X-Status: Thanks, Jeff! Don't know when I'll ever use it, but you taught me a lot. - Stu ______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________ Subject: Re: Strobes Author: halloween-l@netcom.com at Internet Date: 6/25/96 7:47 AM In reference to the previous discussion about strobe frequencies, here's some information I dug up last night: Using EEGs and the like, certain frequencies have been associated with various states of conciousness. These states can be triggered though the use of flashing lights. This is what the "meditation goggles" for sale in airline magazines attempt to do. A summary of the frequencies: 0.5-3.5 Hz (Delta): Present during sleep and sometimes during illness. 3.5-7 Hz (Theta): Present during problem solving, sleep, or a deep trance. 7 -14 Hz (Alpha): Predominant while sitting or lying down with eyes closed and mind at ease. Ironically, these are the frequencies that are supposed to trigger epileptic fits. 14 -30 Hz (Beta) : Predominant while wide awake. Someone asked how to go about measuring strobe frequency. I'm not aware of any way to do this without some sort of instrumentation. A frequency counter would be ideal, but I don't think most people have them sitting around. I went to a concert about two weeks ago where the room was filled with smoke and fog. The curtain behind the band parted to reveal about 50 high powered strobes. They kicked in the reverb while the strobes blasted the audience. It was a great effect, except they only ran it for about a minute. Disappointed, Jeff From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Wed Jun 26 15:06:58 1996 Date: Wed, 26 Jun 96 06:15:21 EDT To: halloween-l@netcom.com From: Bill Lewis Subject: Re: Re[2]: Strobes Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Sorry, this has nothing to do with anything. At 08:32 AM 6/24/96 EST, you wrote: >...and I thought all Don Knotts knew was acting...shows you what I know! ;) > Actually I was in Home Depot last night, and at the building materials counter there was his latest how-to book on concrete. I am not making this up... Bill From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Wed Jun 26 18:58:24 1996 Date: Wed, 26 Jun 1996 15:45:06 -0400 To: halloween-l@netcom.com From: "Brian S. Jazudek" Subject: Sounds and music Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Hello all I am new to the group, but Halloween is the best holiday as far as I'm concerned, I have worked on the Cranberry Jaycees Haunted House for the past two years, mostly doing electrical work and supplying the sound. I noticed a few people had asked about so music related to Halloween. For the past two years I will obtain some "sample" sound clips from some of my favorite movies: Night of the Living Dead (the television reports while they barricade th house), the Evil Dead series and a few others. Mix it with some standard "spooky sounds" and throw in a couple of music tracks. Some of the CD's I use are: Marilyn Manson : Smells Like Children Track 1: The Hands of Children - So weird music and sounds Track 3: Sh***y Chicken Gang Bang - Weird keyboard music Track 16: Has no title but has some bizarre sounds and music I also made a tape for a party last year, some of the music I used: White Zombie - Super-charger heaven, More Human than Human, Monsters Inc. Concrete Blonde - Blood Letting(The Vampire Song) The Misfits - Vampira, Zombies from Outerspace, and many others. From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Thu Jun 27 14:14:53 1996 From: milwiron@btprod.com Date: Thu, 27 Jun 1996 05:08:43 -0500 To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re: Re[2]: Strobes Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: At 06:15 AM 6/26/96 EDT, you wrote: >Sorry, this has nothing to do with anything. > >At 08:32 AM 6/24/96 EST, you wrote: >>...and I thought all Don Knotts knew was acting...shows you what I know! ;) >> > >Actually I was in Home Depot last night, and at the building materials >counter there was his latest how-to book on concrete. >I am not making this up... > >Bill It's obvious that Mr. Knots talents know no boundaries. Did he get an Oscar for his portrayal of the tormented victim in The Ghost And Mr. Chicken? B.T. Productions' Terror By Design Haunt Supplies & Scare Wares for the pro From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Thu Jun 27 16:10:43 1996 Date: Thu, 27 Jun 1996 05:04:28 -0700 From: Michael Marcrum To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: new kid on the crypt Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: I am new at this talking about myself but here goes. I am 41 years old and female. My family consists of a great husband of 23 years and a 22 year old daughter, yes she still lives at home. We fell into halloween by accident four years ago when we were bored with the usual knock on the door, give them the candy, and watch them leave. We bought a hay bale,some dry ice,a couple of props, and I made a large black cape for my daughter and set the whole thing up on the front porch. Well last year we used are complete yard had 6 people playing roles and had two FX people running lights and other effects. The kids in the area have already started asking what we are doing this year? Last year in the pouring rain we had over 225 kids :) It was great. My husband is in to the FX area I come up with the ideas and he makes them work. I love to sew and design things, and my daughter loves to dress up and scare little kids. Last year I made 12 costumes plus the props for the yard. We rented lights, smoke machines, and other great effects stuff. This year thanks to the net we are buying most of this. Just looking at the archives of past mailings I can see that this is the place for me. I love the idea of the banshee and I already have my husband looking for a used motor at the pump company he works for. I am interested in our local Ren Faire and have taken four kids, my daughter, and myself for the last 5 years. I love making the costumes and finding new designs every year. Well, I guess this got out of hand. Please email me with any ideas you have about anything I love it all. My first question to the group is does anyone out there have a way to make a cold unit for smoke and dryice that does not cost thousands of dollars? I have looked in all the catalogs I have and it is all a little to much for our pocketbooks this year. Any ideas on home made ones will be greatly appreciated. This years theme is "MidEVIL Times" Thanks, Kathy "Here's to Horrorween the best Horrorday of the Year" From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Thu Jun 27 19:16:54 1996 From: Stuart_McIntire_at_AISDC@ccsmtp.uage.com Date: Thu, 27 Jun 96 17:48:53 EST To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re[4]: Strobes Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Denny asks: >It's obvious that Mr. Knots talents know no boundaries. Did he get an Oscar >for his portrayal of the tormented victim in The Ghost And Mr. Chicken? No...lousy Academy. They just don't know acting when they see it. I hear Don Knotts is a National Hero in Madagascar (it's that Jerry Lewis/French thing). More amazing than this serious oversight is the fact that he WASN'T EVEN NOM- INATED for his ultimate role as the title character in The Incredible Mr. Limpet! Pathos! Irony! Comedy! Romance! Adventure! Heroism! Groundbreaking animation! A transfor- mation scene to put An American Werewolf In London to shame! Oh what a world. What a sad and pathetic world. From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Thu Jun 27 22:08:56 1996 To: halloween-l From: William E Rompala Date: 27 Jun 96 17:33:10 Subject: Re: Re[2]: Strobes Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: At 06:15 AM 6/26/96 EDT, you wrote: >Sorry, this has nothing to do with anything. > >At 08:32 AM 6/24/96 EST, you wrote: >>...and I thought all Don Knotts knew was acting...shows you what I know! ;) >> > >Actually I was in Home Depot last night, and at the building materials >counter there was his latest how-to book on concrete. >I am not making this up... > >Bill }It's obvious that Mr. Knots talents know no boundaries. Did he get an Oscar }for his portrayal of the tormented victim in The Ghost And Mr. Chicken? }B.T. Productions' }Terror By Design ... and don't forget his big theme park in his berry patch near Disneyland. He's almost as famous as the Mouse. -W -=- William Rompala Rompala Consulting From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Thu Jun 27 23:34:02 1996 Date: Thu, 27 Jun 1996 15:47:18 -0600 From: Lauren Jones To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Mr. Knotts Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: WRITES: > It's obvious that Mr. Knots talents know > no boundaries. Did he get an Oscar for his > portrayal of the tormented victim in The > Ghost And Mr. Chicken? One of my favorite childhood flicks! Love that Vic Mizzy haunted organ music... From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Fri Jun 28 05:54:20 1996 Date: Thu, 27 Jun 1996 22:57:15 -0400 To: halloween-l@netcom.com From: kahnn@pa.net (Nathan Kahn) Subject: Re: new kid on the crypt Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: > My first question to the group is does anyone out there have a way to >make a cold unit for smoke and dryice that does not cost thousands of >dollars? If you have a smoke/fog machine, then . . . Get a Coleman cooler. Cut a 4" hole in each end. Mount one of those little square electronics fans in the one hole (my mind draws a blank, what are they really called?) so that it draws the air through, IOW it is blowing out of the cooler. Fill the cooler with regular ice cubes. Get some 4" dryer hose and duct the fog from a fog machine in through the cooler with the fan drawing it out the other side. Not the same as dry ice fog, but it works somewhat. Works best if you use fog fluid in your machine that is designed for use in conjunction with the expensive chiller units, for example our Theatre Effects LSX (Low Smoke Convertor) Fluid. And if you really want to get fancy, put a piece of grate or wire mesh in the cooler slanted from top right to bottom left (looking at cooler from side with fan/out on left) with the ice cubes in top. Use sections of 4" dryer hose that are as short and straight as possible, as fog tends to recondense into fog fluid in the hose. Never put the end of the hose directly up against the fog machine; keep it a few inches away so air can flow through the hose. Nathan ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Nathan Kahn Home: kahnn@pa.net Work: nathan@theatrefx.com Work Web: http://www.theatrefx.