Happy Halloween!

Boo! Happy Halloween everyone!

There has been a great deal of talk about Halloween and its effect on the young in recent years but as a kid, I recall Halloween as being a time of great, innocent fun - dressing up in a costume and knocking on neighbors doors for candy. How bad can that be? Evidently to some, very bad indeed.

Halloween probably has its roots in druid or pagan celebrations. I've read that it is the night where the spirits of those who have died can roam the earth and mingle with the living. I have heard that it is a celebration of ancestors who have passed. Here is as good an overview as I have read -

"Halloween is an annual celebration, but just what is it actually a celebration of? And how did this peculiar custom originate? Is it, as some claim, a kind of demon worship? Or is it just a harmless vestige of some ancient pagan ritual?" Read more here.

Here in Greenwich Village in New York City, we have an annual Halloween Parade that attracts millions of celebrants. Here are some pictures of last year's parade:

Check out my photo album for more scary pics!

Most Haunted Live

Going on RIGHT NOW on the Travel Channel is Most Haunted Live which is a ghost hunting show with an online component. The program follows a group of ghost hunters which, because it is live, is unique enough but what really makes it exciting is that viewers can email in real time (it appears on the tv screen) with their own sightings.

The show is on for the next couple of days so go to the link above and join in the hunt!

Horror Channel

The Horror Channel: Shadow Falls

I happen to love horror films and now, right in time for Halloween, I've discovered the great website www.horrorchannel.com, which showcases the horror genre in all its gruesome glory. Grab your candy bag, wear your mask and visit this site. Take a look at this preview for "Shadow Falls" one of the site's online series. They've got a lot coming up for Halloween, so check it out. Boo!

What's My Sign Design

I know I wrote about this HGTV show before but they have added something new and exciting - designing your home by astrological sign. I am Sagittarian and I think they pretty much nailed me on living room decor:

November 22-December 21

With your eclectic mix of colors and accessories, you need plenty of space for social interaction. Candles, religious reflections and maps are usually found throughout your favorite rooms.

To add to your diverse spaces, choose a variety of fun colors like purple, turquoise and royal blue.

Of course how much space can one really have in New York City...? But anyway its the idea of it all that is great. They are expanding into living rooms, kitchens and bedrooms so stay tuned.

What's My Sign Design, Thursdays 11:30p on HGTV.

Esselunga

Esselunga is an Italian chain of supermarkets with a reputation for creative food-oriented advertising campaigns. Well the one they are rolling out all through 2006 is my favorite - astrological signs in the shape of food. Check all signs to date here.

August was Leo as an ear of corn and a mane of husk. November is Scorpio as a lobster. Gemini - a pair of cherries. You can even get a calendar of all 12 signs. But ... uh... you have to be able to understand Italian to navigate their website.