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Geeky Gadgets for Halloween Parties?

Posted by Cliff on from the they're-here dept.

Neurotoxic666 asks: "Like many others, my friends and I are going to hold a costumed party for Halloween, however we do not want it to be the typical haunt. We have some talent in computers and electronics, but we're short of ideas. Are there any good gadgets and props that the average geek can build to spice up the party? Of course, there will be the usual ambient sounds and decoration, but we're looking for more interactive, dynamic and techie stuff. One idea I've had is to use the living room computer on the TV and have white noise, ghosts and other creepy effects appear throughout the night. Does anyone have some suggestions, ideas we could build, effects that worked well in your parties? Anything from heart-beating books to special lightning to mad science devices is welcome!"

8 of 306 comments (clear)

  1. Linux CDs by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Thankfully, I was able to get 200 Ubuntu 5.10 "Breezy Badger" LiveCD+Installer CDs well before Halloween, so in addition to the delicious cheezy treats that I'll be handing out, I'll also be giving out the gift of open source. Is anyone else doing this?

    -- @T4C

  2. Re:EL Wire! by ChrisKnight · · Score: 5, Informative

    Almost forgot... Cool Neon sells an audio sensitive EL Wire driver that will let you create responsive designs. I'm using EL Wire to decorate our pumpkin this year and some audio sensitive drivers to make it respond to trick-or-treaters.

    -Chris

    --
    -- This sig is only a test. If this were a real sig it would say something witty. --
  3. I would suggest by Omnieiunium · · Score: 5, Funny

    getting some girls there, but since you posted this on slashdot...

  4. Re:Have to say it .. by nile_list · · Score: 5, Funny
    No kidding. When I first started running xscreensaver and hadn't yet configured it (so I hadn't seen what effects were available/selected), I just about toppled over when my debian machine got a BSOD.

    Needless to say, that effect has been disabled.

    --
    Gnash Gnash Gnash
  5. Re:May be too scary for people with a heart condit by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    But you could setup a computer running Windows and hook it up to the Internet.

    Every Hallowe'en party needs a zombie.

  6. If you have a good suit... by Slashdiddly · · Score: 5, Funny

    you could dress as a RIAA lawyer.

  7. Time Machine by mathgenius · · Score: 5, Interesting


    Get a strobe onto some dripping milk. When the strobe is flicking at the same frequency as the driping it looks like the drops are suspended in time. Adjust the strobe frequency and you can watch the splashes form back into droplets and move back up into the spout they came from. I built something like this at a party once, in a darkened room, it was a big hit. Called it a "time machine".

    Simon.

  8. Bad Idea by EZLeeAmused · · Score: 5, Funny

    If your parties are anything like mine, a bathroom with no lights might be a little scary during the party, but will be absolutely horrifying the next day.

    --
    Some see the vessel as half full; others see it as half-empty; We pour it out on the floor and laugh