new effects we can use for Halloween dysplays.. And maybe see if they have a Spell-Checker too! Jay From owner-halloween-l Thu Aug 10 23:23:53 1995 Date: Thu, 10 Aug 1995 19:58:46 -0700 From: dixie1@ix.netcom.com (Elaine Shanahan ) Subject: Re: witch pattern wanted To: halloween-l@netcom.com Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: RO X-Status: Donna, thanks for the witch doll pattern. I'm going to try it next week, will let you know how it goes. Elaine From owner-halloween-l Fri Aug 11 05:22:58 1995 Date: Fri, 11 Aug 1995 07:47:36 -0400 (EDT) From: "Donna J. Logan" Subject: Re: witch pattern wanted To: halloween-l@netcom.com Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: RO X-Status: I find trolling craft and fabric stores educational, to see all the new products they've come out with over the past 10 to 15 years....including the permanent fabric stiffening stuff used when draping fabric for costuming dolls. You may want to troll your local stores to see what they may carry (including books and pamphlets on doll making)...also the library is always a good resource, if you should get stuck. BTW, I've seen medium-sized black seed beads used to good effect for eyes on dried applehead dolls.....I'd imagine another color like red could be used for good effect on a witch, or particularly a dried applehead Dracula... ;-> On Thu, 10 Aug 1995, Elaine Shanahan wrote: > Donna, thanks for the witch doll pattern. I'm going to try it next > week, will let you know how it goes. > > Elaine > From owner-halloween-l Tue Aug 15 12:44:02 1995 Date: Tue, 15 Aug 1995 12:00:15 MDT From: Reason is the torture of insanity To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: More goodies Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Well...I happen to work at the local Target store and walked by two fabric stores while I was at work..both of them were FULL of cool halloween stuff!! All kinds of it already..latex masks, funky door/window decals, various straw figures, festive corn thingys...I would suggest checking these places out for those of you that are just "eager" to get the jump on this stuff...cause they have a lot...just thought you would all like to know. Mike From owner-halloween-l Tue Aug 15 21:29:32 1995 Date: Tue, 15 Aug 1995 19:55:19 -0700 (PDT) From: Trystan Bass To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re: ftp archives Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: > >BTW, for those that can't get thru Netcom's overload ftp server, email me > >and I'll send you copies of the archives.. > > > >don > >bertino@netcom.com Please e-mail the archives! I've been trying to get into the netcom ftp site for the last five days (at all hours), & I get the same access denied response. Does this site allow anonymous ftp or do you need a password? I can't wait to see the stuff everyone's been refering to! --Trystan fishcat@hooked.net http://www.hooked.net/users/fishcat/ From owner-halloween-l Wed Aug 16 07:03:54 1995 Date: Wed, 16 Aug 95 9:32:53 -0400 From: "Chris Wilson" To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: ...no subject... Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: RO X-Status: Hi to all! I am new to this line. What city was the Spencers in? I recently moved from San Antonio (which had a Halloween Spencers) to Dallas (where I have no idea what is here). I need to see if I can locate one here. From owner-halloween-l Wed Aug 16 16:20:47 1995 From: whitley@skips0.dseg.ti.com (Harlan Whitley) Subject: Re: ...no subject... To: halloween-l@netcom.com Date: Wed, 16 Aug 95 15:47:18 CDT Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: RO X-Status: There used to be one in Valley View Mall, in Dallas, at Preston and LBJ. Haven't been to that mall in a while, you might check the phone book. Harlan > > Hi to all! I am new to this line. What city was the Spencers in? I > recently moved from San Antonio (which had a Halloween Spencers) to Dallas > (where I have no idea what is here). I need to see if I can locate one here. > From owner-halloween-l Thu Aug 17 04:17:32 1995 Date: Thu, 17 Aug 95 06:32:15 EDT To: halloween-l@netcom.com From: lewisw@oasys.dt.navy.mil (Bill Lewis) Subject: Re: ...no subject... Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: RO X-Status: > >Hi to all! I am new to this line. What city was the Spencers in? I >recently moved from San Antonio (which had a Halloween Spencers) to Dallas >(where I have no idea what is here). I need to see if I can locate one here. > The one that I made comments about is located in Gaithersburg MD. There are other stores in the Washington D.C. metro area. I know that doesn't help you much, but it clarifies where I am coming from. :> Bill lewisw@oasys.dt.navy.mil you can beat a dead horse, but you can't make him drink From owner-halloween-l Thu Aug 17 19:42:03 1995 Date: Thu, 17 Aug 95 17:59 PDT To: halloween-l@netcom.com From: bdosfx@wimsey.com (Brian Oberquell) Subject: Re: ftp archives Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: >I've been trying to get into the netcom ftp >site for the last five days (at all hours), & I get the same access >denied response. Does this site allow anonymous ftp or do you need a >password? I had the same problem using Fetch, then I tried Anarchie and got through okay (note - I tried Fetch around 9:00 pm Pacific time, Anarchie at 7:00 am the next morning; maybe the time difference had someting to do with it?) Brian ______________________________________________________________________________ Brian D. Oberquell The Wizard's Den SPFX Studio 210 Cornell Way Port Moody, B.C. CANADA V3H 3W2 (604) 931-6298 "15 years in the business and we still have all our fingers" From owner-halloween-l Thu Aug 17 23:31:09 1995 Date: Thu, 17 Aug 1995 20:53:35 -0700 From: bobbyr@ix.netcom.com (Bobby Rosenberger) Subject: Re: ftp archives To: halloween-l@netcom.com Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: You wrote: > >>I've been trying to get into the netcom ftp >>site for the last five days (at all hours), & I get the same access >>denied response. Does this site allow anonymous ftp or do you need a >>password? No. Shouldn't need a password... I get on anonymous no problem. I've also gotten on it at 1:00pm as well as 9:00pm. Maybe I've just been lucky. > >I had the same problem using Fetch, then I tried Anarchie and got through >okay (note - I tried Fetch around 9:00 pm Pacific time, Anarchie at 7:00 am >the next morning; maybe the time difference had someting to do with it?) > >Brian Hey Brian! I shoudda known you'd be here! From owner-halloween-l Fri Aug 18 01:03:28 1995 Date: Thu, 17 Aug 1995 22:50:36 -0700 To: halloween-l@netcom.com From: fishcat@hooked.net (Trystan L. Bass) Subject: Re: ftp archives Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: >>I've been trying to get into the netcom ftp >>site for the last five days (at all hours), & I get the same access >>denied response. Does this site allow anonymous ftp or do you need a >>password? > >I had the same problem using Fetch, then I tried Anarchie and got through >okay (note - I tried Fetch around 9:00 pm Pacific time, Anarchie at 7:00 am >the next morning; maybe the time difference had someting to do with it?) I only tried Anarchie (don't have Fetch). I'll prob. try again tonight at 2 a.m. PST. *sigh* I'd love to see this stuff..... --Trystan fishcat@hooked.net @->->-- Trystan L. Bass --<-<-@ TrystBass@aol.com http://www.hooked.net/users/fishcat/ From owner-halloween-l Mon Aug 21 22:12:21 1995 Date: Mon, 21 Aug 1995 20:48:23 -0700 From: dixie1@ix.netcom.com (Elaine Shanahan ) Subject: holiday To: halloween-l@netcom.com Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: I know that this is not a halloween related question, but I am wondering if anyone knows of a maillist similar to this, about Christmas? I love halloween, autumn and Christmas and would love to get on any Christmas related list if there is such. Any replies, post here to to Elaine dixie1@ix.netcom.com Thanks!!! From owner-halloween-l Tue Aug 22 09:18:42 1995 Date: Tue, 22 Aug 1995 09:08:29 -0700 (PDT) From: Don Bertino To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re: holiday Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: On Mon, 21 Aug 1995, Elaine Shanahan wrote: Hi Elaine! > I know that this is not a halloween related question, but I am > wondering if anyone knows of a maillist similar to this, about > Christmas? I love halloween, autumn and Christmas and would love to > get on any Christmas related list if there is such. Any replies, post > here to to Elaine dixie1@ix.netcom.com Yes there is. Its called (you guessed it) xmas-l. To subscribe to it, send mail to listserv@netcom.com with: subscribe xmas-l in the body. don "guess what my second favorite holiday is" bertino bertino@netcom.com ____/^\_____________________________________ Disney ascii art & / \ || FDC MCP || / \ animations are at <______\ [] [] [] || [] [] [] || [] [] [] /______> ftp.netcom.com ======\----------------||----------||----------------/=== /pub/be/bertino========\______________||__________||______________/===== From owner-halloween-l Tue Aug 22 13:17:56 1995 Date: Tue, 22 Aug 1995 13:11:17 -0700 (PDT) From: Don Bertino To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Random stuff... Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Hi all! I just got the Things you never knew existed catalog from Johnson Smith Co 813-747-5566. Great jello molds of hands, brains and organs :) (around $10-$11) Auto repeating endless loop cassette's (12 minute tape) $17.98 Yikes!!! Anyone know where you can get one cheaper?? I know I can get 1 or 2 minute answering machine tapes. They also had a video tape 60 minutes - Create Your Own Haunted House for fun and profit. Comprehensive video tape provides all the stage and techniquete secrets you'll need to buld a spooktacular haunted house. Produced by America's Best masters of horror. Step-by-step instructions include the top-10 scariest scene ideas, set design hints, scary prop locator, maze construction tips, guide to managing actors and setting up a top-notch sound system. $24.95 Has anyone seen this tape? Is it worth it? don bertino@netcom.com ____/^\_____________________________________ Disney ascii art & / \ || FDC MCP || / \ animations are at <______\ [] [] [] || [] [] [] || [] [] [] /______> ftp.netcom.com ======\----------------||----------||----------------/=== /pub/be/bertino========\______________||__________||______________/===== From owner-halloween-l Wed Aug 23 08:41:50 1995 Date: Wed, 23 Aug 1995 08:26:35 -0700 (PDT) From: Don Bertino To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re: Random stuff... Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: TheLazer@aol.com Date: Tue, 22 Aug 1995 20:58:33 -0400 Subject: Re: Random stuff... Hmm, I havent seen the tape myself, but I have seen it for sale, was even thinking of getting it once or twice. But really I think you can get just as much info, if not more from the Mail-list and certen Newsgroups and from those *Wonderful* Cast Members at disney who let you in on how some stuff is done. Quick note here to anyone visting Walt Disney World. If you want to find stuff out, ask a Cast member nicley they can tell you more than if you go over to the *Ask Epcot* section and look it up in there refericne books then have on the rides.. I once looked up how the made the fog for the Univers Of Energy. Well, here is what the book had to say "Water is used at a high pressuer in combantion with a high frequency diode to create the fog" Now, what the hell does that mean?. But by asking a castmember you will be told this "Just a giant Ultarsonice Humidifer" {Of course this castmember spelled it right} Anyways, back to the video.. If anyone does get it. let me know if it is worth it. Jay From owner-halloween-l Fri Aug 25 17:24:39 1995 Date: Fri, 25 Aug 1995 16:03:38 -0700 (PDT) From: Katherine Townsend To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Dancing Fire in a Cauldron Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Recently joined the list and have some great ideas, but am still just beginning. I came across this in the October/November 1992 issue of Mother Earth News while doing some research. It seems simple compared to some of the things I've read but sounds interesting. I hope to have time to try it out this year. Materials: portable electric fan (shows box fan) red light bulb with socket and cord (regular size bulb) balck plastic witch's cauldron 1 sq yard of red transparent gift wrap material (cellophane?) First, cut the red plastic into three fire-shaped "flames" about 18 inches long, 2-3 inches wide. Tops should be forked and tapered to resemble flickering flames. Fasten the bottom of the flame to the grill of a portable electric fan so that wehn the fan is on, the plastic strips are blown upward. Next, cut the bottom off the cauldron until it is about 12 inches high. Place the cauldron over the fan so the "falmes" are visible. (Note: prop the cauldron on top of the fan with pieces of wood so the fan blades have a 2-4 inch space to draw air through--flames move more vigorously this way. You may also have to tie the cauldron to the fan in order to prevent it grom being blown over.) Place the red bulb on the fan's grill with the wire running under the cauldron. Place the setup on a chair beneath a window so only the cauldron and flames are visible. Thanks for all the great ideas! Katherine Townsend kltownsend@ucdavis.edu From owner-halloween-l Sun Aug 27 19:22:21 1995 Date: Sun, 27 Aug 1995 18:17:29 -0700 From: dixie1@ix.netcom.com (Elaine Shanahan ) Subject: halloween crafts To: halloween-l@netcom.com Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Does anyone have any ideas of simple to make , good selling halloween crafts for sale at craft faires/stores? I can sew, and have done some halloween table runners, and wine bottle gift bags. I am also doing appliqued totebags with halloween appliques. I need a couple of other things, though. My preferential type of craft would be: sewing, applique/fabric paint. Please, no posts on cross stitch, knitting, needlepoint, etc. Any suggestions - thanks!:) Elaine in San Francisoc From owner-halloween-l Sun Aug 27 22:57:55 1995 Date: Mon, 28 Aug 1995 00:58:33 -0400 (EDT) From: "Donna J. Logan" To: Elaine Shanahan Cc: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re: halloween crafts Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: A couple of years ago I got yellow, white, and orange fabric paint and did up candy corns on black pleated ribbon, which I then tacked on a black teeshirt (actually, I used the type of fabric glue which makes the piece into a temporary applique, as I have a pathological aversion to sewing! )....used the same temporary applique glue on a jack o'lantern I made out of black felt: used orange glitter fabric paint for the outline, then painted over it with a fabric paint which basically dried clear but had sparkly stuff in shades of copper and orange (it was called Autumn),,,then fabric glued orange sequins around the parameter and used green sequins for the stem. Once done I used a razor to trim away the excess felt, then painted on the applique glue on the reverse side. The advantage of the applique glue is that the Halloween trim is easily removed and stored away for future use, and you're left with a teeshirt wearable year-round. Same idea could work for other holidays too..... ;-> On Sun, 27 Aug 1995, Elaine Shanahan wrote: > Does anyone have any ideas of simple to make , good selling halloween > crafts for sale at craft faires/stores? I can sew, and have done some > halloween table runners, and wine bottle gift bags. > > I am also doing appliqued totebags with halloween appliques. I need a > couple of other things, though. My preferential type of craft would > be: sewing, applique/fabric paint. Please, no posts on cross stitch, > knitting, needlepoint, etc. Any suggestions - thanks!:) > > Elaine in San Francisoc > From owner-halloween-l Mon Sep 11 12:34:07 1995 Date: Mon, 11 Sep 1995 07:43:32 -0700 From: milwiron@ix.netcom.com (D.D. ) Subject: Foam Spiders To: Halloween-L@netcom.com Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Hi All, The process outlined by Scott to make skeletons out of aerosol cans of insulating foam from the hardware store can also be used to make large spiders. Before tackling a full skeleton it might be a good idea to try a few spiders to get the hang of dispensing the foam from the cans. The foam I've been using is called Great Stuff and can be found in home centers and hardware stores on sale for under $4.00 a can in the Chicago area. The way I've made some spiders is to start by making a large ball of foam about 6 inches in diameter and a smaller one around 2 inches, these form the body and head. I let them expand and harden, they'll about double in size. Then when I can see how big they'd end up, I drew a pattern for a leg on a piece of poster board. I then taped a piece of wax paper over the pattern and slowly extruded a leg shape onto the wax paper hesitating briefly at the joint areas in the leg to get a slightly expanded "knee joint" look. I then repeated the leg extrusions around 10 more times with fresh wax paper (so I'd get 8 alike). After everything cured I hot melted the legs and head onto the body, spray painted it all flat black and ended up with a very nice looking, 24 inch across spider for about $2.00. Tips- 1.Follow the directions on the cans about ventilation and safety. 2.Shake the cans twice as long as recommended. 3.You can also use soft wire to hold the legs to the body, making them movable as Scott mentions in his original post. 4.Build any bends in the legs into your design as you extrude them, this is stronger than trying to bend and glue them later. 5. The legs are easier to extrude if a nozzle is made out of the can's dispensing tubing by heating a small section of a piece of clean tubing with a lighter and stretching it until it's about half of it's original diameter, let it cool and cut at the reduced area. This "nozzle" gives a little more control on small objects and diameters. 6. The foam is very easy to carve after it is cured if you want to add extras like L.E.D. eyes and hide the batteries in the body. Denny From owner-halloween-l Wed Sep 13 15:09:48 1995 Date: Wed, 13 Sep 95 06:14:25 EDT To: halloween-l@netcom.com From: lewisw@oasys.dt.navy.mil (Bill Lewis) Subject: GraveYard Pictures at ftp site, at last! Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: This is to announce that the pictures of the graveyard that I did last year have finally been place Don's ftp site! It's taken several weeks to finally get this announcement out. It's been a very busy time of year! Anyway, the file descriptions and ftp site are listed below. If anyone wants detailed information on how to make the "stones" email me and/or post to the list, and If there is enough interest I will write it up. Enjoy! >Hi Bill! >I did really try to get to them before this, but this came up or that... :( >Sorry! >I have posted them in my other ftp site ftp.calweb.com /users/i/iaea/image. >Go ahead and make the announcment to the halloween-l since you did such a >good job putting these together. >Sorry it took so long! see don was busy too! :> >bat-1.jpg 55k tombstone with carved bat. >ghost.jpg 35k shadow ghost on house >gyard-1.jpg 22k overall picture of graveyard >gyard-2.jpg 63k overall picture of graveyard >gyard1da.jpg 89k overall picture of graveyard during the daytime >skull-1.jpg 46k tombstone with carved skull don bertino@netcom.com ____/^\_____________________________________ Disney ascii art & / \ || FDC MCP || / \ animations are at <______\ [] [] [] || [] [] [] || [] [] [] /______> ftp.netcom.com ======\----------------||----------||----------------/=== /pub/be/bertino========\______________||__________||______________/===== From owner-halloween-l Thu Sep 14 13:41:55 1995 Date: Thu, 14 Sep 1995 04:36:16 -0700 From: milwiron@ix.netcom.com (D.D. ) Subject: Re: GraveYard Pictures at ftp site, at last! To: halloween-l@netcom.com Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: You wrote: >information on how to make the "stones" email me and/or post to the >list,and If there is enough interest I will write it up. Hi Bill, My vote would be to post instructions to the list when your time allows. Thanks again for the pictures of your set-up. Denny From owner-halloween-l Fri Sep 15 00:10:20 1995 Date: Thu, 14 Sep 1995 18:27:26 -0700 To: halloween-l@netcom.com From: trix@primenet.com (Darlene Horwath) Subject: I'm new and I love this place! Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Hi to everyone! I am new to this list, but I can't tell you how excited I am about all the ideas and projects I have seen so far! I would like to invite you all to check out my halloween web page at http://www.primenet.com/~trix/hallo.htm If anyone has any suggestions for additions, or would allow me to use some of their posts as references (with proper credit of course), I would be much obliged. Just to let you know a little about me, I have been a halloween fan forever. I trick or treated until age 22, and still dress up every year in costumes I create each year (the only difference now that I'm older is that I don't beg for food door to door anymore) I will be adding pictures of some of the costumes and the decorations in my house and yard to my web page soon. Happy haunting to all! I look forward to more interesting ideas. Trix a/k/a Dar From owner-halloween-l Fri Sep 15 04:14:24 1995 Date: Thu, 14 Sep 1995 17:41:06 -0400 (EDT) From: Wilson Daniel Thomas To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re: GraveYard Pictures at ftp site, at last! Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: On Thu, 14 Sep 1995, D.D. wrote: > Date: Thu, 14 Sep 1995 04:36:16 -0700 > From: D.D. > To: halloween-l@netcom.com > Subject: Re: GraveYard Pictures at ftp site, at last! > > You wrote: > >information on how to make the "stones" email me and/or post to the > >list,and If there is enough interest I will write it up. > > Hi Bill, > My vote would be to post instructions to the list when your time > allows. > Thanks again for the pictures of your set-up. > Denny > Hi Bill, Please post instructions to the list when possible. Mary From owner-halloween-l Fri Sep 15 17:08:32 1995 Date: Fri, 15 Sep 1995 06:15:16 -0700 From: milwiron@ix.netcom.com (D.D. ) Subject: Re: I'm new and I love this place! To: halloween-l@netcom.com Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: You wrote: >Hi to everyone! >I am new to this list, but I can't tell you how excited I am about all >the ideas and projects I have seen so far! >I would like to invite you all to check out my halloween web page at >http://www.primenet.com/~trix/hallo.htm Hi Trix (Darlene) and welcome to the group. I've been to your web page, you're obviously a sick and demented person, MY KIND OF WOMAN! You've done a great job putting it together, I feel like a real amateur when I see the amount of work you've done. As you'll find out, there seem to be a large number of lurkers on this mailing list, how about posting some of your ideas to help get some folks kick-started into sharing their activities? Best Regards, Denny From owner-halloween-l Sat Sep 16 01:57:49 1995 Date: Fri, 15 Sep 1995 18:50:38 -0700 From: milwiron@ix.netcom.com (D.D. ) Subject: Latex mask casting question To: Halloween-L@netcom.com Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Hey All, Over the years I've worked many dozens of times with liquid latex, both the natural and the synthetic neoprene varieties. Most of the stuff I've done was connected with the consumer toy market such as doll heads, action figure prototypes and prototypes that represent vinyl or rubber parts. Casting latex in plaster, Hydrocal, Ultracal or Ultrastone molds produced very good results for short runs of up to 40 or 50 parts. O.K. here's the question... How do commercial latex mask manufacturers get large quantities out of their molds? I've used the common commercially available releases for "latex in plaster" casting that limit absorption and initiate quicker gelling of the latex but mold degradation and part quality becomes a problem after 20 to 30 parts. Any mask experts out there? Denny From owner-halloween-l Mon Sep 18 13:20:55 1995 Date: Mon, 18 Sep 1995 07:52:26 -0700 From: milwiron@ix.netcom.com (D.D. ) Subject: Cheepo air cylinders for automation To: Halloween-L@netcom.com Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: I believe it was Art who outlined the use of air powered accessories using his ingenious pvc air cylinders. As an alternative to making your own or purchasing expensive air cylinders I thought I would mention the following- -Pneumatic Cylinder Screen Door Closers- These are available at home centers for $6.00 here in the Chicago area. If you remove the adjusting screw and replace it with a screw that has a hole drilled in the center (10-32 screw on the ones I've played with) You have an instant, single acting, spring return, 5-6 inch stroke, 1 inch + diameter air cylinder. Please be warned that these work great for light loading but are obviously not made for high pressures, so regulate the air pressure from your air compressor to the lowest possible to do the job. The "rod end" of the ones I've seen is rolled on so constant high pressure banging could send the piston and rod flying! And with that, I think I've clogged-up the Halloween Super Information Highway enough for one person. Later Folks, Denny ? _ \ / _ ( oo ) ------000o-----(_)-----o000-------- From owner-halloween-l Wed Sep 20 00:19:06 1995 Date: Tue, 19 Sep 1995 18:11:44 -0700 To: halloween-l@netcom.com From: fishcat@hooked.net (Trystan L. Bass) Subject: costumes, anyone? Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: I know this isn't a costume-oriented list, but I was just curious-- What is everyone going to be for Halloween this year? Since many people on this list go all out in decorating their homes, maybe some of you also dress up? I know it's my favourite part of the season! This year I'm dressing as Elizabeth Frankenstein on her wedding night, as depicted in last year's movie, "Mary Shelley's Frankenstein." All she's wearing in that scene is a chemise & corset, and well, a big gaping hole where her heart used to be! This fits in well with our Famous Dead Person's Ball party & this year's theme of Stars of the Stage and Screen. Anyone else care to share? --Trystan fishcat@hooked.net @->->-- Trystan L. Bass --<-<-@ TrystBass@aol.com http://www.hooked.net/users/fishcat/ From owner-halloween-l Wed Sep 20 09:13:52 1995 Date: Wed, 20 Sep 1995 06:49:28 -0400 (EDT) From: "Donna J. Logan" To: "Trystan L. Bass" Cc: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re: costumes, anyone? Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: On Tue, 19 Sep 1995, Trystan L. Bass wrote: > I know this isn't a costume-oriented list, but I was just curious-- > What is everyone going to be for Halloween this year? Actually, costuming is why I joined this list....my real forte. Me and my friends used to really do it up every year...but I'm working 2 to 3 jobs this year and probably won't have time to do anything. > This year I'm dressing as Elizabeth Frankenstein on her wedding night, as > depicted in last year's movie, "Mary Shelley's Frankenstein." All she's > wearing in that scene is a chemise & corset, and well, a big gaping hole > where her heart used to be! This fits in well with our Famous Dead > Person's Ball party & this year's theme of Stars of the Stage and Screen. Okay...care to clue us into how you're going to do the gaping hole in the chest? ;-> From owner-halloween-l Thu Sep 21 07:21:10 1995 Date: Wed, 20 Sep 95 23:49 EDT From: Donna_KENNY@umail.umd.edu (dk62) Subject: Re: Re: costumes, anyone? To: halloween-l@netcom.com Cc: halloween-l@netcom.com Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Great idea, Trystan! My husband and I are trying the "matching husband-wife" thing this year, partly bcause lots of our friends came dressed in "groups" in various themes (one per family, that is) with or without kids. Anyway, we bought these great court jester hats (with bells, gold and red felt) down in Orlando in March, and as I wrote to Halloween-L folks last spring, I have *no* idea what to do about the shoes! We got big and long tunic shirts (red), and black tights (I got women's 2X six for him...very cheap!), and I'm making collars and wants, and some gold felt diamond shapes to sew on the tunics. But shoes,, well...no luck with patterns, and we did find some "elf" shoes just this week, but I think we'd be dead if we wore them, as they habve no support and already ripped just from us trying them on! I'm not much of a seamstress, so...any ideas? I mean, where to *buy* some! We thoguht about doing a "dead" party (dead rock stars, screen stars, etc.), but we seem to be having lots of families with very small children, and I think their parents would either choke on the theme or not come because they couldn't find babysitters and the theme was a bit much for the kiddies. Har har. By the by, here in the Washington, D.C. area, I do a HORROR-FEST all-day screening of movies at a friend's home theater, and this year it's on October 21, Sat., 2 pm "til dead!" And this year's theme is FRANK-FEST, featuring five or six Frankenstein movies (the original and original "Bride" films by James Whale; Mel Brook's YOUNG FRANK..., Brannaugh's film, and others.....). If anyone out there lives in the DC area, giv me a call for more details and directions! The home theatre set up is great! (It's in Bowie, MD, for those of you DC folks...) So, who else is coming as what/who else for Halloween this year? And keep those jester/elf shoe ideas coming! Donna Harrington Kenny 301-220-2292 From owner-halloween-l Sat Sep 23 20:56:12 1995 Date: Sat, 23 Sep 1995 13:03:28 -0700 From: milwiron@ix.netcom.com (D.D. ) Subject: Ranting To: Halloween-L@netcom.com Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Hi All, Don't blame the list owner for any of the following, this is strictly from me and sent without Don's permission or knowledge. Uh, 'til now, sorry Don. I love Halloween and every year it gets better ( or worse from my wife's view point) I enjoy seeing pictures of Halloween hand drawn by small children taped in their front windows as much as I enjoy going into Disney's Haunted Mansion. I suspect most of you are the same way. So what's the deal here?..................... 1. Why don't you web site owners with interests in gothic, horror and Halloween mention this mailing list on your pages? 2. I've seen the "who" list from (it's available to list subscribers). A. Why do 10 percent of the subscribers make up 98 percent of the posts? B. Why can't I find the "percent" symbol key on my keyboard? 3. There are a number of Theatre people on this list, why don't the lurkers post some costuming or effects you've seen or done that worked well? 4. This is a very diverse group of people from the little I've seen. What may be obvious to you, may not be to me or others. Why not post your future plans, ideas, dreams and schemes? 5. This is the most helpful group I've run across, why don't more people take advantage of the interaction? 6. Not everything has to pertain to decorating or parties. How about some original Halloween experiences or scary stories. Just add "long post" in an accurate "subject line" description for any folks with slower modems or no interest in that area of Halloween. 7. Nobody I know has a big budget to work with (my wife and daughter remind me that I don't) I try to add a new thing or two every year. Some stuff I don't like after I try it gets left in the attic. There's gotta be some great low cost ideas that are very effective for decorating, costumes, themes, invitations, crafts etc. for both professionals and amateurs. Got any to share? 8. There are a lot of people interested in Halloween (second biggest holiday for retail sales I've heard) have you told them about his list? If I'm way off base about this, let me know, I'll mind my own business. Send flames direct. Denny Halloween loving, long haired, tattooed, 42 yr. old, M.E., heavily armed, short fused, life long biker \ | / ( oo ) ---------000o---(_)---o000------------ From owner-halloween-l Sun Sep 24 19:43:27 1995 Date: Sun, 24 Sep 1995 09:48:52 -0400 (EDT) From: "Donna J. Logan" To: halloween-l Subject: In the spirit already.... Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: I noticed coming home last night that an apartment in the building across from mine already has a jack-o-lantern light on in an upstairs bedroom....now there's someone really into the spirit of Halloween! ;-> From owner-halloween-l Sun Sep 24 19:58:11 1995 From: "Dustin Moore" To: halloween-l@netcom.com Date: Sun, 24 Sep 1995 09:35:44 -7 Subject: Re: Ranting and ghost Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: > 3. There are a number of Theatre people on this list, why don't the > lurkers post some costuming or effects you've seen or done that worked > well? Ok, the % would be on the 5 key. Hit shift (the 2nd smallest long key) hold it down, and hit 5. And on another note, For those of you who want to create "phantasmal" effects let me suggest you find a friend, (or school physic's department) that has a .7mw to 3.0mw laser (don't take anything over a 5mw, or anything other than a Helium-Neon). Go down to your local plastic/stained glass shop and ask for a sample of rippeled clear glass/plastic. Take your handy dandy laser and shine it through the material. (Becarefull, don't look at the beam axis wise, (i.e. directely down the tube when it's in operation.) Note the pattern you see on the wall, turn the glass material and watch the probably red matrix of slowly cahnageing light. Depending on the bumpyness of the material you may need to have the laser close to the wall or farther away. With the right stuff, this is about as ghostly as creation as can be created with under $200. (as..as...as..as...ahhchooo..sniffle). Boy do I have a bad cold. Remember: Don't shine this laser on people or let the beam cross areas where they will be. With a .5 to 4mw nothing will probably happen, a little retinal flash but nothing much ( ever looked down a pinspot?). With higher powers over 5mw it gets more interesting, and you need to fill out cdrh forms and this and that, and you really don't need that kind of power for this project. Oh yea, and put the glass/platic material on a 1rpm motor. You have a dead ghost otherwise. hm... dead ghost? **Dustin Moore** moore@teleport.com http://www.teleport.com/~moore/entertech.html 15 year old entertainment hobbyist *** From owner-halloween-l Sun Sep 24 21:29:15 1995 From: RoboJay@aol.com Date: Sun, 24 Sep 1995 16:44:40 -0400 To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re: costumes, anyone? Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: I've never seen people who could come up with better ideas for Halloween costumes than members of Mensa. Among the costumes I've seen: * A husband and wife came in all black. The husband had a potato dangling in front of his crotch, while the wife had a lemon in the same general area. He was a dictator. She was a sourpuss. * A woman came dressed as a large woody plant with book pages on the leaves. She was the Tree of Knowledge. * A man came as a flower wearing a dunce cap. He was a blooming idiot. * A woman came wearing shaggy mittens and a big pillow under her shirt. She was Pregnant Paws. * A group of six did the following: One man dressed as a Native American, and the rest had each a liter bottle of mineral water. They were a five-liter injun. * A couple came dressed as buccaneers with floppy disks pinned to their outfits. They were software pirates. As for me, I try to do costumes that are timely. A few years ago I went as a pit bull (no, I didn't bite anybody). When Monica Seles was stabbed, I borrowed one of my mother's tennis outfits and put a big bandaid on the back. Another time, I went as a computer - a Pumpkin computer, and instead of a mouse I had a rat. Last year I went as Jupiter after the comet strike; that one got a lot of comments once people figured out what it was (more than one person thought I was a wounded bumblebee!) OK, what's timely this year? From owner-halloween-l Mon Sep 25 08:42:52 1995 Date: Mon, 25 Sep 1995 04:46:42 -0700 From: milwiron@ix.netcom.com (D.D. ) Subject: Re: Ranting and ghost/virus check To: halloween-l@netcom.com Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Dustin wrote (heavily edited): >> 3. There are a number of Theatre people on this list, why don't the >> lurkers post some costuming or effects you've seen or done that >worked well? >Ok, the % would be on the 5 key. Hit shift (the 2nd smallest long >key) hold it down, and hit 5. > (as..as...as..as...ahhchooo..sniffle). Boy do I have a bad cold. Hi Dustin, Yeah, I found that % key, It had a little blop of plaster on it. I guess mixing plaster and checking messages on the phone near the computer isn't a good idea. You've posted some great stuff on this list, my attempt to wake the living lurkers certainly wasn't aimed at you. Since it sounds like you have a pretty nasty cold, I'm running a virus check on all of your posts. Denny From owner-halloween-l Mon Sep 25 13:30:33 1995 Date: Sun, 24 Sep 1995 22:31:57 -0700 To: halloween-l@netcom.com From: snobuny@primenet.com (Snow Bunny) Subject: Re: Ranting Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: A. Why do 10 percent of the subscribers make up 98 >percent of the posts? B. Why can't I find the "percent" symbol key on >my keyboard? Ok my excuse is that I have a full time job (head floral designer at Michaels Arts and Crafts store in Boise, Idaho) AND a husband who works Nights (7pm-7am 6 nights a week) AND a baby who is 14 months old and into EVERYTHING!! =) Whew now that I got that off my chest I just want to let everyone know that Michaels really does have some cool stuff for the Dead day. My favorite is the spider garland, not cheep little plastic but cool paper and wire 1 inch spiders that really look creepy! There now that should keep my posting for a bit untill I actually HAVE time to do anything else but read =O] *heheheheheh* By the way the "percent" key which is this one % is above the 5 =D Jussa big kid at heart! */\SnowBunny/\* PS It will be sooooo much fun getting dressed and having the whole family trick or treat this year. Oh one more little thing, for the ADULTS here this year while the kids are getting candy try trick or treating for "Adult Drinks" at neighbors houses From owner-halloween-l Mon Sep 25 14:25:02 1995 Subject: Re: Ranting To: halloween-l@netcom.com Date: Mon, 25 Sep 1995 13:06:37 -0400 (EDT) From: "Nathan Kahn" Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: > 2. I've seen the "who" list from (it's available to list > subscribers). A. Why do 10 percent of the subscribers make up 98 > percent of the posts? B. Why can't I find the "percent" symbol key on > my keyboard? I suspect these percentages are the same on most lists, regardless of the number of actual members. nathan@theatrefx.com From owner-halloween-l Tue Sep 26 02:37:55 1995 Date: Mon, 25 Sep 1995 11:12:30 -0700 To: halloween-l@netcom.com From: fishcat@hooked.net (Trystan L. Bass) Subject: party resources Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: I really should have posted this earlier -- Halloween madness has already taken over my household! Oriental Trading Company is a great resource for party stuff -- streamers, balloons, party favours, kids toys, candy (look for the Eyes of Terror Bubblgum -- eyeball candy!), decorations, masks (rubber, feather, domino, etc.), some costumes, & misc. novelties. They basically sell all the cheapo stuff you find at party stores, but at wholesale prices (you don't need a resale license either). Things usually come in dozens or grosses. For a catalog, call 800-327-9678. For orders call 800-228-2269. Write Oriental Trading Company, Inc., PO Box 2308, Omaha, NE 68103-2308. If anyone knows of any other good, wholesale-prices sources of party goods, please post!!! --Trystan (32 days till the party, & I still haven't finished my costume!) fishcat@hooked.net @->->-- Trystan L. Bass --<-<-@ TrystBass@aol.com http://www.hooked.net/users/fishcat/ From owner-halloween-l Wed Sep 27 09:54:49 1995 To: halloween-l@netcom.com From: "DOUG MILLER" Subject: RE: Ranting Date: Mon, 25 Sep 1995 12:03 Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: :-) :-) :-) (Smileys to start) > Hi All, > Don't blame the list owner for any of the following, this is strictly > from me and sent without Don's permission or knowledge. Uh, 'til now, > sorry Don. > > I love Halloween and every year it gets better ( or worse from my > wife's view point) I enjoy seeing pictures of Halloween hand drawn by > small children taped in their front windows as much as I enjoy going > into Disney's Haunted Mansion. I suspect most of you are the same way. > So what's the deal here?..................... > > 1. Why don't you web site owners with interests in gothic, horror and > Halloween mention this mailing list on your pages? I don't own a web site. > 2. I've seen the "who" list from (it's available to list > subscribers). A. Why do 10 percent of the subscribers make up 98 > percent of the posts? B. Why can't I find the "percent" symbol key on > my keyboard? A. The internet is comprised mostly of Lurkers (at least a majority of the people are.) B. Try shift-5. > 3. There are a number of Theatre people on this list, why don't the > lurkers post some costuming or effects you've seen or done that worked > well? Not a theatre person, either. > 4. This is a very diverse group of people from the little I've seen. > What may be obvious to you, may not be to me or others. Why not post > your future plans, ideas, dreams and schemes? Let's see.. Have another cup of coffee, grab that file from that client in Salt Lake, go see Robyn Hitchcock tonight, finish up that new project, replace the alternator on my car, BUY that NEW car, find a new place to live, get married, have kids, send them off to college, win the lottery, buy a radio station in the bahamas, retire in the bahamas. > 5. This is the most helpful group I've run across, why don't more > people take advantage of the interaction? I am. > 6. Not everything has to pertain to decorating or parties. How about > some original Halloween experiences or scary stories. Just add "long > post" in an accurate "subject line" description for any folks with > slower modems or no interest in that area of Halloween. I always personally enjoyed party hopping in a hearse. > 7. Nobody I know has a big budget to work with (my wife and daughter > remind me that I don't) I try to add a new thing or two every year. > Some stuff I don't like after I try it gets left in the attic. There's > gotta be some great low cost ideas that are very effective for > decorating, costumes, themes, invitations, crafts etc. for both > professionals and amateurs. Got any to share? Don't use bedsheets to make a mummies costume (at least not in the way I tried to do it.) > 8. There are a lot of people interested in Halloween (second biggest > holiday for retail sales I've heard) have you told them about his list? If I did, they'd probably just add to the lurker quotient. :-) > > If I'm way off base about this, let me know, I'll mind my own > business. In all seriousness, the ideas discussed here are great. Some are a bit beyond my skills (or maybe I should say incentive) but still they're worthwhile. And I thank you all. > > Send flames direct. > No flames intended. Just a little fun. > Denny > Halloween loving, long haired, tattooed, 42 yr. old, M.E., heavily > armed, short fused, life long biker How about costume suggestion for a long-haired Jesus and Charles Manson (in his younger days) looking dude for this years festivities. I've been the above 2 characters 3 of the past 5 years, so something different would be appreciated. Do I go in drag? (Or maybe as a network router... Yeah, that'd be nerdy enough. :-) ) > > \ | / > ( oo ) > ---------000o---(_)---o000------------ From owner-halloween-l Wed Sep 27 22:40:46 1995 From: Stuart_McIntire_at_AISDC@ccsmtp.uage.com Date: Wed, 27 Sep 95 18:06:12 EST To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Hinges (not squeaky - the spring type) Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: I'm looking to build a mongoose box. This is something a shop teacher built for my brother back in junior high. All the tough kids about wet their pants. This is a simple wooden box - say, for example, 12"X12"X30" (not exact). the 12"X12" are the ends. On the top you have a square opening cut out. The cut-out becomes the door. You hinge the door with spring-loaded hinges (mounted on the inside of the box, not the outside). Attach a latching mechanism - simple "hook and eye" will do. When the box is assembled, the spring-hinged door is on the top of the box. Put whatever markings on the box you'd like. My brother tried to simulate a crate that had been shipped overseas as cargo. The "pitch": Gather a group of people around. People's natural curiousity makes this an easy task. Explain that you've got a rare Mongolian Striped mongoose, or some similar invented animal. Go to great pains to explain how dangerous this animal is when it becomes hungry/agitated/whatever. If you have "air holes" drilled through the box, someone invariably will try to stick their fingers in, or peer through them to see your "mongoose." At the opportune moment, trip the latch. I guarantee you that when that door flies open and bangs the top of the box, you'll hardly see a room empty so quickly. To add to the festivities, add a small piece of shaggy or furry fabric to fly out of the box. Simply put a hook on the inside of the lid, stitch a loop onto the fabric, set it on the hook and close and latch the lid. My brother did that and when that "fur" hit someone in the chest, boy did they pale! My problem? Where do I find the right kind of hinges? I've looked in hard- ware with no luck. Tips, anyone? - Stu McIntire...