Be Careful Out There - One Year Later: Enchantress Nocturna

It was one year ago tonight. We'd finished taping our Christmas show with HARMony just the night before, with fellow Horror Host, and good friend, Undead Johnny manning the controls. 8pm, Tuesday, November 29th. Enchantress Nocturna made a rare solo trip to the grocery store to pick up a few items. She was parked near the front of the store, in a well lit parking lot. As she walked to her car, a man rushed up behind her, said, "Yo, gimme yo purse, bitch!" She was shoved into the pavement, her right side slammed against the ground. The perpetrator dragged her about the pavement, trying to steal her purse, and its contents. She did not struggle, as she was taken quite by surprise. She simply was wearing her purse as women are instructed to by law enforcement. There were several onlookers, watching this as it happened, and, as the criminal ran off with the purse, and did nothing to try to stop him from getting away. After the Snoop Dogg lookalike made good his escape, many of them exclaimed, "I saw it, I saw it!" One of them phoned the police. With this single act of violence, the world as we knew it changed in an instant.


Nocturna was taken to the emergency room, where x-rays were taken. It was determined that she may have fractured the inside of the ball joint in her hip. She was given crutches to walk on. She would walk on these crutches for several weeks. Meanwhile, with the help of our dear friend, and fellow Horror Host, Halloween Jack, a Facebook event was created, alerting friends and fans to Nocturna's condition. Prayers, and healing vibes, were asked for, and donations were sent by many. Before long, we (meaning me) were accused of exaggerating, if not entirely making up the assault/robbery! The piece of trash that made the accusation(s) became quite aggressive, asking, "IF this actually really happened, where is the proof?" Friends, I have a reputation, one that has been described as being "at times, brutally honest." This attention seeker was finally silenced, and, soon after that, her accusations were dispelled, to say the very least.

Several weeks of hobbling about on crutches later, Nocturna saw another physician. As Nocturna said at the time, "Good Evening, my Darlings...I am able to give a detailed update at last.


I finally was able to see an orthopedic specialist, one of great renown, about my concerns-- for I knew that there was more to my injuries than the ER doctor had discerned in the*very*short time he was physically with me. I had ten x-rays this evening, which spanned the area from the ankle to the top of my pelvis...I should be glowing any minute!


My diagnosis: a broken hip, or as it was told to me, a collapsed femoral neck, which is the area that lies between the ball joint and the femur. The alignment of the joint was off, and even I noted a spur protruding from the area of the collapse/break on one of the x-ray films, which explains why I can't turn the foot forward, and have to still physically pick my leg up to maneuver it.


The specialist said that surgery was the best long term solution, and discussed a few options with me...the best option, considering the area affected and extent of the collapse, was a total hip arthroplasty, aka total hip replacement. I will be scheduled for next Wednesday, with two or so days in the hospital thereafter.


Recovery will include home care and physical therapy...I will not be able to bend forward past 90 degrees during my recovery time, which is estimated to be another six to eight weeks.


Thanks to all of you for your prayers, moral support and assistance you've given me and TBJ, we appreciate it more than we can possibly ever express. Thank you so very, very much!"


For weeks, because of the inept physician at the emergency room on that fateful night, one year ago, Nocturna had been hopping about with her leg hanging on by a single tendon! So much for me exaggerating, eh?


One year later, Enchantress Nocturna is as beautiful as ever, and stronger in spirit than ever, baring scars both physical, and otherwise. Young Master Gregory no longer likes to go outside after dark, most of the time. Nocturna's love of dancing, despite her bionic hip, has been impeded. There are several things that Nocturna is no longer able to do. Also, she has appeared on TV only once since all of this happened, when she made her comeback appearance on The Monster Channel, 9 months after her attack. Today, she asked me to warn all of you to be careful when holiday shopping, and, whenever you are out alone at night.

Thank you to everyone who prayed for us, wished us well, and sent donations, cards, gifts, cookies, etc. We love you all, and none of us in The Bone Jangler Family wants anything like this to ever happen to any of you.


Thank you so very much! Smile, be smart, be safe, have fun, and carry the Christmas spirit with you all year 'round!


- The Bone Jangler

8 Years Ago Today: Master Gregory's Miracle

It was 8 years ago, November 16th, 2005, to be exact, that a miracle took place.

For those of you who aren't quite familiar with The Bone Jangler Family, I have a nephew/son. His name is Gregory, Greggy for short. While he isn't my biological son, he's my son in every other conceivable way, just as I am much more of a father figure to him. Back in October of 2005, Greggy came home from school one day, with a large bump, on his forehead. It wasn't there when he left for school that morning. When asked, "Did you fall down, and hit your head, today, at school?" He had no answer. "Did you run into something?" Nothing. "Did someone hit you?" Nothing. "Where did you get that bump on your head?" Greggy asked, "WHAT BUMP?" When his hand was placed on the bump, a confused look appeared on his face. He had no idea where it came from.

At the end of the month, shortly before Halloween, the bump was still there, the exact same size. He was taken to see a doctor. The doctor ran tests, and did some x-rays. In conclusion, he had no idea where the bump had come from, but was glad it was there, because it caused him to look inside. What he found inside was something called a "benign dermatoid;" a sort of cyst/tumor that only 1% of people develop. Actually, they're born with it, but no no one knows it's there until about the time they turn 18. At that point, they begin having severe headaches that become more frequent, and increasingly more severe, until they're constant, and their vision begins to get foggy. At that point, they fearfully go to the doctor, thinking that, perhaps, they have a brain tumor. As rare as these benign dermatoids are, the doctors recognize them right away, and, usually, simply send these people home, as it's too late to do anything about it. What happens is these things burrow into your brain over the years, and, by the time the symptoms arrive, there's not much that can be done. That bump was the first miracle.

Surgery would have to be performed, and the dermatoid removed. Everything about this thing was 1%. Only 1% of people survive the surgery, without dying, or becoming a "vegetable." Thankfully, one of only 3 doctors able to perform this risky surgery operated in the Chicagoland area, and would be Greggy's surgeon.

Greggy's surgery was scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 16th, 2005, and it was a scary time. Just a few months earlier, I'd created our 2nd TV program: "The Bone Jangler's Daytime Dungeon," a show I'd come up with for Greggy. Just 8 days before his life-or-death surgery, we taped what would become Greggy's TV debut, which would appear on episode #2 of "Daytime Dungeon." We had a great shoot, taping in a huge park, frolicing in the Autumn leaves. Talk about fun! However, this could've easily wound up also being Greggy's TV farewell.

Our nighttime show; "The Bone Jangler," first hit the television airwaves in September of 2001. In September of 2005, I created a 2nd show, a show that would air in the daytime, and be aimed at an all-ages audience, a show that Greggy could participate in, and call his own (even if I do all of the editing, etc.). On the first episode of "The Bone Jangler's Daytime Dungeon," I hosted the thing all by myself. Before we shot the 2nd episode, something called a "benign dermatoid," a sort of cyst/tumor combo, was found lurking inside of the area between Greggy's skull, and his brain. An operation would have to be performed, a very risky operation with a mere 1% success rate. The other 99% of people who have the operation die, or (worse, in my opinion) become a "vegetable." Thankfully, 1 of only 3 surgeons in the world capable of performing the procedure operated out of the Chicagoland area. The surgery was scheduled for Wednesday, November 16th, 2005. If we were to make certain that Greggy were ever to appear on TV, on his show, no less, we had to hurry.

On Tuesday, November 8th, 2005, we made our way to Fabyan Park, a huge sprawling piece of land, spanning both sides (and the middle) of the Fox River, that was once the home, and property of an eccentric man by the name of Colonel Fabyan, a guy who reminded me of Teddy Roosevelt, only with a lot more money. There, we taped a good hour's worth of footage of Greggy & I chewing up the scenery, and frolicking in the Autumn leaves. It was a fun shoot, and, whatever awkwardness there was with this being 5 year old Greggy's first time in front of the TV camera, it was more than matched by the cuteness of the whole thing. Greggy was, and still is, a good looking boy, and he was so small then. Gone was the growling, swaggering Bone Jangler, and in his place was a doting uncle/father figure, proud of his boy, and eager (in more ways than one, due to the impending surgery) to get him on TV, for all of the world to see. Later, after the show had aired locally, and then made it's way across the country, I'd receive e-mails from viewers saying things like, "I never thought a Bone Jangler show would make me cry, but I did." These comments were made in reference to the end credits scene in the show, where Greggy & I are playing Hide and Seek, etc., in the leaves. I write them back, and tell them, that, if those scenes made them cry, then, they'd best break out their Kleenex again, because the story behind the camera was much more moving.

