Greg’s Happenings
“I’m the Bogey Man, and I’m comin’ to get ya!” shouted the frightening character wearing Voodoo-like face paint and carrying a smoldering shrunken head skull on a stick. I shouldn’t be frightened. It’s just one of the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) wrestlers. And, it IS close to Halloween. You know, I used to think I was different, or strange because I watch professional wrestling. Then, WWE started flashing little statements on the screen, like: Last Monday, “(Monday Night) RAW, (on the USA Channel) was the most watched show on cable television.” RAW, as WWE commentators point out, is WAR spelled backwards. And, apparently it is a highly popular wrestling show. Actually, pro wrestling does have some redeeming values. It has comedy; it has drama; it manifests the concept of good vs. evil. And at times, it’s side-splittingly funny. So now that I know there are A LOT of other wrestling fans out there, besides me, I feel better! But the Bogey Man still creeps me out, especially when he stuffs his mouth full of live night crawlers!
It’s interesting. Different things frighten different people. Some get sweaty palms, shivers or nervous tics when they see Christmas decorations on shelves, or hung inside department stores when it’s only the second or third week of October! On the other hand, I get frightened by the autumn winds that can be very strong at times. And while these winds create a colorful kaleidoscope of falling leaves: amber, gold, yellow, orange; these winds quite often send branches and acorns falling down all around you. And it’s just a matter of time before one of them hits you right on the noggin.
A lot of people are frightened by the upcoming general election, as well as the presidential candidates’ respective campaign ads on TV. Not I. You’ve got to expect them. Naturally, the Democrats are going to say bad things about the Republicans: THAT’S THEIR JOB. Likewise, the Republicans are going to criticize the Democrats. THAT’S THEIR JOB. If the two parties always agreed, then we would say that there’s really no difference between the two parties. That would not be good, either. So let them rip into each other. It’s called a vetting process. And if a candidate can’t stand up to this process, how’s he, or she going to stand up to our enemies? And America will always have enemies, in those who despise our form of democracy/representative republic. Heck, there were even terrorists hijacking our jetliners, and holding American hostages in embassies in the 70’s when Jimmy Carter was president. Read modern American history. Now, on to more cheerful topics…
Halloween parties are being scheduled all over the Mother Lode! Micki and Larry’s Sports Pub on Copper Cove Drive in Copperopolis will be one hot spot on Saturday night, October 25! I stopped in on the 13th to enjoy their Monday Night Football (complimentary) buffet, and was somewhat frightened; as there were literally hundreds of ghosts, goblins, bats and spiders floating or dangling about, near the ceiling. “Our’s is the best Halloween party in Copperopolis! And this is our eleventh one!” proclaims and exclaims Micki. “We will have prizes for best male, female and couple costumes. AND, the local, legendary band, Copper Holdings Company will perform between 9 p.m. and 1 a.m.!” The group’s drummer, Eddy Pendergrass agrees – “It’s the greatest around! You can’t have a better party. And, it’ll be the band’s last gig for at least a year. So we’re gonna go out with a bang!” promises Eddy (who, by the way is the new “Humbug” for E Clampus Vitus, Matuca, chapter 1849. (“Humbug” in ECV means “leader”). So Micki and Larry’s just can’t wait to celebrate Halloween! I will keep you, my cherished readers, informed about other Halloween parties coming up; so, stay tuned!
I’ll be at some of these Halloween parties, possibly acting as paparazzi; but I’ll be donning a mask. So, you might, or might not, recognize me. Hmmm, what should I go as? I’ve been having trouble deciding, so I contacted my personal guru/costume consultant, Mahat. He immediately dispatched a few other gurus from around the world, and they proceeded to conduct an exhaustive survey – from Tuttletown to Transylvania, to determine the most popular Halloween masks/costumes. Then, they compiled their own Top 20 list! I’ll reveal the bottom ten this week:
#20.” Iron Man”, inspired by the new movie release starring Robert Downey, Jr., Jeff Bridges, Terrence Howard and Gwyneth Paltrow. However, this high-tech suit of armor might make it one of the more expensive Halloween costumes out there.
#19. “Pirate”. Even since Johnny Depp starred as one in Pirates of the Carribean, pirate costumes have been fairly popular again.
#18. “Geico Caveman”. In this mask, you can go up to anyone at the party; and no matter what’s being discussed, you can simply break in with, “…Yes, but I’ve got some real good news! I just saved a lot of money by switching to Geico!” Then, you can elaborate by discussing fascinating things like deductibles, coverage levels, and policy endorsements.
#17. “Bad Skier”. This costume, obviously, is more popular in areas near ski resorts. Costume consists of cotton gauze bandages, with what appear to be bloodstains – which you can then wrap around parts of your body, e.g., around your head. Then, you use the four foot long fake (plastic) tree branch and kind of wedge it up underneath your armpit. You get the idea. Hey, sometimes Halloween can be a bit gory.
#16 and #15. (tie) “Bill Clinton” and” Hillary Clinton”. What would a Halloween party be without these two modern-day political icons?
#14.”Rush Limbaugh”. Although this nationally syndicated radio talk-show host is fairly popular, he nonetheless instills fear in some people. And, if he shows up at the same costume party as Bill and Hillary, they could get some pretty good political jokes going!
#13. “Keith Richards” (guitarist for the Rolling Stones). Arguably the ugliest man in rock and roll. He is very scary, indeed.
I remember he once appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine – without a shirt on; and I was simply horrified!
I almost cancelled my subscription.
#12. “Sarah Palin”. Hockey mom, member of the NRA; and possibly, our next vice-president! That’s kinda scary to some people. You’ve got to admit it, Sarah is pretty gutsy at times. What’s really scary is that she’s a spittin’ image of Tina Fey on Saturday Night Live!
#11. Sorry, this costume is designed such that I cannot describe it in a family newspaper.
Well, that’s the bottom of the Top 20 Halloween costumes across the country. Next week I’ll reveal the Top Ten!!
Hey! Want to know a good horror movie to rent? This recommendation comes from Carrie Ray, over at Books and More (North Main Street, Angels Camp): “Wolf Creek”. It definitely is a movie for you if you want to be frightened out of your wits. Liner notes read: Welcome to Wolf Creek, where the suspense of The Blair Witch Project meets the horror of The Chainsaw Massacre. Inspired by Australia’s “Backpacker Killer” who murdered seven backpackers in the 90’s, Wolf Creek won wide acclaim from critics, filmmakers and audience members alike at the Sundance Film Festival. “It’s really gory,” cautions Carrie. “It’s based on a true story, but it’s really good. It creeps you out!” (Rated R).
Karaoke continues to spread across the Mother Lode! Now, the NEW/old Nugget bar in Murphys, (at the corner of Big Tree Road and Main Street) is staging karaoke on Wednesday nights, from 8 p.m. to midnight! And they’re the only ones to have karaoke in Murphys! Micki and Larry’s (M&L’s) have it on the last Saturday of each month; and the Old Corner has it on various days of the month. They will have it during their Halloween party, Friday night, October 31st. Both M&L’s and Old Corner are in Copperopolis. And some people in Copperopolis are starting to refer to these events as “scary-oke”. But there’s really nothing to be afraid of. Go out and have some groovy fun!
