Nov 22 2011

Even More Vile Verses

Maybe that "solo XP" idea wasn't so wise after all...

After doing two lengthy installments in the “Vile Verses” series, I had foolishly thought I had found all of the spooky poems I could ever find in my last entry. However, the recitation of Lewis Carroll’s “Jabberwocky” in A Nymphoid Barbarian in Dinosaur Hell made me realize there was still plenty of material out there. In addition to digging up “Jabberwocky,” I also discovered that Lewis also did another spooky poem called “Phantasmagoria.”

Speaking of authors whose work has been beloved by children, Ogden Nash has done his fair share of poems with creepy touches, such as “The Wendigo” and “The Tale of Custard the Dragon” (one of my favorite bedtime stories as a child).

Another poem from my youth is “Little Orphant Annie,” which my late grandfather often recited for me. While the name might not seem scary or even make grammatical sense, reading the poem (and its Wikipedia article) will explain everything. That last article also notes how the poem was based on true events from the author’s life. Given that both the author and inspiration for Annie are Caucasian, the use of “Mammy” seems to be part of the poem’s attempt at capturing a regional dialect rather than reference offensive stereotypes.

Cry of the Banshee is an odd case. Although the film was claimed to be an adaptation of a poem by Edgar Allan Poe in publicity materials, no work by Poe with that title exists. The film was also promoted with this short poem, but it cannot be found among Poe’s works. Research led to a play of the same name (written long after the film was released) that quoted a supposed Poe work, but further research revealed that said work doesn’t seem to exist! So was AIP telling a bald-face lie by claiming the film had a Poe connection? Not exactly, as they did insert a select few lines from Poe’s “The Bells” in the film’s opening, similar to what they had done to turn The Haunted Palace and The Conqueror Worm into “Poe films.”

Speaking of films and poems, Pumpkinhead is said to be based on a poem by one Ed Justin, which you can read here. While the article casts doubt on this due to its apparent unavailability prior to the film, this doesn’t necessarily mean it wasn’t based on a real poem. For example, the story “The Greatest Gift” wasn’t published until long after it was filmed as It’s a Wonderful Life (said story is a major reason why the film was found to not truly be in the public domain) and Sopranos creator David Chase’s unpublished novel Still Life was adapted into Grave of the Vampire.

Not only is Bertolt Brecht’s “The Swamp” full of creepy imagery, but it’s also inspired by horror legend Peter Lorre!

Speaking of inspirations, both the title and plot elements of Suspiria were influenced by Thomas De Quincey’s prose poem “Suspiria de Profundis” (which translates as “Sighs from the Depths”). Here is an extract from it featuring the part which captured Dario Argento’s imagination the most, “Levana and Our Ladies of Sorrow.”

Although best known for “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner,” Samuel Taylor Coleridge has also penned scary works like “Phantom,” “Christabel” and “Sonnet: To The Autumnal Moon.”

Wikisource also gives us works by Nicholas Vachel Lindsay, like his Poe tribute “The Wizard in the Street” and “Ghosts in Love.” Speaking of ghosts, Ella Wheeler Wilcox uses them as a metaphor in “Ghosts,” Robert Brooke discusses “Hauntings” and James Russell Lowell tells us of “The Ghost-Seer.”

Stephen Crane is no slouch in the eerie poetry department, having given the world “Behold, The Grave of a Wicked Man,” “Mystic Shadow, Bending Near Me” and “Black Riders Came From the Sea.”

Kaiju haiku. It both rhymes and makes a great deal of sense, given both are Japanese. You can read numerous example of it here.

Google Books brings us numerous works by modern day poets, such as Glyn Maxwell’s “Haunted Hayride” and “The Man Who Held His Funeral.” It also offers a look at the famed horror magazine Weird Tales, which provides us with poems like Nancy Springer’s “Fear,” Lynne Armstrong-Jones’ “Bewitching Lessons” and Ann K. Schwader’s “Moot Question.”

Famed science fiction writer Ray Bradbury is no stranger to the world of poetry, haven written poems like “Which Shall It Be” (his tribute to H.G. Wells) and “Revivere, Rex!”

The preview for Adam Rex’s Frankenstein Makes a Sandwich not only has the titular humorous poem, but also ones about the Creature from the Black Lagoon and the Phantom of the Opera. Tera Chaney’s Poetry of the Vampire has just what you’d expect in it.

Yellow Rider and Other Fantasy Poems features many poems by Steve Eng, like “Grey Skater,” “May-Eve,” “Haunted Heritage,” “Vaingloria,” his translation of Guy de Maupassant’s “Memories,” “Destination,” “Below the Horizon” and All Hallow’s Eve.”

Finally, there’s also “A Poet’s Epitah” and “The Witch-Bride” by William Allingham, “Halloween” by Gjertrud Schnackenberg and the unusual “The Vinegar Man” by Ruth Comfort Mitchell.

Nov 22 2011

Tuesday uEtsy: Jezebel Charms

Tuesday uEtsyJezebel Charms
http://www.etsy.com/shop/JezebelCharms

 Human Skeleton Brass Cuff Bracelet Macabre Bones in the Mausoleum

Strange that a term called ‘Black Friday’ has been adopted by the public in a semi-positive manner. Of course, it’s not positive for those working the large stores, putting in insane hours for the rabid masses trying to score manaical deals on objects.

Of course, there are some ways to avoid the chaos. Shopping online is one way. There’s also hitting up non-mall shops, independent stores in a way to support some alternative gifts.

After all, why bother with the hassle and the rabid mobs, especially when the situation dictates that using a chainsaw is a social faux pax.

Instead, you would be wise to shop from Jezebel Charms. Not only do you avoid the claws of parents and tech fiends looking to spend three hundred dollars on a 56″ plasma screen, but you purchase something unique, spooky and classy.