With Greggy's surgery scheduled for the morning of Wednesday, November 16th, 2005, I was in a bad spot. Back then, I owned a comic book shop/used bookstore, and, Wednesday was (and still is) new release day. There was no one else who could operate the store that day, much less handle all of the pulling of ordered product for subscription customers. I would be unable to be in both places at once, and, if I were to close up shop that day, it would've severely hurt the business. Greggy's father, and grandmother, would be there for the surgery. I forgot to mention earlier that Greggy's mother died when he was only 1 year old, and, thus, couldn't be there, at least not in a physical sense.

That day, 8 years ago, was a very hard day for me. I got up extra early that morning, and raced to see Greggy, as he prepared to leave for the hospital. It was a very difficult time, and, I must admit, my eyes are tearing up a bit as I write these words. I looked at my boy a good long time, long enough to get a good look at him at every opportunity, but never so long in one stretch to alert him to the fact that he was headed off for something much, much more serious than he was led to believe. As I looked at him, I wondered to myself, "Is this the last time that I'll see you alive? Is this the end?" I may be omniscient as I choose to be at any given moment, but, sometimes, some things are beyond even me. The thought that he might die on the operating table, or become a lifeless "vegetable," was hard to fathom, yet, quite possible.

I made my way to my shop, and tried my best to go about performing the necessary duties associated with new release day. Lots of my customers took an early lunch that day, and spent it at my shop, so as to be there for me, and for Greggy. Online, at a little place called MySpace, thousands of friends rallied around, and, were "there" with me, with us. Hundreds of strangers were also there, having been forwarded the information via friend bulletins. Lisa Marie Presley, someone I've yet to meet, learned of Greggy's situation, and had devoted the front page of her website to Greggy, asking her fans, and friends, to pray for my little boy. I may not have been at my boy's side, but, I was not alone.

The surgery was scheduled for about 10:00am. At about 9:30am, I received a call. I knew it had something to do with Greggy's operation, as we didn't open until 11:00am, and no one ever called the shop until around that time. I nervously answered the phone. The surgery was over. They'd started it much earlier. The doctor, and his staff, were not anxious to have to cut a 5 year old, motherless, boy open like that, and perform a surgery that had only a 1% success rate. So, they'd decided to get on with the delicate work at hand. I was afraid to ask how it went, the earliness of the call having thrown me off. The doctor had previously thought that the dermatoid was the size of a pebble. When he got in there, he discovered that it was actually the size of 2 golf balls! Regardless of that unexpected surprise, the surgery went off without a hitch, and went very quickly. The doctor couldn't believe the result, and referred to the outcome as a "miracle." And, of course, it was a miracle. As the doctor had gone in to perform the surgery, he'd stated that it weren't his hands that were going to be performing the surgery, but, rather, God's.

Greggy came home from the hospital much earlier than was expected, coming home just 2 days later. Friends, fans, and complete strangers, alike, were so kind to my little boy, and sent cards, letters, and presents (mostly of the Monster Kid variety), to Greggy. He was blown away by the incredible kindness shown toward him, and couldn't fathom that people from all over the country knew who he was, and wanted to send him these things. It went a long way towards helping him with the healing process. While he didn't quite know it at the time, and is only just now beginning to catch on, 5 years later, he'd had a huge chunk of his skull permanently removed, and replaced with a soft, organic paste/mesh. The idea being that, with him being as young as he was, his skull would grow, and fuse together with the mesh, and eventually solidify.

When he returned to school a few months later, he was required to wear a helmet for certain activities, like gym class, which he wasn't supposed to participate in at all. As it turns out, many of his schoolmates made fun of him, having to wear that helmet, one of 2 scars associated with his surgery that he bears to this very day. However, he is alive, and well, thanks to our friends, fans, peers, celebrities, complete strangers, and, of course, God.

I have more to say about this subject, but, find myself unable to at this moment. Thank you to everyone who was there for my boy, those 8 years ago! And, if you're one of those who believe that miracles aren't possible, think again.

Jacinto Molina Alvarez aka Paul Naschy: 9/6/34 – 11/30/09

Paul Naschy was born Jacinto Alvarez Molina in Madrid, Spain on September 6th, 1934. His father was Enrique Molina, a successful industrialist, and his mother was Pilar Alvarez. Naschy grew up in Spain, during the Fascist regime of Franco. His mother used to take him to the cinema to see movie serials, such as "Drums Of Fu Manchu." By the time young Jacinto turned eleven years old, he'd developed a serious fascination for genre films, and he managed to sneak into a screening of Universal's "Frankenstein Meets The Wolfman." While the film made a profound impact on the child, his first loves were still Westerns, and historical films.

Jesus Christ, the Easter Bunny, and The Bone Jangler & Enchantress Nocturna

Easter symbolizes the ascension of Jesus Christ into
Heaven. On Easter Jesus rose from the grave in what
is known as The Resurrection.

Jesus died for the sins of mankind on Good Friday.
He was crucified, nailed to a cross until he died.
His body was entombed. When his tomb was approached
on Easter Sunday the boulder sealing his tomb had
been rolled away and the tomb was empty.

Jesus Christ died for the sins of all mankind. Christ
suffered and died so that you might live life to the
fullest, with the assurance of salvation.

And, while the Easter Bunny is clearly a cute, and
loveable, dude, a tradition that all children embrace
until they become too smart for their own good, Jesus
Christ and His resurrection is the true meaning of
Easter. I'm not even from here (I'm from Beyond), and
*all* of this is quite clear to me.

Happy Easter, everyone, believers, and non alike!
- The BONE JANGLER

Young Master Gregory - "Monster Kid Of The Year?"

In case you were unaware, voting is currently taking place in the 10th Annual Rondo Classic Horror Awards. The awards are decided by fans, for fans, and are administered by USA Today Page One Editor David Colton. Voting is done via e-mail, by e-mailing your picks to David at taraco@aol.com by SUNDAY NIGHT at midnight, April 1, 2012.

The other day, a friend sent me a small peek at his ballot, letting me know that he'd voted for Young Master Gregory as "Monster Kid Of The Year" (category 31)! You know? It totally makes sense to me, seeing as Greggy is, indeed, an actual child, one who has co-hosted/hosted his own show since he was only 5 years old, having beaten the odds, and survived life or death surgery that had a 99% chance of leaving him dead, or (worse, in my opinion) a "vegetable."

The Rondos are meant to be fun, and should be treated as such. In the past, I've been asked by David Colton for input on which Horror Hosts should be included on the ballot. You'll note that I (and, by extension, Enchantress Nocturna, The Coven Girls, & Master Gregory) have once again been nominated in category 21. If you like our shows ("The BONE JANGLER" and "The BONE JANGLER's Daytime Dungeon"), please consider voting for us.

***You may vote in as many, or as few, categories as you like.***
Here is the ballot:

1. BEST MOVIE OF 2011 (Pick one)

-- ATTACK THE BLOCK
-- BATTLE: L.A.
-- CONTAGION
-- DON'T BE AFRAID OF THE DARK
-- FINAL DESTINATION 5
-- FRIGHT NIGHT
-- HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS (PART TWO)
-- HOBO WITH A SHOTGUN
-- INSIDIOUS

-- PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 3
-- RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES
-- THE RITE
-- THE SKIN I LIVE IN
-- STAKE LAND
-- SUPER 8

-- THE THING
-- TROLL HUNTER
-- TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN (Part 1)
-- X-MEN FIRST CLASS
-- Or write in another choice:

2. BEST TELEVISION PRESENTATION

-- AMERICAN HORROR STORY, 'Halloween,' FX, 11.2.11. The holiday seems almost cheerful compared to the ghosts from the past invading Murder House. 'What are you, the Dead Breakfast Club?'

-- DOCTOR WHO, 'The Doctor's Wife,' BBC, 5.14.11. The Tardis takes center stage at the edge of the universe in this episode written by Nail Gaiman. 'Oh, it's the warning lights. I got rid of those. They never stop.'

-- FRINGE, 'The Day We Died,' Fox, 5.6.11. In the year 2026, two worlds hang in the balance in a hunt for End of Days terrroists. 'When their world was destroyed, that was the day we sealed our fate.'