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Fri Jun 28 05:55:34 1996 Date: Thu, 27 Jun 1996 19:27:44 -0700 From: Michael Marcrum To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re: Re[2]: Strobes Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Now you are picking on a classice horror movie. The Ghost and Mr. Chicken scared me so bad when I was little that even today when I see it and the keys start to play by themselves I remember. It is a regular at our yearly "worst of video night". The best of the worst is a great one called " A Polish Vampire in Burbank" if you love a real dumb movie that you can't stop watching see this one. Kathy The new kid in the crypt From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Fri Jun 28 05:55:35 1996 From: milwiron@btprod.com Date: Thu, 27 Jun 1996 18:24:06 -0500 To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re: new kid on the crypt Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: At 05:04 AM 6/27/96 -0700, Kathy wrote: Much deleted for brevity > My first question to the group is does anyone out there have a way to >make a cold unit for smoke and dryice that does not cost thousands of >dollars? I have looked in all the catalogs I have and it is all a little >to much for our pocketbooks this year. Any ideas on home made ones will >be greatly appreciated. This years theme is "MidEVIL Times" >Thanks, >Kathy >"Here's to Horrorween the best Horrorday of the Year" Hi Kathy, Welcome to the list. Thanks for your post, it's always nice when people are willing to share their knowledge and experience. I've gotta mention though, I'm getting real tired of everyone being younger than me. To answer your question, I've found the easiest and cheapest (over the long run) is to buy or rent a water and glycol based fogger (probably what you rented in the past) and run the fog through a cheap beer cooler filled with about 10 or 15 pounds regular old ice. Try to get a fairly fast dissipating fog fluid like the LSX type. The cooler can be small or large and you can use a Shop-Vac hose for piping. You'll be surprised how nice the effect is for achieving heavy fog. Denny B.T. Productions' Terror By Design Haunt Supplies & Scare Wares From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Fri Jun 28 17:17:22 1996 Date: Fri, 28 Jun 1996 06:56:24 -0600 From: Lauren Jones To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: new kid on the crypt Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Michael Marcrum --actually, Kathy! writes: > ...MORE...We fell into halloween by > accident four years ago when we were bored > with the usual knock on the door, give > them the candy, and watch them leave... > MUCH MORE COOL STUFF...This years theme is > "MidEVIL Times" Most of us probably did the same thing! Welcome aboard, and I hope you live near me so I can stop by... Hey, can we do a registry of who's setting up this year with city and state info? I'd be willing to write a little html with locations, descriptions, etc. if Don can put the file on his site with a link from the Halloween-L page... From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Fri Jun 28 17:24:20 1996 Date: Fri, 28 Jun 1996 05:37:57 -0700 From: Michael Marcrum To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re: new kid on the crypt Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Thanks for the help I will give it a try. I have the theatrefx video and the catalog and I am starting my shopping list. Thanks again. Kathy the new kid on the crypt From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Fri Jun 28 17:46:14 1996 From: milwiron@btprod.com Date: Fri, 28 Jun 1996 08:08:34 -0500 To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re: Re[2]: Strobes Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: At 07:27 PM 6/27/96 -0700, you wrote: >Now you are picking on a classice horror movie. Hi Kathy, Naw, the fact that I've used scarce and dwindling brain reserves just to store the information should prove I'm actually a big fan. Don't tell anybody on the Harley mailing list or anyone at the local scooter trash hangout "Caesar D's" but I always watch Knots and Tim Conway in The Apple Dumpling Gang when it's on TV. >The Ghost and Mr. Chicken >scared me so bad when I was little that even today when I see it and the >keys start to play by themselves I remember... Hmmmm, very interesting, have you sought professional help? ;) >It is a regular at our >yearly "worst of video night". The best of the worst is a great one >called " A Polish Vampire in Burbank" if you love a real dumb movie that >you can't stop watching see this one. Will definitely check it out. I've also recently become a fan of Ed Wood's movies. Hey everyone, Don is on vacation and left me in charge again (he never learns). Let's have a party, Stu's buying. Denny B.T. Productions' Terror By Design Haunt Supplies & Scare Wares From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Fri Jun 28 21:01:55 1996 Date: Fri, 28 Jun 96 13:15:24 EDT To: halloween-l@netcom.com From: Bill Lewis Subject: Re: new kid on the crypt Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: >Get a Coleman cooler. Cut a 4" hole in each end. Mount one of those little >square electronics fans in the one hole (my mind draws a blank, what are >they really called?) "Pancake fans" is the term I have always used. Make sure you get one that is rated for 110V (the small 12, and/or 5 volt dc are for computers etc...) That is unless you Want to run it off batteries. Bill Lewis NSWC Carderock Division Code 6060 (301) 227-2742 lewisw@oasys.dt.navy.mil lewisb@erols.com From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Fri Jun 28 23:10:44 1996 Date: Fri, 28 Jun 1996 22:48:04 -0700 (PDT) From: Don Bertino To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re: Re[2]: Strobes Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: On Fri, 28 Jun 1996 milwiron@btprod.com wrote: > Hey everyone, Don is on vacation and left me in charge again (he never > learns). Let's have a party, Stu's buying. *Gotcha*......... ;D I'm out of here in 6 hours as Denny says, and leave you in the very capable hands of Denny...... Everyone please have a great safe and sane Fourth of July, seeya in 9 days. don bertino@netcom.com ____/^\_____________________________________ Disney ascii art & / \ || FDC MCP || / \ animations are at <______\ [] [] [] || [] [] [] || [] [] [] /______> http://www.calweb.com \----------------||----------||----------------/=== /~bertino===============\______________||__________||______________/===== From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Sat Jun 29 02:25:39 1996 Date: Fri, 28 Jun 1996 11:41:34 -0400 (EDT) To: halloween-l@netcom.com From: T D AKER Subject: WRONG IDEA Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: I thought this list was about HALLOWEEN,not just STROBES ,FOGGERS and DRY ICE.Aren't there other things to do with HALLOWEEN to talk about?Pumpkin carving for example. TIM From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Sat Jun 29 02:37:36 1996 From: glenn@zuni.chaco.com (Glenn Crocker) Subject: Re: new kid on the crypt To: halloween-l@netcom.com Date: Fri, 28 Jun 1996 10:23:30 -0700 (PDT) Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: >Hi Kathy, > Welcome to the list. Thanks for your post, it's always nice when people are >willing to share their knowledge and experience. I've gotta mention though, >I'm getting real tired of everyone being younger than me. > To answer your question, I've found the easiest and cheapest (over the long >run) is to buy or rent a water and glycol based fogger (probably what you >rented in the past) and run the fog through a cheap beer cooler filled with >about 10 or 15 pounds regular old ice. Try to get a fairly fast dissipating >fog fluid like the LSX type. >The cooler can be small or large and you can use a Shop-Vac hose for piping. >You'll be surprised how nice the effect is for achieving heavy fog. >Denny I've been working on this lately, and the shop-vac hose idea is _perfect_. I was thinking of using this transparent flexible tubing my hardware store has (which would be cool, but was pricey). I went to several garage sales last week looking for a large, cracked Igloo cooler, but didn't find _any_. I thought _every_ garage sale had one of those! Oh well, K-Mart had a sale on 36-quart coolers for $10 or so. I'll just pick up one of those. The fogger I have (a FogHog from American DJ, I think) can do a burst of fog, then has to warm up again. So, I've been thinking of either using the cooler with dry ice to store the fog up, or maybe routing it into a big box or trash can or somesuch, then having a fan on the output from that. The idea is to have constant, slower fog output instead of intermittent heavy fog output. So, is this worth the trouble, or should I ignore that issue? I'm also thinking of either getting some of that 3" flexible black drainage tubing (with the walls ribbed (for her enjoyment?)), and drilling holes in it every few inches, to spread out the fog source across the front of the house, instead of having it all come from one spot. Again, is this worth the trouble, or should I blow this off? Anyone know whether the FogHog can handle LSX fluid acceptably? -glenn From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Sat Jun 29 09:01:34 1996 Date: Sat, 29 Jun 1996 11:24:30 -0400 To: halloween-l@netcom.com From: kahnn@pa.net (Nathan Kahn) Subject: Re: new kid on the crypt Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: >The fogger I have (a FogHog from American DJ, I think) can do a burst of fog, >then has to warm up again. So, I've been thinking of either using the >cooler with dry ice to store the fog up, or maybe routing it into a big box >or trash can or somesuch, then having a fan on the output from that. The >idea is to have constant, slower fog output instead of intermittent heavy >fog output. So, is this worth the trouble, or should I ignore that issue? I don't think the fog will last enough for your idea of creating a storage reservoir so as to have a constant feed. Might it be possible to get inside your Fog Hog and slow the pump down. Denny would probably know this. Its probably a pump similar to a windshield washer pump, only 120 VAC. So Denny, what happens if you put that on a reostat, or put a resistor in line or something? My point being, if you can slow the output, the machine will fog longer before it goes into reheat. >I'm also thinking of either getting some of that 3" flexible black drainage >tubing (with the walls ribbed (for her enjoyment?)), and drilling holes in >it every few inches, to spread out the fog source across the front of the >house, instead of having it all come from one spot. Again, is this worth >the trouble, or should I blow this off? I'm not sure what kind of hose you mean, but avoid ribs on the inside. The inside of the hose should be as smooth as possible. >Anyone know whether the FogHog can handle LSX fluid acceptably? You will probably have to thin LSX fluid 20-30% with distilled water to get the Whole Hog pump to pump it. Maybe more if you have figured a way to slow down the pump. But this may defeat the purpose, as then you are wasting 20-30% of your heating capabilty to convert water into steam. Try regular fog fluid first. Perhaps the results will be satisfactory. Nathan ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Nathan Kahn Home: kahnn@pa.net Work: nathan@theatrefx.com Work Web: http://www.theatrefx.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Sat Jun 29 09:05:03 1996 Date: Sat, 29 Jun 1996 11:24:28 -0400 To: halloween-l@netcom.com From: kahnn@pa.net (Nathan Kahn) Subject: Re: WRONG IDEA Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: >I thought this list was about HALLOWEEN,not just STROBES ,FOGGERS >and DRY ICE.Aren't there other things to do with HALLOWEEN to talk >about?Pumpkin carving for example. > > TIM Hey its your list too. You want to talk about pumpkin carving? Feel free. Nathan ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Nathan Kahn Home: kahnn@pa.net Work: nathan@theatrefx.com Work Web: http://www.theatrefx.