Yes, that IS a Proton Pack!

On By James CastroIn Random Fun1 Comment

Our previous posts have chronicled my costumes of Halloween past.  This year, I will probably re-use one of my previous costumes for a costume party, so there isn’t really anything new to show off.  I’d like to put together a Space Marine in the future, especially since there are so many “how-tos” on the internet now.  But that is a MAJOR investment in both money and time.  I may do a Commissar or Inquisitor in the meantime just to try something new.  I’d also like to try being a classic monster sometime, or the Predator, but the latter again costs some cash to make it look good.

This year, I had the opportunity to go to WizCon in Nashville and met up with two Ghostbusters groups (Tennessee and Kentucky). For a dollar donation (thanks, Raven!) I got to live out a dream 30 years in the making and put on a proton pack!  Furthermore, Winston Zeddemore himself, Ernie Hudson was in the building! (He looks exactly the same)

I was legitimately stoked.  Only seeing dinosaur bones comes close to this level of excitement for me.

I’m pretty happy to have a replica unlicensed nuclear accelerator on my back!

I think I'm listening to it. It had a power switch that made the sound effects!
I think I’m listening to it. It had a power switch that made the sound effects!
Yep I'm in front of Vigo too!
Yep I’m in front of Vigo too!  For those interested I’m wearing a Jinx hoodie featuring a quote from Lucius Accius, which he attributes to Caligula, “oderint dum metuant” (let them hate so long as they fear)  You better fear!  I got a proton pack!

10 Halloween Specials: RevPub Picks

On By James CastroIn Random FunLeave a comment

They just don’t make Halloween specials like they used to… And to honor the great tricks and spooks of the season, we’ve compiled our 10 favorite Halloween specials for your reading pleasure. Feel free to click on the links to watch an episode, and we hope you enjoy this eerie trip down memory lane. We sure did!

James’ Picks

Disney’s Halloween Treat (1982) –This special was essentially an amalgamation of several Disney shorts.  I distinctly remember the Night on Bald Mountain from Fantasia; the Skeleton Dance, which is STILL an incredible piece of music and animation; Donald Duck and the Gorilla, which has some incredible classic humor, gags, and fun cartoon scares; and my favorite, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Disney’s version remains the most impactful, potent, and well-choreographed version of this story I’ve ever seen.  Disney may get some stick for being an oversized profit-factory now, but this special shows how effective and talented Disney Studio was, especially in the ’20s-’40s.

Garfield’s Halloween Adventure  (1985) – This Halloween special was the special-to-end-all-specials for me as a kid.  I still say “candy-candy-candy-candy-candy” whenever candy is present, and I still get a BIT creeped out by the old man telling the pirate story.  This was the peak of Garfield’s might – I had the plushes, stickers, and books including the comic book version of this episode!  I still love the lazy orange cat, and it’s one of the rare comic strips I’ll stop to read.  This special was by far one of the best single-episode specials (it wasn’t an episode of Garfield and Friends, it aired in prime time every season) ever and remains an absolute favorite.

Roseanne “BOO!” (1989)  – Roseanne had some of the best TV Halloween episodes, but this one is by far my favorite.  When I looked it up to get the title, I had no idea it also had been nominated for awards and was the FIRST Halloween episode they ever did.  I remember it as one of the most fun Halloween family environments I’d seen on TV.  Dan and Roseanne have a “who’s scarier” competition that escalates throughout the episode (from fake injuries, to a roaring chainsaw, to a TRULY terrifying conclusion I won’t dare ruin!), and they happily play pranks on their kids and each other.  It’s the TV-show budget version of the kinds of things my family did for Halloween.  I still love it.

Simpsons – “Treehouse of Horror “ Episodes 1-8 (1990-2002) – It is IMPOSSIBLE to pick a favorite Simpsons Halloween special.  From the first one that taught me Edgar Allen Poe’s The Raven when I was 9, to The Shinning, to The Homega Man, these episodes were full of some of the funniest moments the show ever produced.  They’re lack of continuity and fantasy-world nature meant they could get away with anything in them.  Major characters died, fourth walls were broken, and horror conventions spoofed.  Many cartoons since have tried to follow the format, and some have been good, but not as good.  The Simpsons ran their course for me by Season 9, but the first eight episodes of “Treehouse of Horror” are still hilarious for any fan of the horror genre.

