Thank you for another horrifying season
Better late than never, there are some people to acknowledge. Please keep your subscription current; I plan to return next year. And we can stay in touch on Facebook, Twitter @HalloweenHaunt and HalloweenHaunt.wordpress.com. And email TheHalloweenHaunt at gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you.
Harry Houdini
He died on Halloween, but wasn’t a believer in the supernatural. And yet he himself seemed supernatural. Hmm…. Learn about the life of one of the most interesting figures of the 20th century, and tell us who you would like to learn about next on Facebook, on Twitter @HalloweenHaunt, or HalloweenHaunt.wordpress.com.
Learn all about Mr. Houdini at the website of the PBS program “American Experience,” and read more on Wikipedia.
Music:
“Someone’s Behind” by Shakthi (from MacJams.com)
“Serpentine Trek” by Kevin Macleod (incompetech.com)
“Alchemist’s Tower” by Kevin Macleod (incompetech.com)
“Sound of the Fury” by Erik Scott Johnston
Bloody Mary
Cute children’s game, or doorway to the unknown? Or both? Learn about Bloody Mary, a topic suggested by listener Danny Kidwell. Tell us your favorite spooky game at HalloweenHaunt.wordpress.com, on Facebook, or on Twitter @HalloweenHaunt.
Learn more about Bloody Mary from Wikipedia, About.com, Snopes, and Scary for Kids.
Music:
“Darkest Child var A” by Kevin Macleod (incompetech.com)
Two More from Thomas Lovell Beddoes
We return to the troubled mind of T.L. Beddoes with two more poems: “Song on the Water”and “A Lament.” Tell us your favorite poet on Twitter @HalloweenHaunt, on Facebook, or at HalloweenHaunt.wordpress.com.
Some music:
“Relent” by Kevin Macleod (incompetech.com)
Banshees
By suggestion from Skyler on Facebook, we discuss the mythical creature the banshee. Please don’t cry if we didn’t your favorite aspect, just let us know at the aforementioned Facebook, on Twitter @HalloweenHaunt, or at HalloweenHaunt.wordpress.com.
There are several websites that discuss banshees, like Wikipedia, Ireland’s Eye, and Your Irish. Rune Scape fans, this will tell about your banshees. And if you were disappointed I didn’t discuss Siouxsie and the Banshees….
Music:
“The Pyre” by Kevin Macleod (incompetech.com)
“Staley Fleming’s Hallucination” by Ambrose Bierce
Our friend Ambrose Bierce has another tale of the weird. Pass along your thoughts and favorite authors/pieces at HalloweenHaunt.wordpress.com. Don’t forget our Twitter feed @HalloweenHaunt and our Facebook page.
Music:
“Lasting Hope” by Kevin Macleod (incompetech.com)
“The Mad Scientist” by David Chochoi (from Soundclick.com)
“Pale Rider” by Kevin Macleod (incompetech.com)
“65. Piano Darkation” by tschai (from Soundclick.com)
Vlad the Impaler
With a moniker like “the Impaler,” you know he wasn’t someone to hang around with. This is a pretty intense episode, not for little ones. I would guess this would be appropriate for age 13 and older, but parents should decide for themselves and their children. Comment on HalloweenHaunt.wordpress.com, and join us on our Facebook page and Twitter @HalloweenHaunt.
Should you not be too grossed out to want to learn more, Wikipedia has much more information. And it seems old Vlad has a bit of a fan club. Well, at least he has his own website. I wonder if he saw that coming?
Music:
“Distant Tension” by Kevin Macleod (incompetech.com)
“Hidden Danger B” by Kevin Macleod (freepd.com)
“Ghostpocalypse – 7“ by Kevin Macleod (incompetech.com)
Vincent Price
By all accounts, horror actor Vincent Price was a lovely man who, while somewhat eccentric, seemed to have lived a fairly pleasant life. We will discuss him anyway, because he is such an important figure in horror history, and because Skyler suggested it at HalloweenHaunt.wordpress.com. But don’t expect to be creeped out by this episode. Who is your favorite? Let us know on our Facebook page, Twitter @HalloweenHaunt, or HalloweenHaunt.wordpress.com.
