them over the sides of his mail box. When the people smash the mail box they covered their car with paint!!Much easier to find that way. Kathy the new kid on the crypt mmarcrum@ix.netcom.com From owner-halloween-l@majordomo.netcom.com Mon Aug 26 05:33:11 1996 Date: Sun, 25 Aug 1996 13:45:59 -0700 From: Michael Marcrum To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re: fresh bodies Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Brandts, Welcome to the greatest horror group out here!! It sounds like you have a great set up and lots of good friends to help out! Thanks for the great idea about the caskets at the scrap yard....I can see the people on the freeway now..."Look mommy that lady has a coffin in the back of her trunk ". I love the hearse idea sounds like you have some really nice ones. I did this last year and I had a blast, try it with your hearse.. I took my best skeleton and set him up in the front passenger seat of my car. I propped the hands just right and even put the seatbelt on. I have never seen so many people stop and stare and point. It was great and really put me in the spirit!! I am going to do it again this year, I think I will rig his hand with a little fishing line so he can wave when people look!! Again Welcome!! Happy Hauntings Kathy the new kid on the crypt mmarcrum@ix.netcom.com From owner-halloween-l@majordomo.netcom.com Mon Aug 26 06:42:15 1996 Date: Mon, 26 Aug 96 09:38:58 EST From: Stuart McIntire To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: E-Mail Address, Please! Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Will John of Mr. Scary Productions please contact me directly with his E-Mail address? Posts to the list cut off the sender's E-Mail address on my system. Thanks! - Stu stuart.mcintire@uage.com (For some reason, some people can not contact me using that address). If it doesn't work, try: stuart_mcintire_at_aisdc@ccsmtp.uage.com From owner-halloween-l@majordomo.netcom.com Mon Aug 26 07:04:03 1996 Date: Mon, 26 Aug 96 09:59:29 EST From: Stuart McIntire To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re: Hidden call Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: John @ Mr. Scary sez: > I do not often give our ideas out, but this one is too cool to keep! John - If you don't often give out ideas, you came to the wrong place! :) Welcome to the list...hopefully you'll find as many good ideas as you can use. I think you'll find quite a few new as well as quite a few "reworked" ideas. Even us "veterans" constantly add to our plans...the smallest idea often blossoms into a huge one. We all count on one another to expand the horizon. Don't be shy! If you've tried something that works well for you, let us know - we'll do the same. - Stu stuart.mcintire@uage.com From owner-halloween-l@majordomo.netcom.com Mon Aug 26 07:10:54 1996 Date: Mon, 26 Aug 96 10:07:59 EST From: Stuart McIntire To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re: fresh bodies Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Dear Brandt Family: >We decerate every year(not quite as high tec as some of you...but we put on a >good show). >53 tombstones made from styrofoam >2 hearses 71 rearloading hearse 68 rearloading hearse 64 flower car >3 caskets >many professional grade costumes >an electric chair Heck - with backdrops like these, who needs high tech? BTW, at the very first Jaycees haunted house I ever visited, someone had rigged their car so they could start the engine and turn on the lights via remote. A hearse starting up on it's own would be a *very* powerful image... ;) - Stu From owner-halloween-l@majordomo.netcom.com Mon Aug 26 10:49:18 1996 Date: Mon, 26 Aug 1996 12:19:17 -0500 (CDT) From: Jeff Hunsinger To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re: question Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: > From: "Freya E. Harris" > In Detroit they used to have trouble around Halloween. Every year firebugs > would hold what came to be known as "Devils Night" by setting fire to > abandoned buildings. I have heard that, over the last couple years, the > problem has practically disappeared thanks to increased police presence and > the vigilance of Detroiters. Devil's Night is the night before Halloween. It has been a Detroit "tradition" for at least 30 years. It started as a night of mischief (ringing doorbells, flaming bags of dog doo, eggs, etc) and gradually got worse. In the 1980s, arson became a major problem. Thanks to curfews, increased police patrols, and neighborhood watches, the problem is fairly minor these days. The meaner side of Devil's Night has been present for some time. Back in 1965, every car on my parent's street had its windshield smashed. I grew up thinking this happened everywhere. Jeff From owner-halloween-l@majordomo.netcom.com Mon Aug 26 10:57:02 1996 Date: Mon, 26 Aug 1996 10:53:06 +0100 To: halloween-l@netcom.com From: makeup@earthlink.net (Tad Peters) Subject: Re: fresh bodies Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: My wife and I, went to high school prom in a hearse, it was great! About the smae price as a limo, holds more people and then there is the prone posistion that is easier to obtain (to look at stars of course) in the back of a roll out the floor thing in teh back of a hearse. Tad. Tad Peters A. Harlequin Costume makeup@earthlink.net 9589 Foothill Blvd http://home.earthlink.net/~makeup Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 murphy_for_congress@desktop.tyrell.com (909) 948-2950 From owner-halloween-l@majordomo.netcom.com Mon Aug 26 13:16:29 1996 Date: Mon, 26 Aug 1996 13:43:49 -0600 From: Lauren Jones To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Pumpkin Hijinx Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: One year, when I was a kid, the people next door had their pumpkins stolen. The adults made a lot of noise about it, knowing full well which neighborhood kids had done the deed. The next year, the victims of the previous year woke to find over 20 pumpkins from other people's yards lined up on their grass. I have to admit to, in later years, being in the company of a group of kids who stole the pumpkin from a friend's porch, set it on fire, and sent it rolling across East-West Highway. There. I feel much better. From owner-halloween-l@majordomo.netcom.com Mon Aug 26 13:26:56 1996 Date: Mon, 26 Aug 1996 13:48:29 -0600 From: Lauren Jones To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Toilet Paper Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Where I grew up, in Prince Georges County, MD, it was considered an honor to have your house wrapped in toilet paper. You never wrapped a house unless it was someone you liked. One year, one of the parents complained that he didn't like the color--yep, we made a special trip for, I think, yellow toilet paper the next year. From owner-halloween-l@majordomo.netcom.com Mon Aug 26 13:44:49 1996 Date: Mon, 26 Aug 1996 16:19:14 -0400 (EDT) From: Lund To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Skull's Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: I just came from "Fabric Bonanza" here on Long Island and they had paper mache skull's for $5.95. Bought one, don't know what I am going to do with it yet. Maybe another Flying Crank Ghost. I've already made 4 of them. Larry _ ___c Lawrence H. Lund \ _| \_ 179 Studley Street __\_| oooo \_____ Brentwood, NY 11717 ~~~~|______________/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ E-mail: llund@suffolk.lib.ny.us llund179@aol.com Phone: (516)-231-8790 Fax: (516)-434-9315 From owner-halloween-l@majordomo.netcom.com Mon Aug 26 14:45:33 1996 Date: Mon, 26 Aug 1996 15:08:52 -0600 From: Lauren Jones To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Beggars' Night, Mischief Night, Devil Night Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: In my corner of Maryland, October 30 is Beggars' Night. Some towns will move trick-or-treating back to the 30th when the 31st falls on a Sunday. In 1982, all of Prince Georges County went on Beggars Night; made it nice when you had friends or relatives elsewhere going the next night. I have friends in Philadelpha; they have Mischief Night on October 30 and trick-or-treak on October 31. The pranks on Mischief Night are mild compared to over in New Jersey where entire buildings have been burned down. From owner-halloween-l@majordomo.netcom.com Mon Aug 26 14:58:11 1996 Date: Mon, 26 Aug 96 17:43:12 EST From: Stuart McIntire To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re: Pumpkin Hijinx Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: >I have to admit to, in later years, being in the company >of a group of kids who stole the pumpkin from a >friend's porch, set it on fire, and sent it rolling across >East-West Highway. There. I feel much better. East-West Highway??? Tsk, tsk tsk...that's an awfully busy road! How many cars piled up? ;) - Stu stuart.mcintire@uage.com From owner-halloween-l@majordomo.netcom.com Mon Aug 26 16:11:01 1996 Date: Sun, 25 Aug 1996 19:08:59 -0400 To: halloween-l@netcom.com From: "Freya E. Harris" Subject: Re: fresh bodies Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: At 05:27 AM 8/26/96 -0600, The Brandts wrote: > This past halloween we had... > > 53 tombstones made from styrofoam(we thought it was an original idea)(we can >send the epataths if anyone wants) > Did y'all come up with any original inscriptions? I might do tombstones as decorations for a local Halloween party, and I'm always open to some fresh ideas! ATLANTA, GEORGIA: Winner of the 1995 World Series AND of the 1996 Olympic Games From owner-halloween-l@majordomo.netcom.com Mon Aug 26 19:43:45 1996 Date: Mon, 26 Aug 1996 03:58:25 -0700 From: Michael Marcrum To: halloween Subject: shopping!! Michaels Crafts Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Thanks to all of you, and my list friend Lynne, I had a great day today checking out all the stores that all of you have told me about. They were a 1 1/2 hours from my house but my daughter went with me and the day was great. I bought a lot of things that I have seen in other stores for a lot more!!!Michaels crafts, McFrugals, and one more store that we went to last had great halloween supplies. I bought stuff from wigs, bats cake tins, to a large black basket to stash the candy in so the kids don't get into it. Today in the mail I received two catalogs that someone suggested to pick up. I have not stopped writing my wish list......! To any newcomers that have not unlurked you are missing out on gaining a great amount of knowledge from these great folks. Thanks to all for the info, and Lynne thanks for playing guide!! Kathy the new kid on the crypt mmarcrum@ix.netcom.com From owner-halloween-l@majordomo.netcom.com Mon Aug 26 20:16:38 1996 To: halloween-l@netcom.com From: ferris@terrabyte.net (Joan Berkowitz) Subject: Re: fresh bodies Date: Mon, 26 Aug 1996 23:16:30 -0400 Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: >Brandts, > Welcome to the greatest horror group out here!! It sounds like you have >a great set up and lots of good friends to help out! Thanks for the great >idea about the caskets at the scrap yard....I can see the people on the >freeway now..."Look mommy that lady has a coffin in the back of her trunk >". I love the hearse idea sounds like you have some really nice ones. I >did this last year and I had a blast, try it with your hearse.. >I took my best skeleton and set him up in the front passenger seat of my >car. I propped the hands just right and even put the seatbelt on. I have >never seen so many people stop and stare and point. It was great and >really put me in the spirit!! I am going to do it again this year, I >think I will rig his hand with a little fishing line so he can wave when >people look!! Again Welcome!! >Happy Hauntings >Kathy >the new kid on the crypt >mmarcrum@ix.netcom.com Hello and Welcome New Members! You have coffins, a hearse, etc............your ideas sure are a Scream!!!!!! Are you all related to the Munsters? ;) Kathy, that must have been a real hoot riding around with a skeleton in the car. That would be a great idea to do on Halloween in the carpool lane over here. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hey group, we went to the Rag Shop on Sunday to their 75% off sale and bought eight packages of the large sheet black crepe paper. Now we need some ideas what to do with it. Couldn't pass it up at 25=A2 each. Also bought 4 packages of little red and purple lights on a wire, 2 red packs and two purple at $1.99 each. At Mc Frugals we got the hanging sunburst chandilers that have the ghosts, pumpkins and witches at 99=A2 each. I think kids will be kids, I don't think our neighborhoods are the only ones like this. BTW, when I was a kid I remember one year I egged a house too. I'm glad I said that too!!!!!! ----------------------- Joni & Stephen Berkowitz ferris@terrabyte.net ----------------------- Batty About Halloween :):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):) From owner-halloween-l@majordomo.netcom.com Mon Aug 26 20:28:12 1996 Date: Mon, 26 Aug 1996 20:25:36 -0700 (PDT) To: halloween-l@netcom.com From: MilesManor Subject: Halloween Shopping!! Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: You're welcome Kathy. I had a good time today. The other store that we shopped at was Wishing Well. Definitely, worth checking out if you have one near you. __________________________ |\/\/\/\/\/| Lynne Miles \0 0 0 0 / qoe@sna.com |~~~~~~| Orangvale, CA From owner-halloween-l@majordomo.netcom.com Mon Aug 26 20:32:10 1996 Date: Mon, 26 Aug 1996 20:32:11 -0700 (PDT) To: halloween-l@netcom.com From: MilesManor Subject: epataths Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: At 05:27 AM 8/26/96 -0600, The Brandts wrote: > This past halloween we had... > > 53 tombstones made from styrofoam(we thought it was an original idea)(we can >send the epataths if anyone wants) Yes, I'd be very interested in hearing what you have. __________________________ |\/\/\/\/\/| Lynne Miles \0 0 0 0 / qoe@sna.com |~~~~~~| Orangvale, CA From owner-halloween-l@majordomo.netcom.com Mon Aug 26 22:02:17 1996 Date: Mon, 26 Aug 1996 23:59:06 -0600 From: Brandt To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Epitaphs Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Here are some epitaphs... Lea Ning (with a tilted tombstone) Willy Rott Barney...I miss you...you miss me (our only purple tombstone) I. Emma Spook Justin Pieces Orson Buggy Jaws (a big bite out of this stone) Hammond Eggs Lizzy Bordons father lies here (with many small stones around that say 'and here') Mary Lass missed the brake and hit the gas Tom Thumb (very small stone) Jim Migg would like for you to dig Lester Moore 2 shots from a 44 no Less no Moore Diane Rott Jason Vorheves Born ? Died 1964, 1981, 1984, 1988, 1992, 1995* (each date except 1995 has a red scratch out line through them, there is a * next to 1995 and in () below it says 'we hope' Ben Dover (a favorite of the kids) Mary Aster should have j-walked a little faster Seymore Butts inventor of the miniskirt (courtesy of our seven year old daughter) M.T. Box B.A. Ghoul Manny Bones I was Fred now I'm dead Mark A. Place Mrs. Derns now being ate by worms Candy B. Goode Bye Barry R. Bones Your name here I told you I was sick (wich we have seen in real graveyards) and for everyone who grew up in the midwest... SEE RUBY FALLS (Jimmys favorite) This is all we could remember tonight we will post more when we pull the stones out of storage. BTW does anyone have a line on light up inflatable jackolanterns, if you do please let us know. The Brandts (fresh bodies) From owner-halloween-l@majordomo.netcom.com Mon Aug 26 22:24:01 1996 From: "skoelke" To: halloween-l@netcom.com Date: Tue, 27 Aug 1996 00:25:05 +0000 Subject: Grim organist status report Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Well, after a good evening of work, I figured I'ld make a status report on how my work on the grim organist is going. I am using Doug's plans as a basis, but I have one or two twists I am still planning on. Before today I had the two sides made and bolted to a wood base. Then, the two bars running across the top, and the two sholder brackets in place. I also had started on some of the smaller pieces for the sholders. Learned a couple of leasons along the way tonight. 1) Measure twice, add three times, and cut once. I initially guestimated 20 feet of 1" by 1/8" Al stock, but once I added it up again it was 30 feet. Time for another trip to Home Depot for another 8' end of Al. The sholder brackets Doug has shown as being about 2" high. I mis-calculated the length of the pieces I needed to bend to make those brackets so mine were only 1 1/2" high. After laying the cam place, and looking at the clearances, I decided that 2 1/2" would be *a lot* better. Time to measure, add it up 3 times and re-make those brackets. The second time I also moved them almost all the way to the outside. This gives me a lot more clearance around the cam and makes it easier to work with the parts. 2) Be careful handleing your power drill. If you drop it, you might bend your drill bit.... (and say a bun-sitch (invert letters as needed to interpret)) 3) Those cams look easier to make than they are. I am not happy with how my one has turned out, and I am trying to figure out a different way of doing it.... any ideas anyone? One thing I have a problem with right now is that I haven't found a small enough U-bolt to attach it, so I am just using a cable tie for now, but that doesn't get nearly tight enough. I think that I'll go look for a cable clamp for a small u-bolt, or else I might make use of my dad's tools this weekend to make a small block with a drilled hole for the shaft and a tapped hole for a set-screw. 4) Corrections for Doug and anyone else who cares: For the motor mounts, they are 2 3/8" by 2 1/2" apart. Note that the center of the shaft is NOT in the center of the motor, so you need to be careful on where you drill your mounting holes such that the shaft doesn't hit the edge of the metal. (Another case of where I should have measured twice, drilled once, but ended up drilling two sets of holes.) The backmost of the 3 top cross-bars really isn't needed, and is very hard to mount because making the curve on both sides identical isn't very easy (at least not with my skill level of metal work) The springs are easier to work with if there are two springs for controlling the side to side motion, and one for the up/down motion. Also, the springs as you have shown will pull the follower arms *away* from the cam, not towards as is needed. The hinge that I used was a 2" tight pin hinge (you don't want a loose pin hinge here, as you might lose your pin) Unfortunately, the one I got has a little more slop in it than I like, but it shouldn't be a problem at this point. For the arm attachement/swivel bolt, I did it a little different that Doug had shown. I used a 1/4"-20 bolt, with the top of the bolt on the top of the sholder (opposite from Dougs picture), then one washer, the sholder metal, a lock washer, and then one nut all tightened very tight. Onto this I put a washer, the arm bracket, another washer a nut, a lock washer, and a final nut. I jammed the two bottom nuts together to hold stuff snug, but allow the arm bracket to still swivel easily. As for motor choice.... I called around and ended up talking to Grainger who carries Dayton gear motors. Instead of the 2Z806 I got a 3M096 which cost $30.90 instead of $40.90. However, after reading the catalog closer, I noticed the reason for the price difference - the 2Z806 can handle an overhung load of 50lbs, where the 3M096 can only handle 3.5lbs. This is the amount of weight that can be applied latterally to the shaft. My wife also said that the 7RPM 3M096 was too slow, So, I might take it back and get a 2Z807 (12 RPM). Note about Grainger: They have a GREAT catalog (3500+ pages) of lots of stuff, but they only sell to "businesses" so you might need to make up a business name to buy directly from them. See page 222/223 in the 1996 catalog for these gear motors. Well, I think I have babbled enough for tonight... time to hit the sack. Dan (using Sue's account... again) skoelke@metronet.com smiles are worth millions. :):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):) http://www.metronet.com/~skoelke/ From owner-halloween-l@majordomo.netcom.com Mon Aug 26 22:26:12 1996 From: catlover@premier1.net To: halloween-l@netcom.com Date: Mon, 26 Aug 1996 22:33:21 EST Subject: Re: evil scientist mutates to evil rabbit mutates to Tim Curry? Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: ** Reply to note from Michael Marcrum Wed, 21 Aug 1996 16:28:36 -0700 > > Maryanne, > How about the Jacobs Ladder. I know a couple of people on the list can > help you with it. And it is a neat effect for a lab of a Mad Scientist!! > It is the effect in all the old movies of the two rods and the > electricity going between them. > Kathy > the new kid on the crypt > I've been thinking about that - it sounds really cool, but I'm afraid I'd fry myself while making it! P.S. I'm a little slow replying because I've been off on vacation (Victoria, BC) for a few days. May take me all week to get caught up on my e-mail! From owner-halloween-l@majordomo.netcom.com Mon Aug 26 22:33:28 1996 From: catlover@premier1.net To: halloween-l@netcom.com Date: Mon, 26 Aug 1996 22:39:00 EST Subject: Re: Delurking, and Halloween inspiration by... Bugs Bunny! Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: ** Reply to note from kahnn@pa.net (Nathan Kahn) Thu, 22 Aug 1996 08:57:32 -0400 > > >Actually, I had something really low-tech in mind for this. I was just > >thinking of painting them on the porch floor and my walkway with > >glow-in-the-dark paint. I think someone on the list recently mentioned > >some paint that would show up only under a black light? We usually put > >a black-light bulb in our porch light fixture for Halloween. > > You need a fluorescent blacklight bulb (one of the long skinny ones). A > blacklight bulb in the porch fixture won't do it. Unless it is maybe one of > those new compact fluorescents discussed in that long blacklight thread (its > a skinny fluorescent bulb bent back over, with both ends stuck into one > socket that screws into a regular light fixture). > > Also, if you are going to do it this way and don't already have the glow > paint, you could maybe buy some white blacklight paint instead and save a > little money. > > Nathan Both sound like great ideas. Does the blacklight paint show up at all without black light? I'm sure this is the one I remember reading about, only my brain is fried from a few days' vacation. It would work out really well if I could paint this on my porch and have it show up ONLY under black light (so my husband wouldn't throw a fit)! From owner-halloween-l@majordomo.netcom.com Mon Aug 26 22:42:14 1996 From: catlover@premier1.net To: halloween-l@netcom.com Date: Mon, 26 Aug 1996 22:48:56 EST Subject: Re: evil scientist mutates to evil rabbit mutates to Tim Cur Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: ** Reply to note from Stuart McIntire Thu, 22 Aug 96 09:32:52 EST > > Then there is Leonard Maltin's book of years ago (before > he became an Entertainment Tonight hack) titled _Of Mice > and Magic_. He says, in part, "...The last years of pro- > duction were marked by a weariness one never associated > with Warner's cartoons...fresh ideas and truly funny gags > were almost nonexistent...long running series reached low > points in 1963 with films like Aqua Duck (w/Daffy) and > Transylvania 6-5000 (w/Bugs)..." > (snip) > But I happen to like Transylvania 6-5000... ;) Me too!!! Anyone know if this was the first one that Gossamer (the big orange furball with sneakers) was in? I've always thought of this cartoon as a real classic, with Bugs giving the monster a manicure and setting his hair on dynamite "rollers"...'course, I was 5 when it debuted so maybe my humor wasn't as sophisticated as the critics'! I also keep wondering if the mad scientist's face was supposed to be a spoof of Ben Casey/Vince Edwards, or maybe some 1940's actor? > >Anyone have additional ideas to add to the mad scientist theme? I'm thinking > >maybe some test tubes though I don't know where to look for some. > > There are plenty of sources for test tubes, though they > may be expensive. I have a novelty catalog for the > Intergalactic Trading Co. from a year or two ago. They > offered tubes and beakers for something like this... > > Get _How to Run A (Financially) Successful Haunted House_ > by Phillip Morris. Tried and true mad scientist sets and > illusions are included within... I know, I know...I keep hearing about this book, and so far have successfully put off looking for it because I just KNOW I'll go off the deep end as soon as I read it! (Wanting to do more and bigger and better and *more expensive* Halloween decorating...hey wait a minute, I already HAVE this problem!) From owner-halloween-l@majordomo.netcom.com Mon Aug 26 22:44:58 1996 From: catlover@premier1.net To: halloween-l@netcom.com Date: Mon, 26 Aug 1996 22:51:37 EST Subject: Re: test tubes Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: ** Reply to note from Lisa Marie Peterson Thu, 22 Aug 1996 10:42:09 -0700 (PDT) > > >Anyone have additional ideas to add to the mad scientist theme? I'm thinking > >maybe some test tubes though I don't know where to look for some. > > Maryanne, > Have you considered a children's chemistry set? I've never checked to > see how much they cost, but you can find them just about anywhere (like Toys R Us, > although that would probably not be the cheapest place to get it). > > Lisa ;) > > \\\|/// > \\ - - // > ( @ @ ) > +-----------------oOOo-(_)-oOOo---------------------------+ > | Lisa Marie Peterson direct 408-467-4626 | > | Administrative Asst. fax 408-451-9361 | > | CellAccess Division email peterson@fore.com | > | FORE SYSTEMS WEST internet http://www.fore.com | > +---------------------------Oooo--------------------------+ > oooO ( ) > ( ) ) / > (BIG WHACK ON THE FOREHEAD) I like this idea? Why didn't I think of this?!?!? I even had a toy microscope when I was a kid - unfortunately long gone to a yard sale when my mom moved out here, or I'd use that too. P.S. Love the ASCII art! From owner-halloween-l@majordomo.netcom.com Mon Aug 26 22:48:49 1996 From: catlover@premier1.net To: halloween-l@netcom.com Date: Mon, 26 Aug 1996 22:53:20 EST Subject: Re: Delurking, and Halloween inspiration by... Bugs Bunny! Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: ** Reply to note from Barry Wulfe Thu, 22 Aug 1996 11:02:38 -0500 > I have used the fleck-stone spray paint on the concrete gravestone that I > use for my flaming grave. I applied multiple layers of sealant, and it has > held up great for several years. Rain has had no noticable effect on the > stone finish. Is there any particular kind of sealant I should look for? Maybe the stuff you seal a deck with? From owner-halloween-l@majordomo.netcom.com Mon Aug 26 22:55:23 1996 From: catlover@premier1.net To: halloween-l@netcom.com Date: Mon, 26 Aug 1996 22:59:01 EST Subject: Re: More on Evil Scientist Fun Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: ** Reply to note from DWFWW@jazz.ucc.uno.edu Thu, 22 Aug 1996 14:50:45 -0600 (CST) All I can say to this is - WOW!!!!!!!!!!! Doug, your ideas never cease to amaze me! Now, if there was just a place to store all this wonderful stuff.......... From owner-halloween-l@majordomo.netcom.com Mon Aug 26 23:05:21 1996 From: DWFWW@jazz.ucc.uno.edu Date: Tue, 27 Aug 1996 01:01:43 -0600 (CST) Subject: Re: Grim organist status report To: halloween-l@netcom.com Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Dan - Regarding the much needed corrections to the plans, thanks! Would you be willing to mark up a sheet with your corrections as a sketch and send them to me? I will correct the master plans accordingly, and send Don the updates for the web site for everyone's benefit. I had A feeling I had miscalculated in a place or two, since I could not afford to actually build a prototype. I'm sorry you had to end up being the 'guinea pig' for this experiment, but you will get a big credit in the manuscript for being the first to execute the design. Be sure to take pictures! The final accurate drawing in the book will be based upon them - unless, of course, you'd rather not be included in the book. I hope, however, that you will accept. :-) I will tell you where to send the info if you will e-mail me privately. -Doug *********************************************************************** * Safety, Courtesy, Show and Efficiency: * Doug Ferguson * * The Keys To The Kingdom * dwfww@jazz.ucc.uno.edu * *********************************************************************** From owner-halloween-l@majordomo.netcom.com Mon Aug 26 23:13:37 1996 From: DWFWW@jazz.ucc.uno.edu Date: Tue, 27 Aug 1996 01:12:50 -0600 (CST) Subject: Re: More on Evil Scientist Fun To: halloween-l@netcom.com Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: >Doug, your ideas never cease to amaze me! You are entirely too kind, but my sincere thanks apply. If you'd like, send photos of any of those ideas you implement. There will be an expanded chapter on the same information in the book, along with concept drawings and photos of actual props. -Doug *********************************************************************** * Safety, Courtesy, Show and Efficiency: * Doug Ferguson * * The Keys To The Kingdom * dwfww@jazz.ucc.uno.edu * *********************************************************************** From owner-halloween-l@majordomo.netcom.com Tue Aug 27 02:19:31 1996 Date: Tue, 27 Aug 1996 05:18:39 -0700 From: Jeff Simon To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Poor Man's Flying Ghost [Long] Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: From: simonj@rh.wl.com Everybody: I have scanned the plans for the flying ghost on the archive site with awe, I look forward to the time when I have the time and money to build such a thing. I am almost loath to mention this simpler variation on the theme, but I had great success with it in my teen years and I am certain that at least one or two people will find it of some use. < Anyone young out there should check with their parents before pulling > < this particular stunt. It could undoubtably be dangerous if you fall. > When I was a teenager, the way I used to scare people was to decorate the house as creepily as I could, and then spring my "flying ghost" on them. It had great effect, I got a lot of pleasure out of frightening people with it. A WHOLE lot of pleasure ... I guess I'm just twisted that way. My "flying ghost" was comprised of a styrofoam wig-head - I imagine that everyone knows what I am talking about - that I had marked to look like a skull with some indelible black marker. In later years, I had an artist friend airbrush a much more realistic skull-face onto the front of it. I then sank an eyebolt with about a six inch screw through the top of the wig-head. Lastly, I drove up to a nearby fabric store and bought about six feet of white mesh-like cloth. I don't know what it was called, but it reminded me of the stuff they use for bride's wedding veils. I cut the ends very ragged and then attached it to the styrofoam head. The first year I stapled it to the head. In later years I found it worked better to actually sink the eyebolt through the mesh and then into the styrofoam; the bolt doing a better job of holding the material to the head. That mesh material has a tendency to snag on just about EVERYTHING, especially shingles. "Shingles" you ask? Just wait. I then took this "ghost" and tied it to the line on one of my dad's fishing poles. On Halloween I dressed all in black, including a ski- mask. I would use a ladder to climb onto the roof at the back of the house, scale up to the eaves at the front of the house and sit up there ... waiting. Now, I am sure this has limited appeal. I am sure most of you do not want to take the trouble and risk to climb up on the roof of your house for two or three hours on Halloween night. Let me caution everyone that a fall from you roof could easily break your leg, perhaps kill you, especially if you fell down onto your concrete driveway. But perhaps there are some of you out there just twisted enough .... The sole advantage my "flying ghost" had over the automated one described at the site is that you can control the flight path. I would release about fifteen feet of slack and then dangle the ghost over the side of the house, away from the prying eyes of the suckers coming up my driveway. When the moment was right, I would use the pole to get the ghost swinging in a long loop that would carry it high up into the air and then swoop it past the faces of my startled visitors. I would let out a piercing howl-scream just as it was descending upon them. Their faces would turn upward towards the origin of the sound and and their eyes would pick up this white blur as it swooped down upon them and then rocketed by just overhead. In the dark of night, the fishing line was completely invisible, only the billowing form of my ghost was visible. The centrifugal force of the long arc kept the fabric billowing out behind the head, stretching the figure out to a large size. Sometimes I would swing it back down at them after the "ghost" reached the top of its upward arc, at others I would just let the "ghost" continue on over the roof of the house and back out of sight. The weight of the styrofoam head was sufficient to pull the fishing line out to its furthest extent but it was not heavy enough to bend or stress the pole. It took a little practice to get the feel for the manuever down just right, it also took a little while to work out just when to scream, etc. I