Absinthe Brass Steampunk Cuff Bracelet L’Absinthe C’est La Mort

The chances of seeing some kind of hallucination from drinking Absinthe is also the same chances of getting really, really drunk. Probably the same odds of killing yourself if you’re foolish, as displayed by this cuff bracelet. Of course, you might end up with a combination of all three, hallucinating having a drink with Death. If you can avoid the risk but still have the drink with Death by buying this bracelet and hitting up a bar.

Edgar Allan Poe Bracelet – ‘Exquisite Beauty’ – Bright Pink Quote Brass Cuff

 – ‘There is no exquisite beauty…without some strangeness in the proportion.’

Feeling a kinship with Edgar Allan? Or perhaps you live in Baltimore? The quote is great and might sum up your worldview. Wear your heart on your sleeve but your motto on your wrist.

Poison Cufflinks – Vintage Medicine Label – Skull and Crossbones

The cuffs of Jezebel charms are delightfully multi-applicable, as you can go from Victorian to Goth to Steampunk to general spooky punk without having to change your accessories. It’s not so much if you were to go from Black Metal to Speed to Stoner (a lot of make-up is involved.) All the cuffs, like the Poison one (not related to the hair metal band) above are made of quality metal that is adjustable with a little bit of pressure. And where else are you going to find something that looks that wonderful? Nowhere.

Count Dracula Vampire Cufflinks – Literary Horror Book Quote

Jezebel Charms also have necklaces and cuff links, for those more formal events that you want to add a particular spice. It’s clever to utilize these literary cuff links to intimidate those you might see when interacting at a Christmas party. Remember, it’s all about silent communication.

 

H.P. Lovecraft Supernatural Horror Literary Quotation – Children will always be afraid of the dark – Brass Cuff Bracelet

For all you Lovecraft enthusiasts, Jezebel Charms have not forgotten you. Here, they recreated a wonderful quote from the writer’s essay on the nature of horror. If you want to be reminded why you’re submitting that story to Arcane magazine, or why you keep scouring the flea markets for rare and out of print paperbacks, it all deals back with the nature of fear. Keep this cuff on and the wisdom close by.

Find all the wonderful wares on sale over at Jezebel Charms’ etsy store.  Order soon to get in before the Christmas rush. Avoid the sleepy masses on Friday. Be wise, not unwashed. And be back here on Tuesday for another uEtsy spotlight.

 

Nov 15 2011

Tuesday uEtsy: Pinz n’ Thingz

Tuesday uEtsy

Pinz n’ Thingz
www.etsy.com/shop/PinznThingz
Official Site 

 

 

Police Box Necklace with Union Jack flag, inspired by Doctor Who and the TARDIS

“It’s too early for Christmas,” said Young Gus recently. Chronologically, it was correct. It’s the middle of November. There’s still the business of the American Thanksgiving to be dealt with, as well as various other holidays taking their place ahead of December 25th on the calendar.

However, for some, Everyday Is Christmas. To them, Halloween is a mere orange-and-black knock off of the true festive season. We remain impartial in the whole debate and if you have tattoos of spiderwebs or snowflakes on your arms, we judge not. The emotional investment ranges from person to person.

“Flip a coin,” says Strange Jason when pressed with the question about whether he ‘likes or doesn’t like’ Christmas. “Some years, it’s a nice holiday. Other times—” His motion of a gun placed against his temple doesn’t translate well into print.

“Love it,” says Glenn, the Sasquatch who was making a post-Autumn visit. “It’s not for everyone. But I love it. It’s such a nice break to the winter. Granted, I could just hibernate with those family members of mine but I was never for the old ways. Christmas, though.” A wistful look was recognized on the face of the Bigfoot.

Depending on whether you side with Gus, Glenn or the fifty-fifty Jason, you can partake in this week’s Tuesday uEtsy spotlight of Pinz n’ Thingz.

 

Playing Card Christmas Tree Ornament, poker, steampunk

Some individuals are looking to have a tree up on Black Friday, while others might wait until the month turns to the final digit. A fanciful addition to your collection would be this Playing Card Christmas Tree Ornament, either expressing your commitment to games of chance or particular popular culture elements who have adopted the deck of playing cards as a format. Wild Cards. Gambit. The Royal Flush Gang. Pinz and Thingz can cater to your every geek, nerd and dorky need.

 

Haunted House Necklace, haunted castle, halloween

 However, if you prefer to hold off on tinsel and evergreens, maintaining that black and orange look until it is far beyond timely (for you, Halloween never goes out of Season) there is this Haunted House Necklace. Know someone who would find this a great present? Do you want to get a kiss from a ghost under the ethereal mistletoe? Here is the perfect vessel to express your understanding, love and emotions in a season designated for charity.

 

Gas Mask Ring, apocalypse, biohazard

Of course, you can also be creepy as hell. Gas Masks, though highly valuable utility tools in cases of war and industry, are also pretty freaky looking. It’s really the only reason why anyone would fear The Mad Gasser of Mattoon if he/she were to return. You can celebrate that particular American horror or other creepy reasons we would prefer you keep to yourself with this fantastically creepy ring.

 

BIG fishbone earrings, dangle, bronze, fish skeleton

A documentary recently came out about the long-running band, Fishbone. Are these fishbone earrings related? We don’t know. Perhaps they’re related to the comic-strip, Heathclif? Or perhaps they’re a long-standing symbol of famine and a poor curse upon all fishing villages. Or perhaps they’re just nifty accessories for your ears. This is your choice. You can do what you want. You can have anything.

 

Periodic Table of the Elements Christmas Tree Ornaments, set of FIVE (5)

For the scientific person who wants to resolve their love for the basic building blocks of the universe and the problem of an undressed tree, here is a set of FIVE periodic table element ornaments. Want to show your unabashed love of Boron? Want to create a molecule of a certain nature on your holiday decorations? You probably have already bought three sets of these. Good for you.