You can learn more about Vincent on Wikipedia, of course, and even more of course on IMDb. There is a virtual exhibit about Mr. Price, too. One of these days, I think I’ll make it a point to visit the Vincent Price Art Museum in Monterey Park, CA, even though it looks bright and cheery (which is what I find scary, to tell you the truth). Oh–here’s the ad for Milton Bradley’s Shrunken Head Apple Sculpture kit. You’ll find it in very old comic books, as well. Our friends at Relic Radio often feature Vincent’s radio show, The Price of Fear, on their podcast called “The Horror.”
Some of the background:
“Scissors” by Kevin Macleod (incompetech.com)
“Villainous Treachery” by Kevin Macleod (incompetech.com)
“Zona de Truenos” by Hollywood Haunts from “Halloween – El DÃ�a Del Muerto!” (INTROSOUND)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
“Dirge and Hymneal” by Thomas Lovell Beddoes
I’ve missed Thomas Lovell Beddoes, so here is another poem from the gothic master. If there are any authors you would like to hear in the Haunt, please tell us at at Twitter @HalloweenHaunt, or on our Facebook page, or HalloweenHaunt.wordpress.com.
If you would like to read along, click here.
Music:
“A New Morning” by Persona (from MacJams.com)
“Misery” by The Danse Leviathan (Adam John Prawlocki) (from MacJams.com)
“The Serpent Mound” by Laura Sullivan from “Mystical America” (Sentient Spirit Records)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
How to Carve a Jack O’Lantern
A special double-sized episode that is perhaps the most family friendly ever in the Halloween Haunt. A comprehensive how-to, perhaps more for the younger, inexperienced knife-wielders than the grown folks. What’s your favorite thing to carve? Let us know at HalloweenHaunt.wordpress.com, Twitter @HalloweenHaunt, or on our Facebook page.
Some written step-by-step instructions can be found here. Halloween queen Martha Stewart shows you what all the tools look like. Disney Family Fun has Jack O’Lantern ideas if you need some.
Music:
“Circus Tent” by Kevin Macleod (incompetech.com)
“Amazing Plan” by Kevin Macleod (incompetech.com)
“Antagonist B” by Kevin Macleod (freepd.com)
“Iron Horse” and “Iron Horse – Distressed” by Kevin Macleod (incompetech.com)
Mercy the Real-Life (?) Vampire
Learn the truly disturbing tale of a family in crisis and a suspicious populace who thought vampirism might be afoot. If you know of other horrific true-life tales, please share at HalloweenHaunt.wordpress.com, on our Facebook page, or Twitter @HalloweenHaunt.
GhostVillage.com tells the story as well. Or you can read Rhode Island Monthly‘s account. Haven’t had enough? The Vampire Project also explains. What, more? Really? By Light Unseen has an extensive article about the New England vampire phenomenon. A newspaper story about it. And of course Wikipedia has more details about poor Mercy and her family.
Did you know they sold vampire hunting kits in the 19th century? And they weren’t even kidding.
Music:
“Dark Walk” by Kevin Macleod (incompetech.com)
“Misery” by The Danse Leviathan (Adam John Prawlocki) (from MacJams.com)
Promo ’11
Well, now that we’ve gotten summer out of the way, we can move onto more pleasant things…like fear and terror–and Halloween…. All of the Halloween Haunt programs are at HalloweenHaunt.wordpress.com, and you can commune with like minded ghouls and guys and communicate your desires on Facebook, and hear about Halloween all the time on my Twitter feed, @HalloweenHaunt.
Background music:
“Movement Proposition” by Kevin Macleod (incompetech.com)
Robert the Doll
A doll doesn’t sound too scary, unless you’ve met this one. Learn his story and make plans to see him…if you dare. Thank you to Soonerthought for this thought. If you have any thoughts on Robert, or ideas for future topics, please tell us on Facebook, on Twitter @HalloweenHaunt, and at HalloweenHaunt.wordpress.com.
There are many versions of Robert’s story, including Wikipedia’s, Paranormal News Central’s, a story from Squidoo.com, and Haunted America Tours.