-- GRIMM, 'The Three Bad Wolves,' NBC, 12.9.11. Twists on the fairy tale include murder and Dan Roebuck as an arson investigator. 'Little pig, little pig, let me come in.'

-- HAVEN, 'Audrey Parker's Day Off,' SyFy, 8.19.11. A troubled Audrey gets caught in a time loop, unable to prevent a car from repeatedly killing her friends. 'You're stuck in my second-favorite Bill Murray movie.'

-- PSYCHE, 'This Episode Sucks,' USA, 10.26.11. Cameos from Kristy Swanson (Buffy), Corey Feldman (Lost Boys), and vampire homages abound in this Halloween send-up. 'Sookie is mine!'

-- SUPERNATURAL, 'My Heart Will Go On,' CW, 4.15.11. The Titanic has been saved from sinking so Fate begins removing people from the present. 'If these people are the Waltons, then why are they dying?'

-- TERRA NOVA, 'Instinct,' Fox, 10.3.11. Swarms of Pterosaurs begin to stake a claim on the camp. 'What we've seen here today is just the first wave. There's a lot more coming.'

-- WALKING DEAD, 'Save the Last One,' AMC, 10.30.11. Shane makes a shocking choice while getting medical supplies. ' Look at him. Hanging up there like a big piñata. The other geeks came and ate all the flesh off his legs.'

-- Or write in another choice

3. BEST CLASSIC DVD

-- BLACK MOON (Fay Wray, 1934)
-- THE BLACK SLEEP (DVD-R)
-- BURN WITCH BURN (DVD-R)
-- COLOSSUS OF NEW YORK (Olive)
-- DESTROY ALL MONSTERS
-- EMBODIMENT OF EVIL (Coffin Joe)
-- HORROR EXPRESS
-- HOUSE OF THE LONG SHADOWS (Price, Lee, Cushing, Carradine)

-- ISLAND OF LOST SOULS (Criterion Blu-Ray)
-- KONGO (DVD-R)
-- KURONEKO (1968 samurai ghost story)
-- MASTER OF THE WORLD (MGM, 1961)
-- METROPOLIS (Moroder version)

-- MYSTERIOUS ISLAND (Twilight Time limited edition Blu-Ray)
-- PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (Image)
-- QUATERMASS XPERIMENT
-- QUEEN OF BLOOD
-- Or write in another choice:

4. BEST CLASSIC DVD COLLECTION

-- GAMERA DOUBLE FEATURE: vs. Zigra and vs. the Super Monster (Shout!)
-- JURASSIC PARK: Ultimate Trilogy
-- ROGER CORMAN SCI-FI CLASSICS: Attack of the Crab Monsters, War of the Satellites, Not of This Earth
-- VAMPIRES, MUMMIES AND MONSTERS COLLECTION: Lady Frankenstein, Time Walker, Velvet Vampire and Grotesque
-- SHERLOCK HOLMES: THE ARCHIVE COLLECTION VOL. 2 (18 rarities from 1912 to 1955
-- STAR WARS BLU-RAY: THE COMPLETE SAGA (all six films)
-- TWILIGHT ZONE: Blu-Ray Bundle: Season One-Five. Includes all the commentaries and features.
-- Or write in another choice:

5. BEST RESTORATION

-- HORROR EXPRESS (Severin Films/MPI). Restored from print found in Mongolia.
-- ISLAND OF LOST SOULS (Criterion). Best elements combined, image cleaned, bits of dialogue restored.
-- LADY FRANKENSTEIN (Shout!) International cut is included.
-- LORNA THE EXORCIST (Mondo Macabro reassembles Jess Franco film from several sources)
-- MYSTERIOUS ISLAND (Twilight Time Blu-Ray): New 1:66 transfer.
-- TWILIGHT ZONE Seasons 3-5 (Blu-Ray): Episodes shine in high-definition.
-- Or write in another choice: classic.

6. BEST COMMENTARY

-- ATTACK OF THE CRAB MONSTERS, by Tom Weaver, Michael and John Brunas.
-- ISLAND OF LOST SOULS, by Gregory William Mank.
-- MIMIC, by Guillermo del Toro.
-- SPINE TINGLER: THE WILLIAM CASTLE STORY: William Castle interview used as commentary on documentary.
-- TWILIGHT ZONE: SEASON FOUR, 'The Printer's Devil,' by Bill Warren and Marc Scott Zicree.
-- TWLIGHT ZONE: SEASON FIVE: 'In Praise of Pip,' by Neil Gaiman and Marc Scott Zicree
-- Or write in another choice:

7. BEST DVD EXTRA

-- BATTLE BEYOND THE STARS: Space Opera on a Shoestring documentary.
-- CAT O' NINE TAILS (Arrow Blu-Ray): Dario's Murderous Moggy, a 10-minute interview with Dario Argento.
-- A CHRISTMAS CAROL (VCI). Two featurettes by Daniel Griffith (Dead to Begin With and Brian Hurst) VIDEO LINK

-- EVIL DEAD 2 (25th Anniversary), 90-minuteSwallowed Souls: The Making of Evil Dead II
-- HALLOWEEN II, Full Terror in the Aisles documentary included.
-- HORROR EXPRESS. Audio interview with Peter Cushing.

-- KURONEKO, Critic Tadeo Sato on how Japanese ghost stories grew more violent (17 minutes)
-- MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000 Vol. XXII: Trail of the Creeper: Making the Brute Man, featurette by Daniel Griffith.
-- ROGER CORMAN SCI-FI CLASSICS: A Salute to Roger Corman testimonials from Peter Fonda, Peter Bogdanovitch, Joe Dante and others.
-- Or write in another choice:



8. BEST INDEPENDENT FILM (Click on VIDEO LINKS to see clip or trailer)

-- ATTACK OF THE MOON ZOMBIES, directed by Christopher Mihm. Retro 50s spoof. VIDEO LINK
-- ATTACK OF THE OCTOPUS PEOPLE, directed by Joshua Kennedy. Young director's tribute to all things sci-fi, now an Alpha DVD. VIDEO LINK
-- BITE MARKS, directed by Mark Bessenger. A truck carrying coffins picks up hitchhikers, and that's just the start of this vampire horror-romp. VIDEO LINK
-- THE BOOK: They Came from Inner Space, directed by Richard Weiss. A mysterious book is focus of a stylish alien takeover in the 24th century. VIDEO LINK
-- A CADAVER CHRISTMAS, directed by Joe Zerull. A janitor gets a bloody holiday revenge. VIDEO LINK

-- CHILLERAMA, directed by Adam Rifkin, Tim Sullivan, Adam Green and Joe Lunch. A very meaty sendup of midnight movies. VIDEO LINK
-- DIVINE: THE SERIES, by Maplewood Productions. Web series finds a priest confronting evil being called Divine. VIDEO LINK
-- ERIK: PORTRAIT OF A LIVING CORPSE, directed by Ryan Bijan. The Phantom's story through Erik's eyes, adapted from Gaston Leroux' novel. VIDEO LINK

-- MIL MASCARAS VS. THE AZTEC MUMMY, directed by Andrew Quint. Cult lucha libre film finally makes it to DVD. VIDEO LINK
-- THE WHISPERER IN DARKNESS, directed by Sean Branney. Adaptation of H.P. Lovecraft's evocation of alien horror. VIDEO LINK
-- YOU'RE NEXT, directed by Adam Wingard. Creepy home invasion thriller. Don't look in the window. VIDEO LINK
-- Or write in another choice:



9. BEST SHORT FILM (Click on VIDEO LINKS to see the film, a clip or trailer)

-- THE ATTACK OF THE CREATURE: A 50s Monster Movie, directed by Dylan Druktenis. A giant turtle, skateboards and cool special effects. VIDEO LINK
-- BLINKYTM, directed by Ruairi Robinson. Formerly Bad Robot, all about a boy, a robot and a dysfunctional family. VIDEO LINK
-- CHARLIE CHAN IN TRANSYLVANIA, directed by Brian Nichols. The Nichols family takes on the detective in their latest Monster Bash video. LINK
-- G-FANTIS: WORLDS COLLIDE, directed by Billy (Rockstarbd82). Preview of fan project Godzilla Battle Royale is amazingly Toho. VIDEO LINK

