Sun coverage: Halloween central

Ravens give Freddy a big claws-up

If everything went as planned, David Pittman settled in for a Halloween tradition last night: catching a horror film.

Eating disorder experts criticize 'Anna Rexia' costume

Last year, some Johns Hopkins University fraternity members raised the ire of other classmates by staging a "Halloween in the Hood" party, complete with "bling bling," "hoochie hoops" and a pirate hanging from a noose. Also last year, at the University of Pennsylvania, a student who was dressed as an "Arab suicide bomber" caused a major online discussion about matters of taste.

Taste

Spooky brews

Halloween drinks are all about frightful fun. And even if you've put off thoughts of entertaining until today, they're the perfect last-minute way to make a spooky splash when trick-or-treating starts tonight.

Laura Vozzella: Halloween goes all tasteful

Martin O'Malley's critics say he's a spender. Can't prove it by the Halloween decorations at the governor's mansion.

Teaching good ol' dogs new tricks or treats

Wearing a miniature yarmulke and prayer shawl, Avi - a grayish-black standard poodle - was more prepared for Halloween than most people as he strutted his stuff to the sounds of the Hora on Sunday.

Spirits move them

Fledgling ghost-hunters step expectantly into the darkened theater. It's nearing midnight, the campus is otherwise deserted, and an autumnal breeze rustles the drying elms. Moody. Just the way they like it.

Kernel of truth

"Candy corn is the only candy in the history of America that's never been advertised. And there's a reason. All of the candy corn that was ever made was made in 1911."

Maryland Journal

Scaring up ghostly tales

A chorus of crickets chirped on an unusually balmy autumn night in Historic Ellicott City. Antiques showcased in store windows cast silhouettes on Main Street's brick sidewalk. Neon signs advertising beer, tattoos and tarot card readings flickered in the darkness.

Masked and caped, runners help a cause

You felt awkward walking to last year's Halloween party in your bunny outfit? Thought driving in your mummy costume was tricky?

Scaring up some fun

There's more to do this Halloween than just don a sheet or a witch's hat and call yourself costumed.

Haunted house fan has a flair for scares

In a former hair salon in a strip mall in Dundalk, a woman is screaming.

Pumpkin chucking: must-see fall flings

What can you do with pumpkins? The list is not all that long. You can make pumpkin pies, carve jack-o'-lanterns or use them to decorate your porch.

Finds

This month's find: The perfect pumpkin

The unseasonably hot October sun that beamed down on Larriland Farms made it feel like midsummer, and some produce pickers who had come to peruse the farm's pumpkins moved about briskly.

Halloween has its fans

Free candy aside, Halloween is experiencing a public relations nightmare.

The Gripe

Halloween, Baltimore, deserve film frightfest

Halloween is just a couple weeks away, and once again it looks like Baltimore will have to do without the classic horror filmfest the day so richly deserves.

Spirited times at thrift stores

Goodwill workers at 22 Baltimore-area thrift stores spent the past year stashing away pirate paraphernalia, leather jackets and scarecrow-esque flannel in preparation for the nonprofit group's busiest season: Halloween.

History of Halloween

Did you know that Halloween is the U.S.'s second most commercial holiday? Seems hard to believe, but when you consider all the bags of candy, costumes, accessories and decorations bought every year, you can see why.

Make your own Halloween costume

Did you wait until the last minute to go shopping for your Halloween costume? Before making a mad dash to the mall or local costume store, you might want to consider making your own costume this year. These homemade costumes don't require a lot of time or money. In fact, all you need is a few household items, a little craftsmanship and a lot of imagination. If you need some inspiration, think Martha Stewart meets MacGyver.

Liquor treat

People are always arguing over what Halloween really means. Some call it a holiday, some say it is a pagan ritual and others think it is a mockery of All Saints Day. For me, it's an excuse to gather my dearest friends to share laughs, recount the past and alter their minds.