found that I got the best effect by letting the people ring the doorbell and get their treat, then springing it upon them as they were walking back from the door, just as they reached the driveway to walk back down to the street/sidewalk. If your house is decorated they may be expecting a surprise as they approach, but invariably once they have gotten the "treat" their defenses go down and they stop watching for the "trick". Let me just say that I got incredible results with this simple stunt. I did not just scare people, I _terrified_ a few of them. I had one confirmed "kill"; some young man in the 12 to 14 year old range who shouted a profanity and ran for the street. He stopped momentarily at the curb, looking back at the house. I had lain back flush against the angle of the roof and had hung the ghost over the side of the house, so he saw nothing. Not knowing what to make of things, he decided caution to be the best option and ran down the street. I am not exaggerating. This memory warms my black little heart some evenings. He didn't drop his bag of candy, though .... Hmmm. Just in case you are starting to think: "This guy is a little TOO intense about scaring people," let me just say that I was not completely heartless. I would not spring the ghost on little children, or young kids unaccompanied by adults. That would be cruel. I preferred victims in the 9 to 14 year old range. Nothing is more irritating than listening to some smart-ass fourteen year old boy ragging the halloween scene you spent hours setting up, scoffing at props, digging through your bushes to find hidden speakers, etc. And NOTHING is more satisfying than wringing a girlish scream of fear out of the little twit thirty seconds later. <:O The parents that came along with their kids seemed to get the most enjoyment out of the trick .... One year, I had my future brother-in-law man the ghost station so I could stay below and work on other angles of the haunting. It was then that I learned that it takes a showman to pull this "flying ghost" stunt off correctly. You cannot be shy about this. Everything is in the presentation. My brother-in-law was reluctant to scream loudly - bashful I guess - and would not get their attention, or not get it quickly enough. You have to wail like a banshee, get them to JERK their eyes upward, not turn them up slowly, languid with mild curiousity. Remember, everyone expects to be scared on Halloween. People are psychologically prepared for some kind of stunt. You have to get around their mental shields, strike in a way that causes them to react from basic instinct. The moment of extreme terror is to hear this startling sound, look up - and before you have the opportunity for conscious thought - see this white thing hurtling down upon you. When I was doing it, people would shriek and then after a frightened moment or two, burst into laughter. When my brother-in-law was controlling the ghost, the people were merely startled to see something whiz by them. It was pitiful ... I was shamed. Before the night was over I had to climb up there and do it myself. Presentation, presentation, PRESENTATION!!! There _are_ some difficulties to overcome. First of all, if there is a lot of ground light in your neighborhood - even at night - the sky will be surprisingly bright. If you are not careful, people coming up your driveway will be able to see your black form silhouetted against the lighter night sky. Secondly, the Trick or Treaters DO communicate amongst themselves. The word gets out, it soon becomes more difficult to achieve surprise. There are ways around this. I didn't do every group of trick or treaters that came to the door. When I would spring the ghost, the kids across the street or at the house next door would be forewarned by the commotion. So I would lay low. Heh. As I lurked in the darkness I would see their eyes turned upward, wondering when I would strike. The anticipation must have been nerve-wracking ... and the ghost never came. Disappointment! Getting them on the way back from the door also helped to circumvent foreknowledge. When nothing happened at first, you could almost hear them thinking "Maybe they were talking about some OTHER house, there's no flying ghost at THIS one." BOO! The word of mouth does have positive aspects, our house was always the most popular location on Halloween. I can recall more than once when groups of trick or treaters rang the doorbell well after nine o'clock, long after I had packed everything up for another year, demanding that I let them see what all the fuss was about. Obviously they had gotten a phone call or something after it was all over and wanted to see for themselves. Irritating, and yet strangely gratifying. I'm sure at least one or two of you will understand. I started to do this only every other year. Something like that is not forgotten, people watch for it the next year, it is much more difficult to achieve tactical surprise. A two-year gap seemed to help. Heh, heh, heh. I think also that it is important to have some kind of display on the ground, it probably helps to keep your vic- uh, visitors' eyes at ground level instead of scanning the rooftops. Although most of you would probably be reluctant to clamber up on your roof for a couple hours, let me say that it was kind of enjoyable. It allows you to see the whole halloween phenomenon from a completely different angle. From the roof of my house I had a view of the whole street. I could see the groups as they moved from one house to another, hear the laughter and conversations, the doors opening and treats being passed out. Very peaceful experience ... broken now and again by moments of furious activity. :-} There were variations on the theme that I wanted to try but never got around to; mounting a noisemaker of some type _on_ the ghost, painting his face or the whole thing with lumniscent dye or something, maybe breaking open one of those light- sticks and using that crud on him. If I were going to do it nowadays, I would try to rig something up with my stereo system, with a wailing sound that went from one side of the house to the other and then back again as the ghost moved along .... Well, that's it, I guess. Just thought I'd share an idea and anecdote with all of you. Hope most of you didn't find it boring, hope some of you might give it a try. It is a very simple scheme, I admit, nothing too glamorous or complicated about swinging a fishing pole around from your roof. But it was VERY effective, and I had a very good time doing it. If anyone has success with this, please write and let me know, I would love to hear about it. Don't fall off the roof! -- Jeff Simon Proud Member D.N.R.C. simonj@rh.wl.com 0- -- Jeff Simon No Sig. File Necessary From owner-halloween-l@majordomo.netcom.com Tue Aug 27 04:51:26 1996 Date: Tue, 27 Aug 1996 06:50:06 -0700 From: "John P. Jeffries" To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re: fresh bodies Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Brandt wrote: > > Hello to one and all! > > We are the Brandts and pretty new to the net...this is the first mail list we > have joined...so if we do something wrong or stupid please let us know. > > We had to join the group after reading up in the archives! > > We decerate every year(not quite as high tec as some of you...but we put on a > good show). > This past halloween we had... > > 53 tombstones made from styrofoam(we thought it was an original idea)(we can > send the epataths if anyone wants) > > 2 hearses(a new hobby of ours collecting old hearses, we now have... > a 71 rearloading hearse > a 68 rearloading hearse > a 64 flower car > > 3 caskets > one is fiberglass, I got it when I was 15(much to my mothers dismay) > the other two are metal we got them special for this past halloween > they are of a dubious origin ( A tip I did not see in the archives is > that almost any big metal scrap yards will have a few caskets laying around and they > will normaly sell them for a few bucks) > > plus many different lights and figures we got from Wally World and Spencers > ( A few years ago we got a bunch of inflatable lightup pumpkins from Spencers, they > have become very tresured decerations...but we cant find anymore if anyone knows where > to get some please let us know) > > Also we have many professional grade costumes, So we had many freinds and our > kids walking through the 'graveyard' scareing the trick or treaters. We had so much > traffic going down our dead end street that the cops sent someone to direct traffic:) > > We live in a small town in Mississippi (fifty thousand people) and very few > people decerate, and no one else goes all out. > > So far for this year we have aquired an electric chair, and I have started > building the 'flying ghosts' from the archives. We are really excited to find this > group and hope we can contribute something > > We hope we havent taken up to much bandwith just thought you might like to know > who we are.(Also please forgive my spelling...my wife is asleep and she is my proof > reader) > > Jimmy, Kelly, Abby, Mercedes, & Scooter BrandtGadzooks! I have a 1949 Caddy...In dire need of chrome,and handles. Got any idea in where to find some? From owner-halloween-l@majordomo.netcom.com Tue Aug 27 05:24:08 1996 Date: Tue, 27 Aug 96 08:19:54 EDT To: halloween-l@netcom.com From: Bill Lewis Subject: Re: Pumpkin Hijinx Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: At 05:43 PM 8/26/96 EST, you wrote: >>I have to admit to, in later years, being in the company >>of a group of kids who stole the pumpkin from a >>friend's porch, set it on fire, and sent it rolling across >>East-West Highway. There. I feel much better. > > East-West Highway??? Tsk, tsk tsk...that's an > awfully busy road! How many cars piled up? ;) Of course, back then is was a 2 lane dirt road, right!? !> From owner-halloween-l@majordomo.netcom.com Tue Aug 27 05:29:47 1996 Date: Tue, 27 Aug 1996 06:24:31 -0600 From: Lauren Jones To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Poor Man's Flying Ghost [Long] -Reply Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Loved the story about the nights in hiding on the roof! And you're right, some of the best moments are the quiet ones. When I was a kid, I used to fly a skeleton from the upper story (just a jointed cardboard one, but it scared a lot of people), and it was interesting to look up and down the street and see the small groups moving through the dark. Must be some kind of primal image. I grew up with a black Lab (this in the days before anyone knew what a Labrador Retriever was) who got into the act as various devil dogs, hounds of hell, etc. During one of his breaks the backyard, the SFX got to the place where I had a long dog barking. I lived on a busy highway, but at that point we had one of those lulls in traffic. In this rare moment of peace, my Lab heard the SFX dogs, decided to bark back, and in about 10 seconds every dog in the neighborhood was giving full voice. From owner-halloween-l@majordomo.netcom.com Tue Aug 27 05:41:59 1996 Date: Tue, 27 Aug 1996 07:07:33 -0500 To: halloween-l@netcom.com From: Linda Subject: Coffins Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Hi everyone...I'm new at this so please have patience with me and let me know if I do something wrong.. What I am trying to find are little black coffins. If I remember right they are about 12" long and are made out of cardboard. If anyone knows where I can get these, please let me know. As for my decorations, I don't have anything as great as I've seen on here but now that I've seen what some of you are doing I plan on trying some of the ideas. Although a blonde with a power tool is scary enough for some people!!!!!! :-) Linda =^..