-- THE GIANT RUBBER MONSTER MOVIE, directed by Thomas Berdinski. Horror host cameos enliven this send-up of 70s kaiju. VIDEO LINK
-- MICROCINEMA, directed by Skip Shea. Fantasy turns deadly in this mature reverie of a stalker. VIDEO LINK
-- LA NINA, directed by Moises Servin. From Mexico, Richard Sheffield produces the tale of a mysterious child. VIDEO LINK
-- WHISPER, directed by Bryan Wolford. A new dorm room is fine, except for the whispering from the closet. VIDEO LINK
-- YOU WILL NEVER GUESS WHAT THIS AD IS ABOUT, directed by Andreas Roth. German commercial will surprise you. VIDEO LINK

Or write in another choice:



10. BEST DOCUMENTARY (full feature; Click on VIDEO LINKS to see the film, a clip or trailer)

-- THE BEST OF TRAILERS FROM HELL, VOL. 2, commentaries by Joe Dante. John Landis, Eli Roth, others. VIDEO LINK
-- HI THERE, HORROR MOVIE FANS: The Bowman Body, A Documentary, directed by Sean Kotz and Christopher Valluzzo. A look back at Virginia's legendary horror host, Bill Bowman. VIDEO LINK
-- MIDNIGHT MADNESS: The History of Horror, Sci-Fi and Fantasy Films, from Midnight Marquee. Two-disc set includes dozens of vintage interviews with top genre stars. VIDEO LINK
-- SCREAMING IN HIGH HEELS: The Rise and Fall of the Scream Queen Era, directed by Jason Paul Collum. Told through the careers of Linnea Quigley, Brinke Stevens and Michelle Bauer. VIDEO LINK

11. BOOK OF THE YEAR

-- AMERICAN SCARY: Conversations with the Kings, Queens and Jesters of Late-Night Horror TV, by Michael Monahan. (Midnight Marquee, softcover, 242 pages, $25). Interviews and rare photos with 23 well-remembered horror hosts.
-- BORIS KARLOFF: MORE THAN A MONSTER: The Authorised Biography, by Stephen Jacobs (Tomahawk Press, hardcover, 568 pages, $50). Karloff's life from Canadian theater companies to his many creatures, radio appearances and triumphs on Broadway and television.
-- CASE FILES OF ORIENTAL SLEUTHS: Charlie Chan, Mr. Moto and Mr. Wong, by David Rothel (Bear Manor Media, softcover, 326 pages, $24.95). Detailed look at all the films, plus radio and even the short-lived Chan TV series.
-- CREATURES OF THE NIGHT THAT WE LOVED SO WELL, TV Horror Hosts of Southern California, by James M. Fetters. (Perfect Paperback, softcover, 365 pages, $24.95). Armed with a tape recorder in the 1960s, the result goes to the roots of horror hosts.
-- DARK STARS RISING: Conversations from the Outer Realms, by Shade Rupe (Worldhead Press, softcover, 568 pages, $27.95). 27 interviews with the outre set, including Brother Theodore, Chas. Balun and Tura Santana.

-- FORGOTTEN HORRORS VOL. 5: The Atom Age, by Michael H. Price, John Wooley, Jan Alan Henderson (CreateSpace, softcover, 328 pages, $30). Sci-fi and Red Scare obscurities abound in this latest volume of the series.
-- HAMMER FILMS, THE UNSUNG HEROES: The Team Behind the Legend, by Wayne Kinsey (Tomahawk, softcover, 500 pages, $49.95). In their own words, the workers themselves, carpenters and secretaries, tell the story of horror's most colorful studio.
-- THE HAMMER VAULT, by Marcus Hearn. (Titan Books, hardcover, 176 pages, $34.95). From the studio archives, documents, stills and memorabilia in a handsome package.

-- HORROR FILM FESTIVALS AND AWARDS, by Thomas P. Sipos (McFarland, softcover, 318 pages, $40). Advice for filmmakers, and listings of scores of independent film festivals, award programs and winners (Rondos, too!)
-- THE HORROR HITS OF RICHARD GORDON, by Tom Weaver (Bear Manor Media, softcover, 236 pages, $24.95). Wisdom from the late director about his career and Hollywood, as told to his friend.
-- HORROR NOIR: Where Cinema's Dark Sisters Meet, by Paul Meehan (McFarland, softcover, 310 pages, $39.95). How horror and gritty mysteries meet, from the 1930s and 1940s to today.
-- MAIL-ORDER MYSTERIES: Real Stuff from Old Comic Book Ads! by Kirk Demarais. (Insight, hardcover, 156 pages, $19.95). The shocking truth about what you really got if you ordered those X-Ray Glasses or Six-Foot Monsters.

-- MONSTERS IN AMERICA: Our Historical Obsession with the Hideous and the Haunting, by W. Scott Poole (Baylor University Press, hardcover, 290 pages, $29.95). A cultural history of monsters and why they touch such deep chords in the American psyche.
-- MONSTERS IN THE MOVIES: 100 Years of Cinematic Nightmares, by John Landis (DK, hardcover, 320 pages, $40). Large-format overview of the genre, told through hundreds of glossy photos and posters.
-- NIGHTMARE MOVIES, Horror on Screen Since the 1960s, by Kim Newman. (Bloomsbury, softcover, 633 pages, $45). Updated edition of his 1987 classic; covers films through 2011.

-- SCI-FI SAVANT, by Glenn Erickson (Point Blank Press, softcover, 312 pages, $19.95). Still-timely reviews of 116 science fiction films from his DVD Savant column.
-- SIXTIES SHOCKERS: A Critical Filmography of Horror Cinema, 1960-1969, by Mark Clark and Bryan Senn (McFarland, hardcover, 541 page, $59.95). Tracing the decade when horror found blood was red, awakened zombies and entered the modern age.
-- WAR EAGLES: The Unmaking of an Epic by Dave Conover and Philip J. Riley (Bear Manor, softcover, 292 pages, $24.95). An in-depth look at the Willis O'Brien film that could have been.

-- ZOMBIES: An Illustrated History of the Undead, by Jovanka Vuckovik (St. Martin's Griffin, softcover, 176 pages, $17.99). Tracing the cultural invasion of the decayed and departed.
-- Or write in another choice:

12. BEST MAGAZINE OF 2011

-- Cinema Retro

-- Diabolique
-- Famous Monsters of Filmland

-- Fangoria
-- Filmfax
-- Freaky Monsters
-- G-Fan

-- Girls and Corpses
-- Horror Hound

-- Little Shoppe of Horrors

-- Mad Monster
-- Mad Scientist
-- Midnight Marquee
-- Monster Bash

-- Monsterpalooza
-- Monsters from the Vault

-- Paracinema
-- Phantom of the Movies Videoscope
-- Rue Morgue
-- Scarlet
-- Scary Monsters
-- Screem

-- Shadowland

-- Shock

-- Undying Monsters
-- Van Helsing's Journal
-- Video Watchdog
-- Or write in another choice:



13. BEST ARTICLE (Please choose two; one will win)

-- 'The Curious Undead Life of Tod Browning's Dracula (1931): A Classic of the Horror Films,' by Gary Don Rhodes, MONSTERS FROM THE VAULT #29. From camera movements to cardboard on the lamp, a renewed appreciation of the film that started the horror cycle.

-- 'The Damning of the Tarantula,' by John H. Myers, FILMFAX #128. Spider by giant spider, a creepy look at the eight-legged beasts of sci-fi history.

-- 'Dare You See It? James Whale's Frankenstein,' by Pierre Fournier. MONSTERPALOOZA #1. Using vintage newspaper stories, ads and ballyhoo, what the public was told about the filming of Frankenstein in 1931.

-- 'Dracula's Guest Revisited,' by Bob Statzer, SCARY MONSTERS #77. Finding the truth about the Bram Stoker story said to inspire so many adaptations.

-- 'Godzilla Goes Green: Godzilla vs. Hedorah,' by Martin Arlt, MAD SCIENTIST #24. From Rachel Carson to a 300-pound smog monster suit, behind the scenes of Toho's ecological warning.

-- 'The Golden Age of TV Terror,' by Kier-La Janisse with Dan Murphy, RUE MORGUE #117. A look at made-for-TV rarities and 'haunted' episodes from shows like Andy Griffith, Laverne & Shirley and Punky Brewster.

-- 'The Green Slime Are Coming! The Green Slime Are Here!' by Bill Cooke, VIDEO WATCHDOG #162. An 'old school' Watchdog comparison of the film's U.S. and Japanese versions.

-- 'A History of Horror Films Portmaneau,' by Steven West, MIDNIGHT MARQUEE #78. Tracing the growth of horror anthology films, from the silent era to today.

