Halloween 2009: On assignment for the Pat and Brian Radio Show :: Matthew, Tech Director
The irreverent, comedic duo Pat and Brian of KBIM Paranormal Talk Radio and Haunted Voices Radio Network asked yours truly to report on the happenings and trends of Halloween 2009 within my fish bowl, California's San Diego and Orange Counties.
Their expense budget was generous enough to allow travel within a three-mile radius of my house and buy one box of Costco popcorn.
Thanks, guys.
Noting there was nothing yet happening around my neighborhood besides styrofoam headstones being staked in a few yards, I ventured out to nearby department and big box stores, and more interestingly, seasonal Halloween costume and decoration emporiums that pop-up and then disappear faster than a sloppy hamburger in the grubby hands of Pat.
This page is intended to be more of a companion to the radio show broadcast than a full report. If you missed the show's original airing, you can listen to Matthew's on-location interview segment by using the audio player below.
Managers KC of Halloween Club and Halloween Express' Ken were extremely generous with their time, allowing interviews and mingling with customers.
To them, I send a heartfelt thanks...pulled straight from my bloody chest.
The Halloween Club It's Halloween all year round at the Halloween Club. Scratch that coffin and tombstone itch during Christmas week. Their staff won't give you a second look.
13310 Firestone Ave.
Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
800-477-6659
Google Map ithere
Halloween Express With over 200 stores, their superior selection of costumes, decorations and props may be in your city. A chilling visit can also be as close as your computer. Free shipping is offered on most orders.
:: Michael's nose. The biggest trend this year, believe it or not, is the Michael Jackson costume -- or if unauthorized by his estate, known covertly as the King of Pop costume (didn't he trademark his self-proclamation?). His probate judge must have been working overtime, for officially sanctioned costumes representing various stages of his career are on sale. If you need a stiff, almost foam-like red Thriller jacket with screen printed design details, it's out there. It's my favorite piece of the ensemble because it can pull double-duty: Next year, combine it with an inverted flower pot popped on your head and you're transformed into a member of new wave music God DEVO.
When asked, Ken of Halloween Express confirmed noses are not removable and all wigs do pass federal standards for fire resistance.
:: Creepy Spider. Spiders have never had much of an effect on me. I guess they just don't creep me out, but this little eight-legged friend would be an exception. Appearing to be made of human bones, tell me he-she-it doesn't look like a hybrid creature from John Carpenter's horror classic, The Thing. I snagged one of these cuties for my personal use and abuse.
:: Demonic babies. There must have been a power black-out in hell nine months ago. A new army of demonic babies are preparing to rule earth and they're coming for you. Check under your beds, behind your chairs. Heck, check your liquor cabinets! These spinning-headed, glowing-eyed, zombie-attitude carpet crawlers with paranormally explosive diapers should be familiar to those who have been provided a peek of the family photo album within Brian's wallet (below). If you haven't and are given the chance some day, pretend to be impressed. He's one proud padre.
Below is information on many haunted events throughout San Diego, Orange and Los Angeles Counties. With the motion picture industry based in Southern California, it shouldn't be surprising the region has mucho special effects-packed attractions with choice spookiness to offer. They may be in your neighborhood or close to your destination if visiting the area.
