The first thing that pops into my head when I think of Halloween is candy. Obviously. But for some people, apparently, that thing is breakfast cereal. Monster breakfast cereal, to be exact.

Boo Berry, Franken Berry, and Count Chocula are on store shelves now, but they'll be disappearing again, along with those bags of black and orange M&M's, that strange stringy stuff that's supposed to be spider webs but just looks like somebody attacked a pillow, and candy corns (thank goodness, although many people disagree on the candy corn question). To make up for the monster cereal's limited run, some enthusiasts are stocking up in ways that make you wonder if they're planning to audition for Hoarding: Buried Alive. Seriously people. It's just cereal.

To say this recipe for Pumpkin Twinkie Dessert is insanely good is a gross understatement. It is so creamy, so flavorful, and just so downright decadent it's flat-out amazing. 

From Life as a Lofthouse, it takes two of America's most loved foods -- pumpkin-flavored anything and good old Twinkies -- and combines them into one dessert that will rock your world. It's a great treat for Halloween parties, or even in addition to or (gasp) instead of a traditional pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving. Yes, it's that good.

What you are about to read is totally REAL and creepier than a Hollywood horror movie. Welcome to Scary Story Week on The Stir ...

I don't see dead people, but I do talk to them occasionally. You can, too. The truth is, I think we all have the ability to communicate with our dearly departed, because they never stop caring about us and they're always listening. Sometimes, they even start the conversation.

This past August marked the two-year anniversary of my father's death. I miss him terribly, but I know he's never far away -- I've felt his presence and heard his voice more times than I can count since the day he died. Usually the signs he sends me are subtle, little coincidences like hearing a certain song on the radio at the exact right moment. But other times, my dad really goes out of his way to get my attention.

So, hey guys, gather 'round the campfire, have you heard of this magician named Rich Ferguson? Because he's a badass. And he loves going around pranking people in honor of Halloween. 'Tis the season, right?

His latest stunt is simply awesome -- and I have no idea how he does it. Is there some mechanism involved? Dude is somehow super flexible? He was born with no spine? I also love how he waddles toward these unsuspecting folks while holding his head too. If I saw him and had no idea what was coming, I'd freak the hell out too!

Somehow Rich is able to literally remove his "head" from his "body," as it falls off when he sneezes. And in a chorus of "Oh my God!"s and "Holy sh*t!"s follows every time he pulls it off. Like probably many of you, I know nothing about these so called "head drop tricks" ... so if you have any idea how it's done, inquiring minds really want to know!

Tom Hanks is just killin' it these days. Coming out with an epic movie like Cloud Atlas, an actor's dream role, and then reminding all of us he still has a comedic side with slam poetry and "drunk" pictures. No wonder he wants to let loose, he plays six demanding roles in Cloud Atlas. But the latest and greatest? Hanks on Colbert Report. And the end result is amazing -- some very practical, self-indulgent Halloween costume advice straight from Hanks.

The best part about him starring in a new movie is that we get to see his awesome and funny personality shine through on the requisite late night talk show guest spots he has to do. You even get an incredible, side-splitting cameo at the very end. Trust me, folks, it's as good as it gets.

If you thought pumpkin spice lattes from Starbucks are the only limited-edition, seasonal treat people chatter obsessively about, think again. Apparently, the most "buzzed about" Halloween candy is ... candy corn, according to new findings from social media analysis company NetBase. Who knew!?

You might conclude it has something to do with the fact that it's so polarizing. (Kinda like licorice ... but not quite, as it seems more Americans at least dislike licorice than like it.) There are definitely people who ADORE candy corn and those who despise it. Personally, I don't see the attraction. Despite my major sweet tooth, I've just never really gotten into the chewy-meets-chalky texture and the straight-up-sugar flavor. But I do have a theory on why fans of the candy freak out over it this time of year ...

One of my favorite childhood Halloween memories is this ghost cake. It's just an ordinary ghost-shaped cake -- except for the flaming eyes! You place a lemon extract-doused sugar cube inside of a clean eggshell for each eye and then you light those cubes on fire. Now turn out the lights, bring in the cake, and listen to everyone ooh and aah.

This is an easy way to make a memorable Halloween for your kids. They will never forget this cake -- I haven't! And it's not that hard to pull off, either. Here are the directions and recipe for the Ghost Cake With Flaming Eyes.