(no humorous tag lines just yet)... From owner-halloween-l Thu Sep 28 00:12:11 1995 From: TheLazer@aol.com Date: Wed, 27 Sep 1995 12:19:22 -0400 To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re: In the spirit already.... Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Yes, people around here are puttying up there {Cheesy} stuff. Just wait till I set up my stuff the first weeknd in october... HA HA HAAAAAA Jay From owner-halloween-l Thu Sep 28 00:22:05 1995 Date: Wed, 27 Sep 1995 19:07:48 -0700 To: halloween-l@netcom.com From: trix@primenet.com (Darlene Horwath) Subject: Re: Ranting: back at you Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: I tried to send this message once before, but the gremlins must have gotten it...here goes again! >>So what's the deal here?..................... >> >>1. Why don't you web site owners with interests in gothic, horror and >>Halloween mention this mailing list on your pages? > >Done!!! it's out there in the #1 spot on my page! >http://www.primenet.com/~trix/hallo.htm > >>2. I've seen the "who" list from (it's available to list >>subscribers). A. Why do 10 percent of the subscribers make up 98 >>percent of the posts? > >Because you are smarter than we are? >Because I spent the past week decorating my house for Halloween! >Because I've got a Friday the 13th party coming up soon...Pretty exciting, huh! Friday the 13th and Halloween within three weeks of each other. > > B. Why can't I find the "percent" symbol key on >>my keyboard? > >Because you are not as smart as I thought! > >>5. This is the most helpful group I've run across, why don't more >>people take advantage of the interaction? > >Come on everyone! I am not a theater professional, an engineer or even very good with tools, but I like Halloween as much as anyone. Heres a few slightly off topic questions that everyone should be able to help me out with! > >A) What is an inexpensive, and not too tool oriented (saws and hammers) way to make tombstones for an outdoor graveyard? > >B) I need some help coming up with creative Halloween/horror recipe ideas for my parties...any suggestions? > >C) Has anyone had any experience making Halloween trees? (Like a Christmas tree, but decorated for Halloween) If so, did you use a pine tree, fir or just a tree branch? Did you paint it? What kinds of decorations did you use? > >And here's my hot decorating tip of the day: If you need to hollow out a bunch of pumpkins for carving...you can use one of those rotary stripper attachments to a drill (even though I have a bad track record with power tools, they are still a necessary evil sometimes...and I still do have all my fingers) It loosens up the insides real fast! > >This should be inspiration for all you lurkers out there! Help me out!!! > >Thanks! > >Trix a/k/a Dar > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Is that a modem in your pocket or RU just happy 2C me! http://www.primenet.com/~trix/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From owner-halloween-l Thu Sep 28 06:19:04 1995 From: "BHendrsn@kirk.microsys.net" To: halloween-l@netcom.com Date: Thu, 28 Sep 1995 01:07:12 +0000 Subject: Re: In the spirit already.... Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: > From: TheLazer@aol.com > Yes, people around here are puttying up there {Cheesy} stuff. Just wait till > I set up my stuff the first weeknd in october... HA HA HAAAAAA Ah, brings back memories. Back before I got married, I had a *HUGE* haunted house every year that would have people lining up down the street. The one year that I decided to have a Halloween party instead of a haunted house, we had people knocking on the door all night looking for us. Sheesh, I miss those days. -Brian From owner-halloween-l Thu Sep 28 06:17:57 1995 From: "BHendrsn@kirk.microsys.net" To: halloween-l@netcom.com Date: Tue, 26 Sep 1995 11:49:45 +0000 Subject: Any ideas? Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: I'm starting to think about my annual halloween party and wanted to do something different this year. Anyone have any ideas for themes or whatnot? Appreciated, -Brian From owner-halloween-l Thu Sep 28 06:32:33 1995 Date: Thu, 28 Sep 95 06:17:07 EDT To: halloween-l@netcom.com From: lewisw@oasys.dt.navy.mil (Bill Lewis) Subject: Re: Ranting: back at you Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: >>A) What is an inexpensive, and not too tool oriented (saws and hammers) way >to make tombstones for an outdoor graveyard? Check out the tombstone/graveyard pictures at Dons "other" ftp site: ftp.calweb.com /users/i/iaea/image >bat-1.jpg 55k tombstone with carved bat. >ghost.jpg 35k shadow ghost on house >gyard-1.jpg 22k overall picture of graveyard >gyard-2.jpg 63k overall picture of graveyard >gyard1da.jpg 89k overall picture of graveyard during the daytime >skull-1.jpg 46k tombstone with carved skull Also download the file "message" there is a brief description on how to build them. They are really easy to make. Any further information or questions, just let me know, I'll be happy to provide more details. Bill lewisw@oasys.dt.navy.mil you can beat a dead horse, but you can't make him drink From owner-halloween-l Thu Sep 28 06:40:45 1995 From: "BHendrsn@kirk.microsys.net" To: halloween-l@netcom.com Date: Thu, 28 Sep 1995 01:03:07 +0000 Subject: Re: Hinges (not squeaky - the spring type) Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: > From: Stuart_McIntire_at_AISDC@ccsmtp.uage.com That's sick. I love it! > To add to the festivities, add a small piece of shaggy or furry fabric to > fly out of the box. Simply put a hook on the inside of the lid, stitch a > loop onto the fabric, set it on the hook and close and latch the lid. My > brother did that and when that "fur" hit someone in the chest, boy did they > pale! What you might consider doing is attaching the fur to a piece of elastic and attach it to the bottom of the door. That way it will be pulled out at *VERY* high speed and won't go too far when the joke is done. > My problem? Where do I find the right kind of hinges? I've looked in hard- > ware with no luck. Tips, anyone? Depends on how strong the springs have to be. I've seen that kind of hinge locally at Home Depot. Maybe you could replace the springs with a stronger version? -Brian From owner-halloween-l Thu Sep 28 07:03:31 1995 Date: Thu, 28 Sep 95 06:40:30 EDT To: halloween-l@netcom.com From: lewisw@oasys.dt.navy.mil (Bill Lewis) Subject: RE: Ranting Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: >> 4. This is a very diverse group of people from the little I've seen. >> What may be obvious to you, may not be to me or others. Why not post >> your future plans, ideas, dreams and schemes? Dreams and schemes!? I couldn't think about one that was worthy of posting, until I realized that already I have one in mind. A friend of mine has an old farm house that he bought to renovate and/or tear down and build something else. It's 2 levels, and was probably built as early as the late 1800's. It's located on a rather busy road in a small town in Laytonsville MD. I recently have been having thoughts about making a haunted house attraction, possibly for (and with the cooperation of) the local fire department, or some other "wanting" organization. My friend has said I could do anything I would like with the place. I'm sure it's too late to do anything about it for this year, so it remains a dream. There would be alot of hurdles to transform this house into a good attraction, but how often do you have a whole house to play with? Has anyone ever done a full blown haunted house? What do you do for insurance? How would you handle a floorplan that only has a single staircase? Can I get a temporary hookup for electricity? Can the house owner get a tax deduction for allowing use of the property, and expenses he may incur? These are just a few of the questions that I have been thinking about (as well as what to do with the place). Bill lewisw@oasys.dt.navy.mil you can beat a dead horse, but you can't make him drink From owner-halloween-l Thu Sep 28 08:12:26 1995 Date: Thu, 28 Sep 1995 07:01:38 -0400 (EDT) From: "Donna J. Logan" To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re: In the spirit already.... Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: On Wed, 27 Sep 1995 TheLazer@aol.com wrote: > Yes, people around here are puttying up there {Cheesy} stuff. Just wait till > I set up my stuff the first weeknd in october... HA HA HAAAAAA Well, the people with the pumpkin light must have inspired their neighbors in the apartment next to their's, since the next day the other apartment had cheesy jack o'lantern cardboard pictures pasted to their front door. As much as I enjoy the season, I myself would at least until after Oct. 1st to put the stuff up. But then again, I thin the apt. with the pumpkin light has electric Xmas candles in the same window immediately after Halloween....so they seem to be a family that enjoy *extended* holiday seasons.... Nothing spectacular is ever done here re: Halloween, as it's a rent-controlled complex for those on low to moderate incomes, so the pumpkin light's about it. A couple of years ago, as part of the tenants' association, we discussed organizing a Halloween party, but nothing ever came of it..... ;-> From owner-halloween-l Thu Sep 28 19:44:24 1995 Date: Thu, 28 Sep 1995 07:21:06 -0400 (EDT) From: Wilson Daniel Thomas To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re: Ranting: back at you Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: On Wed, 27 Sep 1995, Darlene Horwath wrote: Text cut ,, > >C) Has anyone had any experience making Halloween trees? (Like a Christmas > tree, but decorated for Halloween) If so, did you use a pine tree, fir or > just a tree branch? Did you paint it? What kinds of decorations did you use? > > Darlene Halloween trees - I can make those in my sleep! I always use what is referred to as grapevine trees. They can be found at Michaels and Joannes in the States (the only two stores I frequent) and at White Rose in Canada. They look like the old spooky trees that you see in the old horror movies. Perfect for halloween. Decorating is only limited by your imagination. Generally, I shape the branches out then add spider webbing to whatever areas appeal to me. I usually stretch the webs out nice and thin. Spiders are added to some of the webs and some more are glued to the tree trunck and some of the limbs. At the base of the tree I use raffia pumpkins, skulls,leaves (also to the tree branches). Tombstones made from black felt (can be bought at the craft store) are also a nice touch. I put a piece of white posterboard in between the felt so the RIP really stands out. Add whatever decorations you so desire - Joannes usually has some neat looking black cats and bats that are the perfect size. Last year I added the small sound buttoms to the back of the trees. Ghosts made from cheesecloth are a nice touch. These trees are my 4 year old grandson's favorite item for halloween. Mary From owner-halloween-l Fri Sep 29 06:37:50 1995 From: Stuart_McIntire_at_AISDC@ccsmtp.uage.com Date: Thu, 28 Sep 95 10:42:27 EST