I Want Halloween, But …

On September 20, 2015 By R. PettyIn Random Fun2 Comments

RavenRant

It’s the third week of September, and I have been looking for Halloween decorations for two weeks. It’s my favorite holiday, and I planned to decorate and enjoy it in September and October. Just like people who decorate for Christmas on November 1.

However, I cannot find anything. My local grocery store is the only place with decorations, but I want more variety. I want aisles of cool decals and props, masks, and costumes. So, that takes me here. Why do retailers stock Christmas decorations before Halloween is over, but I can’t find Halloween decorations six weeks before the day? I know many people love “the holidays,” but I don’t. October is my favorite month, and I want to celebrate!

Time for a Change

We need to bring back the fun in Halloween. It’s about scary movies, pranks, costumes and, of course, candy! By the way, you can find a $ ton of candy right now. And maybe that’s it. Retailers know we will buy 800 lbs. of candy in the fall, but we may not buy a skeleton or pumpkin. Maybe if we traded the 300-ounce bag of candy for a pumpkin to carve, we’d shed a few pounds and enjoy creating something.

Let’s save some money and reduce stress, too. Halloween is considerably less expensive than Christmas. You don’t have to buy a costume; you can use stuff around the house. You don’t have to buy anything for other people or face crowds of shoppers. There’s little traffic, usually the weather is warmer, and it’s the last fun holiday of the year. The remaining require lots of eating – which means more weight gain – and time with people you may or may not like.

It’s time to bring back Halloween! It’s time to buy a scary mask, and pop out at someone. Carve or paint a pumpkin for a cheap activity. Have movie marathons, decorate the house with lights, skeletons, witches, ghosts, and whatever else. Most importantly, have fun!

Upcoming on RevPub

In honor of our Halloween traditions at RevPub, we’ve decided on our post theme for the October. We are discussing horror originals vs. remakes, and we are very excited to review them for you. Which ones we have picked are a surprise though. If you want to catch up on previous year’s themes, check out these posts:

Ranking Horror Movies

Our Halloween Costumes

RevPub Picks Halloween Specials

Remembering Wes Craven

On September 13, 2015 By R. PettyIn OpinionsLeave a comment

What may seem like old news to most of the world still lingers at RevPub. As lifelong horror fans, the news of Wes Craven’s passing stuck us pretty hard. I even cried, which I normally don’t do for people I don’t know. However, I felt he knew me.

That’s what was so difficult to accept. His passing wasn’t just of an adored horror director. It was the end of an era – the end of some of the best horror ever. The end of a legend.

As a teenager, I of course saw Scream in theaters. I ruined the ending for my RevPub partner – sorry James – and it took teen audiences by storm. It was the ’90s version of Halloween. It was the ’80s version Friday the 13th. And it came from someone who had already given the world Freddy and his Nightmares on Elm Street. It captured a new generation and created millions more horror fans.

The Screams and Nightmares never my favorites though. My favorite Wes Craven film is The People Under the Stairs, and it has been since I was a child. It was my Goonies. In fact, I had seen People a dozen times before I had seen Goonies. If you’ve seen both, you’re probably thinking ‘wtf?’ because People is an incredibly child-violent movie. I’m proud of that fact though.

Fool People Under the Stairs — Photo: cinapse.co

I owe my child horror movie cannon to my Dad because he was an avid fan. I was reading Stephen King at 9 years old. I was terrified of IT by 8, but People resonated with me in a different way. It didn’t scare me. It was a wonderful adventure of horrible adults, thieves, and triumphant kids. I would also argue it is one of the best socially themed movies in my lifetime. Rich white people driving out poor black people, and the community unites against them. All while the rich white people are hunting children. Powerful stuff.

The plot spoke to me. I grew up without much money. My parents struggled to pay bills, and we moved A LOT. By the time I entered high school, I had attended seven schools. I didn’t have the latest clothes, and my parents could not buy me whatever I wanted. But it was all okay.

That’s why I love People Under the Stairs. The movie addresses abuse, poverty, racial tension, and the dynamic between ‘parents’ and children. It addresses how society overlooks kids – often forgetting them and their feelings – and as a kid at the time, it empowered me. The movie gave me hope that I too could overcome my obstacles. I could escape.

More than 20 Years Later

I rewatched it when I heard the news to show my respect. As an adult, this is still one of my favorite horror movies. It’s very funny in a messed-up way. Plus, Ving Rhames from Pulp Fiction – my favorite movie of all time – plays a major part and says some awesome one-liners. The People Under the Stairs takes us on a twisted adventure with kids who try to escape a house full of passages, traps, and killers. The kids avoid shotguns, a large dog, two adults hunting them, all while trying to find gold coins. People is as much as an adventure movie as The Goonies, just bloodier.

Wes Craven understood people. He understood fear. Fear lives within everyone, no matter your age, race, identity, or social class. Fear can unite or break us. And Wes knew how to help us release it …

With a heavy heart, I hope he rests peacefully and knows his legend will always live in the hearts of horror fans worldwide. No one will replace him, and we at RevPub thank him for making us cringe and laugh – and for making us stronger.

