Hollywood Halloween

We still have a ways to go to get to October 31st this year, and as some of you already know, Mr. Karswell never stops celebrating Halloween and is constantly in the paralyzin' planning stages of how next to decorate his Haunted Garage of Horrors! Inevitably, thumbing through the December 1978 issue of Starlog #18 for additional ideas and inspiration becomes a necessity, because who else is better to learn from for top notch frights 'n delights than the TRUE masters of horror. Yep, if names like Rick Baker and Bob Burns instantly make the hair stand up on the back of your necks, then you're gonna love this fun article loaded with great backyard, front yard, driveway, house 'n attic Halloween photos from the guys who actually worked on some of your favorite classic horror films! Costumes, sets, lighting, and super special FX all combined to put some extra tricks 'n treats into lucky SoCal kid's Halloween. Enjoy!

Vintage Burial Vault Sample

I found this vintage burial vault sample last week, the kind that salesmen used to lug around in brief cases back in the day to sell to those looking to further preserve their recently deceased loved ones a'headin' for their eternal beddin'. It's about the size of a loaf of bread, and though small, it seriously weighs as much as a full sized tombstone (whew!), and though "Concrete Certified" may typically guarantee quality, judging from the giant crack in the bottom of the vault in the last pic, I'd say the water (and worms) still found a way to creep on in-- eeek! I also have no idea what the lid says, but this was definitely a neat find at the antique mall, it's not everyday you stumble upon something odd and a bit creepy like this-- and hopefully it's not used! RIP









And we need something to put inside the vault too, don't we? How about this "hillarious" vintage Coffin Bank-- it's just about the right size and already contains an occupant too!

I Love You Even Tho'...

Found this funny fast food themed greeting card today, and apparently this is an excerpt from a similarly named book, "I Love You Even Tho'..." put out in the early 80's by Ivory Tower Publishing. Oh, and make sure to read the menu in the background, haha.

Don Ho vs. Shears

Two recent finds of the transparent / sorta transparent variety-- first up a superbly designed, one color, 60's / 70's Don Ho drinking glass from the Polynesian Palace in beautiful Waikiki, Hawaii:





I mixed my version of a Mai Tai in it (ie: Mountain Dew + freshly squeezed pineapple juice) and it tasted great-- it's my favorite new glass!

Followed by the equally kitschy awesomeness of this 50's / 60's Shears Bar-B-Q flame douser, for Bar-B-Qs and cook-outs, which was the (then) modern way to control charcoal fires:





I filled it with water and squirted it at my kid (outside) who tried to run away but I still soaked him-- even from about 20 years away! This wonderfully soft plastic bottle was made right here in STL MO too! Does anyone from this city know anything about Shear Co.?

Remington Princess

I have another booklet for you today from 1950's Remington electric shavers. Use and care and even a "how to", with lovely photography and very clean graphic design, coloring, and lettering. Who's the Princess with the smoothest lady bits? 

Vac U Form Catalog ('62) Mattel

The only thing I have left remaining from my 1962 Mattel Vac U Form is the fun little catalog booklet showcasing the many fun things you can make with the various other mold kits. And to be honest, I don't remember actually ever even making any of this stuff (now Shrinky Dinks and Vincent Price Shrunken Heads is another subject!), but if I did, I suspect I would've been most interested in the cars, medals, animals, and especially the disguises.

The Merry Monk **ADULTS ONLY!**

If you frequent antique malls even half as much as me, then you've likely seen one of these 60's / 70's novelty gag Merry Monk toys with the "fun raising action!" He looks calm and contemplative enough, but what's really going on inside his holier than thou head? Or should we say, under his robe? Just push on the top of his phallic shaped noggin' and presto-- you will instantly find out what 'ol baldy is so merry about! Mainstream society will now bow its own head and say a little prayer...