AVGN Halloween  (2006-2013, so far!) – It’s hard to pick, but I may have to go with Friday 13th–Nightmare on Elm Street NES game reviews with a close second being the Dracula and Frankenstein reviews.  I had that Nightmare on Elm Street game, and it was one of the first AVGN episodes I saw (after Ghostbusters and TMNT, games I had as well, though I had Ghostbusters on the Atari Computer).  I had the exact same experience as James Rolfe while playing the Nightmare game, and he not only Captures the mood of the season but also the true strangeness and awfulness of the game.  The Halloween-Texas Chainsaw Massacre Atari episodes, Ghostbusters run, the Castlevania-thon, and Ghost n Goblins are all also amazing Halloween/Video Game entertainment.

Raven’s Picks

Home Improvement “The Haunting of Taylor House” (1992) – I never watched Home Improvement much, but I managed to catch their Halloween shows. This family was the tamer version of Roseanne’s but still fun. I always remember thinking how cool it would be to have a family Halloween, like the Connors and Taylors. It’s hard to beat the costumes, makeup, and insults that fly around in those houses. In this episode Tim builds a haunted house downstairs, and the costumes are hilarious. Poor Raggedy Andy. For a less kiddie episode, check out “Crazy for You” and watch Tim squirm as the secretive Rose sets out to win Tim’s heart. Bum, bump, bum, bump…

Dawson’s Creek “Four Scary Stories” and “Living Dead Girl” (2001-2002) – Thanks to my recent binge watching of the show, I came across these little teen-gems. The choice is tough because there were only two Halloween-type episodes, and both were done well. “Four Scary Stories” is exactly that, and a couple are pretty intense for a teen show as they deal with stalking and road rage. “Living Dead Girl” is more traditional by taking place at a costume party on a “haunted” movie set during a costume party. “Four Scary Stories” is creepier and mood-based, and the other is more action-packed. Both are super fun though, and you’ll see a very young Jensen Ackles from Supernatural!

Hey Dude “Ghost Stories” (1996) – Ok, you can tell I’m a sucker for ghost stories and teens. In this episode, the teens play tricks and tell stories to try to one-up each other, especially Brad and Ted. The kids work in several urban legends, and it’s harmless Nick teen fun. Any Hey Dude fan will love this episode. The acting isn’t great, and it’s silly, but it’s of fun with cheesy effects. Even severed hands…

Rugrats “Candy Bar Creep Show” (1992) – Remember Reptar Bars? The delicious chocolate bars filled with green sugary ooze. This is one of the first Rugrats and super cute. The babies learn all about Halloween and wander around trying to get a Reptar bar. They’re too small to go trick-or-treating, but it doesn’t stop them from getting candy!

Psych “Tuesday the 17th” (2009) – I’m kind of cheating with this one, but this episode had to be on my list for three reasons: 1) It’s an awesome tribute to Friday the 13th; 2) I have watched this episode 50 times, and I’m not exaggerating; 3) It’s one of the best Psychs ever. Tuesday the 17th mixes comedy, classic slasher horror, and Psych antics to create a show I must watch every year when I need a good laugh or a good scare. It’s not a traditional Halloween show, but you have to give it props of clean writing, suspense, and a twist. Because there’s always a twist. BWAHAHAHA….

Work Halloween Costumes Can Benefit Employees and Charities

On By R. PettyIn Random FunLeave a comment

When I started my current job in 2007, I jumped at the opportunity to dress up for Halloween. We couldn’t dress up that year due to a move, but in 2008, we rocked it.

You see, I worked at a grocery store for almost 11 years and couldn’t dress up. You can’t stock shelves or gather buggies when you’re wearing a dress and heels. And you definitely don’t want to wear a mask or wig, because they are uncomfortable and you risk customers doing the same. There’s a safety issue there, too.

Work costumes can be a great way to have friendly competition, get people together who normally don’t chat, and contests can be an effective way to raise money for a good cause. It’s one day a year. If you have a “holiday” party where you expect people to dress up, why not allow the same thing for Halloween?