Did you know that Robert the Doll has his own website (beware, the front page is a little creepy) and his own Twitter page.
Want to see what his house looks like?
Background music:
“Army of the Living Dead” by Vampire Division (from Soundclick.com)
“Night Break” by Kevin Macleod (incompetech.com)
“Pop Goes the Weasel” by Kevin Macleod (incompetech.com)
Two from Thomas Lovell Beddoes
We again descend into the dark mind of Mr. Beddoes with two poems: “To Night” and “Voices in the Air.” Share your favorite at Twitter @HalloweenHaunt, on Facebook, and on HalloweenHaunt.wordpress.com.
Read “To Night” or “Voices in the Air” yourself.
Learn about, and perhaps join, the Thomas Lovell Beddoes Society.
Background music:
“Femme” by the Tempest Brothers
“Wounded” by Kevin Macleod (incompetech.com)
“Serpentine Trek” by Kevin Macleod (incompetech.com)
Lizzie Borden
Poor Lizzie Borden is still thought of as a parent murderer…but was she? And are there any ghosts in her story? What about yours? HalloweenHaunt.wordpress.com. Twitter @HalloweenHaunt. And Facebook. Thank you, Tim and Kayleigh, for the suggestion.
TruTV has a detailed history.
PrairieGhosts.com tells the story as well.
There is a virtual museum dedicated to Lizzie Andrew Borden.
The University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law goes into the trial in-depth.
Want to stay in the Borden family house? You can.
Background:
“Sound of the Fury” by Erik Scott Johnston
Hawaii’s Night Marchers
I bet you didn’t know there were ghosts in Hawaii, did you? Of course there are. Learn about one type, the night marchers, then march over to HalloweenHaunt.wordpress.com to tell us your ghost story. And join us Facebook and on Twitter @HalloweenHaunt.
A few sites, including Wkipedia, have information about the Night Marchers.
Background
“80. Yeah, I Heard It” by tschai (from SoundClick.com)
“Zona de Truenos” by Hollywood Haunts from “Halloween – El DÃ�a Del Muerto!” (INTROSOUND)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
“Zombie Chase” by Kevin Macleod (incompetech.com)
That Horrifying House in Amityville, NY
How could so much happen in one house in a lovely hamlet on Long Island, NY? Some houses have all the luck. Learn both scary stories, which are terrifyingly true in the latest episode. More is always at HalloweenHaunt.wordpress.com. And join us on Twitter @HalloweenHaunt and on Facebook.
Amityvillefaq.com will tell you all about the murders and the haunting.
The Amityville Murders have an “official” website. I wonder who certified it? It does have a lot of information.
Wikipedia has information about the book The Amityville Horror, as well as Ronald DeFeo, Jr., the convicted killer of his family.
Background:
“Dopplerette” by Kevin Macleod (incompetech.com)
“Tomb of Terror!” by Hollywood Haunts from “Halloween Demons And Vampires” (INTROSOUND)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
“Right Behind You” by Kevin Macleod (incompetech.com)
“The House of Leaves” by Kevin Macleod (incompetech.com)
“Insane” by David Chochoi (from SoundClick.com)
“Noise Attack” by Kevin Macleod (incompetech.com)
“What the Moon Brings” by H. P. Lovecraft
We delve into the fantastically frightening, with a dreadfully influential author of odd, H. P. Lovecraft. What’s your favorite Lovecraft story? Let us know on Facebook, on Twitter @HalloweenHaunt, and at HalloweenHaunt.wordpress.com.
If you want to read the story for yourself, Wikisource has you covered.
Background:
“Parle Moi” by Day OFF (from Garageband.com)
“Zona de Truenos” by Hollywood Haunts from “Halloween – El DÃ�a Del Muerto!” (INTROSOUND)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
“Alchemist’s Tower” by Kevin Macleod (incompetech.com)
“The Hive” by Kevin Macleod (incompetech.com)
“Ghostpocalypse – 7″ by Kevin Macleod (incompetech.com)
“Final Count“ by Kevin Macleod (incompetech.com)
Lon Chaney
One of the original, and still one of the biggest and best, horror actors in the cinema was the Man of a Thousand Faces, Lon Chaney. Learn the story of his emotional life, and then comment on Twitter @HalloweenHaunt, on Facebook, and on HalloweenHaunt.wordpress.com.