^= =^..^= =^..^= =^..^= =^..^= =^..^= =^..^= =^..^= =^..^= =^..^= "I don't suffer from insanity. I enjoy every minute of it." E-Mail---blazer@forbin.com Visit the beginings of my homepage: http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Park/1636 From owner-halloween-l@majordomo.netcom.com Tue Aug 27 06:40:01 1996 Date: Tue, 27 Aug 1996 08:35:21 -0500 To: halloween-l@netcom.com From: Barry Wulfe Subject: Looking for Casket Hardware Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Last year I purchased a Fiberglass Casket out of thocal want-ads (Old sample from a retired Casket Sales Rep.) It does not have any hinges or handles, and I would like to add some prior to setting up my Halloween display. I have tried some of the local feuneral parlors, but they just balk at the idea of selling the needed hardware. I was woundering if anyut there might know of a good resource for these items. Thanks. Barry Wulfe bwulfe@txdirect.net From owner-halloween-l@majordomo.netcom.com Tue Aug 27 06:48:04 1996 Date: Tue, 27 Aug 1996 08:44:07 -0500 To: halloween-l@netcom.com From: Barry Wulfe Subject: Re: Delurking, and Halloween inspiration by... Bugs Bunny! Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: >** Reply to note from Barry Wulfe Thu, 22 Aug 1996 >11:02:38 -0500 > >> I have used the fleck-stone spray paint on the concrete gravestone that I >> use for my flaming grave. I applied multiple layers of sealant, and it has >> held up great for several years. Rain has had no noticable effect on the >> stone finish. > >Is there any particular kind of sealant I should look for? Maybe the stuff >you seal a deck with? The Dow (I think) Fleck-Stone paiat I used came with its own sealant finish. The sealant was more than enough to give several coats to the Toumbstone. Of course, if you are working with styrafoam, you will need to cover the foam with a non reactive material firs, otherwise the fleck paint will just fade into the pores of the foam, giving little if any effect, and the sealant will dissolve the foam. Barry Wulfe bwulfe@txdirect.net From owner-halloween-l@majordomo.netcom.com Tue Aug 27 06:59:41 1996 To: halloween-l , Barry Wulfe From: William E Rompala Date: 27 Aug 96 9:50:02 Subject: Re: Looking for Casket Hardware Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Barry Wrote: >Last year I purchased a Fiberglass Casket out of thocal want-ads (Old >sample from a retired Casket Sales Rep.) It does not have any hinges or >handles, and I would like to add some prior to setting up my Halloween >display. I have tried some of the local feuneral parlors, but they just >balk at the idea of selling the needed hardware. I was woundering if anyut >there might know of a good resource for these items. Thanks. Try the Batesville Casket Company. I don't have a number but I thought a manufacturer's name would help you. A friend of the family works as a delivery person for them and once I accompanied him to a warehouse. That was one of the weirdest experiences of my life. Caskets standing on end (not laying down) as far as the eye could see! (it was a major warehouse location for them). Each was wrapped in clear plastic. Spooky. You could also try a Home Depot (or equivalent) for handles etc. Some of them would have the long tapered style you are looking for. -W -=- William Rompala Rompala Consulting http://www.netaxs.com/~romwil romwil@netaxs.com rompala_william@jpmorgan.com From owner-halloween-l@majordomo.netcom.com Tue Aug 27 07:31:32 1996 To: halloween-l , Barry Wulfe From: William E Rompala Date: 27 Aug 96 10:22:03 Subject: Re: Looking for Casket Hardware Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Barry Wrote: >What city/state are they in? This would be very helpful in narrowing down >my search for their phone number. Thanks. I went through the 800 directory (1-800-555-1212, a great resource for company's #s) and got you a toll free number for sales. Out of Edgewood NY: 800-246-9446 The warehouse was in PA somewhere. (It was a while ago). Can the rest of you imagine the conversation that is going to transpire here: Sales: "Yes, may I help you in your choice of repository of your eternal rest ???" Barry: "Well, um, I just want to buy _part_ of a casket" Sales: "What? You fiend!" ;-) Good Luck Barry! Please transcribe how this goes! -W -=- William Rompala Rompala Consulting http://www.netaxs.com/~romwil romwil@netaxs.com rompala_william@jpmorgan.com >Try the Batesville Casket Company. I don't have a number but I thought a >manufacturer's name would help you. A friend of the family works as a >delivery From owner-halloween-l@majordomo.netcom.com Tue Aug 27 07:45:34 1996 Date: Mon, 26 Aug 1996 15:57:19 -0700 From: Michael Marcrum To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re: Coffins Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Linda, Good Tuesday to you and all!! I saw the coffin boxes at The Party Store in Novato, it is run by Hallmark! Also at Spencers in the mall in Fairfield. I am pretty sure that I also saw them at Payless here in Sonoma!! Good luck, as for the blonde with a power tool.....no comment! Kathy the new kid on the crypt mmarcrum@ix.netcom.com From owner-halloween-l@majordomo.netcom.com Tue Aug 27 07:59:59 1996 Date: Mon, 26 Aug 1996 16:10:49 -0700 From: Michael Marcrum To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re: Looking for Casket Hardware Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Barry, I was wondering if you could contact the makers themselves! I am pretty sure there is a coffin company in SanFransico! They may be able to tell you how to get the parts. Also you might go to the local cemetary and ask the grounds keepers if they have any ideas. I know at one of our local cemetaries they have several bottom of the line coffins for county funerals. They also might be able to help you. And no I don't have a thing with cemetaries I have just buried 6 friends and family members in the last year :( Never thought it would help me on a email list! Kathy the new kid on the crypt mmarcrum@ix.netcom.com From owner-halloween-l@majordomo.netcom.com Tue Aug 27 08:51:34 1996 Date: Tue, 27 Aug 96 11:45:25 EST From: Stuart McIntire To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re[2]: evil scientist mutates to evil rabbit mutates to Tim Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: >Anyone know if this was the first one that Gossamer (the big orange >furball with sneakers) was in? I'm sure it wasn't. I believe Gossamer (another Chuck Jones creation) also appeared in one or more Marvin the Martian cartoons. I'll find the info and get back to you... >I also keep wondering if the mad scientist's face was supposed to be a spoof of >Ben Casey/Vince Edwards... It's been a while since I've seen it, but I believe you are absolutely right. > I know, I know...I keep hearing about this book, and so far >have successfully put off looking for it because I just KNOW I'll go off >the deep end as soon as I read it! Don't put it off! There are many ideas that are *very* effective and *very* inexpensive. Plus, the price is right. Terror By Design sells this book for a low, low $10.95 I've seen a lot of the "professional" "trade" books that run 4, 5, 6 times that amount which don't really add that much to this book. It can be used by pros, semi-pros, and novices alike. It's a must have for anyone on this list. You'll not regret you bought it! - Stu stuart.mcintire@uage.com From owner-halloween-l@majordomo.netcom.com Tue Aug 27 09:10:29 1996 From: dbell@cup.portal.com To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re: Poor Man's Flying Ghost Date: Tue, 27 Aug 96 09:03:05 PDT Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Great post, Jeff! Your "Poor Man's" ghost is a fine example that some of the best effects are also the simplest. Many of us easily get caught up in the high tech fun aspects, which is certainly entertaining and educational, but not *always* the only, or even *best* way to do it! Your emphasis on the psychological aspects and misdirection can be applied to everything that involves a "surprise" effect. A valuable addition to the archives... Dave dbell@cup.portal.com From owner-halloween-l@majordomo.netcom.com Tue Aug 27 09:11:16 1996 Date: Tue, 27 Aug 1996 09:07:30 -0700 (PDT) From: Don Bertino To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: [BANTER] Looking for Casket Hardware Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: On 27 Aug 1996, William E Rompala wrote: > Can the rest of you imagine the conversation that is going to transpire here: > > > Sales: "Yes, may I help you in your choice of repository of your eternal rest > ???" > Barry: "Well, um, I just want to buy _part_ of a casket" > Sales: "What? You fiend!" Barry: "I need new hinges..." Sales: "Did you wear them out, Count?" or Sales: "I think you want layaway..." *ducks and runs* don bertino@netcom.com ____/^\_____________________________________ Disney ascii art & / \ || FDC MCP || / \ animations are at <______\ [] [] [] || [] [] [] || [] [] [] /______> http://www.calweb.com \----------------||----------||----------------/=== /~bertino===============\______________||__________||______________/===== From owner-halloween-l@majordomo.netcom.com Tue Aug 27 09:27:31 1996 From: DWFWW@jazz.ucc.uno.edu Date: Tue, 27 Aug 1996 11:22:16 -0600 (CST) Subject: Re: Poor Man's Flying Ghost To: halloween-l@netcom.com Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: RO X-Status: >Your emphasis on the psychological aspects and misdirection >can be applied to everything that involves a "surprise" >effect. A valuable addition to the archives... I second that emotion. :-) I remember when I was about 10 or 11... it was Halloween night and I was making the rounds of the neighborhood. In one yard, I saw a sheet-ghost, which appeared to be over a post with a lamp on it. I casually walked over toward it, and it came to life! Yikes! Scared me good. It was a kid wearing the sheet, holding a flashlight beneath his head. That's about as lo-tech as you can go. Setting up the situation is most important, aye. -Doug *********************************************************************** * Safety, Courtesy, Show and Efficiency: * Doug Ferguson * * The Keys To The Kingdom * dwfww@jazz.ucc.uno.edu * *********************************************************************** From owner-halloween-l@majordomo.netcom.com Tue Aug 27 09:30:49 1996 Date: Tue, 27 Aug 1996 11:26:53 -0600 From: Brandt To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re: Looking for Casket Hardware Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: William E Rompala wrote: > > Barry Wrote: > >Last year I purchased a Fiberglass Casket out of thocal want-ads (Old > >sample from a retired Casket Sales Rep.) It does not have any hinges or > >handles, and I would like to add