For those of you still on the fence, go over to Pinz and Thingz Etsy page or their Official Site and see what they have for you. Whether you shop for Halloween, Christmas, yourself or someone else, have fun. There’s plenty there for you to enjoy. When you’re done, come back next week and we’ll have another Tuesday uEtsy for you.

Nov 14 2011

Things I Dig Up

For about five years, I resided in Troy, New York. It was one of the three cities in the “Tri-City Region,” the other two being Schenectady and the state capitol, Albany. Schenectady and I never hit it off. My only forays included hanging out with a semi-crazy goth girl I met while she worked at a comic shop (back when I was into comics) and to drop my friend off at the Vonnegut-famous GE facility where he worked.

Troy became my home when I took over the apartment for a friend-of-the-friend, which I look back now with some amazement that I got such a huge place for only 350 a month. The standard of living in Troy was cheap. Five bucks was enough for a filling dinner from one of the places down near Little Italy, ten bucks if you waned to go Chinese. Of course, the wage I was pulling then wasn’t that great and even with meager bills, I wound up broke and depressed. 350 is still pricey when the job you work only grants 240 a week.

Albany was great because it was big enough to pull in bands headed north to Montreal or south to NYC on their tours. It was a perfect stop in between the more lucrative markets. It was also a decent place to catch good music on the radio. It was about eight to nine years ago when I moved down and the mp3 player was still too expensive and cell phones were still thick enough to cause a concussion when thrown hard enough at someone. The radio was still a primary method for music and luckily, both the SUNY Albany and RPI had a thriving history of quality college radio stations.

Outside the Santeria shop that was on Quail Street, the same street where Last Vestige can be found (a great used CD/record store, if they’re still around) I only knew Sir Walford as the source that there was a thriving Jamaican/Reggae scene in the area. It was probably him and the Dub channel on GTA III that led me to own a pair of TROJAN DUB boxed sets. That phase was short lived after discovering the inherent homophobia of the island culture, but at least the music is nice. I should dig those up, now that I like it. That and those Augustus Pablo records.

The other main show I liked was Screams From The Basement, on WRPI. Focusing on punk, garage and the genre of music that is “Motorhead,” it was a great show that always started right after I got off of work on Thursdays. The best part of the afternoon, since Thursdays are typically my unlucky days, was hearing the first three-swipes, like the sound a kung-fu chop might make in the air, before the theme music kicked in.

I found out the song years later, after moving to New Haven. It’s one of those great joys that I hope somehow persists in this growing digital age, where I can instantly know EVERYTHING thanks to a specific app I can download on my phone. Don’t know a song, Jason? Use SHAZAM to identify it. Don’t know a book? Why, we’ve got something for that, too.

Greater information does threaten to take out some mystery in life but I think these are old mysteries. There will always be new discoveries to be made because the human is a flawed creature by design, not capable of remembering everything. So some kid today will have the same burst of outright glee that I had when I was in the parking lot of a North Haven Barnes and Noble when “The Mark of Zorro” by the Challengers came on my iPod. After a good three year absence from my mind, all of a sudden, I was back in my old Chevy on the way back from work, not sitting in a Buick on my lunch break. It wasn’t kung-fu strikes but the sword of the mythical hero carving his trademark Z.

I had found the album in my research into surf music for a project. I had no idea that the Challengers were behind Jim’s selection for his Screams From The Basement show, and knowing that he went with a classic surf song than some punk or metal B-side made my memories of that time all the better.

These small things keeps a man going in the face of certain and inevitable doom and ruin, y’know? Enjoying the sunset at the end of all time.

 

Nov 11 2011

6′+ Episode 17 is Up!

To quote the description given at the new listing:

“Kind of a light episode this time around as we recover from Halloween. But, we’d be wrong if we didn’t pay tribute to the greatest day in Kaiju history, the birthday of the King of the Monsters – Godzilla. We’ll have Man…or Astro-Man?, The Creeping Cruds and The Lloyd-Tones pay tribute as we change things up this time around.

You’ll also hear music from The Twang-o-Matics, The Slow Poisoner, The Spookshow, The Isotopes and ZOMBIE!

We’re conducting a couple polls about the future of 6′+ over at our Facebook page. Head over and add your opinion.”

You can find all episodes of 6’+ over at the official site as well as on iTunes. We’re also on Facebook and Twitter.

Nov 10 2011

SOS MUMMY

Look, we need to do some major work to save our Mummies.

I thought that The Mummy did a decent enough job showing how a mummy can be frightening by amplifying both its undead qualities as well as its supernatural powers. The Karloff, shuffle-strangle-moan version can’t really work in today’s world.

Vampires, Werewolves and Zombies have maintained their relevancy. With the multiple Frankenstein-derivative projects in the works, the reanimated dead will get a boost. This leaves some of the fringe monsters, classic icons of the first golden age of Horror, to wither.

How can we save the Mummy?

At first, I think maintaining its supernatural properties are key; however, their abilities should be appropriate to the character. And that is where your Mummy is from and who they are. Not every mummy can be a high priest or prince – shit, son. That just doesn’t work. And this brings to the next point – Avoid Egypt.

It’s like making Vampires from Romania or any Transylvania-derivative. Mummification occurred all around the world. And wherever your mummified remains are from, their powers should reflect that.

Make it a ghoul, where it replenishes itself by stealing the body parts of the unsuspecting. I think a decent Ghoul movie might work, giving it a Jack Ripper fear if there was some ambush predator stalking people in a crowded metropolitan area. Mummies will have to be ambush predators, since they’re solitary. Zombies rely on numbers; werewolves have the natural predatory skills. Mummies need to lie in wait and BAM.

