Let's Be Careful Out There

'Tis the season for Halloween partying. But remember, a lot of lurking dangers await the unwary.

Have a Happy Halloween!

The Yellow Wallpaper

"The Yellow Wallpaper" is a 6,000-word short story by American writer Charlotte Perkins Gilman, first published in May 1892 in New England Magazine.

In 1887, Charlotte Perkins Gilman found herself suffering from "a severe and continuous nervous breakdown tending toward melancholia -- and beyond." Upon seeking professional help, she was advised against more than two hours of intellectual stimulation a day, and was ordered to cease writing, drawing, and painting for the remainder of her life. Three months passed in which Gilman strictly observed these commands. But by ignoring her life's work, even for this seemingly brief period of time, she thrust herself so far into depression that complete mental destruction appeared inevitable. Only by finally renouncing the physician's directions did Gilman escape such a fate.

In the aftermath of her brush with insanity, Gilman wrote "The Yellow Wallpaper" as a warning against submitting to subjugation of the mind. As the narrator experiences the same rest cure as Gilman, her mental health declines and she begins to imagine women trapped within the pattern of her bedroom's wallpaper. Her husband's condescending tone coupled with the narrator's own acquiescence to his close-minded views on her illness eventually lead to her psychological ruin.

This terrifying story is also presented by Chatterbox Audio Theater, who describe it as best listened to in a large, dark room on a windy night.

The Real Story of Halloween

Halloween's origins date back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced sow-in). To commemorate the event, Druids built huge sacred bonfires, where the people gathered to burn crops and animals as sacrifices to the Celtic deities.

The History Channel has a site describing the ancient origins of Halloween, how it came to America, today's traditions, celebrations around the world, and more.

We Wish You a Scary Christmas

Fully a week and a half to go before Halloween, and what do I see in the department stores? Christmas trees, ornaments, yuletide decorations and the like.

Fine.

About.com has a list of scary yuletide movies that will carry you into the holiday season.

My favorite on the list? Black Christmas from 1974, quite possibly the ORIGINAL slasher movie; directed by Bob Clark, who nine years later would direct what would become an annual Christmas television favorite - A Christmas Story.

Halloween - Addams Style

Here's an episode of The Addams Family that first aired on October 29, 1965.

Gomez and Morticia are outraged when Wednesday comes home from trick-or-treating in tears after a neighbor tells her witches don't really exist.

Top 10 goriest deaths in horror movies

NOLA.com has an article listing the top 10 goriest deaths in horror movies.

DISCLAIMER: DO NOT proceed if you are even slightly faint of heart. The following movie clips are EXTREMELY graphic.

The List: Top 10 goriest horror film deaths.

(Thanks! to book_lady for the tip!)

Bewitched - Trick or Treat

Here's an episode of Bewitched that first aired on October 28, 1965.

When Darrin defies Endora again by insisting Samantha remain at home during Halloween, Endora places a curse on Darrin that slowly begins transforming him into a werewolf.