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Sat Jun 29 09:17:48 1996 From: milwiron@btprod.com Date: Sat, 29 Jun 1996 05:38:14 -0500 To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re: Re[2]: Strobes Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: At 10:48 PM 6/28/96 -0700, Don wrote: >On Fri, 28 Jun 1996 milwiron@btprod.com wrote: > >> Hey everyone, Don is on vacation and left me in charge again (he never >> learns). Let's have a party, Stu's buying. > >*Gotcha*......... > >;D Dang, I still get caught every time, same as my teen years. Have a good and safe trip Don. Denny From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Sat Jun 29 10:25:00 1996 From: milwiron@btprod.com Date: Sat, 29 Jun 1996 05:38:11 -0500 To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re: WRONG IDEA Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: At 11:41 AM 6/28/96 -0400, you wrote: >I thought this list was about HALLOWEEN,not just STROBES ,FOGGERS >and DRY ICE.Aren't there other things to do with HALLOWEEN to talk >about?Pumpkin carving for example. > > TIM Hi Tim, This list is open to a free exchange of all topics concerning Halloween. At the moment the more active people on the list are interested in discussing a few of the special effects associated with haunts and haunted houses. I have no doubt many people would enjoy talking about other things. The floor is yours any time you choose... Denny B.T. Productions' Terror By Design Haunt Supplies & Scare Wares From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Sat Jun 29 11:22:07 1996 From: milwiron@btprod.com Date: Sat, 29 Jun 1996 05:38:12 -0500 To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re: new kid on the crypt Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: At 10:23 AM 6/28/96 -0700, you wrote: (some deleted for brevity) >The fogger I have (a FogHog from American DJ, I think) can do a burst of fog, >then has to warm up again. So, I've been thinking of either using the >cooler with dry ice to store the fog up, or maybe routing it into a big box >or trash can or somesuch, then having a fan on the output from that. The >idea is to have constant, slower fog output instead of intermittent heavy >fog output. So, is this worth the trouble, or should I ignore that issue? Hi Glenn, Storing the fog and redistributing it from a larger container (a small muffin fan helps) is an accepted practice in theater work, you'll also find a few people on the list that do it for their Halloween set ups. You hit the nail right on the head. > >I'm also thinking of either getting some of that 3" flexible black drainage >tubing (with the walls ribbed (for her enjoyment?)), and drilling holes in >it every few inches, to spread out the fog source across the front of the >house, instead of having it all come from one spot. Again, is this worth >the trouble, or should I blow this off? You'll get better output with the larger drainage hose and also less condensation inside (see Nathan's post). I mentioned Shop-Vac hose (teh larger stuff) because this is what I use for rather short runs. > >Anyone know whether the FogHog can handle LSX fluid acceptably? Listen to the pump, if it sounds like it's struggling you can dilute the LSX fluid with a little distilled water without affecting the fog properties much at all. On windy days I'll thin the fog fluid a bit in my machines just to save money since it's just going to blow away. Denny B.T. Productions' Terror By Design Haunt Supplies & Scare Wares From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Sat Jun 29 13:31:48 1996 Date: Sat, 29 Jun 1996 05:40:04 -0700 From: Michael Marcrum To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re: WRONG IDEA Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: I love pumpkin carving. Not only that but this year I am growing my own pumpkins for my haunted yard. We use the store bought patterns and change them around to fit our mood. This year we are going to try to take patterns from our grapghic program and use them. Last year we had over 25 carved pumpkins, the people at the local grocery thought I was nuts :) The only problem we have is getting enough light in them. We really don't like using candles for safety reasons and we have not found another way to get that same glow. Any ideas???? Thanks to the pumpkin mailing list I am on I am hoping to get that GREAT PUMPKIN so that I can take kids pictures next to it. As my husband says "dream on". Do you have any great ideas for patterns? If you want to talk Pumpkins I will always be here. The new kid on the crypt Kathy From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Sat Jun 29 13:49:00 1996 Date: Sat, 29 Jun 1996 06:47:56 -0700 (MST) To: halloween-l@netcom.com From: trix@primenet.com (Darlene Horwath) Subject: Haunts and Stu's buying Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: >Hey everyone, Don is on vacation and left me in charge again (he never >learns). Let's have a party, Stu's buying. Stu, Can you get me one of those courpses that falls apart when you touch it???? Hey, I was also thinking that it would be great to have a haunted house registry on the web. I think I will work on that for the webbery. I can just put up a submission form so people can advertise their addresses and dates and maybe a short description of their *attractions*. Anyone got any thoughts on this? Trix -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Is that a modem in your pocket or RU just happy 2C me! http://www.primenet.com/~trix/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Sat Jun 29 14:02:57 1996 Date: Sat, 29 Jun 1996 05:23:31 -0700 From: Michael Marcrum To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re: new kid on the crypt Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: That sounds just great. I would love to know where other sites are in my area so that we can tell parents about them. We always have a run through the night before so that people in our area that have haunted houses can come see ours and then we go and see theirs. This year we are making up maps to all the houses and handing them out at the kids classrooms, this way the parents know that we are safe and friendly. And since the great day falls on Thursday we are keeping everything up and having a block party/cast party on Friday night. If you get the area list going count me in. I live about one hour north of SanFransico in a very small town called Sonoma. You really don't need directions all you need to do is come into town and ask anyone where the crazy haunted house is. Like I said very small town they will be able to tell you in ten words or less. If you are close email me and I will give you better directions. The new kid on the crypt Kathy From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Sat Jun 29 21:12:50 1996 From: TonyGJr@aol.com Date: Sat, 29 Jun 1996 18:09:26 -0400 To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re: WRONG IDEA Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Tooger, there are MANY things to do in here with Halloween. This particular thread has major conversations, that's all. Lots of details, mainly in making haunted houses better :) Tony in a terminally ecstatic mood. From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Sat Jun 29 21:25:35 1996 From: TonyGJr@aol.com Date: Sat, 29 Jun 1996 18:26:07 -0400 To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re: Haunts and Stu's buying Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Trix, that's an AWESOME idea. A single web page where all haunted houses can register, sort of a clearing house, and if they are memebers of the list, what their feature attractions, etc. working on a deal right now, if it goes down, me and my best friend will become design consultants (and paid for it, too :) for a truly excellent haunted house opportunity. Tony From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Sat Jun 29 21:34:35 1996 Date: Sat, 29 Jun 1996 17:24:25 -0400 (EDT) To: halloween-l@netcom.com From: T D AKER Subject: PUMPKIN CARVING Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Well Kathy: I grow them as well and over the years I have developed a system for carving.I take a picture,any picture I think will work and I use the copier to make a stencil.Then I cut out the parts where the light will shine.I started doing it this way years before they sold the ready made stencils in the stores and I think I still get a more realistic face than the store bought ones.Anyway then I tack the stencil to the pumpkin and use a magic marker to paint it on.What I like about doing your own pictures is you can take any one from any where and no one else has one like it.Also with a copy machine, you can blow it up to fit the giant size pumpkins we grow these days.And Kathy,by the way have you heard about the GIANT PUMPKIN LIST?It's the one to be on if you grow your own.Check it out. TIM From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Sat Jun 29 21:47:37 1996 From: glenn@zuni.chaco.com (Glenn Crocker) Subject: Re: WRONG IDEA To: halloween-l@netcom.com Date: Sat, 29 Jun 1996 10:43:59 -0700 (PDT) Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: >I thought this list was about HALLOWEEN,not just STROBES ,FOGGERS >and DRY ICE.Aren't there other things to do with HALLOWEEN to talk >about?Pumpkin carving for example. I think you're seeing a lot of traffic about those things because they take more planning than typical pumpkin carving. I've got some stencils for pumpkin carving that I've been thinking of putting up on the Web. Once I've got the page up & running, I'd love to put up stencils from other folks. (I've got a witch riding a broomstick, a skeleton, and maybe a skull.) There's a guy on the Web who's done a bunch of pumpkins carved in the image of people (and dogs) he knows. Some of them look really cool. He takes scanned images of the people, manipulates them in PhotoShop (or somesuch), and generates a stencil. Pretty crazy, but I can imagine myself doing it, so I won't cast too many stones. ;-) -glenn From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Sat Jun 29 21:58:55 1996 Date: Sat, 29 Jun 1996 15:55:57 -0400 (EDT) To: halloween-l@netcom.com From: T D AKER Subject: RIGHT IDEA Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: HELLO HALLOWEEN PEOPLE: Well I may have went about it the WRONG way, but I love halloween and all things associated with that time of year(Christmas ain't bad either)I love the fall of the year and the pumpkin harvests,I grow them in the family garden last year we had a 300lb plus monster.But anyway what I was gettin' at was there are a lot of things halloween and I haven't seen anything else on here yet besides the FOGGERS, etc. Now I know how you guys set into the HAUNTED HOUSE deal,my neighbor does the same thing had the STROBES the CARDBOARD TOMBSTONES hell, he even poped out of a fake coffin behind me and my daughter and like to scared us to death(well me anyway)and that's great.I even went back a second time to get a look at what my neighbor had done.But do you talk about other things Halloween here?Will it become more active when SEPTEMBER rolls around? I hope so because one way or another,we all love Halloween and I believe we could pass around some good ideas,and I don't just mean DRY ICE(by the way,I tried that stuff one year but it took too much of it to keep it foggy around the pumpkins in the window).I do a little carving and they turn out rather well if I do say so myself.Great to meet you all I'll talk to you later. TIM From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Sat Jun 29 22:02:50 1996 From: milwiron@btprod.com Date: Sat, 29 Jun 1996 16:21:52 -0500 To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re: Haunts and Stu's buying Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: At 06:47 AM 6/29/96 -0700, you wrote: >Hey, I was also thinking that it would be great to have a haunted house >registry on the web. I think I will work on that for the webbery. I can >just put up a submission form so people can advertise their addresses and >dates and maybe a short description of their *attractions*. Anyone got any >thoughts on this? > >Trix There is at least a web site or two (Special Effect Supply may be one) that are listing haunted houses already, I'll try to dig up the URL's this weekend. TBD is also trying to encourage any of the haunted houses that have bought from us to list their site with a picture, dates and address as a free service on our pages. Denny From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Sat Jun 29 22:09:34 1996 Date: Sat, 29 Jun 1996 13:41:32 -0500 From: raven@kehleyr.phys.ttu.edu (Morgan Bottrell) To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: do you notice? Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: I was wondering, have any of you decorated for a couple of years and then had to take a year off from decorating and notice a great decrease in the munchins dropping 'round for candy? I usually go a graveyard, put stuff in all the windows, do a bunch of the intricately carved pumpkins and such and have a big party the weekend before Halloween. I also usually have some of those "figures" you can buy and stick in the ground (witches, ghosts, ghouls, etc. Depends on what stores carry what.) Year before last I lost several of the figures. (I made the gravestones out of plywood and in addition to staking them in well, they're HEAVY. ;-) But the figures are bought and are usually quite light and don't "pound in" well. I lost a couple of pumpkins as well. As far as I can tell someone wanted these things, as they weren't smashed or easily detectable in dumpsters or on the streets. I like to walk the neighborhood looking at what other people do with their houses. It gives me ideas. ;-) Anyway, I didn't see smashed pumpkins or figures in the trash (or in the yards, for that matter). I had lots of candy mongers the years I decorated, but last year I had cosmetic surgery with laid me up for a month, followed closely by me breaking my foot and having a cast on for weeks + rehab, and I just didn't feel like decorating for Halloween. We had less than HALF the number of kids stop by that we'd had the years before. I was wondering if anyone else has noticed any corellation? Does anyone else do cross-stitch and such for Halloween? They make flourescent floss and I'm going to take the eyes off a witch pattern that glows in the dark and put them on my very gnarled cedar tree this year. Morgan Bottrell (raven@kehleyr.phys.ttu.edu) Dreams do not vanish, unless people abandon them. - P.F. Harlock From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Sat Jun 29 22:19:27 1996 From: milwiron@btprod.com Date: Sat, 29 Jun 1996 16:08:00 -0500 To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re: new kid on the crypt Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: At 11:24 AM 6/29/96 -0400, Nathan wrote: >Might it be possible to get inside your Fog Hog and slow the pump down. >Denny would probably know this. Its probably a pump similar to a windshield >washer pump, only 120 VAC. So Denny, what happens if you put that on a >reostat, or put a resistor in line or something? My point being, if you can >slow the output, the machine will fog longer before it goes into reheat. I wouldn't try slowing the pump with a reostat, these little motors don't take kindly to high loads with reduced voltage and amperage. Most of the foggers I've had apart have a flexible hose going from the pump to the heat exchanger, putting a needle valve in that feed line would work. Don't put a valve restricting the inlet side of the pump. I think you can get away with a garbage can size storage chamber, the Fog Hog doesn't put out tons of fog so the time in storage will be pretty short. The effect will be more of a buffer or accumulator to even out the fog pulses than actual storage. Nathan was the guy that told me about thinning down LSX fluid with distilled water, it works, and he's absolutely right, the more water in the mix, the more heat wasted. It's a balance you'll need to find. If you need a bit more hang time with the LSX and your storage chamber you could blend in a little regular fog fluid. I'll be very honest, at Halloween, I go through over a half gallon of fog juice a day. I've become an expert at blending exactly what I need on a day to day basis depending on weather conditions. I'd say experiment and have fun, just be warned to only use good, high quality fog juice (like Nathan's Theatre Effects, which is all I'll sell) to start with and anything like this you do officially voids your warranty. :) Denny B.T. Productions' Terror By Design Haunt Supplies & Scare Wares From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Sun Jun 30 03:31:04 1996 From: dbell@cup.portal.com To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re: more fogger thoughts Date: Sat, 29 Jun 96 21:38:24 PDT Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: glenn@zuni.chaco.com (Glenn Crocker) wrote: >I'm also thinking of either getting some of that 3" flexible black drainage >tubing (with the walls ribbed (for her enjoyment?)), and drilling holes in >it every few inches, to spread out the fog source across the front of the >house, instead of having it all come from one spot. Again, is this worth >the trouble, or should I blow this off? Good idea, but I would suggest forgoing the ribs (no matter how much she complains!) and get some of the *pre*=perforated drainage pipe in the same size. The ribs would add condensation surfaces you don't really want, and the other stuff is pre-drilled for you. If there are too mant holes, a little duct tape will do wonders... Dave dbell@cup.portal.com From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Sun Jun 30 07:07:11 1996 From: milwiron@btprod.com Date: Sun, 30 Jun 1996 04:24:18 -0500 To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re: Haunts and/Haunted house lists Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: At 06:26 PM 6/29/96 -0400, you wrote: >Trix, that's an AWESOME idea. A single web page where all haunted houses can >register, sort of a clearing house, and if they are memebers of the list, >what their feature attractions, etc. > I can remember hearing about a number of lists already in the works, here are two of them... they may be good "gathering" points. Special Effects supply has a rather nice, growing, haunted house list at with many links to the haunt's web page if they have one. I've also heard of a company in Chicago that would be publishing Hades Haunted America list of haunted houses on the web. I was told it would be launched in a couple of weeks. I've tried a search for it and turned up nothin', yet. Denny B.T. Productions' Terror By Design Haunt Supplies & Scare Wares From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Sun Jun 30 15:31:59 1996 Date: Sun, 30 Jun 1996 10:03:02 -0400 To: halloween-l@netcom.com From: kahnn@pa.net (Nathan Kahn) Subject: Re: new kid on the crypt Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: >Storing the fog and redistributing it from a larger container (a small >muffin fan helps) is an accepted practice in theater work, you'll also find >a few people on the list that do it for their Halloween set ups. You hit the >nail right on the head. I have no *practical* experience on this, but I would have thought that the tiny droplets of fog fluid which comprise the fog would dissipate in a few minutes in the holding tank, just like they do in the air. Nathan ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Nathan Kahn Home: kahnn@pa.net Work: nathan@theatrefx.com Work Web: http://www.theatrefx.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Sun Jun 30 15:49:10 1996 Date: Sun, 30 Jun 96 12:27 EDT From: Donna_KENNY@umail.umd.edu (dk62) Subject: Re: do you notice? To: halloween-l@netcom.com Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Yes, me too -- my husband and I definitely get more trick or treaters if we've both decorated *and* have a creepy, Halloween record or CD plauying out on our front porch! We .live on a court, and so many kids just past the court by unless there's something to lure them up! The noise/recordings help a lot...abd sometimes when they get up on the court (there are seven house, two of which border the main street), the kids skip most of the houses...but not ours! We also find that the weather is a big factor -- not the rain, but how cold or hot it is (it varies in the D.C> area -- we had 75 degrees the years before last, but about 45 last year, and far fewer kids were going around when it was cold.) Hope you have a fall that brings you good physical karma! Donna Harrington Kenny From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Sun Jun 30 16:01:03 1996 Date: Sun, 30 Jun 1996 04:45:48 -0700 (MST) To: halloween-l@netcom.com From: trix@primenet.com (Darlene Horwath) Subject: Re: do you notice? Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: > >Does anyone else do cross-stitch and such for Halloween? They >make flourescent floss and I'm going to take the eyes off a >witch pattern that glows in the dark and put them on my very >gnarled cedar tree this year. > >Morgan Bottrell (raven@kehleyr.phys.ttu.edu) >Dreams do not vanish, unless people abandon them. - P.F. Harlock Morgan, I do more tatting than cross=stitch, but I could probably whip out some awesome looking eyes with my trusty shuttle! Where do you get the flourescent floss? I havent seen it locally... Thanks Trix -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Is that a modem in your pocket or RU just happy 2C me! http://www.primenet.com/~trix/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Sun Jun 30 16:15:42 1996 Date: Sun, 30 Jun 1996 04:58:03 -0700 (MST) To: halloween-l@netcom.com From: trix@primenet.com (Darlene Horwath) Subject: Re: RIGHT IDEA Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Tim... I have a modest web site out there dedicated to halloween. During september and october last year I had about 20,000 people visit! Alot of them emailed me and wanted party and costume ideas, recipes, pumpin carving hints, where to get this item, could I remember the name of this horror movie so they could rent it...and the list goes on. The list also gets busier, as people share their ideas problems and skills. It is also a great place to find out about new products that are out there, and pricint...so you dont pay too much for that new skull since Walmart had it 5 bucks cheaper than Target. I cant imagine halloween without this list! And if you see a particular thread that you arent interested in, you can always hit the old delete button (although even though I will probably never use a fogger...too much chance of snow here for halloween ) I still find all the info here amazing! Keep up the good work everybody! Trix Will it become more active when SEPTEMBER rolls around? >I hope so because one way or another,we all love Halloween and I believe >we could pass around some good ideas,and I don't just mean DRY ICE(by the >way,I tried that stuff one year but it took too much of it to keep >it foggy around the pumpkins in the window).I do a little carving and >they turn out rather well if I do say so myself.Great to meet you all >I'll talk to you later. > > TIM > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Is that a modem in your pocket or RU just happy 2C me! http://www.primenet.com/~trix/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Mon Jul 1 00:54:41 1996 Date: Sun, 30 Jun 1996 15:26:58 -0700 From: Michael Marcrum To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re: PUMPKIN CARVING Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Tim, What a great idea for carving pumpkins. I am going to try your system this year. It is really funny when we work on FX and costumes for months ahead of time and come halloween night we get the most