Fightin' Fungi

Because fungi people are sort of like zombies... actually in much of pop culture zombies are caused by some sort of mutated fungus. Because fungus is creepy like that.

I love supporting small timers trying to start new businesses and give competition to the big guys in industries. This company already has a game that is doing very well for itself, especially around Europe, and now they want to create their own series of miniatures. And I say all the power too them! Let the fungal zombie armies grow!

Check out their Kickstarter here:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/9742092/fightin-fungi-28mm-fantasy-miniatures/description

Stay vigilant, may the infection never reach you, and those close to you have the resolve to do what is needed should you be so unfortunate, Mike D.

Zombies in 1599: Land of the Dead

Ground Zero Theatre and Hit & Myth Productions are two of my favorite theatre companies I've come across and recently they did a production called, "Land of the Dead." And I was lucky enough to catch a preview performance of the show.

"Land of the Dead" was an interesting play that definitely picked up speed as it went on. The first act had the major issue of simply containing too much exposition. The same problem many people who try to approach zombies as entertainment run into, treating the audience as if they know nothing about zombies but still trying to be vague and mysterious. Any successful venture into the realm of the undead has to realize that unless they are doing something new, or at least out of the norm, the audience knows more about the topic than the film (or in this case play) does. For example, a lot of time was spent discussing how the process spreads and in the end the characters still seemed a little unsure and thus the story lagged on until one character simply forced everyone else to accept that those bitten were infected and those who weren't were not. There was also a lot of exploration into Ye Olde England and religious politics at the time that was quite unneeded and not beneficial to the plot. The first time we see the undead and the characters fight them it is with below average stage combat and the zombies are killed by simply cutting them down as would any normal human mob... except sometimes it doesn't work... zombies only die if it's convenient for the plot and even if ripped to shreds will come back to life at the most predictable moments. But that is only the first act...

Suddenly in the second act it is as if watching a different play. Exposition is thrown to the way side and we are given what was promised, Shakespeare and zombies! There is well performed stage fighting, zombie hordes, a plethora of clever Shakespearian jokes and the plot finally progresses as the characters reach some real development. The zombies are still inconsistent and apparently can be confused by jingling bells, pretending to be a zombie yourself or Michael Jackson music. But over all the second act is the bloody, funny entertainment I've grown to love and expect from this company.

Even though the first act is a little rough, I highly recommend this show to anyone in the Calgary area!

Land of the Dead

Stay vigilant, may the infection never reach you, and those close to you have the resolve to do what is needed should you be so unfortunate, Mike D.

Floating tents

I'm sure many of you have seen these:

 

A lot of people are saying this is the best thing in zombie defense since the Zombie Survival Guide. And many of you know how I feel about that little piece of literature.

The benefits of this tent are in fact great, but security is so often false.

First off the obvious point of sleeping above the ground is great! I often suggest to people that sleeping in trees or upper levels of a house are in fact the rule when it comes to sleeping after the fall. But here also is the danger, see the man in the photo? How the tent is just above his head? If he reaches his arms up he can reach the tent? Yep, therein lies the problem. Unless you have can climb high enough into each of the trees to make it so the tallest undead cannot reach you this tent is useless.

Next is the problem so many survivors have to face. Putting yourself away from the zombies is awesome, but what after that? How much food do you have in that tent? Enough to wait for someone else to come kill all those zombies that are going to keep collecting under the tent? Once up there, there is no getting down so you better have the weapons and gear to be able to fight your way down.

Finally, it is always questionable how zombies hunt. By sight, sound, smell, instinct driving them toward living flesh?  Not really that much a question, the undead seem to hunt with unnatural drive but in fact they use the very natural senses all humans have but are too busy thinking to pay attention to. This is why a zombie can see, hear and smell its prey miles away. It is fully using the senses living humans so often take for granted. So based on that it is possible for the undead to slip under the tent completely unnoticed. But it is also possible for snoring or body odor to make sure there is a nice rotting surprise waiting for the would be tree campers waiting when they wake up. Now this is always going to be an issue wherever you sleep that isn't a sheltered building, which is why having a route of escape in the morning is always important. So if you put the tent high enough, and have a way of escape if you get stuck up there, than sleeping in a tent is going to offer a much better rest than up in a tree. Just beware the dangerous that thinking you are safe add to the ever deadly wasteland after the fall.