The official LonChaney.com covers both famous Chaneys, run by a current Chaney.
PBS’s American Masters page has a profile of Mr. Chaney.
IMDb will tell you much about his life and his cinematic works.
Learn more about Mr. Chaney from Wikipedia.com.
The unofficial LonChaney.org has many more links.
Background music:
“Toccata” by Vampire Division (from Soundclick.com)
Halloween Around the World
Some random facts about how our favorite holiday is celebrated, or not, in other countries. Want more? Did we miss one? Let us know at HalloweenHaunt.wordpress.com, on Facebook, or on Twitter@HalloweenHaunt.
Learn more about Halloween around the world here, here, here, and here.
Background music:
“Classic Horror 2” by Kevin Macleod (incompetech.com)
“Tenebrous Brothers Carnival – Act One” by Kevin Macleod (incompetech.com)
Death, a.k.a. The Grim Reaper
We look at one of my favorite subjects, the persona of Death, as seen through the ages and around the world. How do you see Death? Inform us on Facebook, on Twitter @HalloweenHaunt, and on HalloweenHaunt.wordpress.com. And thank you to Christine in Denmark, for making the suggestion on Facebook.
Wikipedia tells us about the personification of Death. Oh, and the metal band.
Oddly enough, HowStuffWorks.com has some good information on Death.
Regular folks weigh in on the Grim Reaper on the Urban Dictionary.
Oops, I forgot to mention the Marvel Comics villain The Grim Reaper. When you see him, you’ll understand why.
The Uncyclopedia has a completely bogus biography of The Grim Reaper.
Some background music:
“Grammophone Taps” by Kevin Macleod (incompetech.com)
“The Vampiress” by Lord Lytton
We begin this season with a chilling poem by Lord Lytton, an exceedingly popular British author and poet. Tell us what your favorite poem or story is at HalloweenHaunt.wordpress.com, on Twitter @HalloweenHaunt, and on Facebook.
If you would like to read “The Vampiress,” you can. Be careful, though, there is a picture of a vampiress that resembles Vampirella.
Learn more about Lord Lytton from Wikipedia.com.
Background Music:
“Wounded” by Kevin Macleod (incompetech.com)
“Death by Guillotine” by DJ Daddio
Promo ’10
Another grueling summer has passed, and with it we hope the heat as well. Soon the leaves will fall, the harvest moon will shine, and the ghouls and goblins will emerge…from the Halloween Haunt. Tell me what you’d like to hear, on Twitter @HalloweenHaunt, on Facebook, and of course, HalloweenHaunt.wordpress.com, where you will again find all of the programs….
Horrifying and Hilarious Horror Hosts
Before there were 2,500 channels and nothing on, we thrilled to late night hosts of horror movies on television. A quick overview, as suggested by Nathan on the Halloween Haunt Facebook page. Also at Twitter @HalloweenHaunt and HalloweenHaunt.wordpress.com.
Wikipedia has a lot of information on horror hosts, including Vampira and Elvira, and all of the others mentioned on the episode.
Music:
“Alien Seduction” by Liquid Loops (from GarageBand.com)
“The Raven” by Edgar Allen Poe
Presented in its entirety, this is the longest episode so far from the Halloween Haunt. Thank you for pushing me to do it, Natalie. Let us know what you think on Facebook, Twitter @HalloweenHaunt and HalloweenHaunt.wordpress.com.
For your own reading, you can turn to The Poe Museum, which is in Richmond, VA.
Mr. Poe was finally given a proper funeral, 16o years after his death. I meant to do an episode on it. I may, still, next year.
Music includes:
“Remains from the Past” by Grigor Iliev (from Soundclick.com)
“Prayers for the Dying” by Chamber of Sorrows (from Soundclick.com)
“Gagool” by Kevin Macleod (incompetech.com)
“Depression” by Twilight Productions
“A Nightmare on Elm Street”
In 2009, Freddy Krueger’s first film turns 25 years old, so we look at ol’ claw hands. Christine from Denmark, thank you for bringing this to my attention at HalloweenHaunt.wordpress.com. You can also find us on Twitter @HalloweenHaunt and on Facebook.
