The Damned played and they were awesome. A total horror heavy metal experience. I kind of wanted to dance.

I couldn't get any pics at the RI haunts, but here are a few form NNE/S-World.

Monday, August 9, 2010

I can't believe it's over!!

The 10th Gathering has come and gone. I can't believe I have to wait a whole year for the next one.

Couple thoughts. . .

  • The party was flipping awesome (even though I got sick half way through - stupid chicken)
  • The costumes were amazing! Proof that you don't have to go slutty to go good.
  • The presenters were all great. I especially enjoyed Jim's because he's a funny fella.
  • The silent auction raised $1,116 for Breast Cancer Research (SWEET!!)
  • And, I already miss everyone.

So, all you East Coast Haunters have an open invitation to visit me here in Chicago . . . well, except you.

I'll post next year's haunters events soon. And, hopefully, the fates will be much kinder to me and give me more time to blog.

Monday, August 2, 2010

Once again, I'm a huge lame ass!

Honestly, folks, this year has been kicking the crap out of me. And, sadly, the thing to fall by the wayside has been this blog. I'm really sorry.

This weekend, I go to the East Coast Haunt Club Gathering in Nashua, NH. It's the 10th annivesary and promises to be a hoot. If you're in the area, please, please, please c'mon by. The price for the days events is dirt cheap and includes lunch. The price for dinner & costume ball is really reasonable as well.

I'll try to post and get pictures up and all kinds of good things while I'm there.

Monday, May 31, 2010

Launch Sequence Has Begun for MHC

I am almost completely packed (not a suitcase full of candy like someone suggested). I can't believe it's less than 48 hours away. Hope to see you all there.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Hoping for HauntCon Updates!

I couldn't be at HauntCon this year (dang!) but I know several others who are. I've asked for updates from them so I can keep you all, my adoring half a dozen fans, in the know. Hopefully, they will come through for us.

And, next up, Midwest Haunter's Convention!

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Titanic Exhibit at MHC

Ok, I know that the Titanic is exactly haunty, but it is creepy. It's been an obsession of mine since I first heard about back in my early teens.

And, now, the good part. . . .

THE TITANIC EXHIBIT IS GOING ON DURING MHC THIS YEAR!!

I've only seen it twice (I mentioned my obsession, right?) so I can't wait to see it a third time in Columbus. Who's with me?

If you need help making that decision, might a suggest a stroll through the website.

http://www.cosi.org/visitors/exhibits/titanic/

OK, again, who's with me?

Friday, April 23, 2010

Things are looking up!

Thanks to some fancy scheduling, I will be able to attend the Midwest Haunter's Convention pre-tour! It was really one of my favorite things all of last year. The haunts were really great. And, hanging with my fellow haunters for two solid days on a bus (with plenty of beer) was huge fun.

I'm hoping for bus #3 again, so, look for me!

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Life has totally been kicking my ass lately

Which has resulted in me traveling no where since January. Oh, the horror. I've had to make a hasty move to new digs, which means redecorating. I'm thinking this is a great opportunity to display some of the pictures of taken during my haunt travels.

In the old place I had goth crosses in the bathroom. I've decided in the place I'll switch it up to pictures from cemeteries I've visited. Here's a few of the pictures I'm considering.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Transworld - St. Louis

Sadly, I can not make Transworld this year. However, the lovely and talented Patti has kindly agreed to take pictures and video for me and it'll be just like I was there.

So, stay tuned for all the latest and greatest in Halloween prop goodness.

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Oh My GoE!!!

The big live stream starts in under a half hour. Sign in, watch, chat, call. . .

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/goe-new-england-drink-and-think

Thursday, March 11, 2010

The Haunt Club Pins Are Here!!

We have four different colors this year! If you want one, make sure you run into me or Pam at HauntCon, Midwest Haunter's Convention or The Gathering.

Saturday, March 6, 2010

Garage of Evil's First Live Streaming Drink and Think

Hello my faithful reader or two. For those of us that don't live in the Rhode Island area but have a hankering to see what goes on at those Drink and Thinks we are in luck. The masterminds over at Garage of Evil will be streaming it live right to our 'puters. Exciting stuff, no? Wanna hear more about it? Well, lookey there, I'm including a link. Have at it!

http://www.garageofevilnetwork.com/profiles/blogs/new-update-with-an-awesome

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

ECHC Announces 2010 Gathering

** New England Haunter's Gathering X **

A decade of Halloween and still going strong!