Stay vigilant, may the infection never reach you, and those close to you have the resolve to do what is needed should you be so unfortunate, Mike D.

Z-Cells no cause for alarm

The newest things in zombie myths running around is the Z-Cell. I'll sum up briefly: the Z-Cell is produced by taking a protein based cell and coating it in silica acid. Then heating the covered cell to 400C. The protein evaporates and leaves the silica replica in its place. There is more to it but that's the basics. These cells are than be backwards engineered to learn new things about them and how they function without having to build the cell from scratch or worry about a protein cell dying. In terms of things like fossil fuels these cells can be used to replica and store the fuel and the "Z-Cells" are much more resilient to heat, cold and electricity. This is a huge scientific breakthrough and unlike the "mummy cell" which only replicated the outside of a cell when it died, the "zombie cell" replicas the inner workings of the cell as well and so can still be used to perform the cells functions to some extent.

Now there is always the possibility of something like this being used in the wrong way or the boundaries being pushed to far. But there are far more likely suspects for the zombie outbreaks and the growing issues surrounding cannibalism and strange activity continue to grow around us, Florida, Canada, Switzerland, California  news everyday coming up from the States makes it sound more and more like a war zone. Although the attacks that were first related to the "zombie drug" bath salts and now being credited to "cloud nine" another street drug. The media is constantly changing its story to fit whatever is happening in the moment. But the cautious survivor watches all of these reports from around the globe and takes each one on it's own, seeing not the copy-cat cannibalism trend but watching for the few cases where pure human insanity doesn't account for everything.

Stay vigilant, may the infection never reach you, and those close to you have the resolve to do what is needed should you be so unfortunate, Mike D.

Vehicle Survival Kits

Alright survivors it has been along time sinse my first couple of posts on this humble bastion of survival but I think this is important enough to comment on again. Survival preparedness in the form of carrying bags. If you want to see the list I made go check out my older posts about vehicle survival, I also talked about some example survival packs, and here are lists from Willow Haven Outdoor blog.

Vehicle Survival Bag:

Jumper cables

Two tow straps – Vehicle extraction.

Small bag of easy light charcoal – fire starter / signal fire.

5 road flares – Emergency distress signal, fire starter.

Come along – Vehicle extraction.

Bobby Stick / Club – Self Defense, fire starter.

First aid kit – Medical, Fire starter.

12 Volt Air Compressor – Refill a flat tire, Light, Signal.

Extra fuses – Vehicle repair.

Siphon pump – To transfer gasoline from one vehicle or gas can to your vehicle.

Hat

2 – 40 ft sections of old climbing rope – Vehicle extraction, emergency repelling to assist another, etc.

2 – carabineers, a figure eight and enough rope for an emergency swiss seat.

Extra batteries – For GPS, Spotlight, etc.

Bottle of Excedrin – Medical, Energy boost.

Binoculars – For locating nearest civilization (if you travel in rural areas).

Gloves – Personal protection.

Extra 550 – Multi Use, Fire, Shelter, Improvising, etc.

Seat Belt Extractor /Cutter – To cut jammed or locked seat belts after an accident.

Cell phone charger

120 Volt to 12 Volt Inverter – For powering a laptop or other potential communication device.

LED Spotlight – Distress signal, warn oncoming traffic of your presence at night, work light for vehicle repair.

Mag Lite – Distress signal, warn oncoming traffic of your presence at night, work light for vehicle repair, self defense.

Tire Repair Kit

Valve stem tool and spare valve stem cores

Roll of black tape – Multiple Use, vehicle electrical system repair, improvising.

Roll of duct tape – Multiple Use, temporarily stopping leaky hoses, improvising.

Fire extinguisher

Sun tan lotion – For long walks in sunny or desert environments, fire starter.