Where The Mummy movie and what our recovery efforts differ is that we need to have a modern setting. Having Brendon Fraser fight off some Egyptian at the turn of the 20th century doesn’t cut it. We need to have a modern setting to maintain the emotional connection. Placing things in the past makes it too much of an adventure film than horror.

Give the mummy a basic goal. Jason or Freddy didn’t want to take over the world.

Avoid the toilet paper look. There are some ways you can make mummified materials look spooky and frightening. But c’mon.

Furthermore, make the thing smart. Zombies can be dumb. Mummies should have a brain. Give them speech, give them motive. Give them personality.

You want to make the Mummy scary? Make it a reanimated killer in a city with a dense population. Give it terrible resolve. And there you go. You’re welcome.

Nov 08 2011

Tuesday uEtsy: Fable & Fury

Tuesday uEtsyFable & Fury
http://www.etsy.com/shop/FableAndFury

Pirate Ship silhouette necklace in black stainless steel

Leathbridge was named after Cole Leathbridge, establishing a small trading outpost for passing traveler’s sometime in the early 1800’s. Cole’s passing remains in question as a series of unexplained fires shortly after the event threatened to eliminate any evidence that the man, or any of his kin, ever existed. Though the town bears Cole’s surname, there hasn’t been a Leathbridge registered in the county’s limits for a good sixty years. There are hints of the bloodline that peek out, either through similar genetic traits of whispers when someone is required to produce birth certificates.

Mr. Fallingard was once rumored to be of the family, though the amount of things said about him in rude company are without number. Since absconding from the town a few generations back, it’s remains in question what exactly would happen if the Leathbridge family were to return. It’s not debated in the open, though there are many theories that can be discovered late at night if you buy the right person a drink.

Still, as we said, there are occasional reminders of the founder and hint at the everlasting influence he will hold over this town and those within it. One such reminder came about back in September.

As noted, the Freakshow family welcomed their second child. Young Poinsettia became an older sister to the young boy who, upon meeting for the first time, was introduced to everyone here at the Local as Humphrey. More accurately, he was introduced as Humphrey Cole.

No explanation was asked in regards to the child’s middle name, and none was given. The only time the matter was mentioned was when Poinsettia said “I hope he goes by Cole when he’s older. Humphrey’s an okay name and all but Cole sounds cooler, right?”

We’ll see how young Humphrey, or Cole, grows into this world. As of now, he remains a lovely young child with wide blue eyes and an infectious laugh. Both his mother and sister were wearing gifts given to them from Eric Berneau, the youngest Berneau brother of the Berneau Funeral Home. When he was asked, he mentioned Fable & Fury, a company who offers “Unusual silhouette jewelry and iconic portrait pendants.”

Vincent Price homage necklace in black stainless steel

Capturing the likeness of many stars, ranging from Vampira to Hunter S. Thompson to Tom Waits, Fable & Fury provides a series of highly accurate and ornate portraits, captured in exquisite detail. In honor of the Vincentennial, the Vincent Price homage necklace is a stunning rendition of the maestro in such a way that we were at first hard-pressed to believe that it was made out of metal. It seems so delicate but it’s made out of durable stainless steel. How incredible!

Octopus Girl silhouette sailor necklace in silver stainless steel

If you aren’t ready to carry a lifelike picture of a particular personality, there are some original artwork creations to capture your imagination. Like the Octopus Girl as pictured above. There’s always fear that a newborn will come out disfigured, mentally handicapped or worse. The parent, whose oft unconditional love provides a safe place for the child. However, the world is known to be cruel to the unusual. Show your solidarity with this necklace for all those who are and aren’t shaped like you.

Vampire Necklace – Dark Beauty Magazine

This piece was originally “…[c]reated for Dark Beauty Magazine, the limited edition vampire necklace is intricately laser cut stainless steel with black powder coat eggshell finish.” We consider this a fantastic piece of artwork, for the exquisiteness in the design and how it conveys malice and joy. When wearing it, you’ll convey both sex appeal and reasons for all around you to quiver at the hint of your wrath.

Skull and Crossed Skeleton Key silhouette pin in rust finish stainless steel

If you’re not a necklace person, there are plenty of options from Fable & Fury. One of their wonderful options is this Skull and Crossed Skeleton Key pin. It’s an elegant piece, available as a necklace as well. Bernie had this piece on, while Poinsettia wore the silver Ornate Bat Statement seen below. It was a great complement to her outfit, while Bernie’s regal look was only outdone by the beaming pride from being a new father.

 Ornate Bat statement necklace in silver stainless steel

Check out Fable and Fury’s etsy store to peruse their selection. You’ll be surprised at what you’ll find. Return next week for another Tuesday uEtsy spotlight.

 

Nov 08 2011

Guest Post: McVladie Interviews author Elizabeth Miller

[Today’s guest post is brought to us by one, McVladie. But let us allow her to introduce herself:]

It is ironic isn’t it that a writer can go on for ions about the characters they have created yet when it comes to self description there is a void as deep as a black hole….HELLLOOOO Can you hear the echo…echo? I suppose I should start with my name. I go by many for I have many a strange tradition in my family…Always figured my father thought we might need an alias someday. I am well prepared in that case. My pen name is CLMcNally but most know me as Carlota aka McVladie. I have always been passionate about two things law and writing. I had great aspirations to be a lawyer. Won my first mock trial at the age of nineteen. My defendant was none other than Prince Vlad Dracula aka The Impaler and I have been defending him ever since.

It wasn’t until college a professor asked why on earth I wanted to be a lawyer to which I ruffled back, “Do you not think I would be a good one?” She replied I think you would be a good lawyer but a great writer. Unbeknownst to me she had shown some of my work to a colleague and it was published and the rest is history…I have not regretted my decision to write it fills my very soul and so does writing about Vlad Dracula.