To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re[2]: Ranting Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: ______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________ Subject: RE: Ranting Author: halloween-l@netcom.com at Internet Date: 9/28/95 6:40 AM >> 4. This is a very diverse group of people from the little I've seen. >> What may be obvious to you, may not be to me or others. Why not post >> your future plans, ideas, dreams and schemes? Dreams and schemes!? I couldn't think about one that was worthy of posting, until I realized that already I have one in mind. >A friend of mine has an old farm house that he bought to renovate and/or >tear down and build something else. It's 2 levels, and was probably built >as early as the late 1800's. It's located on a rather busy road in a small >town in Laytonsville MD. Laytonsville is a great spot for a haunted house!!! >I recently have been having thoughts about making a haunted house >attraction, possibly for (and with the cooperation of) the local fire >department, or some other "wanting" organization. How about the Gaithersburg/Germantown Jaycees? >My friend has said I could do anything I would like with the place. I'm >sure it's too late to do anything about it for this year, so it remains a >dream. It is too late for this year. Sadly, a missed opportunity... >There would be alot of hurdles to transform this house into a good >attraction, but how often do you have a whole house to play with? Not often, I bet! ;) >Has anyone ever done a full blown haunted house? >What do you do for insurance? Groups like the Jaycees take out insurance and recoup the cost w/admission. Insurance may actually be higher for an unoccupied structure. Also, don't forget zoning...especially in Montgomery County, MD! >How would you handle a floorplan that only has a single staircase? >Can I get a temporary hookup for electricity? Probably. Of course, there's always generators... >Can the house owner get a tax deduction for allowing use of the property, >and expenses he may incur? Again, probably. Depends on the use and the cause you're raising money for. Should be easy enough to check out... >These are just a few of the questions that I have been thinking about (as >well as what to do with the place). Talk about your dream come true! - Stu McIntire Bill lewisw@oasys.dt.navy.mil you can beat a dead horse, but you can't make him drink From owner-halloween-l Fri Sep 29 06:41:28 1995 From: Stuart_McIntire_at_AISDC@ccsmtp.uage.com Date: Thu, 28 Sep 95 10:21:21 EST To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re[2]: Ranting: back at you Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Trix, Love your web page! Tombstones? You could try thick foamcore painted up and covered with a good (thick) coat of flat acrylic. I don't really know how long they'll hold up in damp weather, but it was a little wet here last Halloween and mine haven't warped yet. Recipes? Have you checked out the previous halloween-l postings? Some great stuff there. Another source is the Pennywhistle Halloween book. Sorry...I'm sure that's not the full and correct name, but check the children's section at any major bookstore chain and you should be able to get a copy. Halloween trees? Never done it. Have you thought of Halloween wreaths? A good sized wreath painted jet black with all the accoutrements oughta do the trick nicely... I agree re: the 80/20 rule as far as mail list participation goes. I plan to alter that as much as I'm able...this is the best thing I've discovered since I learned about the Net - and that's without all the great Netscape graphics! Thanks to all! Now repeat after me..."Hi. My name is (fill in the blank). I'm a Halloween addict." . - Stu McIntire (who doesn't care to be cured of his addiction)... ______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________ Subject: Re: Ranting: back at you Author: halloween-l@netcom.com at Internet Date: 9/28/95 9:59 AM I tried to send this message once before, but the gremlins must have gotten it...here goes again! >>So what's the deal here?..................... >> >>1. Why don't you web site owners with interests in gothic, horror and >>Halloween mention this mailing list on your pages? > >Done!!! it's out there in the #1 spot on my page! >http://www.primenet.com/~trix/hallo.htm > >>2. I've seen the "who" list from (it's available to list >>subscribers). A. Why do 10 percent of the subscribers make up 98 >>percent of the posts? > >Because you are smarter than we are? >Because I spent the past week decorating my house for Halloween! >Because I've got a Friday the 13th party coming up soon...Pretty exciting, huh! Friday the 13th and Halloween within three weeks of each other. > > B. Why can't I find the "percent" symbol key on >>my keyboard? > >Because you are not as smart as I thought! > >>5. This is the most helpful group I've run across, why don't more >>people take advantage of the interaction? > >Come on everyone! I am not a theater professional, an engineer or even very good with tools, but I like Halloween as much as anyone. Heres a few slightly off topic questions that everyone should be able to help me out with! > >A) What is an inexpensive, and not too tool oriented (saws and hammers) way to make tombstones for an outdoor graveyard? > >B) I need some help coming up with creative Halloween/horror recipe ideas for my parties...any suggestions? > >C) Has anyone had any experience making Halloween trees? (Like a Christmas tree, but decorated for Halloween) If so, did you use a pine tree, fir or just a tree branch? Did you paint it? What kinds of decorations did you use? > >And here's my hot decorating tip of the day: If you need to hollow out a bunch of pumpkins for carving...you can use one of those rotary stripper attachments to a drill (even though I have a bad track record with power tools, they are still a necessary evil sometimes...and I still do have all my fingers) It loosens up the insides real fast! > >This should be inspiration for all you lurkers out there! Help me out!!! > >Thanks! > >Trix a/k/a Dar > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Is that a modem in your pocket or RU just happy 2C me! http://www.primenet.com/~trix/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From owner-halloween-l Fri Sep 29 07:09:00 1995 Date: Thu, 28 Sep 1995 19:07:14 -0700 To: halloween-l@netcom.com From: fishcat@hooked.net (Trystan L. Bass) Subject: Re: Any ideas? Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: >I'm starting to think about my annual halloween party and wanted to >do something different this year. Anyone have any ideas for themes >or whatnot? I like to take a style & go with it, without too much mixing around. For example, either funny or scary or gothic or gross or whatever. I try to keep all the music, food, & decor within that style. It makes a stronger impression that way. My overall theme for the past 4 years has been the Famous Dead Person's Ball. But a couple of theme-within-a-themes that we've done include Heaven and Hell, Sick and Twisted, and Stars of the Stage and Screen. And, just for fun, here's a few cheap n' easy decoration ideas.... -- a ceiling full of black & red helium balloons with red mylar ribbons floating down -- cover all furniture with old white sheets for that "house that hasn't been lived in for years" look (also makes decent slipcovers!) -- tack white Xmas tree lights on the ceiling & then tack cheap red or black lace fabric over it for a starry canopy effect -- use tons of fake spiderwebs (stretched nice & thin) all over -- tack cheap black fabric over the walls (cover them), then stick the spiderwebs to that -- my fave. centerpiece is a realistic looking dummy head (the kind hairdressers use for practice), placed on a silver platter, surrounded w/eyed potatoes, & decorated with a lovely bloody sauce Enjoy! --Trystan (oh my god! I didn't make enough invites -- gotta copy more! now I wonder if all these people will actually show up?) fishcat@hooked.net @->->-- Trystan L. Bass --<-<-@ TrystBass@aol.com http://www.hooked.net/users/fishcat/ From owner-halloween-l Fri Sep 29 15:24:35 1995 From: Stuart_McIntire_at_AISDC@ccsmtp.uage.com Date: Thu, 28 Sep 95 10:28:40 EST To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re[2]: Hinges (not squeaky - the spring type) Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: RO X-Status: ______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________ Subject: Re: Hinges (not squeaky - the spring type) Author: halloween-l@netcom.com at Internet Date: 9/28/95 10:08 AM > From: Stuart_McIntire_at_AISDC@ccsmtp.uage.com That's sick. I love it! > To add to the festivities, add a small piece of shaggy or furry fabric to > fly out of the box. Simply put a hook on the inside of the lid, stitch a > loop onto the fabric, set it on the hook and close and latch the lid. My > brother did that and when that "fur" hit someone in the chest, boy did they > pale! What you might consider doing is attaching the fur to a piece of elastic and attach it to the bottom of the door. That way it will be pulled out at *VERY* high speed and won't go too far when the joke is done. > My problem? Where do I find the right kind of hinges? I've looked in hard- > ware with no luck. Tips, anyone? >Depends on how strong the springs have to be. I've seen that kind >of hinge locally at Home Depot. Maybe you could replace the springs >with a stronger version? Thanks, Brian. Anyone who knows me well knows how warped I can be... The hinges are pretty strong. The door really pops open very quickly. You probably wouldn't want the tip of your finger between the lid and the box when it opens fully. The nice thing is that the spring is self contained within the hinge so you can't get pinched between the coils. There's a Home Depot around the corner from the office - I'll check it out! (Gratefully, Stu...) -Brian From owner-halloween-l Fri Sep 29 16:25:37 1995 From: Stuart_McIntire_at_AISDC@ccsmtp.uage.com Date: Thu, 28 Sep 95 17:47:45 EST To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Getting to Know You Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Hello, all! Though the spirit of the halloween-l group is to exchange ideas and infor- mation re: our favorite howliday, I thought it might be nice to get an idea of who our fellow "posters" are. (Forgive me if this isn't quite appropriate). For example: My name is Stu McIntire. I live and work in Montgomery County, Maryland (DC suburbs). My halloween resume consists of: 1) Volunteer with the Rockville, MD Jaycees on their haunted houses circa 1982-1983. (Grim Reaper w/chainsaw; Boiler Room attendant) 2) My front yard - as far back as I can re- member... 3) Chairman of PTA Halloween Party & Haunted House at my kid's school (This year is the 4th Annual bash. Attendance 1st year was about 310. Last year was about 550). 4) Part-time employee at the Spencer's Halloween store at Lakeforest Mall in Gaithersburg, MD (just hired today!). Why don't we share our resumes with one another? If there is a better place to post this stuff, let me know... - Stu (Just lunatic enough to work one full time and one part time job, serve as PTA V.P./Membership, organize a Halloween party and still try to find time for my wife and three kids...all during one of my busiest times of the year...sanity is a figment of my imagination!) :) From owner-halloween-l Fri Sep 29 23:27:08 1995 Date: Fri, 29 Sep 1995 11:41:32 -0700 From: milwiron@ix.netcom.com (D.D. ) Subject: Couple-O-Questions To: Halloween-L@netcom.com Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: I was wondering if anyone might know- 1. What's the proper way to store a glycol based smoke machine for long, 50 week periods? (flush with distilled water, leave some juice in it, let it dry out after flushing) 2. Does anyone know a source for good quality glow in the dark paint (Quarts?), not the usual cheap craft store stuff but paint with a high percentage of luminescent (glowonium) pigment? 