Wikipedia has lots on the film and Mr. Krueger.
Music:
“65. Piano Darkation” by tschai (from Soundclick.com)
Random Halloween Food
We have looked at Halloween candy before, now we look at some other sweet food popular at Halloween.I think there is more ghoulish gastronomy to cover. What do you think? Let us know at Twitter @HalloweenHaunt or our Facebook page or the grandaddy, HalloweenHaunt.wordpress.com.
If you need to know more about Count Chocula, I understand. So does Wikipedia.
If you would like to sample Haunted Hot Sauce’s line of zombie themed products, tell ‘em the Halloween Haunter sent you. You won’t get anything extra, and neither will I, but they’ll enjoy hearing it.
Learn about Jones Soda from Wikipedia, or the horse’s mouth, as it were.
Do you enjoy Krispy Kreme?
Music:
“The Burning Moon” by Derek K. Miller and Simon James (from the Penmachine Sessions)
“The Haunted Beach” by Mary Darby Robinson
There were so many great women Gothic writers, that it is about time that we present a piece from one: Mary Darby Robinson. This one will work in summer, too, when you need a little dreariness. Please share your favorite poems and stories at our Facebook page or Twitter @HalloweenHaunt and of course, HalloweenHaunt.wordpress.com.
The University of Pennsylvania provided the text and has a nice biography of Ms. Robinson.
Music:
Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata” by classicala (from Soundclick.com)
Ghosts Part 2
What are ghosts? What are they made of? We explore these questions and more. Tell us what you think at HalloweenHaunt.wordpress.com, also at Twitter @HalloweenHaunt and Facebook.
About.com has quite the paranormal section where they discuss ghosts.
Studiesoftheparanormal.com has studied what ghosts are made of.
Music:
“Land of the Dead” by Kevin Macleod (incompetech.com)
A Snippet from “Death’s Jest-Book” by Thomas Lovell Beddoes
Mister Beddoes was not known for his jocularity, but he seemed to be in a good mood when he wrote these lines for his play-in-verse, Death’s Jest-Book. More can be found at HalloweenHaunt.wordpress.com. Please join us on Facebook and Twitter @HalloweenHaunt.
Read the snippet from Beddoes’s unofficial “fan club,” PhantomWooer.org.
Read Death’s Jest-Book in its entirety.
Music:
Nocturne by Ekho (from GarageBand.com)
“Classic Horror 2″ by Kevin Macleod (incompetech.com)
Random Halloween Census Facts
We are crunching the numbers, and there are many interesting things the U.S. Census Bureau knows, and now you will, too. Please join us on Facebook, Twitter @HalloweenHaunt, and HalloweenHaunt.wordpress.com.
Music:
“Gagool” by by Kevin McLeod (from Incompetech.com)
Doctor Jekyll and Mister Hyde
Victorian London is the scene of one of the most horrific tales of the nineteenth century, one which explores the dual nature of man. By suggestion from wolfemann, we go back to the beginning and trace the history of the two fellows. Tell me your two sides on Twitter @HalloweenHaunt, on Facebook, and HalloweenHaunt.wordpress.com.
More on the book and history of Jekyll/Hyde on Wikipedia.com.
An intellectual essay by Vladimir Nabokov.
Music:
“Awkward Meeting” and “Interloper” by Kevin McLeod are available at Incompetech.com.
A bit of “Psy Dreaming” by Combat Caveman (from GarageBand.com)
“The Mad Scientist” by David Chochoi (from Soundclick.com)
Winchester Mystery House
If you had more money than you ever dreamed of, would you build a house for nearly 40 years? You might, if you thought spirits had cursed your family and you were next. Find out about the strangest house in the land, in the Halloween Haunt. If you know of stranger, tell us at HalloweenHaunt.wordpress.com. You can also find us on Twitter @HalloweenHaunt and on Facebook.
For more on the Winchester House, go to Wikipedia.