Los Angeles and Orange County, California attractions Highlights Disneyland:
Disney's Halloween Time Do you know someone who loves Halloween that isn't a Disneyland nut? Disney is plussing it this year, adding to the traditional Haunted Mansion theme a Nightmare Before Christmas overlay. A rampaging celestial spirit has invaded Space Mountain which prompted a rename to Galaxy Mountain and a new spectacular Halloween Scream fireworks show hosted by Jack Skellington blasts off every night at 8pm. I have visited Halloween Time a couple time this season and give it two skeletal thumbs-up. :: Web:disneyland.disney.go.com
Universal Studios:
Halloween Horror Nights -- Hollywood The un-dead populate the studio back lot on October weekend nights. The event includes "walk-through mazes, roaming scare actors, nightmare-inducing rides, shows and attractions." :: Web: halloweenhorrornights.com/hollywood
Knott's Scary Farm:
Halloween Haunt -- Buena Park Knott's fills all their rides and shows with ghosts, ghouls, werewolves and vampires for its annual Halloween Haunt. One of the first theme park overlays and a southland tradition. :: Web: knotts.com
The Queen Mary:
Shipwreck Halloween Terror Fest -- Long Beach The venerable ocean liner is transformed with seven spooky mazes, some on the ship, others on land, and two all-age dance parties and live band. :: Web: queenmaryshipwreck.com
Highlights
Haunted Hotel -- Downtown Gaslamp District Located in a quiet building within the heart of San Diego, The Haunted Hotel is one of the city's oldest and well regarded attractions. Your hotel rooms display many of the scariest scenes from your favorite horror movie. Jammed with special effects, you will find yourself checking out of this hotel sooner than expected. :: Web: hauntedhotel.com/hotel.html
Del Mar Scream Zone -- Del Mar Fairgrounds Multiple mazes, haunted chambers and a haunted hayride take over the fairgrounds where the surf meets the turf. Top special effects experts assemble this ever popular attraction that brings visitors county-wide. :: Web: sdfair.com/screamzone/home.html
Haunted Trail -- Balboa Park Normally a family-friendly tradition sprinkled with historic museums, Balboa Park takes a darker turn every Halloween with this walking tour. There are not-so-pleasant surprises at every turn. By popular demand, the Carnival of Carnage clown maze returns to provide the comfort only possessed, demonic clowns could. :: Web: hauntedhotel.com/trail.html
What would a Halloween season be without at least one nasty scandal hitting the media? This year's honor goes to the creator of the Illegal Alien Costume featuring a space creature mask, an orange prison jumpsuit with Illegal Alien printed over the chest and a graphic "green card" accessory.
As noted in the below news story, it has created horror within immigrant activist groups. I just have one question: If this thing is supposed to be is an illegal alien, what is it doing with a green card? Looks like it's ready to work the drive-through of my local fast food joint.
Below is the video report from Associated Press
The following coverage is from Los Angeles Television KTLA
An immigrant rights group has asked Target stores to stop selling an illegal alien costume they describe as "offensive" to immigrants and "ignorant."
The costume, sold on Target's web site, features a mask of an extraterrestrial being, wearing an orange jumpsuit with "illegal Alien" written on it, and a "green card" accessory.
Angelica Salas, executive director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles, says she emailed Target Headquarters on Friday, calling the costume "distasteful, mean-spirited, and ignorant of social stigmas and current debate on immigration reform."
Many Target customers have given the costume the lowest product rating possible on the site-- 1 of 5 stars-- and have expressed their distaste in the "guest review" section.
"The costume is a sick sign of the times we are living in in this country where those who are not 'people like us' might as well be from another planet and are considered less than human. I am surprised Target would promote such a mentality," one customer wrote on the website.
Target spokesman Joshua Thomas says the company will be removing the costume from the site after receiving several complaints.
According to Thomas, the store never intended to sell the outfit and only included it in its online Halloween offerings by mistake.
Some customers say they will refuse to shop at Target Stores until the costume is removed from the site and an apology is issued. Others call the costume "funny" and say the offended parties should "lighten up."
"This has nothing to do with immigrants," another customer wrote, "Only the illegal criminals from Mars that entered the US without doing it the correct way."
Target started getting complaints Thursday afternoon, Thomas said, but the costume was still online Friday evening. Target's website is managed by Amazon.com, and Thomas said it could take as long as 48 hours to take it down.
Their expense budget was generous enough to allow travel within a three-mile radius of my house and buy one box of Costco popcorn.
What would a Halloween season be without at least one nasty scandal hitting the media? This year's honor goes to the creator of the Illegal Alien Costume featuring a space creature mask, an orange prison jumpsuit with Illegal Alien printed over the chest and a graphic "green card" accessory.
