Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Happy 4th of GHOULY!


"Anyone want another Hot Dog?"

Every year, GHOULA pays tribute to this great country by profiling a ghost from American pop-culture that has ties to Southern California. This year, we spotlight the great green ghost of filmdom's phatoms.

It can be argued that a large part of Ghostbusters continued success is thanks to a flying ball of neon-green ecto-plasma with an insatiable appetite for food and drink. Although, he was originally referred to as "onion head" during the making of the movie, this lovable scene-stealing spirit quickly became known to fans as "Slimer," and "he" went from a couple of scenes in the movie to a central figure of the cartoon version of the movie (the "Scooby-Doo" of this team), to the star of the renamed show ("Slimer!"), to a prominent figure in all video game and comic book versions (and to the subject of his own breakfast cereal and sugary beverage, presumably to consume while watching the show or reading the comics or playing the games).

Fictionally speaking, Slimer is a New Yoker. In reality, the physical creation of this character has no ties to the "Big Apple." Not only was he designed and crafted by the talented people at the now defunct Boss Film Studios (which at the time was based in Marina Del Rey), but all of his scenes in the fictional New York-based "Sedgewick Hotel" were either shot at Los Angeles' very own (haunted) Biltmore Hotel, or in the sound stages at Warner Bros Studios located in Burbank. Even the interiors of Ghostbuster HQ, a converted fire station, where Slimer takes up residence in the sequel, where shot at LAFD's decommissioned Station #23.

Additionally, the successful animated show that continued to chronicle the adventures of Slimer were produced at the now defunct DIC Entertainment, which was directly across the street from the sound stages that Slimer called home in beautiful downtown Burbank.

On a stranger note, it has been said that Slimer's personality may have been inspired by John Belushi, the comic genius and the buddy of Dan Ackroyd (star and co-writer of Ghostbusters). Belushi was suppose to star in the film (with Ackroyd), but died before production started at West Hollywood's Chateau Marmont, where his actual ghost is said to haunt. Is this a case of life (or the after-life) imitating art?

GOD BLESS AMERICA'S GHOSTS! Happy 4th of July, everyone!

(to see last year's ghost from American pop culture...)
(to see more Ghostbusters-related locations...)

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Marilyn's Memorial (50th Anniversay)



Note: This event is not hosted by GHOULA. This is just a local (ghost related) event that exists independently that GHOULA wants its members to know about. As such, docents and staff at this event may not wish to discuss this landmark's haunted history.

Date: August 5, 2011 (Sunday)
Time: 12:00 pm (noon)
Place: Westwood Memorial Park,
1218 Glendon Avenue, Westwood, CA 90024 (map)

Tucked away in a small cemetery, which in itself, is fittingly tucked away behind a movie theater, sits the crypt of Marilyn Monroe. Since this blonde bombshell is one of the most ubiquitous ghosts in Hollywood (along side the ghost of silent screen star Rudolf Valentino), it makes perfect sense that her final resting place would also be counted as one of the many places said to be haunted by the spirit of this larger than life sex symbol. Although, her famous form (said to be the inspiration for the Coke's trademarked bottle) has never been seen at this location, witnesses have claimed that a strange fog sometimes appears around her pink-stained marble marker.

So, come out and celebrate the life (and after-life) of one of the silver screen's most unique stars. This will be the 50th anniversary of her death, so there will be other special events connected with this yearly tradition

(For more info about this cemetery...)
(For more info about the memorial...)
(For more info about the 50th anniversary events...)

STU CON 4



STU CON 4

Los Angeles' Largest Gathering of Ghost Hunters

Note: This event is not hosted by GHOULA. This is just a local (ghost related) event that exists independently that GHOULA wants its members to know about.

When: August 11 at 12:00pm until August 12 at 1:00am
Where: Mazatlan Theatre
3355 N. Eastern Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90032
Admission: $5.00

There is parking in a nearby public parking lot, Linda Vista Hospital has generously allowed parking in the rear parking lots, where the Ghost Coach Shuttle will shuttle folks from there to the Mazatlan as Scott has arranged, there is also a recreation center two blocks away where parking is available.

$1 to investigate the Mazatlan Theatre

For more info...
http://www.facebook.com/#!/events/325129620897281/

Monday, July 2, 2012

Ghost Art In Burbank



Welcome Foolish Mortals...
to the 3rd Annual Tribute to the Haunted Mansion Group Art Show!

When: On Exhibit Through July 21st
Where: Halloween Town
2921 W. Magnolia Blvd. Burbank, CA 91505
Admission: Free

Current Featured Artists: Rick Baker, William Basso, The Creep, Curioddities,Dienzo, Frank Dietz, Daniel Horne, Hideousboi, Bob Lizarraga, Eric Pigors, Queenie, Dan Szczepanski, Wolfinger, and Zombienose

For more info...
http://www.halloweentownstore.com/page/HS/CTGY/3rd_Annual_Haunted_Mansion_Tribute