2012 Miss Zombie and Svengoolie’s New Coffin: “Nightmare on Chicago Street” Finale!

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Alex and I quickly navigated through crowds of monsters and maniacs as we made our way from Svengoolie’s signing to the The Nightmare on Chicago Street’s main stage. I’d forgotten my map but one needed only a pair of working ears to determine which way to go. Echoing throughout the event was the featured band, “Hairbanger’s Ball” performing 1980’s rock hits. It wasn’t long until I was reunited with my friends amid a cover of Warrant’s “Cherry Pie.”

Svengoolie Arrives at “Nightmare on Chicago Street!”

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I was standing outside in the cold waiting for Svengoolie to begin greeting his fans at The Nightmare on Chicago Street when the door to the abandoned theater he’d be appearing at suddenly opened and I was summoned inside. It was Sven’s erstwhile assistant (and Horror Host Secret Service Agent), Jim Roche. We’d chatted earlier that day during the host’s appearance at “Bark-O-Ween” (story HERE) and Jim honored me further by allowing me to go backstage so we could hang out some more.

Svengoolie Joins Brookfield Zoo’s Creatures of the Night!

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On Friday, October 19th, I was joined by my friend and Terror Dave Girl Friday (the 13th), Elizabeth Ocon, along with my son, Alex, to get our first glimpse at Brookfield Zoo’s 2012 “Creatures of the night!”

Horror Host, Svengoolie, was slated to arrive at 7pm but, by 6:30, there was already a long line winding around the zoo’s Discovery Center to see him. Svengoolie never disappoints when it comes to drawing large crowds at Brookfield Zoo! I remember at last year’s event (covered HERE) the line wrapped around the bison yard and eventually had to get cut off. In an effort to accomodate all of the eager fans, no pictures were permitted, just autographs. It didn’t seem to damper anyones mood and many found clever ways to snap pictures with him anyway while Sven added his own humorous touches.

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The Art of Horror Host Svengoolie: Courtesy of Jeff Carlson!

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I’m still sitting on a few stories from Svengoolie’s October appearances but, to be frank, I’m having a hard time putting them together in lieu of the his recent cardiac event. Most were already written and I just have to throw them all together and “publish” but even that sends a lump in my throat and desire to flee the computer.

Last month we did a post on the amazing shirt designs of Chicago artist, Jeff Carlson (visit his store HERE)! As mentioned, I’d been an admirer of his work for years via the Svengoolie YAHOO group. Jeff has graciously allowed us to share some of those pictures right here! Check em out…

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Get well wishes to our dear friend, Svengoolie!

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We Terror Daves were alarmed today regarding the news of our friend, Rich Koz a.k.a. Svengoolie (news story HERE). Not only is Sven a beloved figure in my native Chicago, he is the very reason this blog was possible in the first place. Back in September of 2009, a message from a Rhode Island fan (who’d grown up with Koz as The Son of Svengoolie when his show aired via a Boston channel) sent a message to the Svengoolie YAHOO forum asking if anyone in Chicago would send him new Svengoolie shows (this was before he’d go national). Although I’d seen and ignored countless versions of this message for years I decided to contact this one and, thus, met the other Terror Dave, David Albaugh. Albaugh and I soon became best of friends and our mutual love of Svengoolie, coupled with a curiosity about horror hosting in general, led to the creation of this blog.

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A Dog Day Afternoon with Svengoolie at Bark-O-Ween!

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With respect to religion and politics, the subject of “cats and dogs” can be equally divisive. It seems like most animal lovers will declare their allegiance to either one or the other. Maybe it’s the Libran in me, but I actually like both species. I also enjoy listening to both The Beatles AND Rolling Stones while considering myself a fan of  “Star Wars” as well as “The Lord of the Rings” trilogies. Call me wishy-washy, but I think life’s more enjoyable when you aren’t an “all or nothing” kind of a person. Regarding the topic of pets; at this point in my life, I’m the proud owner of a beautiful tuxedo kitty named Felix. However, having had a loyal canine in my childhood, there are many times when I find myself longing for “man’s best friend.”

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