some prior to setting up my Halloween > >display. I have tried some of the local feuneral parlors, but they just > >balk at the idea of selling the needed hardware. I was woundering if anyut > >there might know of a good resource for these items. Thanks. > > Try the Batesville Casket Company. I don't have a number but I thought a > manufacturer's name would help you. A friend of the family works as a delivery > person for them and once I accompanied him to a warehouse. That was one of the > weirdest experiences of my life. Caskets standing on end (not laying down) as > far as the eye could see! (it was a major warehouse location for them). Each > was wrapped in clear plastic. Spooky. > > You could also try a Home Depot (or equivalent) for handles etc. Some of them > would have the long tapered style you are looking for. > > -W > -=- > William Rompala > Rompala Consulting > http://www.netaxs.com/~romwil > romwil@netaxs.com rompala_william@jpmorgan.com A search of the Dark Side if the Web yielded the address: www.batesville.com they have an email address for your querry on hardware. Worth a try. The Brandts fresh bodies From owner-halloween-l@majordomo.netcom.com Tue Aug 27 10:36:31 1996 From: "D. Joseph Creighton" Subject: Setup and misdirection (was Re: Poor Man's Flying Ghost) To: halloween-l@netcom.com Date: Tue, 27 Aug 1996 12:30:26 -0500 (CDT) Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: In the last exciting episode, dbell@cup.portal.com wrote: } Your emphasis on the psychological aspects and misdirection } can be applied to everything that involves a "surprise" } effect. A valuable addition to the archives... Yes, misdirection is the key. An obvious scare can still startle people well enough, but something unanticipated is often scarier and more appreciated by both kids and adults alike. Low or High-Tech, it doesn't matter. My most successful Halloween to date involved scaring the kids *after* they were leaving the house. I'm sure Stu remembers the story... :) - Joe -- "I am so smart! I am so smart! S-M-R-T. I mean, S-M-A-R-T!" -- Homer Simpson http://www.ee.umanitoba.ca/~djc/ D. Joseph Creighton [ESTP]\ Sr. Programmer, DB Support: Administrative Systems Joe_Creighton@UManitoba.CA \ University of Manitoba Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada From owner-halloween-l@majordomo.netcom.com Tue Aug 27 11:03:05 1996 Date: Tue, 27 Aug 1996 13:49:00 -0400 (EDT) From: Lund To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Motor for FCG Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: For those of you looking for the motor for the flying crank ghost, visit: http://www.grainger.com Models 2Z806 or 3M096 work fine. Larry _ ___c Lawrence H. Lund \ _| \_ 179 Studley Street __\_| oooo \_____ Brentwood, NY 11717 ~~~~|______________/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ E-mail: llund@suffolk.lib.ny.us llund179@aol.com Phone: (516)-231-8790 Fax: (516)-434-9315 From owner-halloween-l@majordomo.netcom.com Tue Aug 27 11:32:14 1996 Date: Tue, 27 Aug 1996 13:57:42 -0400 From: dallan@dow.com (David Allan) To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: 15 kV Neon sign transformer Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: I have an opportunity to purchase a neon sign transformer (to use for Jacob's Ladder) for about $45 (incl. postage). Whaddya think, is this a good price? Thanks. David dallan@dow.com From owner-halloween-l@majordomo.netcom.com Tue Aug 27 11:47:25 1996 Date: Tue, 27 Aug 96 14:27:07 EST From: Stuart McIntire To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re: Setup and misdirection Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Joe Creighton says: >Yes, misdirection is the key. An obvious scare can still startle people well >enough, but something unanticipated is often scarier and more appreciated >by both kids and adults alike. Low or High-Tech, it doesn't matter. Amen to that. Usually my most effective scare is the one that required the least prep and the most creative thinking (and often times, ad-libbing). >My most successful Halloween to date involved scaring the kids *after* >they were leaving the house. I'm sure Stu remembers the story... :) :) Mais oui, Monsieur Creighton! It was one of the best post-Halloween follow-ups I've heard yet! The most successful misdirection I've discovered is not the ones where I do the misdirecting, but rather, allow the victim(s) to *assume* they know what's coming. Then I burst their misconceived bubble :) - Stu stuart.mcintire@uage.com From owner-halloween-l@majordomo.netcom.com Tue Aug 27 12:24:40 1996 Date: Mon, 26 Aug 1996 20:24:17 -0700 From: Michael Marcrum To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re: Re[2]: evil scientist mutates to evil rabbit mutates to Tim Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Buy the book!! I can't understand how to wire two wires togethter, but this book is so easy to understand I can even follow it!! And it has some really great ideas on how to do things cheap and leave everyone guessing how you did it!! Get that book! Kathy the new kid on the crypt mmarcrum@ix.netcom.com From owner-halloween-l@majordomo.netcom.com Tue Aug 27 12:33:12 1996 Date: Mon, 26 Aug 1996 20:31:43 -0700 From: Michael Marcrum To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re: [BANTER] Looking for Casket Hardware Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Barry: "I need parts for a coffin...." Sales: "sorry ...." Barry: "That was a dead end..." From owner-halloween-l@majordomo.netcom.com Tue Aug 27 14:04:14 1996 Date: Tue, 27 Aug 1996 14:28:32 -0600 From: Lauren Jones To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re: Re[2]: evil scientist mutates to evil rabbit mutates to Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com.Tim.-Reply Status: O X-Status: Which book was that, Kathy? I let it go by too quickly... >>> Michael Marcrum 08/26/96 11:24pm >>> Buy the book!! I can't understand how to wire two wires togethter, but this book is so easy to understand I can even follow it!! And it has some really great ideas on how to do things cheap and leave everyone guessing how you did it!! Get that book! Kathy the new kid on the crypt mmarcrum@ix.netcom.com From owner-halloween-l@majordomo.netcom.com Tue Aug 27 14:06:43 1996 Date: Tue, 27 Aug 1996 15:58:37 -0600 From: Brandt To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re: fresh bodies Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: John P. Jeffries wrote: > > Brandt wrote: > > > > Hello to one and all! > > > > We are the Brandts and pretty new to the net...this is the first mail list we > > have joined...so if we do something wrong or stupid please let us know. > > > > We had to join the group after reading up in the archives! > > > > We decerate every year(not quite as high tec as some of you...but we put on a > > good show). > > This past halloween we had... > > > > 53 tombstones made from styrofoam(we thought it was an original idea)(we can > > send the epataths if anyone wants) > > > > 2 hearses(a new hobby of ours collecting old hearses, we now have... > > a 71 rearloading hearse > > a 68 rearloading hearse > > a 64 flower car > > > > 3 caskets > > one is fiberglass, I got it when I was 15(much to my mothers dismay) > > the other two are metal we got them special for this past halloween > > they are of a dubious origin ( A tip I did not see in the archives is > > that almost any big metal scrap yards will have a few caskets laying around and they > > will normaly sell them for a few bucks) > > > > plus many different lights and figures we got from Wally World and Spencers > > ( A few years ago we got a bunch of inflatable lightup pumpkins from Spencers, they > > have become very tresured decerations...but we cant find anymore if anyone knows where > > to get some please let us know) > > > > Also we have many professional grade costumes, So we had many freinds and our > > kids walking through the 'graveyard' scareing the trick or treaters. We had so much > > traffic going down our dead end street that the cops sent someone to direct traffic:) > > > > We live in a small town in Mississippi (fifty thousand people) and very few > > people decerate, and no one else goes all out. > > > > So far for this year we have aquired an electric chair, and I have started > > building the 'flying ghosts' from the archives. We are really excited to find this > > group and hope we can contribute something > > > > We hope we havent taken up to much bandwith just thought you might like to know > > who we are.(Also please forgive my spelling...my wife is asleep and she is my proof > > reader) > > > > Jimmy, Kelly, Abby, Mercedes, & Scooter BrandtGadzooks! I have a 1949 Caddy...In dire need of chrome,and handles. Got > any idea in where to find some? try John's Caddy Corner in Dallas if John doesent have it he can find it The Brandts Fresh bodies From owner-halloween-l@majordomo.netcom.com Tue Aug 27 14:40:55 1996 Date: Mon, 26 Aug 1996 17:24:50 -0400 To: halloween-l@netcom.com From: "Freya E. Harris" Subject: Halloween Hearses Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: A while ago someone was asking for advice on how to plan a Halloween wedding. After reading about the "fresh bodies" and their hearses, it occurred to me that a hearse would make a perfect "limo" for the occasion. The bride could arrive in a coffin (actually, they both could arrive in coffins - Hiss & Curse caskets!), and they could depart in a nice black hearse decorated with a "Just Married" sign plus orange and black crepe paper and balloons. Instead of tin cans, bones tied to the rear bumper. (Imagine the heads that would turn!) Am I sick, or am I sick? ATLANTA, GEORGIA: Winner of the 1995 World Series AND of the 1996 Olympic Games From owner-halloween-l@majordomo.netcom.com Tue Aug 27 14:41:09 1996 Date: Tue, 27 Aug 96 17:18:09 EST From: Stuart McIntire To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Neon Transformers Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: - >>I have an opportunity to purchase a neon sign transformer (to use for >>Jacob's Ladder) for about $45 (incl. postage). Whaddya think, is this a good >>price? > >>David >>dallan@dow.com Hi David, Stu forwarded your post to me, I used to do neon as a hobby sideline and still have all the equipment in my shop, just no time. To answer your question- It depends on the type of transformer... what you want is an outdoor style, core and coil transformer, 6,000 to 10,000 volt, 60 ma. The cost should run around $75.00 for a decent one. Stay away from- 15,000 volt (overkill), lower ma. output and electronic or solid state transformers with their "equivalent output" ratings. Solid state sign transformers will usually burn out from a shorted circuit as in a Jacob's ladder. If you're not comfortable working with butt kicking, finger blasting, heart stopping electricity, please find a friend who can help. Denny B.T. Productions' Terror By Design Haunt Supplies & Scare Wares Thanks, Denny! - Stu stuart.mcintire@uage.com From owner-halloween-l@majordomo.netcom.com Tue Aug 27 14:52:01 1996 Date: Tue, 27 Aug 1996 21:39:57 GMT To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re: Re[2]: evil scientist mutates to evil rabbit mutates to Tim From: fiberopt@usa.pipeline.com (Moon) Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: What book are you talking about?? It sound interesting!!!.. Kel -- -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Fiberopt@usa.pipeline.com "From 0 To Witch in 2.1 Secconds" http://inet-images.com/eq/home/index.htm -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= From owner-halloween-l@majordomo.netcom.com Tue Aug 27 14:58:30 1996 Date: Tue, 27 Aug 1996 16:32:48 -0600 From: Brandt To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re: Looking for Casket Hardware Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Barry Wulfe wrote: > > Last year I purchased a Fiberglass Casket out of thocal want-ads (Old > sample from a retired Casket Sales Rep.) It does not have any hinges or > handles, and I would like to add some prior to setting up my Halloween > display. I have tried some of the local feuneral parlors, but they just > balk at the idea of selling the needed hardware. I was woundering if anyut > there might know of a good resource for these items. Thanks. > > Barry Wulfe > bwulfe@txdirect.net Barry, My fist casket is a fiberglass one, I have searched for hardware for years but never found any that would work. The lid was mounted with door hinges screwed into the wooden rim and reinforced with more 'glass' over the mount. If yours is the same as mine (bare on the inside) I would suggest that you build a box on the inside and screw it to the wooden frame (the 'glass' they use is very weak and tends crack & spiderweb with much use). We have gotten 2 metal caskets with all the hardware from scrapyards ($25.00 each), so now we use the 'glass' one where it wont get much abuse (in case your wondering the 'glass one holds paint very well and has been almost every color under the rainbow including candy apple red with flames courtesy of a highschool bodyshop class). We find that letting the 'glass' one sit and using the metal ones for carrying works best (and the metal ones are actually lighter) I know this is very long and no help but my caskets have given our whole family with many hours of fun with very little expense. The Brandts Fresh Bodies From owner-halloween-l@majordomo.netcom.com Tue Aug 27 15:20:44 1996 Date: Tue, 27 Aug 1996 16:59:09 -0600 From: Brandt To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re: Epitaphs Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Brandt wrote: > > Here are some epitaphs... > > Lea Ning (with a tilted tombstone) > > Willy Rott > > Barney...I miss you...you miss me (our only purple tombstone) > > I. Emma Spook > > Justin Pieces > > Orson Buggy > > Jaws (a big bite out of this stone) > > Hammond Eggs > > Lizzy Bordons father lies here (with many small stones around that say 'and here') > > Mary Lass missed the brake and hit the gas > > Tom Thumb (very small stone) > > Jim Migg would like for you to dig > > Lester Moore 2 shots from a 44 no Less no Moore > > Diane Rott > > Jason Vorheves Born ? Died 1964, 1981, 1984, 1988, 1992, 1995* (each date except > 1995 has a red scratch out line through them, there is a * next to 1995 and in () below > it says 'we hope' > > Ben Dover (a favorite of the kids) > > Mary Aster should have j-walked a little faster > > Seymore Butts inventor of the miniskirt (courtesy of our seven year old daughter) > > M.T. Box > > B.A. Ghoul > > Manny Bones > > I was Fred now I'm dead > > Mark A. Place > > Mrs. Derns now being ate by worms > > Candy B. Goode > > Bye > > Barry R. Bones > > Your name here > > I told you I was sick (wich we have seen in real graveyards) > > and for everyone who grew up in the midwest... > > SEE RUBY FALLS > (Jimmys favorite) > > This is all we could remember tonight we will post more when we pull > the stones out of storage. > > BTW does anyone have a line on light up inflatable jackolanterns, if you > do please let us know. > > The Brandts > (fresh bodies) From owner-halloween-l@majordomo.netcom.com Tue Aug 27 15:58:29 1996 From: dbell@cup.portal.com To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Lamp Flasher Date: Tue, 27 Aug 96 15:54:58 PDT Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Well, I've seen enough thoughts about building or buying various forms of light controllers or flashers, and enough declarations of absolute cluelessness, that I decided to stick my neck out a little, and offer a design. This isn't for the *totally* clueless, but it really isn't difficult to scratch together from Radio Shack and surplus parts. My intent was to design a simple two-light flasher, with variable on-time, independently for each lamp. It should be capable of flashing either lamp for a small fraction of a second, up to maybe ten seconds. It should be powered off either a battery, or a "battery eliminator" type wall transformer. It needs to switch 120 Volts AC to the lamps, so it should be as safe as possible to build and operate, without going to extreme measures. I've not attempted to give extremely detailed, step-by-step instructions, with exact part numbers or similar details. On the one hand, the entire design is extremely flexible and tolerant of deviations in parts available. On the other hand, if you can't build it from these notes - DON'T TRY! I would much rather see you spend the money on a commercial product than see anyone at risk of injury. Get a friend with the necessary experience, if necessary!! Most of the parts for this design are available at Radio Shack, or similar outlets. The only items not readily available would be the two AC solid-state relays. These can be found in many surplus dealers, local or mail-order. The specifications for the relay are that it switch 120 V AC, be optically isolated, and be controlled by 5 to 12 Volts DC, at 20 milliamps or less. Build the entire project in an aluminum "Budd" box or an extra-deep 2"x4" steel electrical outlet box. With the latter, you don't have the added work of cutting the holes to mount outlets. Get a steel duplex cover plate, and the safe mounting is done. The two controls may be mounted in the side of the deep back portion of the box. Parts: IC1 CMOS (for the voltage range) 555 timer chip. NE555N, MC1455, or others. R1, R2 100k linear potentiometers. Don't need switches, etc. R3, R4 1k, 1/4 watt 5% resistors. No special requirement, these simply limit the settings to 1k Ohms minimum. D1, D2 1N4148, 1N4001, or similar Silicon diode. C1 0.1 microfarad, 25 volts or higher. Almost any value will do here. C2 22 microfarad, 25 volts Tantalum capacitor, or better, lower leakage type. K2, K2 AC Solid-state Relays. 120 Volts, 1 Amp or more (depends upon your intended load), 5 to 12 volt DC control input. Power supply: DC, 9 to 12 volts. Use a single 9 volt battery with wired clip, or get a small power adapter transformer with DC output, and either cut off the plug and wire it in directly, or get a matching socket and mount the socket in the wall of the box. A battery holder with 6 'C' cells, or even 'AA's, would run it much longer than the 9 volt. An eight-pin socket for IC1, an inch square of perforated board to build it on, small amounts of hookup wire, etc... Good luck, and safe haunting! Dave Bell dbell@cup.portal.com ========================================================================= +9 to +12 V A | +---------------+ | | +-----+-----------|----------+ | | | | | | | __|__ +---+ | | D1 \ / / \ D2 __|___|__ | | ________ L ----- | | 8 4 | | | | |----------------+ a | | | | | +-----|+in ~| m | | | | | | K1 | +--+ p | | | IC1 | | +-----|-in ~| | R1 \ \ R2 | | | | |________|-----+ +------+ 1 +->/ +->/ | | | | | | | | \ | \ | | | | | | | | / | / | 3|---+----+ | | | +--+ +--+ | | | | | | | | | | | ________ | | | L R3 \ \ R4 | | | | |----------------+ a / / | | +-----|+in ~| | | | m \ \ (n/c)|7 | | K2 | | | +--+ p / / | | +-----|-in ~| | | | | | | | | |________|-----+ +------+ 2 | | | | | | | | +-----+-----+--|2 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | +--|6 | | +------|-+-|---+ + __|__ | | | | | | | | | | | -|-|-|- C1 /---\ | | | | /_______\ - | |__1___5__| | __|__ | | | | | | | \___/ Grounded AC | | _|_ | \_/ supply! | | --- C2 | ground to | | | | box! +-----------------+---+-----------+ | G power supply return Note: In this drawing, lines that CONNECT are joined with a "+": | | | --+-- --+ --+ --+-- for example. | | | Lines that DO NOT CONNECT look like this: | | ----- --|-- for example. | | From owner-halloween-l@majordomo.netcom.com Tue Aug 27 16:17:14 1996 Date: Tue, 27 Aug 1996 16:18:36 +0100 From: Tad Peters To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re: Neon Transformers Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: > To answer your question- > It depends on the type of transformer... what you want is an outdoor style, > core and coil transformer, 6,000 to 10,000 volt, 60 ma. The cost should run > around $75.00 for a decent one. Stay away from- 15,000 volt (overkill), lower > ma. output and electronic or solid state transformers with their "equivalent > output" ratings. Solid state sign transformers will usually burn out from a > shorted circuit as in a Jacob's ladder. > If you're not comfortable working with butt kicking, finger blasting, heart > stopping electricity, please find a friend who can help. > Denny > > B.T. Productions' > Terror By Design > > Haunt Supplies & Scare Wares > > Thanks, Denny! > > - Stu > stuart.mcintire@uage.com what about 50,000 volt transoformers? I am not sure the wattage, for about $50. -- Tad Peters A. Harlequin Costume makeup@earthlink.net 9589 Foothill Blvd http://home.earthlink.net/~makeup Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 murphy_for_congress@desktop.tyrell.com (909) 948-2950 From owner-halloween-l@majordomo.netcom.com Tue Aug 27 16:21:06 1996 To: Halloween Subject: Re: Halloween Hearses Date: Tue, 27 Aug 96 16:18:25 -0500 From: wraith Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: -- [ From: wraith * EMC.Ver #2.5.02 ] -- Freya E. Harris wwrote: > > A while ago someone was asking for advice on how to plan a Halloween wedding. > After reading about the "fresh bodies" and their hearses, it occurred to me > that a hearse would make a perfect "limo" for the occasion. The bride could > arrive in a coffin (actually, they both could arrive in coffins - Hiss & Curse > caskets!), and they could depart in a nice black hearse decorated with a "Just > Married" sign plus orange and black crepe paper and balloons. Instead of tin > cans, bones tied to the rear bumper. (Imagine the heads that would turn!) > > Am I sick, or am I sick? Hi everyone! I'm relativly new here, but i had to say "No, you are not too sick, can anyone ever be?" My husband and i got married 12 years ago this Halloween, we only wish we could have had a wedding like that. Instead, we got up at 8:00am, went to teh court house, got married and went to work at our video store. of course we did have time to get dressed in our zombie costumes that we had made. And we had decorated the store with all sorts of Halloween finery, including a big rubber spider in the center of the ceiling that we could drop on top of our costumers' heads as they walked by. My husband and i love Halloween so much, we leave most of our decorations up year round, makes us feel more at home *grin* I also have to say that so far, i love this