Halloween on the Web

Believe it or not, there are a few things in life scarier than a "fatal error" message on your PC. For instance: vampires, jack-o'-lanterns, magic spells, mausoleums, ghosts, and "cereal killers."

All of the above can be found lurking on the Web in time for Halloween, along with recipes for spooky treats, a free candy offer, free Halloween desktop wallpaper, and--what would Halloween be without it?--a book reading by author Anne Rice. Here's where to scare up the fun:

Vampires: Of course there's a site called Vampires.com, and on its red-and-black pages you'll get the latest dirt on the infamous bloodsuckers, along with chats, links, and other stuff. Vampires.com claims to be the "focal point of all nocturnal activity on the Internet," and with its e-commerce section devoted to casket shopping, who are we to argue?

Jack-O'-Lanterns: Before picking up a knife, check out Jack-o-Lantern.com for creative ideas on pumpkin carving. The site also includes an interesting, and brief, history of the jack-o'-lantern (did you know it is a symbol of a "damned soul?") as well as a sample of jack-o'-lantern-inspired emoticons.

Magic Spells: At the Booville site, you can cast a cyber-spell with the help of Brunhilda, an online witch (though we think Melissa would be a scarier name, given the recent virus). You'll also find a helpful guide to Halloween events around the country, a history of the origins of Halloween, and a kid's game.

Mausoleums, Ghosts, and Cupcakes: Haunted America features a fun virtual crypt--Click on any of the slabs to see a photo and read about those who are resting in peace (and sometimes, in pieces). The site also features ghost stories from across the country and recipes for such seasonal treats as "Black Cat and Bat Cupcakes" and "The Spider Web."

Cereal Killer: Here is just one of several cornball ideas at the Halloween Costume Ideas site: take a bunch of empty cereal boxes, stick plastic knives into the sides, splatter the boxes with red paint to simulate blood, pin the boxes all over yourself, and boom--you're a cereal killer. If that's not your cup of corn flakes, check out the Happy Camper costume idea.

Free Candy: Want to make nice with that chat room buddy you flamed last week? Here's your chance: BlindGift.com has a special offer called "Click-or-Treat," which lets Net users send free Halloween candy to as many as five online friends. You pick out the candy and enter your buddy's e-mail address. Recipients receive an e-mail from BlindGift.com, informing them that a gift is waiting for them, which they can decline or accept. If they accept, they type in their shipping address, which isn't revealed to the sender. The free candy is designed to draw attention to the BlindGift.com service; the promo ends at midnight on Halloween.

Halloween Wallpaper: If you get to dress up for Halloween, why shouldn't your computer? Check out the gallery of free downloadable Halloween wallpaper and screensavers (featuring ghosts, ghouls, goblins, and the like) at Worldprints.com.

Anne Rice Reading: The noted horror novelist reads an excerpt from her latest book, Vittorio the Vampire, in a free downloadable MP3 audio clip at RioPort.com. Other Halloween clips at the site include a reading of Poe's story "The Pit and the Pendulum," and the theme song from The Amityville Horror movie.