Newswise — Looking for a spooky Halloween story? Texas Tech University offers a number of experts to talk about spine-tingling subjects. For more information on these or other experts, visit experts.ttu.edu.
Zombies and Horror Movies
Rob Weiner, pop-culture guru and horror buff at Texas Tech University, can speak about horror in movies, literature and comic books " his forthcoming book about Captain America actually has an essay on zombies in Marvel Comics " and the use of dark and satanic imagery by heavy metal bands.
Shopping Frenzy
When it comes to the money Americans will spend on Halloween, it's downright scary. And the psychology behind the spending fury is as hard to pin down as a ghost in the night, say Texas Tech marketing and retailing experts. Debbie Laverie, a marketing professor, and Tillmann Wagner, assistant professor at the Rawls College of Business, can discuss Halloween's marketing impact.
Vampires
The sexy vampires of today's movies are very different from the monsters of eastern European folklore. Jennifer Sunseri, an assistant professor of classical and modern languages, can speak about their origins and their changing image in pop culture.
Monsters
From fire-breathing dragons to outer-space invaders, Brian McFadden, assistant professor of medieval literature, says monsters not only give people a good scare, but also reflect what a society fears most.
Psychology of Fear
What drives humans to watch scary movies or partake in fearful acts? David Rudd, chairman of the Department of Psychology, says our complex brains enjoy the same physiological changes caused by a real threat.
Ghosts
Genaro J. Perez, professor of Hispanic literature, can speak about ghosts, legends and the devil in Mexican literature.
Dia De Los Muertos
Jane Bell, director of special projects for Texas Tech's International Cultural Center, can speak about modern beliefs, decorations and objects associated with Dia de los Muertos. She has experienced the ceremonies in Mexico and helps organize the Lubbock Dia de los Muertos procession each year.
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