comments on the pumpkins. If you can send a picture of your pumpkins so I can get a idea how it works. Talk Soon. Kathy The new kid on the crypt From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Mon Jul 1 02:32:52 1996 Date: Sun, 30 Jun 1996 15:30:44 -0700 From: Michael Marcrum To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re: WRONG IDEA Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Glenn, Do you have any idea where this site is with the scanned pumpkins. I am trying to learn how to do different things. I have used the store bought patterns until they are worn out and taped together. If you find the site please let me know. Thanks Kathy The new kid on the crypt From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Mon Jul 1 02:46:55 1996 Date: Sun, 30 Jun 1996 15:15:37 -0700 From: Michael Marcrum To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re: Haunts and Stu's buying Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: I think a list of the locations of our haunted houses is great. We may not all live clost to each other but maybe we have family or friends that live close to someone. That way we can pass the word to someone about a great place to check out. Also learing where people live and hearing things that they are doing may give each of us new suppliers. Say someone back east says they are doing something with lights that we west coast people can't get. We can them find new sources. So Trix count me in :) Kathy The new kid on the crypt From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Mon Jul 1 03:02:33 1996 Date: Sun, 30 Jun 1996 15:38:13 -0700 From: Michael Marcrum To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re: RIGHT IDEA Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Tim, I don't know about the rest of the ghouls on this list but I for one know the true meaning of halloween, KIDS!! We do this every year so we can watch the kids faces when they see the wierd ( sometimes scary) things in our yard. I remember as a kid, a long time ago, of going to this one house and having to put my hand into cold pasta, and jello to earn a great popcorn ball. Another house you had to go through the house that they had all decorated with sheets so it seemed like you walked forever. When you got to the end a witch had a tray of caramel apples. Now you can't do these things due to the idiots that think it's funny to hurt little kids. So instead we give them a yard to enjoy and work through to get their candy. One kid last year was to scared to come into the yard, my daughter got out of her coffin and went slowly and talked to him. Well, one hour later his mom was still trying to get him to leave our yard. His smile was worth every single minute of work. I may have gone on to long but this is the reason I am here to learn new things. Kathy The new kid on the crypt From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Mon Jul 1 06:00:43 1996 Date: Sun, 30 Jun 1996 15:42:31 -0700 From: Michael Marcrum To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re: do you notice? Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Morgan, I had surgery three years ago and we only did some very simple things. And yes we did see a smaller amount of kids. The next year everything was back to normal and the kid count doubled. We thought that maybe since the yard was not done up parents might think that different people had moved in and didn't want to take a chance. I like the idea of the cross stich eyes. Tell us more :) Kathy The new kid on the crypt From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Mon Jul 1 16:01:56 1996 From: Stuart_McIntire_at_AISDC@ccsmtp.uage.com Date: Mon, 01 Jul 96 09:37:14 EST To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Myriad Topics Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Hi folks...our LAN administrator did some maintenance on our E-Mail system over the weekend. By coincidence (or maybe not?), I received 42 E-Mail messages when I came in this morning! Probably 34 or 35 of those were from the mailing list. I'd like to think the traffic is picking up - but one of the messages I received WAS sent on the 11th of June... :( So I'm going to try to hit on a variety of subjects instead of answering each one individually. Tim asks if we talk about more than foggers, dry ice and the like. Hi, Tim! Welcome to the list! As you've heard since your original post, we do indeed cover a broad range of Halloween related subjects. Check out Don's halloween-l archives for the full picture. I'd say the most active members are into this stuff as more than a passing interest. Some of us are pro- fessionals in the business, or semi-pros. I classify myself as a semi-pro since I will hire myself out to non-profits as a "Design Consultant" for haunted house/attraction fundraisers. I've seen virtually every Halloween web site there is to see, and our mailing list and the archives are the most comprehensive on the subject by far. Oh sure, you can find pages that cover individual subjects in much more detail - or commercial pages to find that *exact item* you've been looking for - but for a free and friendly exchange of ideas, you've come to the right spot. Trix asks where she can get "Mission: Impossible" corpses (the kind that self destruct in 5 seconds :). Sad to say, Trix, I have a funny feeling the corpse that Scott destroyed at the trade show (BAD SHOPPER! Hands off the merchandise!) wasn't meant to fall apart. Cool effect, though. If you REALLY want corpses that fall apart, it wouldn't be hard to rig. Re: the "registration" of haunted houses/attractions...excellent idea! I've seen the web pages mentioned, but the last time I looked, there was no solid info or details. I strongly encourage everyone to send in details of any attraction they hear of, or details on their own. I'll send my own very shortly. A good way to get this going is to talk to friends (especially in other parts of the country) and engage them in the collection of info. Ex- ample: some of my associates live and work in the Tempe, Arizona area. I got a pretty good review of a haunted attraction produced by Silo-X last year. This year, I'm going to try to get the details beforehand (including flyers, if possible) and post them to the list. It will require a lot of us on the list to make this happen, but I think we've got a winner of an idea! Re: Denny's party (has Don left yet?)...O.K., I'm buying the first round. It's better than making me the bartender! Otherwise, you might not survive the night after downing my Zombies, Ghouls, Demons, Gargoyles, Deadly Corpses and other spirits. Come to think of it, maybe we ought to post our "undeadly" drink recipes to the list... ;) Until next time... - Stu From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Mon Jul 1 16:48:57 1996 Date: Mon, 01 Jul 1996 05:55:25 -0600 From: Lauren Jones To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Pumpkin Lighting Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Michael Marcrum , actually Kathy, writes: > I love pumpkin carving...last year we > had over 25 carved pumpkins...the only > problem we have is getting enough light in > them. We really don't like using candles > for safety reasons and we have not found > another way to get that same glow... Natural light is best; if you DO use candles, try putting in two or three (or more if the pumpkin is really big) rather than one. I found this out when I tried that method of not carving through the flesh but just scraping the features out of the skin: you need a lot of light inside the pumpkin to see the face. If you must go with electricity (for safety reasons--I know, I know--my costume caught on fire one year because I leaned into a candle flame) try using a small string of C-7 bulbs (7 or more bulbs) per pumpkin (equivalent to 40-60 watts?). Try different color combinations, or just white, or blinking clear (or colored), or those flickering flame bulbs. Or, just run a single 40- or 60-watt bulb into the pumpkin. If you don't feel like wiring sockets, try the low-tech version: stick one of those socket adaptors that are nothing more than than a standard lightbulb socket with a plug at the other end into the end of a standard extension cord. > Thanks to the pumpkin mailing list I am > on I am hoping to get that GREAT PUMPKIN > so that I can take kids pictures next to > it... WHAT pumpkin mailing list!? From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Mon Jul 1 17:13:15 1996 Date: Mon, 01 Jul 1996 09:12:04 -0600 From: Lauren Jones To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Mac Halloween Fonts Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: I was finally able, with help from a friend, to get those Macintosh Halloween fonts binHexed, but then Don went on vacation! For those Mac users who would rather not wait for fonts to be posted on the web site, drop me a note and I'll email them to you. They really ought to work this time...they're in .hqx packages. From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Mon Jul 1 17:38:17 1996 From: glenn@zuni.chaco.com (Glenn Crocker) Subject: Re: WRONG IDEA To: halloween-l@netcom.com Date: Mon, 1 Jul 1996 09:05:41 -0700 (PDT) Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: >Glenn, > Do you have any idea where this site is with the scanned pumpkins. I >am trying to learn how to do different things. I have used the store >bought patterns until they are worn out and taped together. If you find >the site please let me know. Thanks I looked around for a while, but didn't see the page. Search on AltaVista (http://altavista.digital.com/) for 'pumpkin carving jack-o-lantern' and any other key words you can think of, and you'll find a _ton_ of Pumpkin pages. -glenn From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Tue Jul 2 03:46:48 1996 Date: Tue, 2 Jul 1996 00:41:01 -0400 To: halloween-l@netcom.com From: kahnn@pa.net (Nathan Kahn) Subject: Re: Pumpkin Lighting Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: >If you must go with electricity (for safety >reasons--I know, I know--my costume caught >on fire one year because I leaned into a >candle flame) try using a small string of >C-7 bulbs (7 or more bulbs) per pumpkin >(equivalent to 40-60 watts?). How about those short strings of Christmas tree lights that run off batteries? Nathan ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Nathan Kahn Home: kahnn@pa.net Work: nathan@theatrefx.com Work Web: http://www.theatrefx.