Dark Skies Gives Hope to New Horror

On August 30, 2015 By R. PettyIn MoviesLeave a comment

Sometimes you just get lucky. I’ve seen Dark Skies pop up on my TV for weeks, so last night I said, ‘what the heck, I’ll buy it.’ And I’m glad I did.

Overall, Dark Skies was an impressive new horror movie. It gave me hope that some people know how to make a good horror movie, and other directors and producers should pay attention. It was well shot and planned, and it has major rewatch value.

Let’s dig in. Here are a few of highlights from the movie: Contains spoilers!

Dark Skies Alien — Photo: http://www.cinemum.net

The Plot Is Refreshing

I cannot express how satisfying it is to include the plot in this review. Dark Skies tells the story of a family who becomes ‘haunted’ – not the house, the family. Think The Conjuring but with the whole family. However, ghosts do not haunt them; aliens do. I know it sounds odd at first, but embrace it. They are creepier than you think. Also, the movie plays a constant mind game with the audience, but it’s done so well you don’t realize it until the very end.

Note to Hollywood: The plot different but not stupid. It moves quickly, but there are few if any plot holes. It’s not a remake (thank goodness!). If a plot has been done 20 times in the last five years, don’t make the movie.

A Real Family

Every family has issues, money problems, stress, etc. sometimes. The Barrets have normal problems like unemployment and money issues, but I was thrilled that neither parent was an alcoholic. I think Hollywood throws alcohol into the mix to create a crazy scene or break a character down, but sometimes it’s not necessary. The villain should do the job and break down the characters.

The parents (Keri Russell, Josh Hamilton) have stress that affects their relationship, but they also work on the issues. They try to care for and love their kids. The brothers are close – adorable even – but they still have their own friends and interests. The Barrets feel real and believable, and you can’t blame them for the haunting. They are a normal 21st-century family.

Note to Hollywood: The actors did an amazing job. There were few special effects, and my awesome RevPub partner pointed out, “it was just actors doing good job of being weird.” Also, pay attention to the scene with J.K. Simmons. It was a clear, concise way to explain everything. It also has a great line, “Nothing. Nothing makes you special.”

The Grays

I could do a post on the aliens alone. They torture this family, and it starts immediately. First, there are “break-ins” (the cop is an idiot by the way). Then the Barrets start to lose complete control. They have time lapses, become “possessed”, and do some crazy and creepy things. The audience never sees a Gray up close, which is awesome because it reduces the possibility of stupid effects. The Grays take this family over, and it eventually leads to abduction. They’re threatening, and it feels like it could happen to anyone. There’s no escape.

Note to Hollywood: Not seeing the monster is an effective way to scare an audience. It’s much more subtle.

Closure Is Everything

Ending a horror movie well remains one of the biggest obstacles in the genre. It’s hard to do because there are variables, and they can all feel the same. Dark Skies did it, though. The story ties into itself, a sequel is possible, no one jumps out or into the camera for a cheap scare. The aliens abduct a family member. Everything is not dismal or perfect. The Grays won, but at least the family survived, and there’s hope. It ended better than most modern horror movies, and I appreciate that.

Note to Hollywood: Stop using jump/cheap scares at the end. It’s getting annoying and repetitive.

I could go on and on about this movie, but I suggest seeing it yourself. If you’re on the fence about the alien thing, just go with it. I was a little skeptical at first because I was scared it was going to be dumb, but it wasn’t. Dark Skies is an effective, fun scary movie.

Feel free to let us know what you think about it in the comments below!

New Revenant Publications Merchandise on Redbubble

On August 23, 2015 By R. PettyIn ArtLeave a comment

Exciting news! Many of our original designs have new products available on RedBubble, an online community of artists and creators.

With the holidays approaching, these make great gifts. Or if you want to treat yourself, we have lots of great ideas. Here’s a sampling for your viewing pleasure:

Cute pencil skirts in many of our designs! Look at this cute Moogle pencil skirt!

Moogle laptop skin — Laptop skins and phone cases too!

skull slime stationary — Skull slime stationary! Have original designs just in time for getting back to school. Regular slime and Halloween designs are also available!

Mega Byte Me bags — Our most popular design is now in bags, skirts and more. Great old-school throwback!

Mega Byte Me cups — Cups too! These make great gifts.

Revenant Publications scarf — You know I’ll order one of these! With winter coming, I’m going to stay warm in style.

If you’d like to view Revenant Publication’s complete portfolio, check us out at http://www.redbubble.com/people/tigressmuse

Thanks to all of our readers and followers, and if there’s a design up that you want in a specific product, feel free to let us know in the comments below!

Jem’s Rolls Royce and the Post Office Adventure

On August 16, 2015 By R. PettyIn Random FunLeave a comment

Who remembers this car/toy? This was Jem’s Rockin’ Roadster, released only in 1986. The next year it was replaced by the Glitter N’ Gold Roadster, which was probably more appealing to little girls. I disagree.