-- 'Invasion: A History of Body Snatchers,' by Aaron Christensen, HORROR HOUND #31. From Jack Finney's novel to Nicole Kidman's takeover, they're here!

-- 'Japanese Fantasy Cinema: Reflections of Reality,' by Fabian Mauro. G-FAN #95-96. How Japanese fear and fantasy combined to create works of lasting impact.

-- 'Karloff and the Creation of the Screen Actor's Guild,' by Mark Redfield, MONSTERPALOOZA #1. How the shy British actor became one of the founding members of one of Hollywood's earliest unions.

-- 'King Kong and the City: A Trilogy' by James H. Burns, THE THUNDER CHILD webzine. How generations grew up with the classic in New York -- on Channel 9, during holiday meals and at the Empire State Building.

-- 'Lovecraft's Paleontological Time Travels,' by Allen A. Debus, MAD SCIENTIST #24. How Lovecraft's mythos translated to lost worlds and beasts of the pulps and beyond.

-- 'The Mad Genius: A Retrospective,' by Greg Mank, MONSTERS FROM THE VAULT #28. A look at the Svengali-like era of John Barrymore's early sound career.

-- 'The Making of Hands of the Ripper,' by Bruce G. Hallenbeck. LITTLE SHOPPE OF HORRORS #26. How the shocking tale made it to theaters mostly intact.

-- 'The Marvelous Movie Menagerie of Marcel Delgado,' by Debbie Painter, MOVIE COLLECTOR'S WORLD #755. The influence of the master designer on Kong and other island beasts.

-- 'Music by James Bernard: Themes For a Tapestry of Terror,' by Steve Vertlieb, FILM MUSIC REVIEW, Fall 2011. Scoring the master of suspense and thrills.

-- 'Prophet of Horror: H.P. Lovecraft,' by Charles A. Coulombe. FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND #255. A popular overview of the author's career and lasting influence.

-- 'Sarah's Song: Remembering Sharon Tate,' by Terry Pace, LITTLE SHOPPE OF HORRORS #27. The career of the doomed actress, in her own words and those who knew her.

-- 'Save the Earth: Ecological Messages in Toho's Giant Monster Movies,' by Mark Justice, G-FAN #94-95. The green side of kaiju, film by film.

-- 'Scouting the Singularity,' by Thomas A. Foster, VIDEO WATCHDOG #165. How dreams of a tech leap forward for mankind has been supplanted by films of apocalyptic hysteria.

-- 'Sex, Food, Death and Religion: Jean Rollin's Archaic Modernity,' by Bryan L. Yeatter, SCREEM #22. An argument that the famed French filmmaker pushed the limits in vampire films, but then lost his way.

-- 'Sullivan's Travels,' by William J. Wright, VIDEOSCOPE #79. Revealing the "unsung hero" of The Evil Dead, special effects technician Tom Sullivan.

-- 'What If -- Alternative Castings in Classic Horror Films, by Steven Thornton, MONSTERS FROM THE VAULT #29. Some not-so-far-fetched roles: Chaney as Dracula, Karloff as the Invisible Man, Lorre as the Son of Frankenstein, and more.

-- 'When Dracula Haunted New York,' by Mirek Lipinski, FREAKY MONSTERS #2-4. Three-part article looks at Lugosi's days in New York City.
-- Or write in another choice:

(Please vote for TWO of the articles above; one will win)



14. BEST INTERVIEW
(Award goes to the interviewer)

-- Jane Asher: "On Masque of Red Death," by Rod Webber, DIABOLIQUE #6. Conducted by Skype in conjunction with ReelZine, actress talks about working with Corman and Price.

-- Tanya Constantine: 'My Father, Eddie Constantine,' by Tim Lucas, VIDEO WATCHDOG #163. A daughter reveals the man behind Lemmy Caution in this wide-ranging talk.

-- Warwick Davis: "From Leprechaun to Harry Potter,' by Calum Waddell, VIDEOSCOPE #77. The little person who began his very large career as an Ewok and never looked back.

-- Mimsy Farmer: 'The Mimsy Farmer Experience,' by Mark F. Berry. VIDEO WATCHDOG #161. Extensive talk with star of teen rebellion films, Four Flies on Grey Velvet and more.

-- Haruo Nakajima: 'The Original Godzilla,' by August Ragone. FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND #256. The man who played Godzilla, Rodan, Gargantua and many others recalls the hot suit, the staged battles and the work ethic.

-- June Lockhart: 'On She-Wolf of London,' by Tom Weaver, VIDEO WATCHDOG #160. Actress looks back on one of her earliest roles with laughter and some chagrin.

-- Roman Polanski: 'Dancing with the Master,' by Constantine Nasr, LITTLE SHOPPE OF HORRORS #27. A rare transatlantic talk with the director of The Fearless Vampire Killers.

-- Peter Sasdy: 'A Taste for Vampires,' by Ashley Thorpe, FANGORIA #308-309. A conversation with man who directed Dracula and Ripper films for Hammer.

-- Barbara Steele: "The Gothic Queen of Italy," DIABOLIQUE #5, by Paulo Zelati. The sometimes aloof icon's discusses her return to Italian horror.

-- Akira Takarada: 'Truly Amazing!', by Fabian Mauro, G-FAN #95. A star of the original Godzilla, and later Godzilla: Final Wars, talks about his six decades of fame.

-- Marie Wallace: 'On Stage and In Shadows,' by Rod Labbe. SCARY MONSTERS #77. Encounters in the past and now with Dark Shadows co-star.

-- John Waters: 'His Master's Maniacs,' by Rusty Nails, RUE MORGUE #111. The cult movie pregenitor talks about the films that inspired him, his book and, of course, Divine.

-- Or write in another choice:



15. BEST MAGAZINE FILMBOOK, THEME OR SPECIAL CONTENT

-- BRIDES OF DRACULA Filmbook, Undying Monsters #3. An old-fashioned look at the second Hammer vampire film,

-- DUEL OF THE REMAKES, Horror Hound #32. Includes an 8-page 'Remake Report Card' rating 27 do-overs, from classics like Cat People and The Blob to Texas Chainsaw and The Crazies.

-- THE FANGORIA 300, Fangoria #300. 'The Ultimate Horror Guide' includes expert commentaries on 300 films that matter.

-- FEARLESS VAMPIRE KILLERS. Little Shoppe of Horrors #27. Philip Nutman's 'making of' spearheads nine articles devoted to the Roman Polanski classic.

-- MONSTER KIDS, Famous Monsters of Filmland #257. From Spielberg and Landis to Rick Baker and John Carpenter, profiles of more than a dozen 'Monster Kids' who made it big in Hollywood.

-- THAT OLD HOUSE ON THE HILL, Mad Monster #1. The Psycho mansion ready to cut out and assemble from cutouts on thick glossy paper.

-- 25 YEARS OF THE FLY, Rue Morgue #116. An anniversary examination of all the 'Help me!' films, then and now.

-- Or write in another selection.



16. BEST MAGAZINE COVER (To see the nominated covers, go to www.RondoAward.com)


DIABOLIQUE #7
by Dima Ballin


FAMOUS MONSTERS #259
By Bob Lizarraga


FAMOUS MONSTERS #257
by Rick Baker


FAMOUS MONSTERS #254
by Jason Edmiston


FILMFAX #126
by Greg Hildebrandt


FREAKY MONSTERS #2
by Arliss


HORROR HOUND #27
by Daniel Horne


LITTLE SHOPPE OF HORRORS #27
by Mark Maddox

MAD SCIENTIST #23
by Mark Maddox


MONSTER BASH #12
by Lorraine Bush


MONSTERPALOOZA #1
by Jeff Preston


MONSTERS FROM THE VAULT #28
by Daniel Horne


MONSTERS FROM THE VAULT #29
by Daniel Horne


RUE MORGUE #111
by Mitch O'Connell


SCREEM #22
by Bill Chancellor


SCARY MONSTERS #79
By Terry Beatty


SHADOWLAND MAGAZINE #1
by Dwayne Pinkney


UNDYING MONSTERS #1
by Mark Maddox


VIDEO WATCHDOG #163
by Charlie Largent


Or write in another choice:



17. BEST WEBSITE
(The Classic Horror Film Board, sponsor of the Rondos, is not eligible)

-- Chiller Cinema Home of Dr. Gangrene's Web Lab.