Or, you could go to the Winchester House and see for yourself in real life. They have special flashlight tours, including at this time of year. Tell ‘em the Halloween Haunter sent you. UPDATE 8/2011: News of special Halloween “Fright Night” events is coming out. And they have added a “Spirit Sightings” page, which is very creepy. I like it.
Music:
“The War of the Worlds” Radio Broadcast
In this special extra-sized edition, we go back 70 years to a simpler, scarier time when people believed it just might be possible aliens from Mars would attack us. It created quite a stir. What Halloween hoaxes do you want us to look at? Let us know at HalloweenHaunt.wordpress.com.
Also, don’t forget to listen to the episode on Ghosts….
War-of-the-Worlds.org has everything on all forms of WotW.
Wikipedia has a lot of information for you to examine.
RelicRadio.org presents one of our favorite podcasts, The Horror!, which once presented the entire program (this taken from their Orson Welles: On the Air podcast)
Music:
“Twilight Realm” by Twilight Productions (from Soundclick.com)
Ghosts Part 1
Ghosts and spirits walk the Earth. Many believe it. Where do these beliefs come from? We explore that question in this first section on ghosts. It is a big subject. Tell us about the spirits in your life, and tell us what you want us to focus on in the future, at HalloweenHaunt.wordpress.com.
Wikipedia has an extensive article on ghosts.
Music:
“Tombstone” by Twilight Productions (from Soundclick.com)
“The Ghosts’ Moonshine” by Thomas Lovell Beddoes
We return to Mr. Beddoes, again for a sort of love poem. If you have any poems or stories you would like to share, or if you would like to read a version of the poem yourself (different books changed a word or two, believe it or not), do it at HalloweenHaunt.wordpress.com.
Music includes:
“Ghosts LoveTheme” by Darius Holbert (from GarageBand.com)
“Halloween” the Motion Picture
Thirty years ago, we learned of the poor child grown into a terror named Michael Myers. In this edition we learn a bit more, perhaps. Find more information at HalloweenHaunt.wordpress.com.
Did you know that Michael Myers has an official website?
Did you know that Wikipedia has a lot of information on “Halloween?” Yes, of course you did….
Top Costumes for 2007
Just in time for 2008, we present the top costumes in the United States for 2007. What costume are you wearing? Let us know, and find much more about Halloween and the origins of Halloween costumes at HalloweenHaunt.wordpress.com.
Also, Top 25 costume lists from Snopes.com.
“An Arrest” By Ambrose Bierce
We enjoy a tale from great American writer and all-around great guy Ambrose Bierce, the first such tale from him in the Haunt. Hopefully it won’t be the last. What stories would you like to hear? Let us know at HalloweenHaunt.wordpress.com.
You can read the tale online yourself.
Learn all about Ambrose Bierce and find more works, too, at Biercephile.com.
Music:
“Classic Horror 1” by Kevin Macleod (incompetech.com)
“Confused State” by Kevin Macleod (incompetech.com)
Zombies
What exactly are zombies? Undead shambling freaks? Reanimated corpses? Or something else? Let us know your favorite kind of zombie at HalloweenHaunt.wordpress.com, where you’ll find much more information.
Wikipedia.com has good articles on zombies and voodoo.
For a philosophical view of zombies check the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
A review of Wade Davis’s book about zombies, PASSAGE OF DARKNESS: THE ETHNOBIOLOGY OF THE HAITIAN ZOMBIE. No, it’s a real book. And a real review.
Make sure you’re up-to-date on your zombie survival.
Facebook has a zombie application. (By the way, become a fan on Facebook.)
The How Stuff Works website actually tells you how zombies work.
Look out for the FVZA…the Federal Vampire and Zombie Agency.
Marvel Comics have some very popular zombies.
The origin of DC Comics’ own zombie, Solomon Grundy.
You can read the first issue of The Walking Dead online for free.
Music:
“Rebel” by Twilight Productions (from Soundclick.com)
The HMS Ontario
Travel back in time to the American Revolutionary War and relive the Halloween sinking of a British warship. The tale is not pleasant, but is that really what we are looking for? Tell me your interest in ghost ships at HalloweenHaunt.wordpress.com.
Also:
You can see what the HMS Ontario looked like.
The HMS Ontario made the news.