I have written a novel due out in 2012 tentatively titled Vladie a fictional story of Prince Vlad Dracula and there are absolutely no vampires in my book. If you care to follow my madness you may do so on twitter I am McVladie.

As I sit at my keyboard in the dusky dark of candlelight I ponder over many a curious volume….no, no, no too Poe like. Alright let’s try again Hi, I’m your biggest fan or it is not often that people get to meet their idols…no, no scratch that sounds too much like Annie Wilkes from Stephen King’s novel Misery. What in the name of Basarab’s ghost does one first say to someone who is internationally acclaimed as one of the world’s foremost Dracula scholars, having published six books on the subject along with dozens of articles including Reflections on Dracula, Dracula: Sense & Nonsense, a volume on Dracula for the Dictionary of Literary Biography and, most recently, Bram Stoker’s Notes for Dracula: A Facsimile Edition with Robert Eighteen-Bisang. Her expertise is much sought after for TV documentaries and magazine articles around the world. The recipient of numerous accolades: Baroness of the House of Dracula (Romania, 1995); Daughter of Aref (Romania, 2000); and Professor Emerita, Memorial University (2005).

Elizabeth Miller, "as Van helsing"

Not to mention a new book tentatively titled Bram Stoker’s Dublin Notebook co-authored with Dacre Stoker, grand nephew of the Bram Stoker due out in 2012.

In her spare time (insert smile of humor here) the Baroness maintains the Dracula Research Centre and is managing editor of the Journal of Dracula Studies. Miller is also president of the Canadian chapter of Transylvanian Society of Dracula.

Whew give me a moment to catch my breath. There that’s better back to the dilemma at hand what does one call Elizabeth Miller? Hello Dr. Miller or Salutations Professor Miller or better yet good evening Baroness I bid you welcome to your interview.

All kidding aside Elizabeth has kindly put up with my correspondence since 2008 answering any questions this admiring writer could conjure accompanied with an extreme kindness a rare thing coming from someone so famous and I gladly call her friend…

So all you lucky Gravediggers put down your shovels gather freely and of your own will for this is an interview not to missed!

"the bat necklace"

 

If you could be any character in Bram Stoker’s Dracula who would it be and why?

Van Helsing? Appealing – as I’d get to play around with a wooden stake (Freudian slip unintentional).

Renfield – absolutely not. I don’t like flies.

Jonathan Harker? A bit tedious.

Arthur Holmwood? Yawn!

Dr Seward? Ditto.

Lucy? Too malleable. But at least I could then be the “bloofer lady”.

Mina? Hmm, she’s a possibility. A strong woman at times – though she usually slips back into the stereotype.

Quincey P Morris? At least he’s different – and interesting. The only one who chews tobacco! And he speaks in slang. It’s interesting that he was probably based on Buffalo Bill.

The only other one left of the major characters is the Count. Would I want to be the Count? I am ambivalent about that.

Guess I’ll just have to be content with being a reader.

with Dracula

If Bram Stoker were alive and sitting in front of you now what would you ask him?

The first question I would ask him is “How much of an influence on your novel was Vlad the Impaler?” I am almost certain what his first reaction would be – “Who?”. Once I clarified who Vlad was (the “voivode Dracula” he mentions in the novel), I am convinced Bram would say “Not very much”. From my own research I am certain this is correct – but I would just love to hear it from Bram’s own lips.

I am compelled to ask this next question only because I am a fan of Vlad Dracula and am dying to know no pun intended. If Vlad were alive and in front of you what would you ask the impaler?

I’d ask him where he is buried. Maybe he’d be kind enough to lead me to his gravesite. Its location is one of many unresolved issues about Vlad. Some argue his remains are at the Snagov Monastery, but other Romanian historians have offered alternative sites. I’d just like to know.

If he’d permit a second question, I’d ask about his “wife” – the one that purportedly committed suicide by leaping from the fortress wall in Poenari when it was under Turkish siege. Did that actually happen? Or is it just a folk legend?

In numerous pictures you are seen wearing a fantastic bat necklace, is there a mysterious story behind this jewelry… a possible gift from Dracula hmmm?

I still have that bat necklace as well as a similar smaller one and bat earrings. I wear bat jewelry at most of my presentations and lectures as a visual aid. Inevitably, someone in the audience will ask about bats and I then go into my spiel about the connection between bats and Dracula.

Have you ever dreamed about Bram Stoker or Dracula?

No. I have occasionally had a dream about my work, especially if I am approaching a deadline and getting anxious. But I have never had a dream about Dracula (or would that be a nightmare?) At least not one that I can remember. Friends have asked me whether spending so much time writing about Dracula/vampires has made me have nightmares. The answer is no. I seem to be able to separate this stuff from the rest of my life.

What question would you like to be asked but never have been asked?

I cannot think of one. But there are lots of questions that I wish had never been asked. Usually these come to me via email or snail-mail rather than at public events (where the questioner would be exposed for the idiot he/she is). I frequently get asked whether I am a vampire, or “How did you become a vampire?” or “Can you give me the dark gift?” At the other extreme are “Do you realize you are promoting Satanism?” Duh!

What are your thoughts about tuica brandy?

Before or after drinking it? My first introduction to tuica (Romanian plum brandy) took place at the village of Aref in Romania in 1994. A group of us in Romania for the World Dracula Congress were staying overnight at some farmhouses. We were offered tuica and could not refuse without seeming unappreciative. They kept refilling our glasses – and we kept being polite and not refusing.

1916 Rider cover of Dracula

What do you feel is the greatest misconception about Bram Stoker’s Dracula?