-- Classic-horror.com Dedicated to the history of classic horror.

-- Count Gore de Vol's Creature Features Films, interviews and horror host news updated weekly.

-- Creepy Classics Home of Monster Bash, and classic and rare monster releases.

-- Dread Central Latest news, insider info from the horror industry.

-- Eccentric-cinema One of the earliest of the cult sites.

-- Famous Monsters of Filmland Version 3.0 of the first monster magazine.

-- Horrorhost Graveyard Clips, show listings and more.

-- Horror Society A voice for independent horrors.

-- Latarnia: Fantastique International All things Euro; an outspoken Forum, too.

-- Masters of Horror Classic news and updates from a true horrorhead.

-- Mondo Cult Online The world of genre and music, plus a message board.

-- Monster-mania Offers a window on 21st Century conventions.

-- Monsterz Mark Thompsen's amazing collection of colorized monster stills.

-- Planet Fury Furious film news with discussions you won't find elsewhere.

-- Serial Squadron Their work never leaves us hanging.

-- The Terror Trap Horror movies from 1925-1987.

-- Thethunderchild.com Interviews, analysis of sci-fi and horror.

-- Trailers from Hell Joe Dante and top talents offer commentaries on vintage trailers.

-- Universal Monster Army The friendly and knowledgeable headquarters of monster toy talk.

-- Universal Steve The largest Universal archive outside of Hollywood.

-- The Vincent Price Exhibit A lifetime documented, from Usher to cookbooks and Price's lost loves.

-- Witch's Dungeon Multimedia home for Hollywood monsters, history and preservation

-- Or write in another choice:



18. BEST BLOG OF 2011

-- Cinema Suicide A celebration of cheap thrills
-- Cinema Dave A journal of horror and film.

-- Classic Movie Monsters Photos, art and covers from the past.
-- Cyberschizoid Latest monster magazines and cult updates.
-- Die, Danger, Die, Die, Kill! The wide world of pop culture underground.


-- Dollar Bin Horror For monster fans on a budget.
-- The Drunken Severed Head Impeccable sense of the outre, an essential stop for monster weirdness.

-- Final Girl Stacie Ponder survives to have the last, bloody but often essential word.

-- First Person Monster Blog Shannon Shea takes a personal approach to movies, models and monsters.

-- Four-Color Shadows Horror, thrills, mystery from comic pages of the past.

-- Frankensteinia Fun, smart and essential as it keeps the Monster alive.
-- From Midnight, With Love A cult movie reverie with an edge.
-- Gary J. Svehla: Midnight Marquee/Mad About Movies A founding fan on movies new and very old.
-- The Good, the Bad and the Godzilla August Ragone's G-blog is wise among giant monsters.

-- Groovy Age of Horror Fearless and unexpected.
-- The Horrors of it All When horror corrupted more than the comics.

-- Kindertrauma Your childhood ends (or starts), here.

-- Monster Magazine World A digital home for monster magazines past, present and hopefully future.

-- Monstermoviemusic The soundtracks of our horror lives.

-- Radiation-Scarred Reviews Bill Adcock takes on the mutants of film, no matter the era.

-- Sherlock Holmes News Charles Prepolec's grand arcanum of news, reviews and 'unsavory opinions.'
-- Shloggs Horror Blog Modern horror talk, with a classic sensibility.

-- The Shock! and Son of Shock! Viewing Project Every film in the TV package viewed again.
-- Terror from Beyond the Daves An essential, home of the weekend horror host report.

-- TheoFantastique A high and furrowed brow ponders monsters, myths, theology and comics.

-- Unimonster's Crypt Musings on the status of monstrous media.
-- Video Watchblog Scaled back, but Tim Lucas' musings are still worth the wait.

-- We Are Controlling Transmission Peter Enfantino and John Scoleri, along with David Schow, review every episode of the Outer Limits.

-- Zombos Closet All manners of horrors pour out.
-- Or write in another choice



19. BEST CONVENTION OF 2011

-- Blob Fest (Phoenixville, Pa.)
-- Chiller (Parsippany)
-- Cinema Wasteland (Cleveland)
-- Days of the Dead (Indianapolis)
-- Dragon Con (Atlanta)
-- Famous Monsters Imagi-Movies Festival (Los Angeles)
-- Fright Night Film Fest (Louisville)
-- G-Fest (Chicago)
-- Horror-Find (Baltimore)
-- Horror Hound weekend (Indianapolis)
-- Horror Realm (Pittsburgh)
-- Monster Bash (Butler, Pa.)
-- Monster Fest (Chesapeake, Va.)
-- Monster-Mania (Cherry Hill, N.J.)
-- Monsterpalooza (Burbank)
-- Rue Morgue's Festival of Fear (Toronto)
-- Scare Fest (Lexington, Ky.)
-- Spooky Empire (Orlando)
-- Texas Frightmare (Dallas)
-- Wonderfest (Louisville)

-- Or write in another choice:

20. BEST FAN EVENT OF 2011

-- Blob panic re-enactment. Held at actual theater in Phoenixville, Pa., where movie was filmed (Blobfest)

-- Classic Horror Campaign. British fans enlist horror celebrities in campaign to get for more classic horror movies on BBC.

-- Dracula's Guest at the Bash. The Hammer gals -- Veronica Carlson, Caroline Munro and Yvonne Monlaur -- perform with Zach Zito at Monster Bash,

-- Famous Monsters Imagi-Movies Film Festival. Independent films, guest panels tributes to Lugosi, Price.

-- 80th Anniversary Tribute to Dracula and Frankenstein. Scott Essman and L.A.- based fans mount special presentations at Pomona Fox Theater, which also opened in 1931.

-- G-Tour 2011. G-Fan editor J.D. Lees, Mad Scientist editor Martin Arlt and others retrace Godzilla's steps on a tour of Japan that includes holding the original oxygen destroyer at Toho Studios.

-- It's Bob, by iPad! Giant robot with the video face of Bob Burns, live from Burbank on an iPad on its chest, shows up at Dr. Gangrene show at WonderFest.

-- Scares That Care Charity horror events, videos, Facebook pages, Kane Hodder team up to scare up money for childhood diseases.

-- Super 8 Film Festival. Condensed versions of Price's Poe films, trailers and The Mad Magician in 3-D. Horror Hound weekend, Indianapolis.

-- They Called Him Godzilla. Hauro Nakajima talks about wearing the Godzilla suit. Monsterpalooza in Burbank.

-- Twilight Zone Carousel restored. Cortlandt Hull paints murals from famous episodes on Rod Serling's childhood carousel in Binghamton, N.Y.

-- Vincentennial: Celebration in St. Louis of Vincent Price's 100th birthday included appearances by Roger Corman, Victoria Price, museum exhibits and art shows.

-- Women in Horror Month. Websites and events in February again honor women in all aspects of horror. Begun by Hannah Neurotica of Ax Wound magazine.

-- Or write in another choice:

21. FAVORITE HORROR HOST OF 2011
(Active hosts only! If your favorite is missing -- there are far too many to list here -- please write them in.)

-- A. GHASTLEE GHOUL

-- THE BONE JANGLER

-- KARLOS BORLOFF

-- BROTHER JACK ANGRY

-- COUNT GORE DE VOL

-- COUNT GREGORE

-- DR. GANGRENE

-- Dr. MADBLOOD

-- DR. SARCOFIGUY

-- ELVIRA

-- GHOUL A GO-GO

-- LATE DR. LADY

-- MR. LOBO

-- ORMON GRIMSBY

-- PENNY DREADFUL

-- PROFESSOR EMCEE SQUARE

-- REMO D

-- SON OF GHOUL

-- SVENGOOLIE

-- WOLFMAN MAC

-- ZOMBOO

-- Or write in another choice


22. BEST HORROR COMIC

-- EDGAR ALLAN POE'S TALES OF MYSTERY (Graphic Classics). Includes Murders in the Rue Morgue.

-- FLESH AND BLOOD: BOOK ONE (Monsterverse). The Hammer film that never was, by Robert Tinnell and Neil Vokes.

-- GODZILLA: KINGDOM OF MONSTERS (IDW). Eric Powell tells a human story amidst the monster rallies.

-- BOB HOWARD: Plumber of the Unknown by Rafael Nieves and Dan Dougherty. Ordinary jobs don't stop this monster hunter.

-- HELLBOY: THE FURY (Dark Horse). Can this really be the end? Mike Mignola surprises everyone.

