Friday, November 13, 2009

On the trail of vampires


From Los Angeles Times

Even before 'Twilight' and 'True Blood' helped raise their pop-culture profiles, vampires had left their marks in many places


Vampires have long been objects of fascination in history, literature and lore. With the Nov. 20 release of "The Twilight Saga: New Moon," HBO's "True Blood" and their countless imitators, Americans are welcoming vampires into their homes again. Though many consider Transylvania to be the lair of vampirism, there's plenty of vampire culture right here. Whether you have just come out of the coffin or long thirsted for night life, these locations offer plenty of opportunities to explore the dark side.

Exeter, R.I.

In the late 18th and early 19th centuries in New England, many believed vampires were the source of the rampant transmission of tuberculosis. According to folklorist Michael Bell, author of "Food for the Dead," there are at least 40 documented cases in which corpses were exhumed and their vital organs burned and stakes driven through the hearts in attempts to halt the alleged vampires from spreading the disease.

The most famous case of exhumation is that of Mercy Brown of Exeter, whose brother Edwin had contracted tuberculosis. Because of the cold temperatures and the fact that she had recently died, Mercy's heart still contained blood that was not frozen or blackened. It was decided that she was a vampire, Edwin was forced to drink her blood, and Mercy's vital organs were burned. H.P. Lovecraft, who's buried in Providence's Swan Point Cemetery, wrote about Mercy's case in "The Shunned House." It's also said that Bram Stoker used Mercy as reference for "Dracula."

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Good Job, True Blood Writers!


Bull Runnings does some nice research !


I was watching an older episode of HBO’s True Blood series in which Bill Compton, akaVampire Bill, was addressing a historical society. He mentioned that he served during the Civil War (remember, he’s a vampire) in the 28th Louisiana Infantry, formed in 1862 under a Colonel Gray. Later in the episode, he recalled making his way back home to Bon Temps, when he stopped by a cabin in the woods. The female occupant informed Bill, before turning him into a vampire of course, that her husband was a member of the 13th Louisiana and had fought at Shiloh under Colonel Gibson. What’s so cool about this? Well, other than Bill being a vampire and all, it’s historically accurate. The 28thwas raised in 1862 under Colonel Gray (keep in mind there were two 28th LA regiments), and the 13th did fight at Shiloh under Colonel Gibson (who I think was actually in command of his brigade there). Nice going, guys! Now, about the yellow trim on Bill’s uniform jacket…

Vampires get their day in the sun

From Gaston Gazette

It seems like vampires are everywhere nowadays.

From the critically-acclaimed HBO show “True Blood” to the highly anticipated theater release of “The Twilight Saga: New Moon,” the second installment of Stephanie Myer’s phenomenally successful “Twilight” series, many folks have a heightened awareness of the mythical creatures.

But while it may appear that more vampires are coming out of the coffin, they’ve managed to remain a fixture of our imaginations for more than 100 years.

“Vampires are such a part of popular culture that there’s one on ‘Sesame Street’ and you have a breakfast cereal,” said Dale Koontz, a communications instructor at Cleveland Community College and author of “Faith and Choice in the Works of Joss Whedon,” which tackles the deeper issues the writer addresses in his TV shows such as “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.”

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New Alex Interview



They are working on a transcript of anew radio interview in Sweden

here

Giveaway Complete set of Sookie Stackhouse novels


Great Xmas present !

Giveaway Link: Mr. E’s Horror Weblog
Prize: Complete set of Sookie Stackhouse novels that the hit HBO series TRUE BLOOD is based on.
Deadline: 11/20/09 – noon Eastern
Eligibility Rules: 16+ US, Canada
Main Entry Rule: Enter by commenting on homepage post as often as you’d like.
Entry Methods per Person: many
Winners: 1
Retail Value: $55.63

sign up here

Andy sent us some great True Blood paper doll extras

Just wanted to let you know I made some more "extras" for my True Blood dolls. Just uploaded it, and there's fun stuff for Jason, Lafayette... And Bill (Of course). I gave Bill some cool shades to wear with those manly board shorts, as well as some horrific wigs to cover up that bad hair of his! LOL

Hope you and the rest of the Sookie fans like it, too. http://andyswist.com/TrueBlood-dolls.html

HUGS! :) Andy

PS- I revamped my paper doll webpage, too. It's a bit easier to see each
character and the files available for each. *note that the "Extras" buttons
that are the same color download the same file* (so you only need to
download it once!)

TB Extras2 Copy

True Blood Music Video of the Day: Here comes the sun



True Blood - Here Comes the Sun
Thanks, saroufim93