Creeping Around The Blogosphere of Horror

'Twas creeping around the blogosphere of horror searching for cool and unusual sites that discuss the unexplained and the terrifying. Here are 4 places of notoriety.

First Stop: Unexplained Mysteries

Did Jules Verne ever see a Kraken?

[File under "Inquiry"]

Was the Kraken ever a real creature? Could it be possible a Giant Platypus fossil was unearthed? Cryptozoology is very interesting and although it doesn't send shivers up your spine it borders on the surreal. There's some pretty interesting and weird stuff on this site. Everything from ghosts to Art Bell and oddities that can generate some fodder for your next nightmare.

But remember this, when someone reports on something unusual, is it a first-hand report or a filtered report? Is the original story fact or fiction or simply embellishment? Is the internet tale written in a way to pique interest even more? So reader beware. Beware it could be true, too!

And don't always blame the reporter - he can be duped as well. This site is good for you to make a decision on some the items reported and there's never a dull moment. 

Release the Kracken!

Second Stop: Record Obscura Blog

Vampire paper training his dog Wolfie

[File under "Music"]

Perusing the web I found some deliciously interesting information at Record Obscura about one of the greatest TV horror soundtrack albums of all-time. Yes, I'm talking about: The Original Soundtrack to TV's Dark Shadows. Composer Robert Cobert recorded some great music that also has the vocal talents of Jonathan Frid (vampire Barnabas Collins) and David Selby (werewolf and zombie Quentin Collins) narrating the instrumentals. 

"A hush falls through the melancholy halls of Collinwood . . " Jonathan Frid could not have read his

Spooky Tidbits: Dark Shadows News Page: Barnabas Makes Headlines

"Dark Shadows News Page: Barnabas Makes Headlines: TV Guide had named Barnabas Collins one of TV's 60 Nastiest Villians of All Time. Barnabas placed at number eight: "The Dracul..."

Just wanted to share some tidbit info about one of the best horror TV shows of all time.

Many great actors and actresses got their start on Dark Shadows and all-around it was a superb show for its time. What stood out was not only the storyline and the sets but the horror music composed by Robert Cobert.

The link above is strictly Dark Shadows related. If you are an old or new fan - go there . . . but don' t forget to check out the Fantom Phactory every now and then for more tales of terror and scarey music. -ed.

A Little Halloween Slideshow

Fantom Phactory loves to have phun with fotos!

Here a few random clips around Halloween. Although our tales are dead serious throughout the year, October 31 is a fun day for the kiddies.
We hope when the kiddies go trick or treating that the door they knock on isn't opened by Michael Myer, Freddie Kruger or worse yet . . . Chucky!

And to you skeletons out there - don't eat too much sweets or your teeth might fall out. You can't afford that can you!

BOO!

Haunted Farmhouse Set for Demolition

October 8, 1941 – The latest reports coming out of Achinson County are that the old homestead of 19^th century country doctor, Jacob Stillson, is being haunted by an evil force or entity. Passers-by claim to hear sounds that are other-worldly and ungodly. Although nothing has been seen, travelers have reported to detect unusual scents and bitter smells not compatible with human olfactory senses.The house recently had a court order which required it to be demolished as there are no inhabitants for the past 12 years and unpaid taxes have been piling up in a county in dire need of revenue because of the current situation with the war.

Adding to the intrigue, various reports claim that the old farmhouse is not haunted by Jacob’s ghost, but may have been infiltrated by a vengeful poltergeist. These reports have many locals spewing gossip about what it may be, when in fact it could just be creatures of the night on the prowl for an evening meal or mating dance.

Dr Stillson, according to some old unpublished biographical essays, was a general practitioner but developed a penchant for some of his own medicinal concoctions. His biography was left at the wayside and not included in the County history but somehow managed to survive in an old tin box in the archives room. Accordingly, after a while, he stopped making house calls as his horse mysteriously disappeared. It seems he may have become a recluse and died in his home. No historical information or other county records have any details about his death or whither he removed to another location.

Rumor from a few surviving long time residents had surfaced that he developed a love of the violin, that when he was not out and about curing ails and delivering babies, he was merrily engaging in playing his violin. What the violin and his possible addiction to medical drugs have in common is uncertain, to be sure; however these things may have nothing to do with the current goings-on at the old house.

Although it may be getting close to Halloween and all kinds of pranks and shenanigans are being planned by youngsters around the county, it is hard to say that the season has anything to do with it since the first report of weird noises began in late August. Most reports have been ignored by the authorities. The county has set a date to demolish the old building after it has determined it is safe for workmen. After demolition, the property will be auctioned off to the highest bidder. During this time of war, some county officials fear that the property may not sell, not because of hauntings, but because there a few with financial resources.

More information on this report is forthcoming.

Circus Clowns From The Grave Sampler

The saga of the Circus Clowns from the grave continues but we wanted to give you a teaser - a sampler of the song "Circus Clowns From The Grave" with these images.

Please note, the cemetery shown has only 4 graves - all unmarked and you can hear laughter coming out of the ground.

If you want me to post Part 3, let me know.