Turning Tricks, or 'Trick or Treat'?

Nope, says spokesman: event reports, pics are online

(NEWSER) - At the nadir of the economic crisis, the Obama White House held a lavish Alice in Wonderland-themed Halloween costume party, organized by Johnny Depp and Tim Burton and full of Star Wars character. But with unemployment at 10%, the Tea Party at its apex, and the economic downturn still rocking the country, officials feared the 2009 party would look terribly decadent, so kept it a secret, reports the New York Post . “White House officials were so nervous about how a splashy, Hollywood-esque party would look to jobless Americans—or their representatives in Congress, who would soon vote on health care—that the event was not discussed publicly, and Burton’s and Depp’s contributions went unacknowledged,” alleges Jodi Kantor in her new book, The Obamas . More»

If you can afford it, it may get you an appearance on Letterman...

(NEWSER) - The Daily Mail may have just uncovered the world’s most expensive Halloween costume: Behold the “Human Slinky,” which you can buy right now on eBay … provided you have $1 million. But hey, at least the shipping is free! The costume, apparently made famous in some circles by a performer named Veniamin, has, according to the eBay listing, appeared on TV shows including the Late Show With David Letterman, The View, and America’s Got Talent. More»

But how long will all this sweet stuff last?

(NEWSER) - By the time trick-or-treating ends tonight, Americans will have spent a record-breaking $2.3 billion on this year's Halloween candy, according to the National Confectioner's Association. Much like costume sales , candy sales appear to be impervious to the poor economic climate: LiveScience reports that they keep rising 1% to 3% each year. How much of that is candy corn? About 35 million pounds. More»

Police probing Creepyworld accident

(NEWSER) - The horror wasn't all make-believe at St. Louis-area haunted house Creepyworld Thursday night. A 17-year-old worker at the attraction is in critical condition after being found hanging from a noose that was being used as a prop, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. The young woman, whose job was to scare visitors, was found unconscious by a co-worker. Investigators believe members of the public may have walked past her, thinking she was a scary prop. More»

Two groups are fighting back

(NEWSER) - Before you don your Halloween costume tomorrow, consider this: Is it offensive? Two groups are fighting back against costumes they consider racist or sexist:

• Ohio University's Students Teaching About Racism in Society (STARS) created a campaign with the headline, "We’re a culture, not a costume." Students are featured in ads that protest stereotype-driven costumes, like an Arab terrorist. See examples on Adweek , or check out the meme that’s since spawned here .