list, it seems very friendly and everyone has so many great ideas! Are there any Southern California members out there that have had the pleasure of going to Knott's Berry Farm's Halloween Haunt? We go every year, it's the greatset place in the world at Halloween! If you live out here and get the chance, GO!! I'll crawl back under my rock for now, wraith -- ******************************************* wraith co-owner: Nightstalkers Horror List wraith2@ix.netcom.com http://www.psdesert.com/wraith/index~1.htm ******************************************* ----+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+---- "You come into this world naked, screaming and covered in blood. It doesn't have to end there, if you know how to live right." (thanks, winter) ----+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+---- From owner-halloween-l@majordomo.netcom.com Tue Aug 27 17:16:28 1996 Date: Tue, 27 Aug 1996 20:04:38 -0400 (EDT) From: Lund To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re: 15 kV Neon sign transformer Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: On Tue, 27 Aug 1996, David Allan wrote: > I have an opportunity to purchase a neon sign transformer (to use for > Jacob's Ladder) for about $45 (incl. postage). Whaddya think, is this a good > price? Don't know about the price, but an oil burner transformer (10,000V) works fine, my neighbor works for an oil supply and service company and he gave me 3 old ones, some won't do 10,000V any more but they create a nice 2 to 3 inch spark. Larry _ ___c Lawrence H. Lund \ _| \_ 179 Studley Street __\_| oooo \_____ Brentwood, NY 11717 ~~~~|______________/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ E-mail: llund@suffolk.lib.ny.us llund179@aol.com Phone: (516)-231-8790 Fax: (516)-434-9315 From owner-halloween-l@majordomo.netcom.com Tue Aug 27 18:46:43 1996 Date: Tue, 27 Aug 1996 21:39:03 -0400 To: halloween-l@netcom.com From: kahnn@pa.net (Nathan Kahn) Subject: Re: flying ghost Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: >There _are_ some difficulties to overcome. First of all, if there is a lot of >ground light in your neighborhood - even at night - the sky will be surprisingly >bright. If you are not careful, people coming up your driveway will be able to >see your black form silhouetted against the lighter night sky. Secondly, the >Trick or Treaters DO communicate amongst themselves. The word gets out, it soon >becomes more difficult to achieve surprise. A friend of mine who shall remain nameless climbs up the lamp post outside his house and covers the light with black plastic. You can also fool streetlights into thinking it is daytime by shining a bright light at them. They will go off for about 15 minutes. Then you have to shine the light again. A bright strobe does the trick, as does one of those spotlights that you plug into the cigarette outlet in your vehicle. Nathan ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Nathan Kahn Home: kahnn@pa.net Work: nathan@theatrefx.com Work Web: http://www.theatrefx.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ From owner-halloween-l@majordomo.netcom.com Tue Aug 27 18:58:19 1996 Date: Tue, 27 Aug 1996 21:39:00 -0400 To: halloween-l@netcom.com From: kahnn@pa.net (Nathan Kahn) Subject: Re: Delurking, and Halloween inspiration by... Bugs Bunny! Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: >Both sound like great ideas. Does the blacklight paint show up at all without >black light? I'm sure this is the one I remember reading about, only my brain >is fried from a few days' vacation. It would work out really well if I could >paint this on my porch and have it show up ONLY under black light (so my husband >wouldn't throw a fit)! There are (mainly) three types of blacklight paint: 1. Regular - shows up as a dull color under regular light, and a bright fluorescent color under UV. Be careful because some colors appear a different color under regular light - example white UV paint looks pink in incandescent light. 2. Dayglo - shows up as a bright pseudo-fluorescent color under regular light, and a bright fluorescent color under UV. By pseudo-fluorescent I mean a color that almost looks like you are shining a blacklight on it even though you aren't. 3. Invisible - sorry, that doesn't mean it shows up *only* under blacklight. Invisible UV paint is white under regular light and takes on its advertised color when the blacklight is turned on. (Cool for painting colored ghosts on white backgrounds - they magically appear when the blacklight is turned on.) That's the scoop. Nathan ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Nathan Kahn Home: kahnn@pa.net Work: nathan@theatrefx.com Work Web: http://www.theatrefx.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ From owner-halloween-l@majordomo.netcom.com Tue Aug 27 20:25:08 1996 Date: Tue, 27 Aug 1996 22:22:55 -0500 To: halloween-l@netcom.com From: Barry Wulfe Subject: Re: Looking for Casket Hardware Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: > My fist casket is a fiberglass one, I have searched for >hardware for years but never found any that would work. The >lid was mounted with door hinges screwed into the wooden rim >and reinforced with more 'glass' over the mount. > > If yours is the same as mine (bare on the inside) I >would suggest that you build a box on the inside and screw it >to the wooden frame (the 'glass' they use is very weak and tends >crack & spiderweb with much use). > > We have gotten 2 metal caskets with all the hardware from >scrapyards ($25.00 each), so now we use the 'glass' one where it >wont get much abuse (in case your wondering the 'glass one holds >paint very well and has been almost every color under the rainbow >including candy apple red with flames courtesy of a highschool >bodyshop class). We find that letting the 'glass' one sit and >using the metal ones for carrying works best (and the metal >ones are actually lighter) > > I know this is very long and no help but my caskets have >given our whole family with many hours of fun with very little >expense. > > The Brandts > Fresh Bodies Thanks for the info. My casket is also bare on the inside. Unlike yours, it does not have any hinges mounted on it. Now that you have pointed it out, my casket probably would not hold up too well if the lid were attached with hinges. Last year I set it up as a bar for my annual party (I put a shelf on the bottom to provide a flat surface) I guess I may end up doing the same this year, and look for other options for an outdoor Casket. I recently put together a wood shop in my garage and might try to make a simple pine box.....I'll just have to see how much time I have available with all of my other party preparations. Oh, well....thanks to everyone on the list for all of your great suggestions. Barry Wulfe bwulfe@txdirect.net From owner-halloween-l@majordomo.netcom.com Wed Aug 28 01:35:00 1996 From: htraver@dreamsys.com Date: Wed, 28 Aug 1996 01:19:16 -0700 Subject: Re: Halloween Hearses To: halloween-l@netcom.com Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Wraith, I've been going and collecting ideas from the Knotts Haloween Haunt for tha last 14 years. It's a truly fantastic experience, the Nirvana of haunted houses. I mean, most amusement parks make out on small section of the park. Knotts do3es the ENTIRE PARK, with the exception of one ride. (Mystery Lodge). There are at least 8 walk through and 2 ride through haunted houses not to mention the whole ghoulish area of the entire park. Theior shows are insane, with the Hanging being the ultimate parody and pinnacle of comedy. Inside tips, Wraith: the Hanging is going back to it's roots this year. Simple, no parody, and very scary. 2 new haunted houses this year, one at the eating area across from Jaguar, and the other by the exit gate, outside of the park. In years past, do you remember Kingdom of the Lounge Lizards, or Dr. Timothy Leary's Time Machine? both haunted houses were played for laughs. Real bizarre..... Harry (in a half lurking mood, just back from knotts :) [ Sent From: Dreamscape Systems - dreamsys.com ] [ Location: Van Nuys, CA - (818) 781-7529 ] From owner-halloween-l@majordomo.netcom.com Wed Aug 28 06:05:29 1996 Date: Wed, 28 Aug 96 08:55:23 EDT To: halloween-l@netcom.com From: Bill Lewis Subject: Re: Motor for FCG Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: At 01:49 PM 8/27/96 -0400, you wrote: >For those of you looking for the motor for the flying crank ghost, visit: >http://www.grainger.com >Models 2Z806 or 3M096 work fine. Graingers however doesn't sell to the general public. You have to have a business, or know of someone who does (and will), to purchase from them. My neighbor offered to do it for me, but we have one local to us. Bill Lewis NSWC Carderock Division Code 6060 (301) 227-2742 lewisw@oasys.dt.navy.mil lewisb@erols.com From owner-halloween-l@majordomo.netcom.com Wed Aug 28 06:54:27 1996 Date: Tue, 27 Aug 1996 15:01:50 -0700 From: Michael Marcrum To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re: Halloween Hearses Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: OK all you theme park fans....some of you have all the scoop so get us a date that some of us can go down to LA and see both the knotts berry farm haunting and the Disney Haunting!!!I know that Don probably knows the dates at Disneyland and Harry seems to know a lot about Knotts Berry Farms!! Maybe we could all drive down there in hearses :) Kathy the new kid on the crypt mmarcrum@ix.netcom.com From owner-halloween-l@majordomo.netcom.com Wed Aug 28 08:19:42 1996 Date: Wed, 28 Aug 96 10:05:49 CDT From: droelke@rdxsunhost.aud.alcatel.com (Daniel R. Oelke) To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Re: Motor for FCG Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: > At 01:49 PM 8/27/96 -0400, you wrote: > >For those of you looking for the motor for the flying crank ghost, visit: > >http://www.grainger.com > >Models 2Z806 or 3M096 work fine. > > Graingers however doesn't sell to the general public. You have to have a > business, or know of someone who does (and will), to purchase from them. My > neighbor offered to do it for me, but we have one local to us. > Bill Lewis Bill, (and any others who want to buy from Graingers) If your purchase is under $40 Graingers doesn't set up an "account" for you, its just cash and carry. You need to give them a business name, but all you need to say for that is "Lewis Consulting", or something along those lines. There are enough people that do single man operations, with such a name that they won't question it if you do it with a straight face. Trust me - this is what I did. If you are going of $40 and they may want a tax-id number or some such thing to set up an account, and then you can just conviently forget to have brought it along. Good luck, Dan ------------------------------------------------------------------ Dan Oelke Alcatel Network Systems droelke@aud.alcatel.com Richardson, TX From owner-halloween-l@majordomo.netcom.com Wed Aug 28 08:26:44 1996 Date: Wed, 28 Aug 96 11:05:55 EST From: Stuart McIntire To: halloween-l@netcom.com Subject: Oops! Who was that again? Reply-To: halloween-l@netcom.com Status: O X-Status: Could the person who posted the message from Northern Maryland please con-