A video is also available to see. Very spooky.
Music:
“Escape the Asylum” by Austin Martini (from Soundclick.com)
“The Old Ghost,” A Poem by Thomas Lovell Beddoes
Thomas Lovell Beddoes had an outlook on life perfect for Halloween. He was obsessed with death. Enjoy a bit of culture in the Halloween Haunt, and let us know what poem or story you would like to hear at HalloweenHaunt.wordpress.com.
Read the poem yourself and learn more about Mr. Beddoes at PhantomWooer.org.
The music:
“Remains of the Past” by Grigor Iliev
“Tempest (de havilland vampire)” by the Brothers Femme
Bobbing for Apples
They are crunchy and many are a delightful blood red color. And they’re the source of endless Halloween fun. Learn where the game bobbing for apples came from and other games you can play with the delicious fruit. Have an apple story? Tell us at HalloweenHaunt.wordpress.com.
Links:
Learn more details about bobbing for apples.
Some music:
The Burning Moon by Derek K. Miller and Simon James
History of the Ouija Board
The Ouija board is a fun game to play, but can you really summon the passed-on with a toy? Find out how old Ouija is, and where it came from. Following up on the classic Ouija Board Story. Tell us your favorite Ouija story at HallowenHaunt.wordpress.com.
If you want to learn more about Ouija:
Wikipedia.org has a pretty good summary.
The Museum of Talking Boards also tells you much about your favorite connection with the dead.
If you’re interested in purchasing a Ouija, or one of many other “talking boards” available, click here.
Music:
“Gargoyle” by Sean Timms (from GarageBand.com)
Edgar Allen Poe’s “Spirits of the Dead”
Here is another poem that feels right this time of year, by the inimitable Edgar Allen Poe. It was published in 1827. Please let us know what poems and stories you would like to hear at HalloweenHaunt.wordpress.com.
Day of the Dead
Not all of Halloween’s focus is spooky. If you don’t celebrate it, the Day of the Dead may seem macabre, but it’s actually a joyous celebration. As much as I like macabre, you’d think I’d be disgusted, but I’m actually charmed by it. HalloweenHaunt.wordpress.com for shownotes, and you can tell us there how you celebrate the Day of the Dead.
Wikipedia has an entry about the Day of the Dead which covers many countries.
Music:
“Death by Guillotine” by DJ Daddio
Thomas Lovell Beddoes’ Poem, “The Phantom-Wooer”
The moon is making me feel romantic, so I present a poem by Thomas Lovell Beddoes entitled, “The Phantom-Wooer.” Full shownotes at HalloweenHaunt.wordpress.com, and please let us know if this made you feel romantic.
To find out more about the sad life of Mr. Beddoes, please check the Literary Gothic.
I found this poem in this book.
Music:
“Gargoyle” by Sean Timms (from GarageBand.com)
“Tempest” by the Brothers Femme
The Headless Horseman
By request, we look at the story of Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman in Sleepy Hollow, as told by Washington Irving. Thank you, Janelly, for the excellent suggestion. Full shownotes at HalloweenHaunt.wordpress.com. Go there and tell us a story which makes you lose your head.
Read “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” by Washington Irving yourself, if you’d like.
Read Washington Irving’s reflections on Sleepy Hollow, written years after the story.
More about Sleepy Hollow:
You can look at their local website, the Chamber of Commerce website, or the site for Sleepy Hollow’s Old Dutch Burying Ground.
Wikipedia’s entries on “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” and Ichabod Crane.
Find out about Marvel Comics’ Headless Horseman.
Music:
“Angel of Death” by VTZ/Twilight Productions (from Soundclick.com)
Halloween TV
Halloween is a special time, which is why there are so many specials and special episodes on television. Travel with us through the tube of terror, and let us know your favorite Halloween TV at HalloweenHaunt.wordpress.com, where you will also find shownotes.
Music:
“Gronk Patrol” by Derek K. Miller (He has a podcast, too)
The Ouija Board Story
Fun party game, or gateway to the other side? Ouija boards are a staple of Halloween. We have a true Ouija story for you in this extra-sized episode. Warning: May be too intense for the little ones. Tell us your Ouija story at HalloweenHaunt.wordpress.com.