-- MONSTERS AMONG US (monsters-among-us.com). Celebrating the four-color fun of monstrosities.

-- PLANET OF THE APES (Boom!) Daryl Gregory and Carlos Magno pick up the story from Battle.

-- THE STRANGE CASE OF MR. HYDE (Dark Horse). Jekyll is dead. Then who...? By Cole Haddon and M.S. Corley.

-- 30 DAYS OF NIGHT (IDW). Steve Niles and Sam Kieth revive the true world of vampires.

-- THE WALKING DEAD (Image) Robert Kirkman and Charlie Adlard go far beyond the TV series.

-- XOMBI (DC). John Rozum and Fraser Irving resurrect David Kim in this dark tale of snow angels and mummies..

-- Or write in another choice



23. BEST HORROR MULTIMEDIA (AUDIO OR PODCAST)

-- BLOOD & STONE The Wireless Theater Company's version of Countess Bathory.
-- BLOODY GOOD HORROR Reviews of the monstrous.
-- BLOODY PIT OF ROD Home of the Naschycasts.
-- B-MOVIE CAST Talk and horror history in this podcast.
-- CADAVER LAB HORROR PODCAST Full-length PD films streamed here.
-- CULT RADIO A GO-GO! Pioneer of horror talk and music stations.
-- DEADPIT RADIO Hillbilly horror from the hills of Kentucky.

-- DRIVE-IN OF THE DAMNED RADIO Exploiting the airwaves since 2002.

-- EXPLOITED CINEMA Horror, cult and exploitation mark these podcasts.

-- HORROR ETC Offbeat is focus of this horror podcast.

-- HORROR RISES FROM SPAIN. Podcast documentaries and more.

-- MAIL ORDER ZOMBIE A podcast for the undead.

-- THE MONSTER CHANNEL Streaming films (formerly 100 Years on Monster Movies)

-- MOVIE MELTDOWN Podcasts feature caffeinated geek talk.

-- 1951 DOWN PLACE Hammer discussion and gothic podcasting.

-- PROFONDO CINEMA From NOTLD to Snake Plissen, intellectually-speaking, of course.

-- PSYCHOBILLY GARDEN PARTY Where horror has a subculture beat.
-- RUE MORGUE RADIO The final year of Tomb and the caustic gang.

-- SIX FOOT PLUS A biweekly podcast that find a monstrous rhythm.

-- TIMES PAST OLD TIME RADIO ARCHIVES. Searchable and deep.

-- Or write in another choice:



24. BEST SOUNDTRACK OR HORROR CD

--- BLACK SUNDAY (Kritzerland). Les Baxter's score for the American version of Mario Bava film.

-- THE CABINET OF DR. CALIGARI (November Fire). The group Hobgoblin adds a haunting mysticism to this tribute.

-- HYMNS FROM THE HOUSE OF HORROR, VOLUME II (Rue Morgue). 20 scare bands in a downloadable compilation.

-- IT! THE TERROR FROM BEYOND SPACE (Monstrous Movie Music). Paul Sawtell and Bert Shefter.

-- MIDNIGHT SYNDICATE: Carnival Arcane. Music to haunt by.

-- MONSTER THAT CHALLENGED THE WORLD (Monstrous Movie Music). Complete score by Heinz Roemheld.

-- MUSICAL SHADOWS: Songs from the Dark Shadows, A Gothic Musical. Songs inspired by the soap opera from folk-rocker David Leinweber.

-- RETURN OF SHERLOCK HOLMES (cosmichobo.com) A 4-CD set of readings recorded in 1971.

-- TALES FROM THE EMANCIPATED HEAD. The Pine Box Boys (mp3 download). Raw meat rock.

-- WELCOME 2 MY NIGHTMARE, Alice Cooper (Bigger Picture). Cooper returns to a dark throne of rock.

-- THE X-FILES: Volume One. (LaLa Land). Mark Snow's music from 40 episodes over nine seasons.

-- X:THE MAN WITH X-RAY EYES (LaLa Land). Les Baxter's score, includes 'Morella' from TALES OF TERROR.

-- Or write in another choice:



25. BEST TOY, MODEL OR COLLECTIBLE(To see the items up for voting, go to www.RondoAward.com!)

Barbara from Night of the Living Dead
by Emce


Bela Lugosi as Broadway Dracula
by Moebius; sculpted by Adam Dougherty and Jeff Yagher


Bride of Frankenstein
by Diamond Select


Godzilla Carlton Heirloom Ornament with sound and light
Sculpted by Tom Tvrdiks


The Munsters Action Figures
by Diamond Select
(Sculpted by Jean St. Jean)


The She-Creature by Sputnik Supplies
Sculpted by Jamie MacFarlane


The Shock Monster mask
returns, by Don Post Studios


Twilight Zone bank teller Henry Bemis
by Bif Bang Pow!





WRITE-IN CATEGORIES


26. CLASSIC MOST IN NEED OF RESTORATION

Which classic horror film, either released or unreleased, do you think most deserves a restoration or video upgrade?

27. WRITER OF THE YEAR (for 2011)

Who do you think did the best published (or online) work in 2011 to advance the state of classic horror research?

28. ARTIST OF THE YEAR (Pro)

Which professional artist (designer, illustrator, sculptor, modeler, photographer), did the best work in 2011?


29. ARTIST OF THE YEAR (Fan)

Which amateur or fan artist (designer, illustrator, sculptor, modeler, photographerr), did the best work in 2011?

30. DVD REVIEWER OF THE YEAR

Which reviewer in print or online did the best work in 2011?


31. 'MONSTER KID' OF THE YEAR

Help us choose this year's recipient: Who deserves to be named 'Monster Kid of the Year' for efforts beyond the call of duty to build a better world of gods and monsters? Send us your suggestion.

32. MONSTER KID HALL OF FAME

And finally, help us again: Who do you think should be this year's inductees into the Monster Kid Hall of Fame?

ALREADY INDUCTED ARE: Bob and Kathy Burns, Forrest J Ackerman and James Warren, Zacherley and Vampira, Ray Harryhausen, Ray Bradbury, Alex and Richard Gordon, William K. Everson, Rick Baker, Basil Gogos, Roger Corman, Dick Klemensen, Gary and Sue Svehla, James Bama and Bobby 'Boris' Pickett, Paul and Jackie Blaisdell, Joe Dante, Don Glut, Jack Davis, German Robles and Frank Frazetta; Bernie Wrightson, Ben Chapman, Cortlandt Hull and Dennis Vincent, Ed 'Big Daddy' Roth, Archie Goodwin and Ghoulardi.Ken Kelly, Jim and Marian Clatterbaugh, Bob Wilkins, Calvin Beck, Paul Naschy, Lux Interior, Bob Lemon and Ray Meyers, Bill Warren, Dennis Druktenis, Sammy Terry and Frederick S. Clarke; Tim and Donna Lucas, William Stout, Ron Borst, George A. Romero, Tom Weaver and Verne Langdon. Who should join them?


HOW TO VOTE:

-- All voting is by e-mail only. Simply copy this ballot (cut-and-pasting is easy), and send an e-mail with your picks to David Colton at taraco@aol.com by SUNDAY NIGHT at midnight, April 1, 2012.

-- One vote per person, please.

-- Every e-mail must include your name to be counted. All votes are kept strictly confidential. No e-mail addresses or any personal information will ever be shared with anyone.

-- Important: Feel free to spread the word about Rondo, place banners on websites, go viral. But please remember that organized voting campaigns (duplicated ballots, mass e-mailing of filled-in ballots), are prohibited and can result in a warning and even disqualification. So do let folks know , but let's also keep this a fun vote of monster fans.

-- And no, you do not have to vote in every category.

Randy Rhoads - 30 Years After

Friday, March 19, 1982, the weekend had arrived, and I had just gone over to a close female friend's house to listen to music, hang out, and have fun. Being that my friend Amy was only 16 at the time, she lived at home with her parents, and her older brother Greg. Upon entering the home, I was greeted warmly by Amy. Her brother was seated in their father's recliner in front of the TV, and put down the newspaper he was reading to say, "hello." Having noticed the record album in my hand, Greg asked me, "Whatcha got there?" I told him, "It's Ozzy Osbourne's 'Diary Of A Madman' and the guitar player's great. In fact, I think I like his playing almost as much as I like Eddie Van Halen's." Knowing that EVH was my favorite living guitar player (Jimi Hendrix was, and is, my absolute favorite guitarist of all time), Greg said, "WOW! That's really saying something! What's his name?" "Randy Rhoads," I said. Suddenly, the smile on his face vanished. "I hate to tell you this, but, he's dead. He died in a plane crash today." Immediately I looked at Amy, and then quickly back at her brother Greg, and I stared at him for a long time. Greg said, "I'm sorry. I wish I was just kidding you." I remember it quite vividly.

