The Virtual Woman: A Woman's
Weekly Guide To Cyberspace
Hallowwween Tips Online
Once upon a midnight dreary as I web surfed weak and weary over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten sites, while I mouse clicked nearly napping suddenly there came a tapping as of someone gently rapping, rapping at my office door. "Tis some employee," I muttered "Tapping at my office door; bothering me for a raise and nothing more." And here's where it ends as I'm not sure of copywrite laws of very dead poets like Edgar Allan Poe but let's not push our luck. Yeah, I love "The Raven." And TIS but once a year I can haul this puppy out and have it be appropriate for the occassion. Which it is as soon it'll be Halloween!! As you might have already guessed, this week's column is stuffed with online tricks and treats to help you and your kids maximize the last Hallow's Eve of the century!P.S. For the real and full version of The Raven check out: http://ravensnest.4mg.com/
Dear Virtual Woman:
We're having a Halloween party
for my 10-year-old daughter and her friends and I'm afraid that I'm somewhat creatively
challenged and desperately in need of fun ideas. Where can I go on the Web to make sure
this party isn't a big dud?
- Angie F., Miami, FL
Dear Angie:
First you must start with the basics: caramel apples, a good game of pass the eyeballs (peeled grapes), and a Monster Mash CD. For other great recipes, party games, and music suggestions point your browser to http://www.halloweenmagazine.com/. This site has it all! Be sure to check out the Activity section on the left-hand toolbar, where you will find dozens of links to fun and games that will keep the guests howling with delight. Need a few more food ideas? Kraft Foods has some pretty interesting recipes like Spider Web Pizza and Frozen Witches' Heads. Just go to http://www.kraftfoods.com and click on the pumpkin!
Dear Virtual Woman:
Once again my kids
are getting excited about going out trick-or-treating, and all I can think about is their
safety. What can I say...I'm a worry-wart! I want my little goblins to have fun
trick-or-treating like I did when I was young, but the world is so much more dangerous
now. I'm hoping you can provide me with some links to put my mind at ease as they head out
into the neighborhood this Halloween.
- Scaredy-Cat, California
Dear Scaredy-Cat:
Ah yes...I remember when all you had to worry about was a razor blade or two in your apple. Today it's a whole other ballgame. Then again, we've got a lot more information to assist parents in protecting their kids. To get the official word on Halloween safety, check out the Los Angeles Fire Department's website found at http://www.lafd.org/hween.htm. This site lists some really good suggestions on how to prepare for the evening in advance, what to do once the witching hour arrives, and how to handle the aftermath. Halloween Magazine also offers a great interactive game that younger children can play before heading out into the night. Go to http://www.halloweenmagazine.com/play.html and make sure your child scores an A+ before letting them out the door!
Dear Virtual Woman:
I'm putting together
a Halloween party and want to tell ghost stories. Where can I get some good ideas online?
- Jill S., Salem, MA
Dear Jill:
Well don't you live in the city for Halloween! Very cool. To spook everyone at your little soiree first cruise on over to Ghosts.org (http://www.ghosts.org), which is the home of the official alt.folklore.ghost-stories newsgroup. The True Stories From The Net (there's over 700) and the Haunted Places sections rock! Oh, yeah, and they'll scare you too. If you still aren't spooked enough then head on out to the X Archives of Crown.net found at http://www.crown.net/X/GhostStories.html. It's got one of the most extensive lists of true ghost tales ever compiled on the Web.
Happy Surfing!
Find these links and more at WWWomen.Com (http://www.wwwomen.com) the web's largest search directory of topics for women online. Email the Virtual Woman with your Internet questions or send snailmail to: WWWomen.Com, Attn: Virtual Woman, 3701 Geary Blvd., #325, S.F., CA 94118. Copyright, 1998-99. WWWomen, Inc. All rights reserved.
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