Read the story yourself:
The Letter D: D’s True Halloween Story (Warning: this blog is not family friendly)
Some of the music:
“Ghost Story” by Hiroshi (from SoundClick.com)
“A Ghost in Love” by David Chochoi (from SoundClick.com)
Witches Part 2
This time we get away from the ugliness of the general population towards suspected witches and look at real ones and witches from folklore and other fiction. Some of these do have pointy hats and green skin. Shownotes at HalloweenHaunt.wordpress.com, where we also would like to find out who your favorite witch is.
For more information:
Wikipedia is a good place to start learning about wicca, and the modern-day witches.
For more on the history of witches in folklore and real life, and go in-depth, check the witches page of NewOrleansGhosts.com
Music:
Frankenstein’s “Monster”
He is not just a bunch of body parts. He is the original science fiction/horror creation. We delve deep into the history of the Frankenstein monster and his creator, Mary Shelley. Assemble your thoughts and put them on HalloweenHaunt.wordpress.com, where you’ll also find full shownotes.
For more on Frankenstein visit:
Wikipedia’s entry about Frankenstein and his monster
A Wikipedia article on the monster’s place in popular culture
You might be interested in a book that goes more deeply into the monster’s place in popular culture. It’s by Susan Tyler Hitchcock, and it’s called Frankenstein: A Cultural History. Here is an interesting review from The Washington Post.
Music:
Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata by Classicala
Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Conqueror Worm”
Some feel the poem by Mr. Poe speaks to the universal situation of man. We feel it’s another frightening glimpse into a deep, dark mind that only Edgar Allen Poe could really understand. But it’s fun to try. The poem was first published in 1845. We would love for you to worm your way over to HalloweenHaunt.wordpress.com, and let us know what you think.
Background music:
“Remains From the Past” by Gregor Iliev (just a little piece–it’s worth listening to the whole piece. You may yet hear the whole thing in the Halloween Haunt)
“Ghost That Still Haunts Me” Demo by Chamber of Sorrows (from the CD Dies Arae)
Random Halloween Treat Facts
Yummy, yummy in my tummy. What are the most popular Halloween treats? Let’s take a big bite into your favorites and find out all about them. Let us know your favorite Halloween treats at HalloweenHaunt.wordpress.com. Full shownotes there, too.
Take a bigger bite:
If you’re the helpful type, click here for details about how you can help UNICEF.
Bet you didn’t know all of this about the number 4 delicacy.
Number 3 is many people’s favorite. But it’s still number 3.
Number 2 makes me laugh. Oops, no hints.
You can eat heaps of the treat at the top of the heap. But brush your teeth….
Background music:
“If You Only Knew Part I” by Twilight Productions (from Soundclick.com)
Witches Part 1
A green face, a pointy hat, warts, that is how we used to see witches. I thought it was a cute look. But their history is much more complicated than that, and we only focus on Europe and America. Full shownotes at HalloweenHaunt.wordpress.com.
Music:
To delve further:
Wikipedia focuses on the history of the (real) witch hunt.
Wikipedia examines the Salem witch trials.
If you’re thinking about visiting Salem, you might like this article.
Werewolves
Nice doggy. The story of werewolves is actually many stories, from all over Europe. Were they ever real? We can only–scratch–the surface in this installment. Howl at us at HalloweenHaunt.wordpress.com.
Thomas Lovell Beddoes’ “Dream of Dying”
More poetry, this time from the dark and twisted mind of Thomas Lovell Beddoes, a favorite gothic poet. It makes us feel simply horrible. Please tell us how this poem affects you at HalloweenHaunt.wordpress.com.
Dracula
Contrary to what many people think, Dracula is a fictional character. He was created more recently than you might think, too. Learn all about the King of the Vampires in this latest installment, then let us know what you think at HalloweenHaunt.wordpress.com.
Vampires
We have had bloodsuckers at least as long as we have told stories. Except that many people believe they were more than the subject of stories. Real or not, vampires continue to capture our imagination. Find out more about them, then let us know your own vampire story at HalloweenHaunt.wordpress.com
