Martian Mania

Posted on October 27, 2014 by Crashing Nightingale

The power of persuasion is a mighty thing. To be able to bend opinion and make people believe what one is saying is a trait not everyone carries. One of the biggest examples of the power of persuasion would be the night the War of the Worlds broadcast. It sent terror and panic through American listeners on an October night in 1938.

Whether it was intended to be a Halloween scare or just a simple radio play adapted from H.G. Wells‘ novel of the same name, one thing is for sure, listeners believed every word of it.

When the broadcast begin it provided a disclaimer that the radio show was a drama. However, not all listeners caught this and thus was a catalyst to the mass confusion. Confusion was instigated by the fact that the radio network it was broadcast from, The Mercury Theatre on Air, aired their programs without commercials. So to listeners this felt like a live event.

Orson Welles is the man credited for causing fear to seep into American’s veins and paralyze them with panic. Welles was the narrator of the show. The focus of the show was that martians from outer space invaded earth and earth’s inhabitants fought to save the planet. The public’s reaction was sheer terror and the radio network received it’s share of backlash. Some people sued the network for the “mental anguish” or “personal injury” they claimed the broadcast caused. Although not all reactions were negative; some people praised the network for the quality of the program. There is even a monument erected in Grover’s Mill, New Jersey to commemorate the fictional martian landing site.

We’re coming up on the 76th anniversary this October 30th. So just remember, the power of persuasion is a mighty thing; just a mighty as a martian’s ray-gun. 🙂

For a Charm of Powerful Trouble, Like a Hell-broth Boil and Bubble

Posted on October 25, 2014 by Crashing Nightingale

Oh Halloween, how do I love thee, let me count the ways! I felt the need to write a little blog ode to my favorite holiday of the entire calendar year: Halloween. Why it’s my favorite? Hmmm, good question. To quote dear Lydia in the movie Beetlejuice, “I, myself, am strange and unusal.” My affection towards the dark and strange started at an early age. And considering this is my mom’s favorite holiday as well, it’s only natural I developed a love for it too.

I’ve thrown many parties in honor of this spooky holiday. The music, the costumes, the food, drinks, the games and decorations are the best. I think this holiday gives people the opportunity for their creative side to shine. Even if someone doesn’t consider themselves creative, this holiday just drags it out of people.

This month, I’ve been soaking up and taking advantage of watching all the horror movies that are being shown on television. I’ve always loved a good scare. Even though I’m the person that has the covers pulled up to their chin, pillow-clinching and adrenaline pumping because of watching the person being chased by the killer. Or even more nail-biting, when the movie is so silent you can hear a pin drop and the soon-to-be victim is curiously checking out what that “noise” was. Don’t do that, by the way. Simply exit the building and don’t look back.

I also love putting on a good, vintage Halloween mix. I’m on a marketing committee for a local historic organization, Historic Nashville, Inc. and we recently hosted a Spooky Soiree. I took on the task of supplying our haunted mix. There are so many great vintage Halloween songs out there! Nothing like some old-school Halloween songs to listen to while mingling among party guests.

I LOVE seeing what costumes people come up with. I’ve seen some great Halloween attires over the years. Whether it’s a spin on a phrase or pun or a classic monster, I love them all. Halloween is creativity at it’s zenith.

So with the “spook-tacular” holiday right around the corner, I’m going to be counting down. I’ll be flooding my Facebook news feed with lots of wonderful and delightful Halloween images. So join me on my Facebook page to revel in it, if you dare! ☞

In the meantime, here are a few costumes of Halloween past I’ve adorned.

Wanted: Old West Enthusiasts

Posted on October 19, 2014 by Crashing Nightingale

Grab your saddle and trusty horse pod’ners and get ready to discover the Old West. I’m not talking about visiting a museum either. I’m talking about the fully-operational Pioneertown in Southern California.

Yes, you read correctly, Pioneertown. The place where all your Western dreams come true. If you’re a fan of the Old West films and television shows, this unincorporated community village is your slice of heaven. Nestled in the high desert in the Morongo Basin region of Southern California, Pioneertown came to fruition in 1946.

The town’s purpose (other than being so totally cool) started in the 1940s and it was to serve as a live-in Old West motion picture set to the Hollywood stars. Makes sense, considering Los Angeles is only a couple of hours away and the surrounding land is perfect for a western film set. The entire set was designed to look just like an 1800s western town but with live-in capabilities to accommodate the stars while they filmed. Many films were shot here during the 1940s and 1950s. Roy Rogers and Gene Autry are among the famous that were responsible for this Old West Town. Roy Rogers was one of the original investors of Pioneertown.

As you walk down the “main street,” you completely get the feel of a western town. Complete with saloon, bathhouse, undertaker business and livery, just a name a few of the buildings. You’ll be humming the Marty Robbins tune, “El Paso” as your spurs kick up the dirt underneath your feet.

If you get the chance to visit this place, don’t feel like you’re too far off the beaten path if you need to rest your weary bones. On the property there is the Pioneertown Motel that will give you a place to rest your head. You won’t be sleeping in a tent either. This small yet charming western motel offers rooms with a bed, bathroom, kitchen sink, and microwave to travelers. However, I must heed a warning: be ready to live up to Pioneertown’s way of life. You’ve heard of no shirt, no shoes, no service. Well, be ready for no t.v., no radio, no service, as in internet service. My husband and I did have the pleasure of staying here and I must say, it was quite refreshing to unplug for a while. So if you’re okay to forgo the electronic entertainment we’re all use to, bunker down for a night’s stay in this unique place. Just make sure you bring a book or companion to keep you company. And just remember, you’ll be “sleeping” with the stars as this is where they lived and worked.

Don’t be imagining you’ll be counting tumbleweeds blowing by as your only source of entertainment. On the property is a live music venue called Pappy & Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace. And if you’re hungry, they’ve got you covered with their full menu. The venue has changed hands a few times since it’s inception in 1972. But the current owners have kept the 1982 owners’ names on the bill and have brought in musicians such as Robert Plant and Vampire Weekend.

One cool fact among many about Pioneertown is the bowling alley on the property. I mean, the famous stars had to have activities while they worked, right? Apparently, the bowling alley is one of the oldest in continuous use in California.

So if you’re passing through these parts, I highly recommend you take a gander at this western wonder. Be sure to soak up the entertainment, stay for a spell and imagine you’ve been transported back into the historic American Western frontier.