3. Does anyone use clear covers over their black lights to protect them from the little bast.. uh, high spirited children. Does it filter out much UV? Thanks, Denny From BHendrsn@kirk.microsys.net Sat Sep 30 01:22:11 1995 From: "BHendrsn@kirk.microsys.net" To: halloween-l-owner@netcom.com Date: Sat, 30 Sep 1995 00:57:40 +0000 Subject: hhouse.uue Reply-to: BHendrsn@kirk.microsys.net Status: O X-Status: section 1 of uuencode 4.21 of file HHOUSE.BMP by R.E.M. begin 644 HHOUSE.BMP M0DWV*`(``````'8````H````@`(``+H!```!``0````````````````````` M````````````````````@```@````("``(````"``(``@(```("`@`#`P,`` M``#_``#_````__\`_P```/\`_P#__P``____`/______________________ M____________________________________________________________ M_____________________________________________________ From BHendrsn@kirk.microsys.net Sat Sep 30 01:22:14 1995 From: "BHendrsn@kirk.microsys.net" To: halloween-l-owner@netcom.com Date: Sat, 30 Sep 1995 00:57:37 +0000 Subject: Haunted House Floorplan Reply-to: BHendrsn@kirk.microsys.net Status: O X-Status: I was reading through the halloween-l archives and saw that you wanted some floorplans for haunted houses to put at your FTP site. So... silly me, I drew up the haunted house I ran a few years ago. The uuencoded file ends up being like 141k so it is pretty sizable and there is a text file that describes the map. Each of these will follow separately. Hope you like them. -Brian From BHendrsn@kirk.microsys.net Sat Sep 30 01:22:14 1995 From: "BHendrsn@kirk.microsys.net" To: halloween-l-owner@netcom.com Date: Sat, 30 Sep 1995 00:57:43 +0000 Subject: hhouse.txt Reply-to: BHendrsn@kirk.microsys.net Status: O X-Status: We ran this set-up for Halloween 1990 and is probably the largest Halloween project I have personally designed and operated (although I have worked on the March of Dimes Haunted House, etc). We did this as an annual project in a friend's back yard (which ended up becoming his back yard, his garage, his driveway...) Note on the map: The thick walls were solid 8' high walls. The thin walls were actually 3' high wooden rails for crowd control. The Line: As people were standing in line, we had a TV/VCR setup in the window running a Halloween soundtrack and movie scenes from Halloween, Friday the 13th, etc. At the bottom of the driveway there was a set of iron gates that swung open (and squeaked a lot) to let each group of people in. 1. This area was used to display motorized and static displays. It actually worked very well to calm people (who really jumped out of their skin as they went on). I think we had a mechanized raven (which I built from scratch) and one of those moving hands in a trunk. I had wanted to put some of my motorized zombies that jump out at you, but they broke down just before we opened. 2. The area directly above this was set up with a graveyard. We had a chemical fogger hit this area just before people entered it so the visibility was very limited. Our fog people were located behind position 2a and also hit the swamp area (see 10) on the other side. 2a. We ended up with a giant 8'x8' painted backdrop here, done on wallboard. We cut out several lightning zig- zags and mounted strobes behind it that flashed in time to the soundtrack. 3. We mounted a huge gate here that not only had a chemical fogger behind it, but which randomly sprayed a mist of cold (and I mean *COLD*) water. We did have a pair of orange "eyeball" lights behind the gate (normal orange party bulbs masked off to look like eyes) that we could manually flash from the control room if people stayed there too long. Sound effect for this area was a wolf howl. 4. Originally, a hot tub was supposed to be mounted here with colored lights etc. and it would be dressed up as a vat of acid, complete with burning people. Unfortunately, the plans to install the hot tub were delayed until after Halloween so we had to scramble to think of something new. What we did was build a mad scientist's lab complete with a mechanical dummy. When the good doctor took his scalpel to his patient, he pushed a button in his hand and a pump would blast red water up under the sheet covering the body. What was interesting was the first night we were open, the sheet was slit accidentally and the water shot about 8 feet in the air which turned out to be a much better effect. The next night, we ended up mounting a clear plastic sheet across the front of the lab, putting a diffuser on the pump and every time the doctor hit the button, the entire lab was *COATED* in blood. Great effect! 5. Strobe hallway. We did have hiding placed located in the hallway that are not reflected on the map and people dressed in white and black. Very effective. 6. Inside the garage, we had a long hallway with a thumping trunk at the end. There is an opening into room 7 at the end and once the people entered, the door swung the other way blocking access back to the hallway and allowing access to room 8. 7. The family room. Sound effects of dozens of screeching rats. 7a. The fireplace. We had someone inside the fireplace with a foam axe that jumped out at the appropriate time. 8. The dining room. We had a table with your typical disgusting food, etc. We had planned to have a mechanized man eating the food, but we didn't get the hardware finished on time. Instead, we had a chair in the corner behind the table with the body, his chest open, and him sticking a fork in the organs exposed. 8a. The dungeon. Along the back end of the garage was a shelf about 4 feet off the ground. We mounted bars all along it with rubber, bendable bars at the far end to allow access in and out. 9. Second strobe hallway. We had a high-powered Pyledriver bass speaker mounted right over this hallway and the sound effect we used was a *VERY* bass heartbeat and a fast strobe. One of the monsters from the dungeon (see 8a) would escape and chase the people out of the hallway. At the far end was a movable plastic curtain. 10. The swamp. We built a bridge that looked very rickety but was in fact quite strong and had people go across it while zombies attacked from the sides. 10a. The bridge. This was 12 feet long and 4 feet wide. It really did look pretty bad (built that way) but even the fire department said it was safe for human use. 11. The spider room. We went out and got about 50 packages of spider webbing and absolutely covered this room. Other than a 4' passage through it, it was completely webbed. We had people dressed in white and similarly webbed jumping out at people. One of these years, I'm going to try to beat this thing. ;) -Brian BHendrsn@kirk.microsys.net Brian.Henderson@ectech.com Brian.Henderson@successbbs.com From owner-halloween-l Sat Sep 30 01:59:11 1995 From: "BHendrsn@kirk.microsys.net" To: halloween-l@netcom.com Date: Fri, 29 Sep 1995 12:12:10 +0000 Subject: Re: Any ideas? Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: > From: fishcat@hooked.net (Trystan L. Bass) > I like to take a style & go with it, without too much mixing around. For > example, either funny or scary or gothic or gross or whatever. I try to > keep all the music, food, & decor within that style. It makes a stronger > impression that way. I agree. However, for the past several years (except last year when I did not have a party) I've sort of stayed with the scary/gross motif and I'm starting to run out of ideas for staying within that style. To be perfectly honest, I like that style and would love to stay with it if I could get some fresh ideas. > And, just for fun, here's a few cheap n' easy decoration ideas.... > -- cover all furniture with old white sheets for that > "house that hasn't been lived in for years" look > (also makes decent slipcovers!) Hadn't thought of that. > -- use tons of fake spiderwebs (stretched nice & thin) all over Always... > -- tack cheap black fabric over the walls (cover them), then stick > the spiderwebs to that You know what works great? If you have a long hallway, get some of the rolls of black plastic (the kind they use for trash bags) and cover the walls and ceiling with it. At the far end, put a strobe light. If you keep both ends of the hallway dark, it gives a great effect (sort of like a tunnel of light). > -- my fave. centerpiece is a realistic looking dummy head > (the kind hairdressers use for practice), placed on a silver > platter, surrounded w/eyed potatoes, & decorated with a > lovely bloody sauce What we did two years ago, and you really need to be careful about this, is get a life-size plastic skull and a bunch of thin-sliced meats (we used ham and turkey, but anything would work). We made up some Jell-o about 1/4 inch thick and used it in strips to wrap around the skull. Over that, we layered the meat until we got a pretty good-looking human head. Of course, we put eyes into it and we left the mouth open (full of gummi-worms natch) and people could just come up and peel (or cut) flesh off the head to eat. The Jell-o serves two purposes, both to keep the meat cold and to provide something interesting to dig your way down to. The only problem with this is that you need to keep the head cold and the meat will start to spoil pretty quickly if you leave it out. Worked great though. ;) -Brian From owner-halloween-l Sat Sep 30 03:08:00 1995 From: "BHendrsn@kirk.microsys.net" To: halloween-l@netcom.com Date: Fri, 29 Sep 1995 12:12:08 +0000 Subject: Re: Re[2]: Ranting: back at you Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: > Tombstones? You could try thick foamcore painted up and covered with a good > (thick) coat of flat acrylic. I don't really know how long they'll hold up > in damp weather, but it was a little wet here last Halloween and mine haven't > warped yet. I've done exactly the same thing and it has never given me a problem. In fact, I still have tombstones that I made 5-6 years ago that are in perfect condition. Just make sure that if you are making anything elaborate that you provide support. I had a huge monument (about 5 feet tall) with a foam raven sitting on it that fell over because I had forgotten to support it. > Recipes? Have you checked out the previous halloween-l postings? Some > great stuff there. Another source is the Pennywhistle Halloween book. > Sorry...I'm sure that's not the full and correct name, but check the children's > section at any major bookstore chain and you should be able to get a copy. I wish I *COULD* check out the halloween-l archives. Every time I try to get on Netcom, it says there are too many users. I think Netcom needs to up the number of users to 100 or something. > Halloween trees? Never done it. Have you thought of Halloween wreaths? > A good sized wreath painted jet black with all the accoutrements oughta do > the trick nicely... I've done the wreath thing. Works great and you can make your own from dead plants, etc. Around Christmas, and you might be able to get them now, they sell backings for making your own wreaths that are basically a backing (wood or plastic) with a bunch of posts sticking out to wrap your wreath around. > Thanks to all! Now repeat after me..."Hi. My name is (fill in the blank). > I'm a Halloween addict." . Yup. Heck, why don't we just have a whole Halloween month! -Brian From owner-halloween-l Sat Sep 30 06:38:12 1995 From: TheLazer@aol.com Date: Tue, 26 Sep 1995 16:23:12 -0400 To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Wondering Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Hmm, gee I wonder if some places would give us a discount on rentel or purchase prices if we told them we were on this List? Jay From owner-halloween-l Sat Sep 30 10:52:08 1995 Date: Sat, 30 Sep 1995 09:02:50 -0400 (EDT) From: "Donna J. Logan" To: "BHendrsn@kirk.microsys.net" Cc: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re: Any ideas? Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Just a quick thought....couldn't you put ice inside the skull, then put it in something like a broiling pan filled with crushed ice....seems to me that would keep things cool enough to not worry about botulism/ salmonella/et al.... I think this "meahthead" would look really neat next to the "cauliflower brain dip" someone else described! ;-> On Fri, 29 Sep 1995, BHendrsn@kirk.microsys.net wrote: > What we did two years ago, and you really need to be careful about this, > is get a life-size plastic skull and a bunch of thin-sliced meats (we > used ham and turkey, but anything would work). We made up some > Jell-o about 1/4 inch thick and used it in strips to wrap around the > skull. Over that, we layered the meat until we got a pretty > good-looking human head. Of course, we put eyes into it and we left > the mouth open (full of gummi-worms natch) and people could just come > up and peel (or cut) flesh off the head to eat. The Jell-o serves > two purposes, both to keep the meat cold and to provide something > interesting to dig your way down to. The only problem with this is > that you need to keep the head cold and the meat will start to spoil > pretty quickly if you leave it out. > > Worked great though. ;) > > -Brian > From owner-halloween-l Sat Sep 30 21:52:13 1995 From: RoboJay@aol.com Date: Sat, 30 Sep 1995 19:32:42 -0400 To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Who's looking for Jester shoes? Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: RO X-Status: Somebody in this E-mail group, I recall, is looking for shoes to complete a jester outfit. I may have found just the thing at a Halloween shop here in Atlanta. Please E-mail me directly, and I'll describe the shoes; if they're what you want, let's discuss how to get them to you. From owner-halloween-l Sat Sep 30 22:21:42 1995 From: RoboJay@aol.com Date: Sat, 30 Sep 1995 19:56:54 -0400 To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re: Any ideas? Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: A while ago I posted some ideas for Halloween party themes. Here is another list. Some of them are repeats (I'm working from memory), while others are new or ones I've remembered since. Anne Rice Vampire Cabaret Mythology Politically Incorrect Rednecks In Space Come As Your Favorite Villain Bring Out the Beast (come as an animal) Come As Your Fantasy The Stars Fell on Alabama (or wherever) Cartoon Characters The Far Side Addams Family You could have a contest for the costume that is the best pun, or the best sick costume (as in black humor). Harpy Halloween, y'all! (And "Harpy" is not a typo!) From owner-halloween-l Sun Oct 1 03:37:12 1995 From: "BHendrsn@kirk.microsys.net" To: halloween-l@netcom.com Date: Sun, 1 Oct 1995 00:06:53 +0000 Subject: Re: Any ideas? Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: > Just a quick thought....couldn't you put ice inside the skull, then put > it in something like a broiling pan filled with crushed ice....seems to > me that would keep things cool enough to not worry about botulism/ > salmonella/et al.... That would work, although the skull we used initially was solid. I've since gotten a skull that opens up so I might consider doing this again this year. Good thinking. > I think this "meahthead" would look really neat next to the "cauliflower > brain dip" someone else described! Yet another thing on the table that no normal person would eat. ;) -Brian From owner-halloween-l Mon Oct 2 01:33:35 1995 From: "BHendrsn@kirk.microsys.net" To: halloween-l@netcom.com Date: Sun, 1 Oct 1995 22:39:58 +0000 Subject: Cute door decoration Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: I was wandering through Walmart yesterday when I found a really nice animated door knocker. It's called a "Griffin Gatekeeper", but really looks more like a gargoyle. It has a motion sensor and automatically knocks three times and screams, complete with moving knocker and head and light-up eyes. I'm going to do a little work on it so it looks less like molded plastic, but otherwise it'll make a great addition to the Halloween festivities this year. -Brian ps. Apparently my mail server is being worked on. If anyone starts getting bounced messages to me, I can also be reached at Brian.Henderson@ectech.com or Brian.Henderson@successbbs.com and I would appreciate knowing. Thanks. From owner-halloween-l Mon Oct 2 15:28:23 1995 Date: Mon, 2 Oct 1995 15:15:00 -0700 (PDT) From: Don Bertino To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re: Wondering Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: On Tue, 26 Sep 1995 TheLazer@aol.com wrote: > Hmm, gee I wonder if some places would give us a discount on rentel or > purchase prices if we told them we were on this List? Hahaha! I'll be issueing halloween-l credit cards next week with a 2% percent rebate towards chills and thrills.... ;) don bertino@netcom.com ____/^\_____________________________________ Disney ascii art & / \ || FDC MCP || / \ animations are at <______\ [] [] [] || [] [] [] || [] [] [] /______> ftp.netcom.com ======\----------------||----------||----------------/=== /pub/be/bertino========\______________||__________||______________/===== From BHendrsn@kirk.microsys.net Tue Oct 3 00:04:27 1995 From: "BHendrsn@kirk.microsys.net" To: halloween-l-owner@netcom.com Date: Mon, 2 Oct 1995 23:39:48 +0000 Subject: Is the list still active? Reply-to: BHendrsn@kirk.microsys.net Status: O X-Status: My mail system has been having some major problems the past few days and I realized that I hadn't received anything from halloween-l in all that time. I was wondering if messages to my account got bounced and I got unsubscribed or has there just been no activity in a day or two (hard to believe because Halloween is right around the corner). Thanks. -Brian From owner-halloween-l Tue Oct 3 02:03:36 1995 Date: Mon, 2 Oct 95 10:37:49 EDT From: crussell To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: lighting Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: hi. I have 2 pair of nifty sconces on my walls that take standard size lightbulbs. I would really like to get something like 'flickering lights' or something else really cool for my halloween party. I have checked a couple of party/halloween stores, but all they have are blacklights. Anyone know of a chainstore -or a store reasonably close to central NJ that would have funky lightbulbs?? Thanks! -colleen crussell@eden.rutgers.edu From owner-halloween-l Tue Oct 3 06:28:48 1995 From: dbell@cup.portal.com To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re: Cute door decoration Date: Mon, 2 Oct 95 09:45:00 PDT Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Brian Henderson posted: >I was wandering through Walmart yesterday when I found a really nice >animated door knocker. It's called a "Griffin Gatekeeper", but >really looks more like a gargoyle. It has a motion sensor and >automatically knocks three times and screams, complete with moving >knocker and head and light-up eyes. Yep, uhuh, uhuh! Neat little gadget. For the technically inclined, note that we have: 1) A clever enough decoration in itself 2) A motion sensor 3) A sound generator, albeit needing amplification and decent speaker(s). The internal 8 Ohm speaker is wired from the positive (4.5V) supply to the "brain". It is switched to ground by what appears to be an open collector output (OK, it's probably MOS). Putting a 'scope across the driver, you see a very solid 4.5 volts, that is switched to a good 0 volts in a kind of pulse-width modulated audio synthesis. *Plenty* of signal and sharp fall time to trigger another circuit - like a BASIC Stamp, for instance. The audio itself couples nicely to an external amplifier, to make the "BOOM" from the knocker sound pretty nice. A little reverb (or a lot!) sounds good, too. However, there are two problems to be worked out with the audio: 1) After the three BOOMs, there is a really ugly screechy "HEELLLOOOOO" (I think) at the end of the gargoyles wake cycle. I *have* to mute this when I amplify it. I'm going to use a spare output from the Stamp to clamp the audio after xx seconds from the first sound. 2) Throughout the operation, the motor noise from the head and knocker motor is intolerable. I've tried a shunting capacitor to take out some of the noise, while leaving most of the BOOM, with no real improvement. I then put a cap (33 uF) across the batteries, figuring the high impedance of the power supply reflects the motor noise there. A little better, but still a long way to go. Next, will be a much larger supply filter... Lots of fun to go! Dave dbell@cup.portal.com From owner-halloween-l Tue Oct 3 07:14:15 1995 From: "BHendrsn@kirk.microsys.net" To: halloween-l@netcom.com Date: Mon, 2 Oct 1995 00:32:01 +0000 Subject: Haunted House FTP or WWW sites Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: RO X-Status: Are there any good sites out there that detail haunted houses, etc? I've seen some of the haunted house sites but they really are little more than ads and I am looking for something a little more substantial. Pictures, floorplans, whatnot would be great. Thanks -Brian From owner-halloween-l Tue Oct 3 07:13:53 1995 Date: Mon, 2 Oct 1995 04:54:54 -0700 From: milwiron@ix.netcom.com (D.D. ) Subject: Re: Cute door decoration To: halloween-l@netcom.com Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: You wrote: >I was wandering through Walmart yesterday when I found a really nice >animated door knocker. It's called a "Griffin Gatekeeper", but >really looks more like a gargoyle. It has a motion sensor and >automatically knocks three times and screams, complete with moving >knocker and head and light-up eyes. Figures... and I thought I had an original idea. I just spent the weekend adding an IR sensor and animation to my door knocker. It would have been a whole lot easier if I would've seen this post earlier. Denny From owner-halloween-l Tue Oct 3 09:25:25 1995 Date: Tue, 3 Oct 1995 06:46:31 -0400 (EDT) From: "Donna J. Logan" To: halloween-l Subject: great mag with Halloween ideas Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Last night I was at my local Barnes and Noble bookstore, and noticed a magazine devoted to airbrushing....I think it's called Air Brush Extra, or something like that. Anyways, the current issue has some great Halloween stuff in it...one article is about a well-known airbrush artist giving instructions on how to create two Halloween-themed panels, the first one mimics bolted steel panels rent with claw marks exposing "brains" underneath (very realistic looking), the second was a mural depicting skulls, etc. with blood, glowing eyes, and "smoking" bullet holes.