That’s an easy one. The most widespread misconception is that Vlad the Impaler was Stoker’s inspiration for his novel Dracula. My research has convinced me beyond the shadow of a doubt that Bram Stoker knew very little about Vlad, certainly not enough to base his novel on him. It is true that he did borrow Vlad’s nickname (Dracula) for the vampire novel he had already started. But there is no evidence Stoker knew much more than that about Vlad, his life or his infamous atrocities. If anyone is interested, I have written a detailed explanation of my position in my book Dracula: Sense & Nonsense.

Any five people living or dead you could invite to dinner…who would it be and why?

Raymond McNally (in blue)

I’d prefer dead people – and dead people who when alive had some connection to Dracula/vampires. I’d start with Bram Stoker. He’d be at the head of the table. In his Irish brogue, he could tell us stories about his life, the writing of Dracula. And he could clear up many of the misconceptions about his famous book. Then I’d invite three people who were in life very close friends of mine, all having a connection to the Dracula story. First is Raymond McNally, a history professor from Boston College who died in 2002. He wrote books about Vlad, and we argued continuously about Stoker and Vlad. Yet in spite of our differing opinions, we remained close friends.

Nicolae Paduraru

Sitting next to him I’d like to see Nicolae Paduraru, the Romanian who founded the Transylvanian Society of Dracula in 1991 and organized the World Dracula Congress in 1995. Nicky (as he was called by his friends) did so much to introduce me to Romania, right up until his death a couple of years ago.

Next to me at the table I would seat another close friend who died last year – Hammer film actress Ingrid Pitt. I always looked forward to seeing Ingrid whenever I went to London.

There’s one place left at the table – at the foot, facing Stoker. Maybe this guest will show up – maybe he won’t. Guess it depends on how powerful our imaginations are. But we’ll keep a place for him just in case. Count Dracula.

"me with Ingrid Pitt"

 

What do you think Uncle Mose aka your dad Ted Russell would say about his daughter being the world’s leading authority on Dracula?

I have asked myself that question many many times. Of course my father died many years before I started working in this field so he had no idea. Neither did I. I think he’d be very surprised to learn what I have been doing. The reason I say that is that when I was growing up, I had no particular interest in this sort of thing – that developed much later. But I think he’d be appreciative of my dedication to the subject.

 

Do you ever have a desire to write a play?

No. I have no talent whatsoever for writing any type of fiction. Wish I did.

my father, Ted Russell

Who would you say has been the greatest influence in your life?

That’s an easy one. My father. He had a wonderful sense of humor. We shared many interests including classical literature, international affairs and local politics. We’d spend hours discussing these subjects. But most of all we both loved baseball.

Which one do you like best of the many different covers of the Stoker Dracula novel?

I’d select the 1916 edition published by Rider. The cover illustration depicts the Count crawling down the castle wall – one of my favorite scenes in the novel.

Have you finished your memoirs, ‘From Pigeon Inlet to Transylvania’?

No. My Dracula work still makes great demands on my time. And after all, I am retired and like to do other things (especially travel). So the memoirs are still on the back burner. For how long? I have no idea.

with Dacre Stoker (standing next) in Dublin

How did you meet Dacre Stoker?

Dacre and I had corresponded for several months, as he and co-author Ian Holt had asked me to write an Afterword for their novel Dracula the Un-Dead. But we didn’t actually meet until March 2009. I was on my way to Florida to a conference and he invited me to spend overnight with him and his wife Jenne in South Carolina. We met again the following month in Dublin for “One City One Book” and our paths have crossed several times since.

What is special about 2012 and your upcoming book Bram Stoker’s Dublin Notebook and when and where can we get our grave digging little hands on a copy?

The year 2012 marks the centenary of Bram Stoker’s death (April 20). It is being marked by several special events. Dacre and I, for example, will be giving presentations and lectures are several venues in the U.K. in April 2012 to coincide with the publication of our new book (the Dublin Notebook). We are very excited about this project, as not a single page of the Notebook has ever been published. Also Dacre has many new photographs from family members that we will be sharing with our readers.

I’ll be posting updates about the book and various events for 2012 on my website at www.blooferland.com

[Once again, we wish to extend our deepest thanks to Carlota McNally aka McVladie for conducting this interview. You can follow her on Twitter via @McVladie ]

Nov 07 2011

The path of Excess leads to SAW 3D.

A post-Halloween tradition is to bust out the Minutemen as a palate cleansing device.

I like Minutemen a lot. ‘The Punch Line’ got me hooked. Eighteen songs, fifteen minutes; they’re both complex and simple, dealing with deep context, diverging abstracts and yet, still very accessible. The music isn’t obtuse. It’s not the 1-2-3-4 punk rock or hardcore that came about their day. It’s been well documented how awesome the Minutemen were by people who, unlike me, were there to see them and experience them when they were fresh.

I think the last decade was one of decadence. A lot of self-indulgence and precocious bits of art have reflected a cultural shift away from the societal and physical restrictions. Rudimentary forms of communication, like ‘zines, radio and mail-order have been replaced with blogs, podcasts and Twitter feeds. While before, there weren’t that many sources for information, the rarity placed greater importance on them. Maybe it made them more trustworthy, or there just wasn’t enough counter evidence to dispel them. Whatever.)

With the internet allowing everyone to know what everyone else is doing, a lot of those of past scenes bemoaned the homogeneous mush of culture that has produced LCD Soundsystem, Twitter and Zooey Deschanel. Because we CAN have it all, we have decided to have it all. Want ten people in your band? Go ahead. Want to have two different genres in your movie? Why not?

I think we’re set for a rejection of “indulgence,” of “excess.” Musically, I welcome the return to the forefront of the 3 or 4-piece, bare bones rock group that looks at all these cumbersome groups producing over-the-top sound as obnoxious. Less Arcade Fire, more G.G. Allin (sans excrement and misogyny.)