Mrs. Mia Wallace from Pulp Fiction with a scaracrow and Twister
2008: My Mrs. Mia Wallace from Pulp Fiction (and my lovely co-workers at the time). I had everything for this costume at home and only had to buy the wig. Those are my real nails, and I turned a lot of heads that year with them. Even proofreaders have an edge!
School-girl witch from The Craft
2009: A school-girl witch inspired by The Craft. This was just fun, and how often can you rock the school-girl look?! I had every piece and put it together the night before. It was one of my most comfortable costumes, and I loved every second.
2009: Same year. My awesome co-worker came as Carrie, and we took some fun pics for our photographer. We didn't plan the costumes, which was even better because we paired up and tied for best team costume that year.
2009: Same year. My awesome co-worker came as Carrie, and we took some fun pics for our photographer. We didn’t plan the costumes, which was even better because we paired up and tied for best team costume that year.
2010: You should recognize the dress from my first post. In this instance, I was a witch and bought a hat. Once again, I have great co-workers who posed with me!
2010: You should recognize the dress from my first post. In this instance, I was a witch and bought a hat. Once again, I have great co-workers who posed with me!
2012: I was the only person who dressed up in 2011, but that didn't discourage me! The next year, we had a contest that raised money for United Way. This is me as Bellatrix Lestrange from Harry Potter and the winner, the Madhatter from Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland. She earned that win, too!
2012: I was the only person who dressed up in 2011, but that didn’t discourage me! The next year, we had a contest that raised money for United Way. I had to buy the wig and corset belt, but I owned the other pieces. This is me as Bellatrix Lestrange from Harry Potter and the winner, the Madhatter from Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland. She earned that win, too!

If you’re wondering if I’m dressing up this year, the answer is YES! I have something fun planned, and we’d love to hear your stories in the comments below! Happy Halloween shopping!

*All photos from Journal Communications, Inc.

Halloween Costumes: A Personal Retrospective Part 3

On By James CastroIn Random FunLeave a comment

After an unusual costume drought during high school and college, I received the opportunity to re-visit one of my favorite childhood pastimes at work.

One year, my previous office put together a social committee that designed a bunch of activities for us all to participate in every year.  I never participated in any but one, the Halloween costume contest.

It was during this contest that I put to use all that I learned from watching my mom tailor-fit costumes to me and started doing this for myself.

This was fun because it created an entirely unique costume, and I prided myself on never buying costume parts; just weird odds and ends (many of which I strangely already owned) stuck together.  I pride myself on winning the contest (essentially, I was robbed the first year, I got “Most Realistic” that year, the costume that won was rented from a costume shop…that’s almost cheating in my opinion 😉  ) every year, even though once it was unofficial (they did a freakin’ chili cook-off instead, though some of us still dressed up) and was in a group one year.

Halloween 2008 044
2008. Slash. This was my first “real” costume for work. I already owned all this stuff except the sunglasses and blue rag. Yep that’s my badass Tak Matsumoto Epiphone guitar. I got “Most Realistic” that year. Though many feel me and my good friend Ron who went as Jimi Hendrix should’ve won. The winner came as Ben Franklin. In a historical institution that got extra points. I admit it looked good but c’mon! Rented costume!
Picture 025a
Me as Slash. A co-worker Lauren as Tina Turner. And my good friend Ron as Jimi Hendrix. Ron and I didn’t coordinate these costumes. I came around the corner as Slash and ran into Jimi!

Che

2009. Che Guevara.  This was a no-frills costume for me.  I needed the green shirt and the beret.  It’s the only time I used a “costume” piece.  That cigar is fake.

Vlad1
2010. Vlad the Impaler. This is my Piece de Resistance as far as I’m concerned, mostly because I made the red cloak and hat for this one. It’s a modified wizard outfit with fur trim. The emblem on the hat I got at a yard sale as a kid. I just happened to have the rest of this stuff, including the spear, sword, jacket, boots, etc.

PulpFiction  2011. Pulp Fiction.  My friend Ron (Jules in this photo) and my RevPub counterpart Raven talked me in to this one.  Ron came as Jules and I was Vincent Vega from Pulp Fiction.  The only detail touch I did was to print the cover to Modesty Blaise and tape it to another book.  Another very good friend came as Mia Wallace.  The three of us won for best costume that year.  I really feel it IS one costume.  Ron was the star of this one, I ‘m more of a costume accessory.  Without Ron I’m just a dude in a suit!

JustV

2012. V for Vendetta.  This was my last costume at my previous job.  I don’t think there was a contest that year.  By this point, I’d already turned in my notice and was prepping for my new job.  This costume was one I always wanted to do (love this character), and I had the mask for years before I used it.  I recycled a lot of the Vlad costume for a lot of it.  It was fitting as not only was it a cool costume, but a good political statement for me to make about my feelings on my place of employment right before I said adieu…

Halloween: A Family Experience

On By R. PettyIn Random FunLeave a comment

When you think of a family activity, what comes to mind? A week-long beach vacation? A trip to Disneyland? A weekend camping trip? The holidays?

Most people think of Thanksgiving and Christmas when they hear the term “the holidays”. But in my family, including my very close friends, the holidays start with Halloween — the best holiday of all. You don’t have to shop, fight the crowds, and no one is grumpy. What’s not to love?