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Tue Jul 2 06:17:59 1996 Date: Mon, 1 Jul 1996 14:57:28 -0400 (EDT) To: halloween-l@netcom.com From: T D AKER Subject: Re: PUMPKIN CARVING Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Tim, What a great idea for carving pumpkins. I am going to try your system this year. It is really funny when we work on FX and costumes for months ahead of time and come halloween night we get the most comments on the pumpkins. If you can send a picture of your pumpkins so I can get a idea how it works. Talk Soon. Kathy The new kid on the crypt Hello Kathy: I can never get my pictures to come out.I have tried different ways of taking them,but all I get is the carved face without the candle light in them.So basicaly I get a negative image of the face.Now,I have used a VHS recorder and it turned out great,for the first time since I started doing the faces,I could save my handy work for years to come.I can tell you I have done FRANKENSTIEN,THE CRYPT KEEPER,BELA LUGOSI,and last year I used a scene frome the film EVIL DEAD.We get some wonderful comments from the kids in the nieghborhood,my own kids are used to it and I guess think all pumpkins should look that way.I also grow pumpkins and last year we grew one that went off the scales. I guess we grew about 32 pumpkins last year,though I gave most away. Anyway I'm glad you liked the idea and I will be talking to you. TIM From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Tue Jul 2 06:35:15 1996 Date: Mon, 01 Jul 1996 08:07:15 +0100 To: halloween-l@netcom.com From: Lisa Marie Peterson Subject: Re: WRONG IDEA Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: At 05:40 AM 6/29/96 -0700, you wrote: >I love pumpkin carving. Not only that but this year I am growing my own=20 >pumpkins for my haunted yard. We use the store bought patterns and change= =20 >them around to fit our mood. This year we are going to try to take=20 >patterns from our grapghic program and use them. Last year we had over 25= =20 >carved pumpkins, the people at the local grocery thought I was nuts :)=20 >The only problem we have is getting enough light in them. We really don't= =20 >like using candles for safety reasons and we have not found another way=20 >to get that same glow. Any ideas???? Thanks to the pumpkin mailing list I= =20 >am on I am hoping to get that GREAT PUMPKIN so that I can take kids=20 >pictures next to it. As my husband says "dream on". Do you have any great= =20 >ideas for patterns? If you want to talk Pumpkins I will always be here. >The new kid on the crypt >Kathy > Hello Kathy! Did you say pumpkin carving? I started carving pumpkins last= year and ended up doing about 30 of them by the time the holiday was over. = We live in New Almaden which is kind of isolated, so we only get about 10= trick-or-treaters (yes, I said ten). Everyone, kids and adults, LOVED the= pumpkins! We hope to get a few more visitors this year due to the reaction= the pumpkins got. Anyway, I don't think there is anyway to recreate the= golden "flicker" of candlelight. But if you or your husband are at all= electrically inclined, you might try those little lightbulbs for= nightlights. They are the same size as the old-style christmas lights (not= the tiny ones you mostly see today). My husband and I have a roommate that= does electrical work, so he just rigged up a string of lights spaced about= 2 feet apart, then we would stick the light through a hole in the pumpkin. = Depending on what is carved on the pumpkin decides where we shove the light= through, because you want the lightbulb itself to be hidden. If you use= orange colored light bulbs it really gives a nice glow, plus the bulbs are= a little brighter than candles and it really makes the carving stand out. = I can get the actual details if you want, you can email me directly at-- = peterson@fore.com I'm here anytime you want to talk pumpkins! LisaMarie ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lisa Marie Peterson Ph.= 408-467-4626 Administrative Assistant - CellAccess Division Fax 408-451-9361 FORE Systems, Incorporated = peterson@fore.com 2115 O'Nel Drive, San Jose, California 95131 : ) ; ) = : ) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Tue Jul 2 16:08:43 1996 Date: Tue, 02 Jul 1996 08:16:42 +0100 To: halloween-l@netcom.com From: Lisa Marie Peterson Subject: pumpkin lighting Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: >How about those short strings of Christmas tree lights that run off batteries? All of the battery operated Christmas lights I have don't seem to be very bright at all - plus the batteries seem to go dead very quickly (less than four hours). >If you don't feel like wiring sockets, try >the low-tech version: stick one of those >socket adaptors that are nothing more than >than a standard lightbulb socket with a plug >at the other end into the end of a standard >extension cord. That sounds much easier than what our roommate did... which, as it turns out, is a little more complicated then I had mentioned. His lights were DC, with an AC converter, or something like that - it's all over my head. LisaMarie From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Tue Jul 2 16:21:57 1996 Date: Tue, 02 Jul 1996 05:20:44 -0600 From: Lauren Jones To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re: Pumpkin Lighting -Reply Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Nathan Kahn 07/02/96 12:41am >> If you must go with electricity (for >> safety reasons...MORE...try using a small >> string of C-7 bulbs (7 or more bulbs) >> per pumpkin (equivalent to 40-60 watts?). > How about those short strings of Christmas > tree lights that run off batteries? Those work great if you don't need a lot of light--10 tiny midget lights aren't very bright--but in some uses they're perfect. From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Tue Jul 2 22:49:41 1996 Date: Tue, 2 Jul 1996 13:46:32 -0700 (PDT) To: halloween-l@netcom.com From: MilesManor Subject: Re: Pumpkin Lighting Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: My experience with the battery operated Christmas lights is that they don't last very long. I use them on a wreath on my front door. I turned them on a 1/2 hour before my guest arrive and they are already getting dim by the time everyone arrives. By the time everyone leaves their goners. It uses 2 C cell batteries. I'm not sure how it would do with pumpkins. Any one know of better battery operated lights? > >How about those short strings of Christmas tree lights that run off batteries? > >Nathan > >~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ >Nathan Kahn >Home: kahnn@pa.net >Work: nathan@theatrefx.com >Work Web: http://www.theatrefx.com >~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ > __________________________ |\/\/\/\/\/| Lynne Miles \0 0 0 0 / qoe@sna.com |~~~~~~| Orangvale, CA From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Tue Jul 2 22:58:01 1996 From: Stuart_McIntire_at_AISDC@ccsmtp.uage.com Date: Tue, 02 Jul 96 18:03:38 EST To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Rhino CD Alert! Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Coming soon to a store near you: Family Scarytime Classics the most memorable songs from film and television Kid Rhino R2/R4 72457 songs included: Twilight Zone - John Williams/Boston Pops Addams Family (TV) Main Theme - Vic Mizzy & Orchestra the Munsters Theme - Billy Strange, Guitar/Orchestra Dark Shadows Theme - the Robert Cobert Orchestra Bewitched - Peggy Lee the Headless Horseman - Kay Starr Attack of the Killer Tomatoes - Lewis Lee If You're Gonna Be A Witch (Be A Witch!) - Ethel Merman the Blob - the Five Blobs Ode to Rat - Sammy Davis, Jr. Street Date: 8/20/96 Enjoy! - Stu From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Thu Jul 4 05:32:26 1996 Date: Tue, 2 Jul 1996 23:19:30 -0400 (EDT) To: halloween-l@netcom.com From: T D AKER Subject: THIS PUMPKIN LIST Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: > Thanks to the pumpkin mailing list I am > on I am hoping to get that GREAT PUMPKIN > so that I can take kids pictures next to > it... WHAT pumpkin mailing list!? WELL, here is the address on the web where it is: http://www.athenet.net/~dang/pumpkins.html The place to sign up for the giant pumpkin list is in this web page,go here and sign up.They are great people who know more about growing the big ones than anybody. TIM From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Thu Jul 4 05:42:13 1996 Date: Mon, 1 Jul 1996 20:46:43 -0400 (EDT) To: halloween-l@netcom.com From: T D AKER Subject: THIS PUMPKIN LIST Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: > Thanks to the pumpkin mailing list I am > on I am hoping to get that GREAT PUMPKIN > so that I can take kids pictures next to > it... WHAT pumpkin mailing list!? WELL, here is the address on the web where it is: http://www.athenet.net/~dang/pumpkins.html The place to sign up for the giant pumpkin list is in this web page,go here and sign up.They are great people who know more about growing the big ones than anybody. TIM From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Thu Jul 4 05:48:59 1996 Date: Sun, 30 Jun 1996 21:24:04 -0500 From: "Bobby R." To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Giant Skull... Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Hey Guys (and Gals), I've had an idea pop into my head here in the last couple of weeks and I think I'm going to do it... but I need advise. My idea is to create a GIANT burial ground. Probably just a skull and a couple of ribs sticking out of the ground... but BIG! I'm thinking the skull will be, oh... 5 feet tall. I'm picturing it lying on it's side partially buried in the yard. Then maybe a couple of proportional broken ribs jutting from the ground. GOALS: Fairly light weight, weather proof, inexpensive, and somewhat durable. PROBLEM: How. (Keep in mind this will be outside.) Here are some of the ideas I've had for construction. 1) Big Block of Styrofoam. Maybe... but I'm thinking its pretty messy to carve and it dings easily. Plus, some paints melt styrofoam and I need weather proof stuff. I also wonder if it is too light - will it blow away? 2) Paper Mache... nope. 3) Chicken Wire Frame with Resin Covered Cloth Strips. This one is my personal favorite so far. I can get resin for about $16-$18 a gallon, I already have the chicken wire from last years halloween party, and I was thinking of using old bed sheets... tear 'em into strips and soak 'em in resin. Number 3 seems like it meets all of the goals above, but I wanted to see ya'll thought. With all of the experience here someone is bound to have done large outdoor props before. Bobby R. P.S. By the way, I got the idea while driving by a Putt-Putt place in the Lake of the Ozarks... One of the holes had a big skull you had to putt into. It looked cheezy, of course, but it got me thinking! From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Thu Jul 4 21:28:14 1996 Date: Thu, 04 Jul 1996 15:27:29 -0500 From: Jason R To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re: Haunts and/Haunted house lists Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Say this sounds like a fine idea.. Count me in!. Jay -- Jason R Member FDC {Beach Club lighting tech} VRC Homepage, Use it to find out ALL your Disney info needs. --Http://www.vivanet.com/~thelazer -- "I told'em the truth, and they fell for it"-Harry Anderson. From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Sat Jul 6 11:14:31 1996 Date: Mon, 01 Jul 1996 05:43:58 -0600 From: Lauren Jones To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Haunt Registry Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Just received some info on her haunted house from new lister Kathy. I guess I should get more organized... Let's see...info needed from each haunt... ========================================= NAME OF HAUNT (if you have a special one) ADDRESS YOUR NAME (CONTACT) LOCAL DIRECTIONS EMAIL/PHONE/OTHER CONTACT METHOD IF DESIRED THEME (MOVIE MONSTERS, HAUNTED SCHOOL, ETC.) DESCRIPTION (GIVE US A HINT!) INTENDED AUDIENCE (TOO MUCH FOR THE KIDDIES?) =========================================== Did I leave anything out? From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Sat Jul 6 12:33:03 1996 Date: Sat, 06 Jul 1996 10:34:12 -0700 From: Michael Marcrum To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: OK gang Help Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: I am really, REALLY interested this year in adding action to my yard. I want the bodies in the graveyard to turn, the arms try to dig out of the grave, and the coffin to open. Can any of you help me with beginners plans for these robotics. I am not a pro so this has to be a starter guide for non technical persons willing to learn. Can anyone help? Thank You All For Your Help. Kathy The new kid on the