The Castro district's Halloween party turned bloody last night when an unidentified ghoul decided to do a little shooting.

A freelance security guard says the shooting started around 10:40pm when he heard "heard someone empty their gun" and the crowd of thousands began to disperse. When police arrived at the scene, they found seven victims - two of which have life-threatening injuries. As they pieced stories together, two more victims were found.

Once a spontaneous, unsanctioned party, the city took over the legendary Halloween festival in 2002 as part of an effort to curb violence. Needless to say, it hasn't worked.

While there are no known subjects, people have reported that the event draws a fair amount of homo-haters. Of course, one can never discredit a disgruntled queen.

• The Advocate argues Hellbent isn't really the first gay slasher film. Beefy Jason Voorhees's Friday The 13th is the gory winner, hands down.

• Tyra Banks got all gussied up as Paris Hilton for her talk show's Halloween episode. What she should have done was have some well-hung stage hand dress up as Rick Salomon and re-enact One Night in Paris in its entirtey in front of a more than eager studio audience. Now that would have made for some damn good television.

• Brazilian's are divided over how they feel about the country's first televised gay kiss. One third of the population has said, as they trudged through the Amazon hacking away at the rain forest, "that 'society is not ready' for such an event."

• If you need help in finding a Brazilian of your own to lock lips with (apparently we're not doing a good enough job for you) head over to Rio Gay Life. (Via Gridskipper)

• Shockingly, Madonna's gaydar hadn't fully developed at a young age. She was clueless to the fact her brother was queer even though he had a "connection" with her ballet teacher. For Pete's sake, Madge, ballet!

• Made in Brazil is holding a casting call for Speedo Sundays. Break out your Speedo and digital camera and get to work! Just make sure to Photoshop any pimples on your butt.

• Heatherette’s clothing line, to be shown at Mexico City Fashion Week, has disappeared. The authorities should round up the city’s club kids and trannies for questioning.

• Pink may be the new blog, but white is definitely the new orange. For pumpkins that is.

• Hetracil is the first drug created to cure homosexuality. Which is good to know since we have found Vicodin and vodka to cure many straight guys we meet of their heterosexuality. Thanks Boomer.

• QueerVisions has posted the full text of Brokeback Mountain for those who cannot wait for the film.

There aren't many places we'd rather be for Halloween than West Hollywood's annual Carnaval. L.A.’s Boy's Town puts on quite a show for about half a million costumed queens (well, vanilla straights are allowed, too) spread out over one mile on Santa Monica Boulevard.

Tinseltown is filled with movie make-up artists and FX specialists so be prepared to be blown away by highly elaborate costumes, many of them creative and timely. We predict mascara-smeared Harriet Miers drag queens to dominate this year amid a sea of old staples like giant dildos and bare asses.

Out-of-towners will need a place to stay during this Halloween romp and our first recommendation is the sinful Chateau Marmont where John Belushi got a little too friendly with his little buddy, heroin. Rooms and bungalows can be pretty pricey so a much cheaper (and closer) option is the Wyndham Bel Age. It has a rooftop pool with a breathtaking view of the Sunset Strip and the Viper Room, where adorable River Phoenix took his last breath.

If you get thirsty, you’ll want to duck into a bar and in WeHo, there’s only one place to go: The Abbey. This Vatican-loving hot spot is right off the main Carnaval route.

Quite fittingly, this year's Queen of the West Hollywood Carnaval is repressed American Idol host Ryan Seacrest. For him to take on that title he must either have an incredible sense of humor or he might finally make a big announcement that night. We’re crossing our fingers for the latter.

• After Hurricane Katrina, bigots raced to say her impact was divine retribution for the openness of homosexuality in New Orleans. Grant Storms, an evangelist pastor from Louisiana, has in the past advocated the murder of gays and lesbians. This online shop allows you to purchase undies with his face pasted quite conspicuously.

• Nakedconcierge.com is one of the best sources on gay cruises. Though you already know too much about gay cruising, one thing this site can't do for you is get your ass into the gym so you'll have the body of your dreams for an actual sea-going cruise. Whether you want to tour the coast of Alaska or float in luxury in sight of Borneo, this site will help you do it with lavender pride.

• The charms of Provincetown don't end with the waning summer; indeed, hot sex between utter strangers takes place there even in the dead of winter. Here you will find a solid introductory guide to travel in Provincetown, including information about off-season attractions.

• It's never too early to think about how you'll dress on Halloween. About.com's GayLife has gay-specific costume ideas as well as links to related topics such as the making of a Halloween costume. Look for me at the parade this year; I’m going as Amanda Lepore.

• Out counter-tenor sensation David Daniels has his own web site with useful tidbits about his recordings and appearances. You can even send him a personal message, but don't confuse this class act with the "bargain counter-tenor" of P.D.Q. Bach fame.