This week, I’m focusing on the family aspect of Halloween and how you can gain quality time just by getting into costume and maybe trick-or-treating. It’s one night a year, and you can be anything you want!

We have years of memories dressing up together…

Death ninja, grim reaper, devil
2008: Our son was a death ninja, so I dressed up as a grim reaper and my husband dressed as the devil. He was brave enough to use face paint. Me not so much, so I used eyeshadow to give myself a more deathly look.
ninja family
My son went through a stage for about five years where he was nothing but a different type of ninja for Halloween. We truly embraced it in 2009 and all dressed as ninjas!
2010: I had three costumes that year for work and parties, so that night I decided to just dress festive for Halloween night.
2010: I had three costumes that year for work and parties (coming in later posts), so I decided to just dress festive for Halloween night. My son was a white dragon ninja, of course 😉
2010: Family reunion on Halloween. We had a coven of witches that year!
2010: Family reunion on Halloween. We had a coven of witches that year! I hope we can do that again because it certainly made the pictures more interesting, and everyone seemed to have fun!
2011: My witch dress, complete with boots. I actually wore this dress to my high school freshmen homecoming. A good dress can be worn for many occasions!
2011: My witch dress, complete with socks and boots. I actually wore this dress to my high school freshmen homecoming. A good dress can be worn for many occasions!
Here's my son's Scorpion ninja that complemented my witch.
My son’s Scorpion ninja that complemented my witch. It was also the last year of the ninja lol. Although, we’ll see this year…
2012: The first year we did our own thing lol. Mario, the grim reaper (inspired by the premiere of Lil' Horsemen) and Bellatrix Lestrange from Harry Potter. Mario got all the attention that night, and somehow my son and I still managed to go dark lol.
2012: The first year we did our own thing lol. Mario, the grim reaper (inspired by the premiere of Lil’ Horsemen), and Bellatrix Lestrange from Harry Potter. Mario received all the attention that night, and somehow my son and I still managed to go dark. Great minds think alike 🙂

Halloween Costumes: A Personal Retrospective Part 2

On By James CastroIn Random FunLeave a comment

As the 90s broke, it seems we stopped going for the store-bought costumes, and I personally started wearing costumes my mom made.

While the idea of “homemade” costumes makes a lot of people think they’d be lesser quality than the store-bought stuff, I think the pictures below prove otherwise.

With a great combination of love for Halloween and masterful sewing skill, my mom provided me with the best costumes of my childhood.  Always perfectly complimenting whatever I was into at the time and giving me something wholly unique from all the other kids stalking the streets for candy.  Again I THINK they are mostly in order…

90
Circa 1990. Michelangelo. Like most boys my age, I friggin’ LOVED Ninja Turtles. In fact, I still love Ninja Turtles. My mom made this one from a pattern I think she got at Hancock Fabrics where she worked. The “muscles” were all filled with poly-fill, as was the shell, so it was all plush. I played with the foam-covered plastic nunchucks for YEARS after this… This might be my favorite childhood costume. Ninja Turtles really impacted me, and this was the closest I got to being one. And look at how cool it is!
91
Circa 1992. Grim Reaper. This character must be a theme in my life! I don’t recall how I decided on this one, but my mom liked it because it was just a big robe. It did look pretty cool though. Again, it was also HOT and required several breaks during trick-or-treating. Halloweens in Tennessee might be cool or might be as hot as August. I think this was one of those warmer years…
JVC_Batman_002.BMP
Circa 1993. Batman Returns Batman. I distinctly remember this as being the Batman Returns costume because of the way the abs section was styled. This is the only picture I could come across of this costume, but it was by far the most awesome Batman costume ever. My mom sewed the whole thing out of vinyl pleather, which in addition to being a pain to sew also weighed a ton. The cape, mask, torso, all pleather. The additional side-effect was that it was like a sauna-suit, and I had to take breaks to air my head out periodically. Still, I remember hearing several times that year that it was by far the best Batman people had seen. And as usual…people saw a LOT of Batmen…
80s013
Circa 1990. Ares. My Costumes weren’t JUST for Halloween. I was only going to include Halloween, but this was too cool not to put in. I went as Ares to Greek and Roman Day (at a Catholic School…which is weird now that I think of it). Again my mom made this and I put the shield together. The helmet looks way cooler than I remember.

Having my mom make costumes had a lasting impact.  Just going and buying a “vampire” costume was never good enough.  To me, anyone could do that.  I had more fun finding weird stuff to put together a unique kind of costume.  It might still be a vampire, but it would be MY vampire, not Rubie’s Costume Company’s.  The lasting impact of this would come back in my future costumes and will be seen in my next post!