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Fangoria's Weekend of Horrors/Fangoria's Shock N' Roll Spooktacular

By: Gian Erguiza

The Fangoria Weekend of Horrors, held at the Burbank Marriott, was great! It is the world’s most popular convention for horror fans, hands down. With a slew of panels, discussions, celebrity guests and no shortage of blood, The Fangoria Weekend of Horrors was sick as usual.

Before I saw all the glory that is The Fangoria Weekend of Horrors, I went to the Fangoria’s Shock N’ Roll Spooktacular the night before. Huh? Well, you see I couldn’t make it on Friday nor Saturday but got myself freed Saturday night to be at the Spooktacular. I didn’t end up going to the Fangoria Weekend of Horrors until the very last day of the convention which was Sunday. Are you lost yet?

The first band up was Zombieast. Hhmmmm, from the very first note, I thought Danzig was onstage. These dudes sounded like the Misfits. The only problem is, they’re not as good. I have no problem with their musicianship but man, it was just too much for me. I love the Misfits and Danzig so if you were to try and convince me to like a band that tries to mimic them, no thanks. The singer even moved like Danzig and sang note for note like Danzig. Nonetheless, they sounded cool and I can’t blame a band for playing whatever floats their boat right? Moving on……….

The Coffin Case Fashion Show featuring The Coffin Girls was up next and man oh man, I always enjoy watching these beautiful femme fatales strut their wicked things onstage. Dayna Deluxe started the show and good lord baby jesus, she is just one absolutely gorgeous piece of flesh. The coffin girls then one by one started strutting the catwalk and then it dawned on me that there was no flesh to be shown. Coffin did a whole new approach with dresses, vinyl and covered up. It was actually quite pleasing since it left quite the impression, leaving more to the imagination. The ever-illustrious Masuimi Max was also on hand but kept a mild tone this time around rather than putting on a spectacle like she always does. Overall, The Fashion Show was awesome. It was real different from what coffin has done before and it worked out great!

By this time, I was tired and hungry since I’ve been running around the whole day. I took a quick listen to the next band but decided to call it a night. I actually just wanted to go home and be home with my wife and just hang out. I then ate like a pig, drank some more and passed out.

The next day became truly challenging when I woke up late as hell and by the time I noticed it, I had already missed most of the convention to my discontent. Maybe I shouldn’t have…..Nah.

I did make it though to see Eli Roth onstage with Bijou Phillips and Vera Jordanova, stars in the new Hostel: Part II. Eli Roth explained what the premise of the film would be and why he decided to make a part II. He mentioned that he decided to make part II because he wanted to add more to the travel horror theme in films of today. Eli also mentioned that Rob Zombie’s the Devil’s Reject inspired him to make Hostel: Part II after seeing how he transformed the film from House of 1000 Corpses.

The rest of the day, I just went around and listened in on conversations and Interviews. I saw Michael Madsen milling around along with a few other celebrities and of course, Horrifying Guests were all around chatting it up with Masters of Horrors. I also checked out the booths filled with horror film merchandise and collectibles, very effin cool. The Fangoria Weekend of Horrors was one cool event. See you next year!

Top U.S. travel Destinations for the Summer!

By: Gian Erguiza

Each year, millions of Americans flock to their beach houses, cottages and other travel destinations in the summertime. This year will be no exception. Millions of Americans will be looking for the right travel destination to fulfill their summertime needs. We here at Frantik feel you. For the best bang for your buck, we’ve compiled the best travel destinations for the summertime. Here they are:

National Parks – Summer and camping go hand in hand. Take advantage of the many National Parks all over the U.S. There are always special events going on in these National Parks and it rocks! You can also take in all of the maritime, mountain and historic cities with much delight.

New York City – NYC shines in the summertime. There are multiple events you can go to like the Tribeca Film Festival, Summer Restaurant Week, and Shakespeare in the Park. You can even catch a taping of “SNL” or catch a Broadway show. You can also visit a Museum in NYC or catch a hot musical act in on eof the many clubs in NYC.

Las Vegas – What better way to spend your summertime than in the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas! I do admit that it’ll be scorching hot out in the desert but the Casinos will cool you down quick. You can catch many of the shows being offered in every Casino or just try your luck at one of the tables or roulette. Vegas also offers magic shows and some of the hippest and trendiest clubs in the world.

Los Angeles – L.A. has a lot of things to offer such as the NOHO arts district and various other places like the Sunset Strip and theme parks. There are also countless bars and clubs where you could rub shoulders with a star or two. L.A. has been known as one of the primary destinations if you want to get starstruck. Best weather in the summer.

San Diego – Take advantage of the beautiful beaches and weather in this beautiful city. San Diego is mostly family-oriented with zoos, museums and theme parks. The ocean breeze calms the soul.

San Francisco – There’s nothing better than escaping the heat at the bay. The Haight Street Fair is fun-filled with the arts and entertainment, don’t miss that one. You can also join in on the International Lesbian and Gay Film Festival with over 250 films from around the world. Pier 39 is also a hot spot in S.F.

So with summer around the corner, take a trip and enjoy the sunshine. Long walks at the beach, Warm sunny nights, Backyard BBQ’s and ice cream cones make out a fun time under the sun. For most of us, Summer is the best season. Enjoy!

Heat Stroke Prevention

By: Gian Erguiza



Heat strokes can be fatal. Thousands of people suffer from a heat stroke every year and some don’t make it. The cause of heat strokes, is quite unclear but unlike heat exhaustion, It strikes fast and without warning. If your core body temperature rises to 105° and you start experiencing disorientation, confusion, and your pulse beating fast, you are most likely having a heat stroke. With all of the summer Festivals and Training Camps happening this season, It’s wise to know heat stroke prevention. Here are some prevention tips.

- Drink more fluids (non-alcoholic). Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink. Drink lots of fluids, preferably water and other fluids that keep you hydrated. If you are taking water pills, consult your doctor how much fluids you can take.

- Drinks that contain a large amounts of sugar or contain alcohol are no no’s. Drinking these type of drinks cause you to lose more body fluid. Avoid very cold drinks also because they can cause a stomach cramp.

- Stay indoors and if possible, indoors where there is air-conditioning. If you do not have air-conditioning in your home, go to the mall or someplace else with air-conditioning for a while. Doing this helps your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat.

- Electric fans are no good when the temperature hits over 90° degrees. Taking a cool shower has more effectiveness of cooling the body than an electric fan blowing at full speed. Try to find a place where there is air-conditioning.

- Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothes.

- NEVER leave anyone in a parked car. Does not matter how long, it is just not safe. Some people are of greater risk than others. Infants, young children, Animals, people over 65, people suffering from mental illness, and people with high blood pressure or are physically ill are at greater risk of a heat stroke.

- If you have to be Outdoors all day, make sure you stay in the shade or get shade from time to time to cool down the body.

- If you have to be Outdoors all day, limit your activities to morning and evening hours.

- If you have to be Outdoors all day, rest often in the shade.

- If you have to be Outdoors all day, cut down on exercise. Remember to drink water every hour, 2-3 glasses. Sports beverages, under your doctor’s advice, are also good to replace all of the salt and minerals you lose in sweat.

- If you have to be Outdoors all day, try to wear a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses to help you keep cool. Put on some sunscreen of SPF-15 or higher to protect yourself from the sun’s UV rays.

Do not get caught off-guard. Learn these simple tips to prevent having a heat stroke. I have had one at a concert 2 years ago and it was no fun at all whatsoever. Actually, it scared the shit out of me. Learn these tips and you can deal with the heat better, almost escaping a heat stroke. Remember, heat strokes can be fatal.

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April 07
May 07