Randall William Rhoads was born on Thursday, Dec. 6, 1956 at St. John's Hospital in Santa Monica California, the youngest of 3 children. His father left home when Randy was only 17 months old, leaving mother Delores Rhoads to raise the 3 kids. Delores owned (and still does, at the age of 91 - she'll turn 92 on March 26th) the Musonia School of music. When Randy was only 6 years old, he received his first guitar, a Gibson classical acoustic that had belonged to his grandfather. Before long, Randy began taking guitar and piano lessons at his mother's school. When he was 8, he had his first public performance. A few years later, he was given his first electric guitar, a huge semi-acoustic Harmony that was nearly as big as the diminutive Randy. He began taking electric guitar lessons from a man by the name of Scott Shelly, who forced Randy to relentlessly practice scales taken from a violin book. Within a year, Mr. Shelly told Randy's mother Dolores that there was nothing left for him to teach Randy.

Randy formed his first band, with his brother Kellie, when he was 14. About a year later, Kellie took Randy to his first concert - Alice Cooper. Randy's mind was blown, and, in fact, he couldn't speak for hours afterward. Seeing this concert had been an epiphany for Randy. He now knew where his talent could take him. Having been raised in a musical environment, made to read music, and growing up in a household without a stereo system, Randy quickly began to develop his own style. When he was just 16, he began teaching guitar at his mother's school. It was here that he was exposed to other guitar players, seeing as all of his students wanted to learn how to play their favorite guitarists' licks. Randy was playing about 48 hours a week at the school alone.

Randy taught his longtime friend Kelly Garni to play bass guitar, and, in 1973, they formed a band called Quiet Riot. They played the same backyard parties, and clubs, that Van Halen played, and even though Eddie Van Halen often performed many of his two handed antics with his back towards the audience (so that they couldn't see how he did them), Randy eventually figured much of it out for himself. Eddie's trademark was his striped guitar. Randy's was his polka dot vests, and bow ties. In 1977, Quiet Riot secured a Japanese record deal with CBS/Sony, and went on to release 2 albums overseas. In 1979, shortly before quitting Quiet Riot, Randy approached guitar luthier Karl Sandoval about having his own custom guitar made. It was a Flying V body, black, with white polka dots. It was around this time that a friend from Raw Power Magazine called Randy, and tipped him off about former Black Sabbath singer Ozzy Osbourne looking for a guitarist.

Randy Rhoads was never a Black Sabbath fan, and didn't listen to their albums. He went to the audition with his guitar, and a small practice amp. Everyone else had brought their Marshall stacks, and their giant equipment rigs, trying to show Ozzy how professional they were. Ozzy was drunk. Randy began tuning his guitar, and played a few scales and licks to warm up. Before he could put on a true demonstration of his skills, Ozzy blurted out, "You've got the gig," and passed out. The 2 opposites really gelled, especially onstage. Randy was always shy, and quiet, but put on a great live performance. Ozzy had always been a crazy man, and knew the record business inside and out. Randy listened to Ozzy's every word, and, in turn, took Ozzy's music to a place that it had never been in Black Sabbath. In turn, Ozzy's wild antics spurred Randy on to play live with more freedom, and a bravery to just go with the flow. On tour, Randy would look in the phone book for classical guitar tutors to give him lessons. He did this in every town that Ozzy's band performed in... except one.

On March 19, 1982, in Leesburg, Florida, Ozzy was sleeping on his tour bus outside the home of driver Andrew Aycock. 36 year old Aycock was also a pilot, and first took keyboardist Don Airey for a ride in his plane. Next, hairdresser/seamstress Rachel Youngblood, 58, and Randy Rhoads, 25, were on the second joyride. Youngblood had a heart condition, and Randy went along for support, despite his fear of flying. Randy was also an avid photographer, and figured he could get some cool aerial shots from the view aboard the plane. For whatever reason, perhaps it was the cocaine lingering in his system (the only "drug" in Randy's system at the time of his death, according to the official autopsy, was nicotine), Aycock decided to buzz the tour bus for laughs. Twice, the tour bus was buzzed successfully. On the third time, the wing clipped the top of the tour bus, tearing the roof to shreds, which sent the plane spiraling into a huge pine tree, severing the top of the tree. The plane crashed into the garage of a nearby mansion. All 3 persons aboard the plane died instantly, and their bodies were burned beyond recognition. Dental records, and Randy's jewelry were used to identify what was left.

"Blizzard Of Ozz" and "Diary Of A Madman" are Ozzy Osbourne's best solo albums, and, obviously, it is because of Randy Rhoads' phenomenal guitar playing, which ignited a wave of "Neo Classical" guitarists that continues to this very day, 30 years after his untimely passing. Randy Rhoads, you are truly missed.

The Day The Bone Jangler Met Monkee Micky Dolenz

Friday, July 23, 2004... "a day which will live in infamy."

Earlier that week, I was down at the ACTV studio, editing an upcoming edition of our nighttime Horror hosted movie program "The Bone Jangler." The staff had gotten word that Monkees singer/songwriter/drummer Micky Dolenz, who was scheduled to perform at the City Of Aurora's Downtown Alive! festival that Friday night, had no place to rehearse with his band. The band was to have rehearsed at the historic Paramount Theatre (also known as the Paramount Arts Center) on Friday afternoon. Micky hadn't played with these guys in about 6 months, as he was busy appearing as "Zoser" in Elton John's "Aida" on Broadway. It seemed that Micky's need for rehearsal time had been forgotten, and, the Paramount had booked some kind of children's beauty pageant for that afternoon. No one knew what to do... except for The Bone Jangler, naturally.

I suggested that, being as ACTV had a studio, complete with microphones, mixing board, etc., Micky and his band should rehearse there. I normally didn't edit at the ACTV studio on Fridays, but, I was scheduled to do just that on that afternoon. Being a huge Monkees fan, and, knowing that I'd be of great help to both Micky, and the City Of Aurora, I had no problem giving up my editing time.

That Friday afternoon, I made my way to ACTV, where I was one of only a handful of people allowed entry to the facility. When I arrived, Micky's band was there, as was his sister Coco. I ended up hanging out in the break room with Coco, where we discussed Micky, The Monkees, music in general, and, what Enchantress Nocturna & I do on TV. Before long, Micky arrived. He was really friendly, and greeted me with that famous grin. Coco and I continued to chat in the break room, while Micky checked in on his band. About 10 minutes later, Micky returned, and, he thanked me profusely for having been the one to suggest using the facility as a rehearsal spot. He asked what I did down there, and, his sister Coco eagerly told him. Micky smiled real big, and, asked me for more details, such as what our "schtick" or angle" was. When I told him that we play it straight, and didn't do any silly puns, or jokes, or pratfalls, etc., and aimed the show primarily at an adult audience, and that it was kind of a naughty show, he totally "got it" and asked for more details. Ending that conversation, and, preparing to rehearse, he said, "You know, when we were in our heyday, every community across the country had a show like that. What you're doing is a very honorable thing, man. Congratulations. I hope you can turn that into something big on the commercial level." I asked him if, after the rehearsal, I could get a promo, or bump, from him. Micky smiled, and said, "Sure, man. I don't see why not. That'd be cool!"

Next, Micky, Coco, and I moved into the TV studio itself, "our" studio, and the band began to rehearse. Micky was playing the acoustic guitar, and, after a while, he repeatedly stopped the band, and asked if they were playing in the right key. Being a musician, and a Monkees fan, I spoke up, and, said, "No. It's in C." Micky played the song in C, and, from then on, whenever they had a question about what key a particular song was in, Micky would ask me, and say, "You heard the man." After the rehearsal, Micky taped a quick bump for the show, and headed to his hotel.

That night, Nocturna brought a voodoo plant to give to gardening aficionado Micky. Some staffer took the plant, and assured us that he'd receive it, although they wondered if he'd be able to take it with him on the plane back to New York. Nocturna & I enjoyed Micky's concert that night, with our friends Count and Countess Gregula. Unfortunately, Nocturna never got the chance to meet Micky. However, I'll never forget that day.