I don’t remember growing up with any specific local TV horror host, but it’s certainly a classic American tradition. When I was younger I’d always try to stay up late on weekends, hoping to catch some terribly awesome B-movie, with a spooky friend providing a plethora of morbid puns between commercial breaks.

Arguably the most famous horror host is Elvira, who bust onto the scene in the 80′s as the host of Movie Macabre and quickly became a household name. The queen of camp is now a pop culture icon, forever associated with horror and Halloween.

Well, this gal in black is finally coming back. Returning to TV (what took so long!?) with the revival of Elvira’s Movie Macabre this fall. Get ready to settle down in front of the boob tube with every tricker’s treat, when the new episodes premiere on THIS! Television and in national syndication beginning the weekend of September 25, 2010.

This Halloween season sounds like it will be perfect time to celebrate the madonna of the macabre, by carving the Elvira pumpkin pattern. Even the Halloween queen has witnessed this design, seen here autographing her pumpkin likeness.

Big thanks to monstrous minion Matt (check out his podcast: Slugcast) who met Elvira and helped spread the panic of the Zombie Pumpkins to the Mistress of the Dark herself.

A recent installment of the show Bridezillas (episode 701 – Andrea and Ivy) features a bride hell-bent on getting married in a gothic Halloween ceremony, but this wedding is bringing out her dark side.

I don’t typically watch this show, but it was brought to my attention because this wedding party carved some Zombie Pumpkins patterns to add to the decor of their sinister ceremony.

Addams Family pumpkin patterns

There are only a couple blink-and-you’ll-miss-it shots of the ZP pumpkins (at 10:45, and 42:36), so I wouldn’t necessarily recommend tuning in just to see the pumpkins. Unless you enjoy subjecting yourself to shrieking brides (like the one lovingly referred to as “Tasmanian Devil meets Beetlejuice meets Jason” by her husband-to-be).

But if you were really curious, this episode airs on the We TV network at the following times:

Saturday, July 24, 2010 at 12pm | 11c
Friday, July 30, 2010 at 10am | 9c

For the past couple years, Zombie Pumpkins has received a mention on the Today show during their Halloween segments. If you’re not an early riser (like most of us vampires) you may have missed these episodes. But now you can relive them with this edited clip, featuring just the good stuff. Watch Matt Lauer learn about affordable pumpkin patterns, and Billy Ray Cyrus make quick work of pumpkin carving with some pro power tools.

Many twinkling tween Twihards will be flocking to the theaters today to see the latest installment of the Twilight saga. But obviously vampires have a much deeper and darker history. All sorts of blood suckers have been portrayed on the on the big and small screens (and among my vampire pumpkin pattern set).

Which is your favorite fictional fanger? Check out this “Vampire Reunion” video from College Humor for a refresher course on some well known vampires, and their various quirks. They vant… to get along.

Sweaty summer has arrived, and that means there’s only one season between us and the chilling chills of the Halloween season. In honor of summer, the prices on all Zombie Pumpkins t-shirts have been slashed, some as low as $5. They’re practically being given away!

One reason to clear out the the old merchandise is to make room for some new goods. There will be an all-new t-shirt design available this fall. And possibly other clothing as well. Which brings me to the question… what sort of apparel would you like to see Zombie Pumpkins imagery emblazoned upon?

Long-sleeve shirts? Hoodies? Tank tops? Kid’s shirts? Something else? Let your screams be heard and the Great Pumpkin might grant your wish.

With a unique angle on his art form, Terry Border has created some great scenes with nothing more than bent wire and simple everyday objects. His photographs at Bent Objects often have a bit of narrative, with humor that is surely twisted (pardon the pun).

Naturally, my favorites are the images below. We all know that Zombie Pumpkins exist, but did you realize that other fruits and veggies can come back from the dead with a hunger for brains?  Here’s the proof:

You Say Tomato, I Say Tomahto. You Say Potatoes, I say Zombies

It’s Not A Parsnip, It’s A Carrot Zombie

Zombies Are Nuts About Brains

Oprah and reality TV producer Mark Burnett are joining forces in search of the next big TV star. They’ve put out the call to any would-be host to submit their pitch for a new show.

These days we have reality/competition shows about everything. You can watch people sing, dance, design dresses, cook meals, bake cakes, groom dogs, and date washed up celebs. But you know what we don’t have? A show about building haunted attractions.

Well that’s exactly what James Thompson’s has in mind. And I’m sure any Halloween/haunt fan would love to watch a group of home haunt enthusiasts compete against each other, testing their creativity, their guts, and their ability to scare.

So go view his audition and cast your vote! Network execs might think this concept is too seasonal-specific, but if we can have a TV show about little people that make chocolate, why not something like “The Haunt”?

Fans of True Blood will finally have their thirst for new episodes quenched tonight, with the premiere of the third season. And if you want to bear your fangs at will like Bill and Eric, you can now do so with the Retractable Vampire Fangs available at VampFangs.com.

Imagine smiling at your unsuspecting victim, then having a pair of cutting canines suddenly drop into view. You can B Positive that it will get their blood pumping. VampFangs also carries plenty of other novelty teeth and costume accessories. Immortality and sun allergy not included.

If you think that sitting on the couch playing Left 4 Dead on your XBox is enough to prepare you for Z-Day, you better think again. Didn’t the movie Zombieland teach you anything? Rule #1 – CARDIO! But more than just endurance, some strength training and gymnastic parkour skills will help put some barriers between you and the undead.

That’s the idea behind the ZombieFit, an exercise program being offered in St. Charles, Illinois. If nothing else has motivated you to work out yet, let the fear of the zombies finally put a spring in your step. Improve your body so you can protect your brains.

I recently ran across this “Body Outline Kit” product, and three thoughts instantly came to mind:

1) Creating a mock crime scene is a quick and easy way to give your home a foreboding appearance on Halloween. Body outlines on the ground can be unsettling, and glowing chalk makes it even cooler.

2) This product illustrates the fact that Pumpkin Masters and I have different business models. They seem to be branching out into a little of everything, as if forgetting that the word “pumpkin” is in their name. Whereas I aim to focus on one thing and do it very well: pumpkin patterns!

3) Notice that it says “Ages 3+” on the packaging. Think about that for a moment. Can you imagine the scenario?

“Mommy, can I go outside and play homicide detective?!”

“Sure Bobby, just remember to draw the outline of where the murdered corpse was found, prior to being taken to the coroner for dissection. Then come in and wash your hands before dinner.”