Horror, I think, hasn’t been as affected by the increase in connection/communication, save that old tropes have been demolished. The fear that “the phone has gone dead” is now eliminated, meaning that cell phones either have to have the hokey plot-point of “not getting any reception” or, the more realistically, running out of power. Increased communication means that the fundamental ‘fear of the unknown’ is easily dispelled.

I think there will be ways for modern horror to work around this, if they aren’t already.

There hasn’t been a wide-spread, mainstream film that has made people afraid of Social Networking (except, well, The Social Network but that piece of fiction made Mark Zuckerberg look like a autistic-dickhead. Whether that’s an accurate portrayal remains debated.) Having someone(s) using your Facebook account to track you and ultimately, kill you will inspire parents to be afraid, even more so than they should be.

But what about a monster, creature or killer that can’t be explained by a Wikipedia page? Or a group of people using the internet for some nefarious means? John Carpenter’s At The Mouth Of Madness, a great film, uses the idea of communication spreading madness. This is also done in Tobe Hooper’s novel, Midnight Movie as well as The Ring. What about a viral video that caused more than a few laughs?

As for excessive, indulgent behavior, a corner of Horror’s foundation is built on gratuitousness. Blood, breast and beast, like The Vooduo say. However, some restraint might return the genre back to its effectiveness. The first Saw movie had some weight to it, before the excessive sequels neutered the franchise. Dealing with simple antagonist v. protagonist (with decent explanation, outside of some bullshit writing like that in High Tension) will probably give fear a bit of a boost. The continual success of the Paranormal Activity movies show that people STILL like to be scared, even if the movies are, in my opinion, trite. If there can be a horror movie like a Minutemen song, simple in presentation but deep, layered and not totally obtuse/abstract, it’ll be great.

Horror exists in the realm slightly above pornography and slightly below art, meaning that often, if it maintains a low-enough overhead, it can do whatever it want. If there are films out there that have used these ideas, and there HAS to be because I know I’m not the only one to think of these, let me know.

Nov 03 2011

Godzilla and King Kong, Together Again

As it’s the Big G’s birthday, I thought it would be nice to pay tribute to one of his greatest battles. I was stuck on what to do, until I discovered that the Peruvian fast food chain Bembos decided to do a humorous ad reuniting the two (well, reasonable facsimiles of the two) that’s probably going to be the closest thing we’ll ever see to a King Kong vs. Godzilla rematch:

Happy Birthday Godzilla!

Nov 02 2011

Adios El Día de los Muertos?

Seriously, what's with the eyes?

As you’ve no doubt surmised from the title, this is going to be an article like “No More Vintage Halloween Insanity.” Although I have just enough material for this entry, it’s looking for and more like I won’t have enough material for any future El Día de los Muertos-related posts (but I will keep looking). That is, unless I find an online clip from the episode of Wildboyz where Pontius and Steve-o have a “Day of the Dead” cart race in skeleton attire…

The Google Books preview for Criminal Crafts by Shawn Gascoyne-Bowman has instructions on how to make your very own El Día de los Muertos bath fizzies.

Day of the Dead Crafts by Kerry Arquette, Andrea Zocchi and Jerry Vigil has a wonderful selection of pictures showing traditional costumes and decor relating to the holiday in its preview.

While not technically devoted to the Day of the Dead, Mindy Copeland’s Halloween Spanish for Young Children does provide handy terms that do relate to it.

I don’t know if Spooky Vegan’s El Día de los Muertos pumpkin spice muffins are a traditional meal, but the recipe sure does sound tasty!

Finally, Skull-A-Day often has images related to El Día de los Muertos.

For more posts related to the holiday, please visit:

El Día de los Muertos
Day of the Dead

Feliz el Dia de los Muertos!

Happy Day of the Dead!

Gravedigger’s Local 16 is not to be held responsible for the content on or anything that may occur (be it good or bad) as a result of visiting any links on those sites (or constructing a project that’s detailed on them). Attempt at your own discretion.

Nov 01 2011

The Day After

Good Morning, everyone.
The Day after Halloween usually indicates a slowdown, as Weird Jon and I usually chill out after the Halloween Bonanza. But, we’re going to keep things going strong. The weekends won’t have as much content as they used to but we’ll try to have some daily content for you.

We hope to resurrect the A Handful of Dirt series. If you have suggestions of who GdL16 should interview, contact us by sending an email or reaching out to us on Facebook or Twitter.

Word from the Front Office is that Tuesday uEtsy will make its return in November.

There will be more forthcoming after we sleep off this Orange and Black Hangover. Hopefully, you all are doing well. How was your Halloween?

Oct 31 2011

A Halloween Scarol

Remember Big Scream TV: The Boo Tube? Well, the company behind that series does other lines of video decor DVDs. One such example is Halloween Scarols, which combines Big Scream TV-style characters with Halloween-themed Christmas carol parodies. In fact, the songs were later released as a CD as well!

As I’ve shared music videos from Youtube for the past three countdowns, I might as well make it four. With that in mind, here’s two videos from the official Big Scream TV Youtube channel:

With that introduction out of the way, here’s the full version of “‘Twas the Night Before Halloween”:

Happy Halloween!

Oct 31 2011

Happy Halloween!

From all of us here at Gravedigger’s Local 16, we wish you a Happy Halloween.  Be safe, be spooky.

Oct 30 2011

More Fear For Your Ears

As the original Fear For Your Ears was such a rousing success, I’ve decided to once again dip into my collection of free audio drama/audio book links in order to share with you:

Those of you who enjoyed my article on Neil Gaiman’s “A Study In Emerald” should be very interested in the free audio book version that’s read by Gaiman himself!

The Drabblecast has a numerous short fiction audios, including the humorous “In Search of the Mongolian Death Worm.”

H.P. Lovecraft fans will definitely enjoy the numerous audio dramas presented by the Cthulhu Podcast. Speaking of Lovecraft, BBC Radio 4 has done an amazing audio drama version of The Shadow Over Innsmouth.