crypt. From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Sat Jul 6 18:10:19 1996 From: milwiron@btprod.com Date: Tue, 02 Jul 1996 09:33:54 -0500 To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re: Myriad Topics Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: At 09:37 AM 7/1/96 EST, you wrote: >Re: the "registration" of haunted houses/attractions...excellent idea! I've >seen the web pages mentioned, but the last time I looked, there was no >solid info or details.... Their list has grown quite a bit in the past few months, it's worth looking at again and contributing to. Denny B.T. Productions' Terror By Design Haunt Supplies & Scare Wares From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Sat Jul 6 20:04:39 1996 From: milwiron@btprod.com Date: Sat, 06 Jul 1996 08:07:14 -0500 To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Growing moss on decorations Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Hey all, My news server has been shut down for quite a while now so I can't ask the gardening newsgroups, I thought some of the more diverse people on this list may have an answer for me. I would like to grow real moss (not Spanish) on some of my decorations... skulls, tombstones, etc. Don't ask why, I have no idea why I wander off on these tangents. I've heard that if you mix moss you find growing on a rock or tree with milk (I think?) in a blender, you then have a concoction that can be painted on to surfaces. If kept wet and shaded this mixture will grow moss on just about anything. I'm sure 'ol Scotty in the North West Territories can't figure why anyone would want to grow moss on purpose but here in the middle of the country and suburbia it's not very common. Does anyone have the actual formula and procedure, and what do you feed it once it does grow? Searches on the Net and in books haven't produced anything. Denny B.T. Productions' Terror By Design Haunt Supplies & Scare Wares From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Sat Jul 6 21:51:57 1996 Date: Sat, 6 Jul 1996 20:45:38 -0700 (MST) To: halloween-l@netcom.com From: trix@primenet.com (Darlene Horwath) Subject: Re: Myriad Topics Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: I am working on an easy submission form right now to add to Halloween 0 Webbery! I will let you know when it is up. Trix >>Re: the "registration" of haunted houses/attractions...excellent idea! I've >>seen the web pages mentioned, but the last time I looked, there was no >>solid info or details.... > > Their list has grown quite a bit in the past few months, it's worth looking >at again and contributing to. >Denny > >B.T. Productions' >Terror By Design > >Haunt Supplies & Scare Wares > > > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Is that a modem in your pocket or RU just happy 2C me! http://www.primenet.com/~trix/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Sun Jul 7 03:10:52 1996 Date: Sat, 06 Jul 1996 20:05:24 -0700 From: Michael Marcrum To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re: Growing moss on decorations Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: I don't know how to help you but I really like the idea. So when you find out please send it to me. The idea of real moss growing on the tombstones sounds creepy. I am having a dungeon this year and that would be a great look. Not a bad idea, good thinking. Kathy the new kid on the crypt From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Sun Jul 7 03:32:08 1996 Date: Sat, 6 Jul 1996 23:20:41 -0400 (EDT) From: "Donna J. Logan" To: milwiron@btprod.com Subject: Re: Growing moss on decorations Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: On Sat, 6 Jul 1996 milwiron@btprod.com wrote: > I'm sure 'ol Scotty in the North West Territories can't figure why anyone > would want to grow moss on purpose but here in the middle of the country and > suburbia it's not very common. I remember a show on public access a few years ago about a "quick" version of Bonsai, and the guy was always using moss to finish off the project...he made it sound like there's actually quite a market for good velvety moss amongst practioners. > Does anyone have the actual formula and procedure, and what do you feed it > once it does grow? Searches on the Net and in books haven't produced anything. Well, they never ran the moss in a blender with milk on this particular show, just used small bits of it to tuck in around the base of the project. Moss propagates by spores, and as long as you keep it moist and shady, it'll flourish...you don't need to "feed" it. It WILL need something to grab onto, and on this show he used sphagnum moss...you might try whirling some of THAT in a blender to grind it down, and then paste it onto your object, and then add some moss. BTW, you don't need to cover the whole thing with moss...just a few "implants" (not unlike the Hair Club For Men) are adequate, because as I said, it propagates via spores, and will fill in on it's own. According to this show, you can occasionally find moss for sale at some garden centers, but I can't say that I ever have...but it's easy enough to find just by taking a hike thru your local woods and parks, keep an eye out in the moist, shady areas....it grows in the open, you don't have to necessarily turn rocks over. Bring a tray or bucket with you with some damp sphagnum in it, into which you'd place your "finds". At home, just keep it in a shallow tray on damp sphagnum in the shade until you are ready to use it. BTW, if moss dries out and turns brown, it is only dormant...getting and keeping it damp again reactivates the spores, and it'll turn green again.... ;-) From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Sun Jul 7 03:50:07 1996 From: Ldwarf@aol.com Date: Sat, 6 Jul 1996 20:25:41 -0400 To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re: Giant Skull... Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: hi ...im a professional prop builder and have built loads of BIG props and have done a bit of tinkering and research on the subject... to make a long story of trial and error short.... you should use a bigl ol' block of foam for that big ol' skull... and just carve the hell out of it.... use a hatchet... a hammer...electric power tools... a chain saw....an electric turkey carving knife is usefull too..just go nuts , and enjoy... try to do it inside to contain the mess... .. something that size would not blow away in the wind if it is carved from a solid block...but if you wanted to be sure you could spike it into the ground with a stake or two...if you want to paint it... use latex paint...be sure to give it time to dry....it tends to pool up in the pits of the foam. the weather shouldnt harm it a bit.. and it is a whole heck of a lot easier than building a frame of wire and messing with the resin... its far easier to get a nice smooth finish with carved foam....you can get a large piece of foam, or stack several smaller pieces , and pin them together with a dowel befor carveing , so you can take it appart to store it and as a side note, the coat of latex paint , or several coats, will protect it from any dammage from spray paint or a coat of fiberglass resin...i used this method to make the giant monster plant from hell in " little shop of horrors " i found a foam supplier who sold me one huge piece of foam... 4 ft by 4 ft by 8 feet.. it cost 150 i think..and they shipped it to me to boot.. it was a few years ago so im not sure of the company name... if you need to know let me know, ill look it up, they are in Rhode Island . i carved ( with help from several crew members) the foam , painted it w/ several thick coats of old latex paint , to seal it, then we covered the damn pod , audry too, that is, with something like 20 yards of fiberglass cloth and what seemed like a BIZZILLION gallons of resin... what a bitch ... oops, can i say that ? but, boy... did it look kool... but that is a lot of trouble to go through for a prop that dosnt need to hold up to being in a wacky musical for 3 weeks... forget the fiberglass and just give it a quich coat of paint...it sounds like a great idea... i wish you luck... write if you need any ideas , or have specific questions. Scott From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Sun Jul 7 15:21:32 1996 From: Stuart_McIntire_at_AISDC@ccsmtp.uage.com Date: Sun, 07 Jul 96 12:24:26 EST To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Inexpensive One-way Mirror Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Hi, folks. Rick tried to send this. Maybe you saw it, maybe you didn't. In the interest of shared distribution of valuable info, I'm forwarding it for all to see... - Stu ______________________________ Forward Header __________________________________ Subject: Inexpensive One-way Mirror Author: rrhill@ucdavis.edu (Rick Hill) at Internet Date: 7/5/96 3:20 PM Stu- I sent this to the group last week and have not seen it posted. Do we not get copies of our own posts or did it just not make it? In any case, we have been talking about this so I wanted to make sure you got it. I finally finished most of my testing of this idea, so I can post my findings. The recent discussions of using one-way mirrors in endless hallways, bottomless pits and ghostly reflection in mirror effects made me search out an inexpensive source for one-way mirrors. My solution is to use silvered semi-reflective film normally used to "tint" windows to limit in coming light. This film is 80% reflective and is silvered. Other films (gray or bronze) filter incoming light but do not reflect. I found that the silvered film costs about $3.30 per foot in 3 foot widths and $4.45 per foot in 4 foot widths. It must be applied to glass. Plastic (plexi or acrylic) will not work well. Application is relatively easy and, with care, can be done without leaving bubbles or wrinkles in the film. To test the films suitability for one-way applications, I purchased a foot of the film and a picture frame (at the thrift store) for the glass (about 8"x10"). I applied the film to the glass and got a near perfect, bubble free surface first time. When illuminated from the front or with an opaque or dark background behind, it appears to be a mirror. With back lighting, you can see through the glass. It is perfectly usable for any effect where you look into a mirror and have a face or apparition appear in the mirror. I have also started testing an endless hallway effect, where the one way mirror is facing a normal mirror. This does work but I am still working on optimum lighting conditions. Hopefully, the low cost of this approach will encourage others to experiment and post their results. If this can be used as an endless hallway effect, the cost of an one-way mirror large enough to use in a door way would only be about $20 less the price of a sheet of glass! If the film can be mounted in a frame without the need for the glass (I'm working on it!), storing the mirror is as simple as rolling it up and putting it in a protective cardboard tube! I also found that sheets of silver mylar are only $1.65 per foot in a 4 foot width. If you are able to put the semi-reflective film and mylar film in frames, the whole endless hallway/bottomless pit effect could be done full size for about $30-$40! And, the whole thing can be stored in a small space with no breakage problems. I will continue my tests on this approach and let the group know what I find. Rick Richard Hill Computer Operations Manager Office Phone: (916) 757-3002 UCD Bookstore FAX: (916) 757-3010 UC Davis E-Mail: rrhill@ucdavis.edu From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Sun Jul 7 18:51:51 1996 Date: Mon, 01 Jul 1996 06:50:04 -0600 From: Lauren Jones To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Webs Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Someone on this list told me about a crochet pattern that looks like spider web...I never found it, unfortunately. Help... From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Sun Jul 7 19:19:01 1996 Date: Mon, 01 Jul 1996 06:56:28 -0600 From: Lauren Jones To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Attraction Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: The SFX always brings them around. And of course, after you've done it a time or two, people check back the next year and bring their friends. One of our heaviest years was when Halloween fell on a Monday, and the cars pulling out of the parking lots of two churches the day before had to pull out into the highway one house up and across from where we were setting up. Traffic was blocked for while, and people drove in from all over the next night. From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Sun Jul 7 19:22:53 1996 Date: Mon, 01 Jul 1996 07:05:38 -0600 From: Lauren Jones To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Homemade Goodies, etc. Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Michael Marcrum , Kathy actually, writes about how you can't give homemade treats anymore. I had an idea a long while back, but haven't been able to put it to use RE homemade treats. If you've been around awhile, people are likely to trust your stuff, but if not, try attaching business cards (maybe special ones made up just for Halloween) to your popcorn balls, cookie bags, etc. How likely are you going to identify yourself and your treats if you intend to poison kiddies? Just a thought... A woman across the highway told me one year that it was a ritual among her kids to carefully plan just when they were going across to "the scarey house.": "are we ready to go yet? NO! Let's do 2 more other houses..." etc. From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Sun Jul 7 19:53:23 1996 Date: Mon, 01 Jul 1996 05:16:11 -0600 From: Lauren Jones To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Pumpkins and Low-Tech Halloween Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: T D AKER writes: > I thought this list was about > HALLOWEEN,not just STROBES ,FOGGERS and > DRY ICE.Aren't there other things to do > with HALLOWEEN to talk about?Pumpkin > carving for example. Some of our more high-tech folks are planning their haunts for the coming Halloween. I hope they live near by so I can wander over. But I'm putting together a web page of my old, pretty-much low-tech haunt from days gone by as contrast! We called it Three Eyes because we always carved a three-eyed jack-o'-lantern. Did you know the original jack-o'-lanterns carved in Scotland were turnips? You carved a hole down from top, then carved out the solid inside enough for candlelight to shine through; you scratched the face through the surface of the skin. Now you know why mostly hollow pumpkins became popular in the new world! You know, three years in a row I've bought the appropriately sized turnip, and three times I've never gotten around to actually carving the thing. From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Sun Jul 7 20:19:27 1996 From: milwiron@btprod.com Date: Mon, 01 Jul 1996 05:03:36 -0500 To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re: new kid on the crypt Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: At 10:03 AM 6/30/96 -0400, you wrote: >>Storing the fog and redistributing it from a larger container (a small >>muffin fan helps) is an accepted practice in theater work, you'll also find >>a few people on the list that do it for their Halloween set ups. You hit the >>nail right on the head. > >I have no *practical* experience on this, but I would have thought that the >tiny droplets of fog fluid which comprise the fog would dissipate in a few >minutes in the holding tank, just like they do in the air. > I've tried it in about a 45 or 55 gallon garbage can, it actually works pretty well. It really doesn't stay there for a few minutes (maybe a minute or two, which is all we need) since the muffin fan is running all the time. The hang time with LSX type fluid and regular juice seemed fine. Theatre Effects regular fog fluid (sold by our favorite dealers) could be "stored" for longer periods, in fact when I'm playing around in the shop with foggers (I over do it), getting rid of the fog is the problem. In reality, I suppose, it's not acting like storage, more of a shock absorber. I first read about it on the stagecraft newsgroups and then read Scott's description of using a fairly large distribution box on this list. Since my runs are short and I'm running two foggers, I don't use the system. Denny B.T. Productions' Terror By Design Haunt Supplies & Scare Wares From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Sun Jul 7 20:37:04 1996 Date: Mon, 1 Jul 1996 10:20:28 -0700 (PDT) To: halloween-l@netcom.com From: rrhill@ucdavis.edu (Rick Hill) Subject: Inexpensive One-way Mirror Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: I finally finished most of my testing of this idea, so I can post my findings. The recent discussions of using one-way mirrors in endless hallways, bottomless pits and ghostly reflection in mirror effects made me search out an inexpensive source for one-way mirrors. My solution is to use silvered semi-reflective film normally used to "tint" windows to limit in coming light. This film is 80% reflective and is silvered. Other films (gray or bronze) filter incoming light but do not reflect. I found that the silvered film costs about $3.30 per foot in 3 foot widths and $4.45 per foot in 4 foot widths. It must be applied to glass. Plastic (plexi or acrylic) will not work well. Application is relatively easy and, with care, can be done without leaving bubbles or wrinkles in the film. To test the films suitability for one-way applications, I purchased a foot of the film and a picture frame (at the thrift store) for the glass (about 8"x10"). I applied the film to the glass and got a near perfect, bubble free surface first time. When illuminated from the front or with an opaque or dark background behind, it appears to be a mirror. With back lighting, you can see through the glass. It is perfectly usable for any effect where you look into a mirror and have a face or apparition appear in the mirror. I have also started testing an endless hallway effect, where the one way mirror is facing a normal mirror. This does work but I am still working on optimum lighting conditions. Hopefully, the low cost of this approach will encourage others to experiment and post their results. If this can be used as an endless hallway effect, the cost of an one-way mirror large enough to use in a door way would only be about $20 less the price of a sheet of glass! If the film can be mounted in a frame without the need for the glass (I'm working on it!), storing the mirror is as simple as rolling it up and putting it in a protective cardboard tube! I also found that sheets of silver mylar are only $1.65 per foot in a 4 foot width. If you are able to put the semi-reflective film and mylar film in frames, the whole endless hallway/bottomless pit effect could be done full size for about $30-$40! And, the whole thing can be stored in a small space with no breakage problems. I will continue my tests on this approach and let the group know what I find. Richard Hill Computer Operations Manager Office Phone: (916) 757-3002 UCD Bookstore FAX: (916) 757-3010 UC Davis E-Mail: rrhill@ucdavis.edu From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Mon Jul 8 02:45:15 1996 Date: Thu, 04 Jul 1996 17:55:48 -0700 From: Michael Marcrum To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re: Giant Skull... Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: We did a costume of the "pumpkin king" from the "nightmare before christmas" movie. We did the same thing trying to find something that would be light weight, water proof, and sturdy. We finally went to a craft store and bought plaster rolls. They are rolls of fabric with the plaster on them, just like the doctors use for broken arms. It worked great the person wore it all night, in the rain, and it is still useable this year. It was pretty cheap too! You can always give it a spray of resin to make sure it is water tight. That's my idea. Kathy the new kid on the crypt From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Mon Jul 8 06:23:12 1996 Date: Sun, 7 Jul 1996 23:27:59 -0400 (EDT) To: halloween-l@netcom.com From: T D AKER Subject: RE:Pumpkins and Low-Tech Halloween Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: LAUREN,you wrote: Some of our more high-tech folks are planning their haunts for the coming Halloween. I hope they live near by so I can wander over. But I'm putting together a web page of my old, pretty-much low-tech haunt from days gone by as contrast! We called it Three Eyes because we always carved a three-eyed jack-o'-lantern. Did you know the original jack-o'-lanterns carved in Scotland were turnips? You carved a hole down from top, then carved out the solid inside enough for candlelight to shine through; you scratched the face through the surface of the skin. Now you know why mostly hollow pumpkins became popular in the new world! You know, three years in a row I've bought the appropriately sized turnip, and three times I've never gotten around to actually carving the thing. Lauren: Yeah,I heard that story about the turnips.Now, I would hate to have to do the complex drawings I do these days on one of them! Let me know when your web page is ready,I would really like to see it. TIM From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Mon Jul 8 10:03:48 1996 Date: Mon, 8 Jul 1996 08:59:55 -0700 (PDT) From: Don Bertino To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re: Attraction Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: On Mon, 1 Jul 1996, Lauren Jones wrote: > The SFX always brings them around. And of > course, after you've done it a time or two, > people check back the next year and bring > their friends. One of our heaviest years was > when Halloween fell on a Monday, and the > cars pulling out of the parking lots of two > churches the day before had to pull out into > the highway one house up and across from > where we were setting up. Traffic was > blocked for while, and people drove in from > all over the next night. Word of mouth and signs certainly help, but if you have a local newspaper or a local section in your newspaper, they are generally starving for articles. That has worked the best for me. BTW, even try the local TV weatherperson, they love to do remotes, or atleast the ones that live in +40 degree weather.... :) don bertino@netcom.com ____/^\_____________________________________ Disney ascii art & / \ || FDC MCP || / \ animations are at <______\ [] [] [] || [] [] [] || [] [] [] /______> http://www.calweb.com \----------------||----------||----------------/=== /~bertino===============\______________||__________||______________/===== From owner-halloween-l@netcom.com Mon Jul 8 11:33:47 1996 Date: Mon, 8 Jul 1996 10:41:52 -0700 (PDT) From: Don Bertino To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re: new kid on the crypt Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: On Fri, 28 Jun 1996, Lauren Jones wrote: > Michael Marcrum > --actually, Kathy! writes: > > > ...MORE...We fell into halloween by > > accident four years ago when we were bored > > with the usual knock on the door, give > > them the candy, and watch them leave... > > MUCH MORE COOL STUFF...This years theme is