Insect repellent

Ice Scraper – Snow removal, improvised digging device, self defense.

2 Gallon Gas Can – With Gas.

One gallon premixed water and antifreeze (Note: Don’t ever use anything that has contained antifreeze as a drinking water container. Also don’t attempt to drink any fluid that contains antifreeze, even if its been boiled. Antifreeze is poisonous.)

Entrenching tool (E-Tool) – Not seen in this picture, because I think it was left in a prairie dog field on my last trip to West Nebraska.

Tool Kit – Includes: Basic Socket which has Phillips and straight, metric and standard 3/8 sockets and wrenches, ¼ inch multi-bit driver, variety of ¼ bits, hex wrenches, needle nose pliers, adjustable wrench, spark plug sockets, wire cutters, 3/8 drive flex universal adapter, 6 inch extension, 3 inch extension and 3/8 ratchet. Also added is a small hack saw, 2 pair of vise grip locking pliers, standard and metric deep well sockets, a leather man, a bigger adjustable wrench, a roll of electric wire, a roll of utility wire, a standard pair of pliers, a 2 pound hammer, another ratchet and a bag to carry it all.

Getting Home Survival Bag:

Small backpack

Emergency credit card – With at least a $3000.00 credit limit.

Prepaid calling card – With 60 minutes or so of time on it.

$100 cash – Pay for a ride, buy spare parts or food, water, etc.

Bright colored poncho – shelter from rain, signaling.

Old broke in tennis shoes – Better for long walks than dress shoes, boots, or high heels.

Thick wool socks – Change of socks so feet stay dry and avoid blisters.

Umbrella

4 Bottles of Water

Emergency Water Filter Straw – Can be used with empty water bottles to re-stock on fresh water for the long walk.

4 granola bars

Collapsible baton – Self Defense (Note: Check your local laws to ensure these are legal for carry).

Small handgun and ammo and holster (Note: Ensure you carry in accordance with local & state laws, be licensed if required.)

Combat field bandage – Medical, Fire Starter.

Triangle bandage / kravat – Multi use, medical, water filter (not purifier), dust filter for face, etc.

Toilet paper

Candle – Fire starter, Signal, Night travel (cut the bottom off of a water bottle and stick the candle through it to shield from the wind).

6ft x 8 ft Tarp – Shelter, ground tarp for working on vehicle.

Cigarette Lighter

Magnesium Fire Starter / Fire Steel

Pitch Wood Club – Fire starter, Self Defense

Compass / Signal Mirror – Navigation, directional day time signaling (A couple flashes in a drivers eyes will get their attention – just don’t hold it on them as it could cause an accident).

Led flashlight – For night time travel and vehicle repair.

Emergency road flare – Emergency distress signal, fire starter.

Folding saw – Collecting fuel for an overnight fire if needed, removing debris from a road, etc.

Fixed blade knife – Multi use.

Handheld CB – Signaling and Communication

Handheld FRS / GMRS Radios – Signaling and Communication

Notepad and pens/pencil – Leaving directions, destination and contact information.

Road map – Finding ways around obstacles or detours.

Handheld GPS – Waypoints to home and friends houses or rally points preloaded.

Shemagh – Head cover, scarf, dust filter, water filter, Wet down put on neck to avoid overheating, etc.

White cotton towel – Waving it at passing cars is an emergency distress signal, to clean up with after repairing vehicle

Wool stocking cap

6 hand/foot warmers

Gloves

The only two things I think should be added to this list is a titanium crowbar and a hunting knife. Otherwise do yourself a favor and be prepared for any situation upto and especially the fall.

Stay vigilant, may the infection never reach you, and those close to you have the resolve to do what is needed should you be so unfortunate, Mike D.

The Undeading is Nigh

CPR. It's important training for survivor to have before or after the fall. Paramedics will be in short supply when the undead roam the earth and you will have to make due with the knowledge of you and your group. Medical knowledge will safe your life, it amazes me how many people can't go without seeing a doctor every couple weeks. Most colds and injuries can be easily taken care of through simple means that anyone can do without special training or equipment. Get as much medical knowledge as you can before the fall, it may be simpler than you think.