Glow in the Dark Radio offers original serialized audiobooks while The Wonder Fears is a both funny and freaky audio drama take-off on a certain show starring Fred Savage.

Although the Wireless Theatre Company is best known for comedic audio dramas, they have been known to produce ones with darker themes, such as: “The Grimm of Stottesden Hall,” “Medusa on the Beach,” “Phonophobia” and “The Strange Case of Springheel’d Jack.”

Sonicmovie.net is kind of like the Youtube of the audio drama world. In order to help narrow things down, why not take a look at the work of horror fan Joseph Vitaliano Jr?

Those of you who read my review of Sticks are undoubtedly familiar with the work of ZBS. If you head over to their official Tumblr page, you can hear samples of their work, including excerpts from 90-Second Cellphone Chillin’ Theatre.

While ZBS is best known for their 3D audio productions, they aren’t the only ones to utilize that technology. The UK-based 3DHorrorfi are the most recent company to dabble in the realm of 3D sound and are offering a free download of their adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Cask of Amontillado” on their website!

Fantom Films is offering a free download of the first part of their audio book adaptation of Time Hunter: The Cabinet of Light. As you may have guessed, it’s from the “Time Hunter” series of novels. What you might not have known is that the series originally started as a licensed Doctor Who novel called The Cabinet of Light and was later spun off into its own series when the publishing company lost the Doctor Who license. Thanks to the BBC’s policy of letting writers for the show keep ownership of characters they created, the series was still able to include some creatures from the series. That said, the audio book had to eliminate all references to the character of Doctor Who due to licensing issues.

Would you like to be in your very own audio adventure? If you have Realplayer, you can experience the interactive Terror T.R.A.X adventures “Track of the Vampire” and “Track of the Werewolf.” Be warned that these were intended for older listeners.

Wikisource has a wide variety of free audio books, including “The Signal-Man,” “The Diary of a Madman,” “The Masque of Red Death” and “Ex Oblivione.”

On The Edge Of Darkness is an audio drama series intended for mature listeners that features a group of survivors desperately trying to fend of zombie hoards. Fans of that type of story should also enjoy We’re Alive, The Zombie Podcast.

Graphic Audio, the company behind Batman: The Stone King, has a section where you can download hour-long samples from their various audio dramas, like The Lightbringer Trilogy 1: The Black Prism, Beyond the Blue Moon and Dante Valentine.

As always, Gravedigger’s Local 16 is not to be held responsible for anything that may occur (be it good or bad) as a result of downloading or streaming from any links given here. Attempt at your own discretion. Some downloads may not work in certain regions. Blah blah blah…

Oct 29 2011

3D Sound in Haunts

Imagine walking through a haunted attraction and suddenly hearing breathing behind you, only to turn around and see that nobody is behind you. Not long after, you’re surprised to hear a ghostly whisper of “Beware” in your left ear. You can hear a thunderstorm moving overheard as you pass through a corridor, and later distant dripping and screams can be heard in a seemingly abandoned dungeon. In another room, an unseen ghost flies over your head screaming, which chases you into a cave, where the sounds of a swirling swarm of bats surrounds you, along with the flapping wings of something much larger…

Sounds impossible (or at least extremely expensive), doesn’t it? The truth is, the technology exists. Rather than use a complicated sound system or variations of the expensive “projected sound” method used to promote the TV series Paranormal State, all that is required is a variation of those “audio tours” used in museums utilizing binaural audio.

You might remember binaural audio (aka 3D sound) from my review of the ZBS Foundation’s adaptation of Sticks. In fact, several of the effects noted in this article’s introduction where based on effects used in both Sticks and other ZBS audio recordings. Some might question the wisdom of having customers wear headphones when they can normally hear actors and haunt soundtracks without them. But if people can see things lunge out at them without 3D glasses, then I can’t see why they’d skip a haunted attraction because they can hear sounds in a non-3D sound haunt. It could also be used to enhance certain scares. For example, a cave with dangling rubber bats and a hidden fan would work wonders with the bat swarm effect I mentioned at the start of this article. The sound of a screaming ghost headed your way could be greatly aided by a hidden assistant armed with an airzooka. The possibilities are endless! Given the widespread popularity of visual 3D effects in haunted attractions, 3D sound could be the next big craze in the industry. However, as far as I can tell, the only use of 3D sound in regard to haunted attractions is how the Rotting Flesh Radio utilizes it while recording walkthroughs of haunted houses for their podcast.

Why hasn’t 3D audio been embraced by the haunted attraction industry yet? There are many potential factors, the most obvious one being that nobody has thought of doing it yet. Another is the perceived expense in doing so. Unless licensed from a company specializing in such recordings, a 3D audio soundtrack would have to be created from scratch using special equipment. On top of that, there’s the headphone issue. Putting aside how 3D audio doesn’t work as well on certain types of headphones, headphones present more challenges than 3D glasses. While the glasses can be easily reused, most modern headphones (especially earbuds) can’t be used that way. If even you use ones that can be reused, there’s also the possibility of patrons walking off with the headphones before they can be recovered, leading to spending extra money on replacements. This would be especially true for wireless headphones.

However, there may be a less expensive (and even profitable) solution. Given the increased popularity of smartphone, many people already have a portable audio player and earbuds. In theory, one could advertise a discount for those who bring their own smartphone/headphones, with access to the 3D soundtrack being available as a free downloadable app (not unlike the ones mentioned in the above-linked article on audio tours). Audio players loaded with the soundtrack would be available for rental for the few that lack such devices and inexpensive earbuds could be sold as well. As time goes on and technology improves, we might see dramatic reductions in cost that would make selling/replacing headphones as feasible as what’s being done now with 3D glasses. I suspect this is what will have to happen before the use of 3D audio in haunts takes off.

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