That’s right, 10 years! The East Coast Haunt Club has trick-n-treated you with haunted Halloween fun for a whole decade.

Thank you all for making our Gathering one of the longest running of its kind!

When......: Saturday, August 7th
Time.......: 10:00 am
Admission: $20.00
** Ages 14 and over only please! **

* Check out our PayPal option and please don’t forget to RSVP so we know how much food to order!

So far on the agenda....

Haunter’s Hangout - Please bring one of your homemade props, decorations or special effects and be a part of the spooky show-n-tell. * This agenda item will depend on the amount of participation.

Other information....

Silent Auction: To Benefit Team Halloween!

** Last year we raised $1,400.00, let’s see what we can do this year! **

Once again, some members will be cleaning out and donating their Halloween items for a silent auction to raise money for Team Halloween. Team Halloween is a charitable project, started by Mike Krausert of Bad Boys Scenic Design & Terror on the Fox, Nightmare New England and Spookyworld that raises money for cancer research & support. All money raised will be donated to the “Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition” (MBCC). So, bring cash and maybe you will find a treasure while contributing to a worthy cause!"


For more information on MBCC, please visit: http://www.mbcc.org/.
For more information on Team Halloween, please visit http://www.teamhalloween.org/.

Hotel Information - Radisson Hotel Nashua, NH. Click on the following link for more information Hotels

Dinner & Costume Ball - Our first Costume Ball, hopefully the first of many!
$45 per person
Door Prizes - You don’t have to be a business to donate a door prize. Whether you own a business or simply have a prize to contribute, the East Coast Haunt Club and its gathering attendees would appreciate any donation! Please contact pam@hauntclub.net !

Monday, February 15, 2010

2010 Haunting Travels Begin

So far this year, I've been to the East Coast. And, as usual, it was fabulous. Now, I start in earnest to book trips to all the Halloween events I want to go to. I've made a list on the side there (see, over there? no a little further to the right, now down just a bit and BINGO) of events I'm hoping to get to.

I've already booked tickets to HAuntCon (SWEET) and should have no problem going to the show in Chicago since, well, I live in Chicago. Still on the fence regarding St. Louis but will DEFINITELY be going to Midwest Haunter's Convention. And, of course, my life would be incomplete without the East Coast Haunt Club, so, Nashua is a must for me (as it should be for you).

If you know of any other events I should go to, or you think should be listed here, just drop me a line.

Now, ready the horses and prepare to ride!

Friday, January 22, 2010

2010 HauntCon

I just booked my airfare for HauntCon!!! I think that means that the Halloween Season has officially begun, right?

See everyone there in April!

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Boston's Museum of Science

So, I'm in the museum and decided to take a few pictures of the scary looking cats. I take this one. . .
Then turn around to take one of the black kitty and it turns out like this. . .
That's wierd, so I take another. . .
. . . and another. . .
And a bunch more that look the same. So, I decide to put the flash on and see what happens . . .
I think there's a soul in that, there kitten.

Saturday, January 16, 2010

'nother Project

OK, Mark can't sit still for more than 5 minutes. He needs to always be making something. After the Friendly Plastic beer stein, battery packet for a LED black light and the dinosaur, he created this new boomerang canister.


Mark's Project

Mark ran out of projects, so Chris gave him this to do . . .


Fun with Haunters

As Chris hurried down the hallway, he caught a glimpse of this out of the corner of his eye and screamed.


Cool Hologram

I'm trying to get Chris and Mark to make me this. They claim they can't.

Monday, January 11, 2010

Where'd I go?!

I've been remiss in posting lately. Between the holidays and accepting a new position at work, it's been a mad house. A MAD HOUSE!!!

But, fear not, my pretties. I'm back. And this time, it's casual.

I'm heading back to the East Coast on Friday. A group of us are hitting the Harry Potter exhibit, getting some good eats and. . . wait for it. . .wait for it. . . DRINKING!! Ok, maybe our drinking won't be legendary this time out.

Then, Saturday is all about costume making for HauntCon.

So, I'll post pictures of me and all my East Coast Haunties upon my return.

Oh, and, HAPPY NEW YEAR! Here's to another great year of Halloween goodness.