Stay vigilant, may the infection never reach you, and those close to you have the resolve to do what is needed should you be so unfortunate, Mike D.

Training

Training is important, preparation is key to survival. On Oct 4th I will be taking a big step in my own training, I have been waiting to hear about my military application and on the 4th I go for the final tests before getting shipped off for basic. This is training I feel vital to my own development as a zurvivor. Survival, weapons and fitness training are pillars of preparation when the fall happens.

Training can never begin to early either. My young brother and sisters are all in grade school and have been learning from my example. This was written by my sister in Grade 10 as a punishment for leaving class early:

     "Why is it important to stay in the classroom until the end of the block. There are many reasons why this is so, but I think it most important because by doing so you show respect for your teacher. Other reasons could be that there are still things to do in class. The teacher could want to say something important before we leave. By staying until the end of the block, while your group is done and another group is being taught, you could learn something while the teacher is talking to that group. A very important reason not to leave class early is if there's a fire you would be unaccounted for. Also if someone left before the bell and another teacher saw them, that teacher might think the person was skipping and then they would get in big trouble. Staying in class 'til the end of the block shows that you are responsible and a good mature kid. Students shouldn't leave class before the bell because if you're alone in the hallway and the zombie apocalypse starts, you would have no weapons but a recycling bin; if you'd stayed in class there would be rulers and paintbrushes to stab in the zombies' heads; also stools if you get surrounded. Or if you are alone in the halls and you see that weird twelve-year old that has a crush on you, you'd have no excuse not to talk to him. And last but not least of all if you leave class before the bell you would have to write a 250 word essay."

From the words of babes as they say.

Stay vigilant, may the infection never reach you, and those close to you have the resolve to do what is needed should you be so unfortunate, Mike D.

Zombies in Film: The Dead Undead

"How do you kill something that is already dead?"


Film: The Dead Undead
Directed by Matthew Anderson and Edward Conna
Written by Edward Conna
Produced by ?
Year: 2010

Story: "We call them ZVs... Zombie Vampires." They have the speed and strength of vampires but are mindless and even harder to kill, like zombies. They are basically just feral vampires, except they have to have they're heads destroyed or burning up in the daylight. Only that apparently isn't true because m film are killed by swords slicing their stomachs or lots of bullets in the torso, and the only memorable kill is a zombie in a wheelchair being set on fire.

Survival Lessons/not really:

• If you are shouting, you are probably not the calm one.
• Nothing is impossible, just difficult.
• Destroy the brain completely.
• If someone has been infected the only good use for them is to run into melee with a big sword and slow the horde down.
• When you die while fighting zombies you go to Valhalla.
• If your loved one turns into a vampire, you turn into a zombie... yep.
• Vampires are not immune to zombie bites... yep.

Warning: Below are spoilers.

 What's going on? That is the biggest question in this movie. Who is human, who is vampire, who is zombie? And why do the zombies look like vampires? What the movie does show is how a bunch of kids in the woods have no chance of surviving, but trained paramilitary types have a good chance by being prepared. And the big Valhalla fight scene? Not sure why it's there but hey, who doesn't want a pointless emotional medieval battle in the middle of a zombie movie. Oh wait! That's how you turn into a vampire! Maybe? Or is that how you turn your loved one into a zombie? Sorry ZV, zombie vampire, really? Couldn't come up with a better name hey? Oh yeah and there are racism issues being addressed. But everyone in the cast is Caucasian. Hold on, now we are in the Vietnam war. Oh and the Wild West. This movie has more chaos in it than a game of the Warp from Warhammer 40k and makes even less sense.

Stay vigilant, may the infection never reach you, and those close to you have the resolve to do what is needed should you be so unfortunate, Mike D.

Zombies in Film: Abarham Lincoln vs Zombies

"He emancipate the slave, he saved the union, he slaughtered the undead."