I was 4 years old when the Rockin’ Roadster came out, and I believe Santa brought it to me. I was Jem obsessed – and still somewhat am – and had most of the dolls, accessories, books, tapes, and whatever else we could afford.

This car symbolizes my childhood. Crazy colors, fun, and energetic. Nearly 30 years later, when I hear “Jem” I think of this car.

And I found one. Oh yeah, I bought this fabulously 80s treat. Scheduled to arrive early this week, I had trouble containing my excitement. Not only was this more than affordable for what it was, but it was in great condition. Even the radio works.

The Post Office Fiasco

This week rolled around, and on Wednesday I received a slip saying the post carrier left the package with my apartment manager. I visited the office, and they didn’t have it. I remained calm and called the post office.

A wonderful lady took all my information, and said to check back later. On Thursday, I called the post office, and no one had seen it. This time I spoke to an idiot, who answered the phone laughing and put me on hold, so she could contain herself. Then she was useless and advised me to call Friday morning to speak to the carrier personally – “only they know what they did with the package.”

Friday morning came, and I called again. Thankfully, the nice lady answered and spoke to the carrier for me, and they had no idea where it was. The carrier’s daughter ran the route and said she left it in the package box. Well, guess what? She didn’t because it was way too big. And again, no one knew where it was.

By Saturday, I was about to have a nervous breakdown. When I placed the order last week, I had this terrible feeling something would happen to it because it was so special to me. That’s just my luck. I called the post office again and spoke to another useless person who was less than helpful. I had lots of errands to run but ended up back at the apartment office. I decided to check the packages for the third time, and my manager found it! Apparently, it had been dropped of late Friday afternoon.

After 10 minutes of getting through the packaging, the Jem Rockin’ Roaster has a new home! Here’s a full tour of its awesomeness!

Jem Rolls Royce — For scale: It’s 24 inches long.

Working From Home: An Insider’s Guide

On August 9, 2015 By R. PettyIn Opinions2 Comments

About a month ago, I took a new job that allows me to work remotely. My location no longer matters. As long as I have a good Internet connection, I can do my job. I’ve had a lot of people ask what it’s like, or do I like working from home? The answer. Yes, it’s awesome.

I know many authors, illustrators, artists, etc. work from home, but this is the first job I’ve had where I’m able to. As this concept becomes more popular in the workplace, I wanted to share my thoughts on working from home:

Wear whatever you want. I love this for two reasons. 1) My thermostat is set to a warmer temperature than an office, so I can wear shorts and skirts and not freeze. 2) There’s no dress code. If I want to wear a T-shirt, I can. If I want to dye my hair bright pink, I can. I have not worked in my pajamas one time. I still like to get up and get dressed; although I may work in lounge clothes while I have coffee.

Set your own schedule. I’ve had some people tell me I’d sleep in. Or I’d work at night. Nope. I’m up between 5:30 and 6:30 a.m., and online within 10 minutes. However, I can sleep in if I want to. I can work whatever hours I want. I can work weekends if I need a day off through the week. Not having to work a set schedule has actually made me more productive, and I work about 45-50 hours a week, but it doesn’t feel like it.

Watch what you want. I cannot tell you how many Supernatural episodes I’ve watched – or listened to – the last month. Or how many movies. I also turn off the TV and listen to music some days. Every day is different, and I can work to whatever I’m in the mood for.

No more sick days. Last week, I had a virus for three days. Fever, no energy, the whole thing. And I still worked a full week. I worked when I could, took things slow, rested, and recovered quickly. There was no getting behind. I answered emails from my couch, and took naps when I needed. And I still got the work done.

It saves your car. It’s no secret I love my car. My little Z is getting older though. Not commuting so much has resulted in less wear and tear, less gas, very little traffic, and no road rage. A quarter of a tank lasts me two to three weeks. I still leave the house several times a week, but it’s only if I want or need to. If I don’t feel like it, I stay home.

You eat healthier and exercise more. I get up from the desk more. I exercise more and eat healthier. I take my dog for walks, and/or play with him. I swim. I drink way less caffeine. And my house stays clean. There’s no more laundry once a week, or I don’t have time to vacuum. A clean house keeps me at peace, so I use chores as little mini breaks. This keeps me active and happy!

There are a few things to keep in mind:

To avoid cabin fever, get out regularly. Grocery store, park, coffee shop, wherever. Also, take the time to meet new people. It helps break up the day.
You can feel a little cut off. To help, I schedule phone calls or lunch with friends, or I email and text. It keeps me up to date and gives me some human interaction throughout the day.
Stay disciplined. I actually cannot sleep in due to grown-up responsibilities, so I have to get up early. If I didn’t, I may sleep in, but setting a semi-routine helps keep you on the same schedule, and you’re not working around the clock.
Have a designated space. I seldom work away from my space. I want to relax on my couch, not work. Set up an office space of some sort, so your entire home is not a workplace.If you work from home, we’d love to hear your tips and experiences. Feel free to share them below!