Film: Aberham Lincon vs. Zombies
Directed by Richard Schenkman
Written by Karl Hirsch and Lauren Proctor
Produced by Asylum
Year: 2012

Story: To the rousing tune of "the ants go marching two-by-two" Abarham Lincoln leads a rag-tag crew of every famous historical figure at the time against the undead horde. Good old Honest Abe has been fighting the undead since he had to kill his own zombie mother so he knows all there is to know about zombies, except what to call them, that is until a man in his secret service happens to come from africa where they have magic that turns people into "zombies." And of course when Booth decides it is against his morales to kill unarmed innocents, young Teddy Rosevelt steps up to replace him on the team, and the end of the film gives a new twist to an old assassination story.

Zombies: These zombies are pretty close to real, except one large gapping flaw, if you are completely silent the zombies will be in a "standing slumber" immobile and nything around them. There is no logic or reason given behind this, it zombies... aparently.
 

Survival Lessons/Quotes from Abarham Lincoln himself:

• The slightest noise will bring danger and death.
• Walk softly and carry this big stick.
• While a gunshot to the head is effective it attracts more.
• Is it not better to persuade my enemies to join me instead of destroy them.
• We can not fail, if you resolutly determine that you will not.
• If anyone is infected they must be treated as an enemy.
• Find a cure... for the next time! Can't you see how vital it is!

Warnings: Below are spoilers.

Besides strange references and statements about women's rights and slavery, this movie is basically a who's-who of historical figures. Aparently everyone in Lincon's life was also in the Secret Service and part of his elite zombie hunting team. That is unless he ran into them during the mission and recruited them along the way. Now I'm a fan of ladies in victorian dresses, esspecially very pretty ladies, but there are some limitations to movement and thus believablity when an untrained courtesain can walk into a horde of zombies wearing a full dress and corset, and fair better than most of the famous heroes of the civil war. So if you want to watch Lincon say every famous quote of his, Rosevelt's and even a few of Shakespeare's while chopping up zombies left, right and centre this is the film for you. This movie lacks too things to make it great, it is not tongue in cheek, therefore it is not funny. Nor however is it very good or impressive, therefore it can't be taken seriously. The film walked a line of trying to rewrite history and unfortunately got a few facts wrong.


Stay vigilant, may the infection never reach you, and those close to you have the resolve to do what is needed should you be so unfortunate, Mike D.

A rose by any other name

The police call it bath salts. The girlfriend calls it voodoo. The internet calls it the zombie apocalypse. Media calls is cannibalism. No matter the name one thing is clear, all is not well in the state of Florida.

Now the third case of cannibalism in Florida, not counting the initial outbreak. The media is never `100% clear about these things and the only way we ever know something for sure is by experiencing it for ourselves. But the case of Charles Baker, looks just a little bit too much like a slow transformation to me.

No matter what it's called, bath salts, cocaine induced psychosis, zombie virus. No matter what the reason, synthetic drugs, aggressive mindset combined with heavy drugs, voodoo, re-animation. The fact is, there is a plague in Florida and it's spreading. In just three weeks since Rudy Eugene ate the face of Ronald Poppo, there have been three other incidents of cannibalism in Florida, the latest with Charles Baker eating part of Jeffery Blakes' arm before being tazed and shot with a stun gun multiple times before finally being taken down with physical force. It may not be the T-virus and they may not be the walking dead but whatever is happening down south is definitely not a freak accident and any drug that can turn a person into an extremely violent cannibal immune to pain is a zombie drug.

Those in the Florida area be exceedingly careful. Obviously things are being hidden here and there is a big puzzle piece missing. While it is possible this is all due to drugs or unrelated events, we know the media is not trust worthy when it comes to giving the whole truth.

On something a little closer to home, and a little more old news. Independent film makers in Edmonton are excited over our own possible zombie invasion. Good old DEdmonton is finally putting funds toward indy film in the city. This means more jobs for artists who are trained here, want to live here, but have to go to Vancouver or Toronto to get work. Over the past few years Edmonton has seen the largest EXPORT of educated youth in Canada. Most of these youth have been artists. All across the country the same story, went to Grant MacEwan or U of A but there's no jobs in Edmonton, Alberta doesn't support the arts. Well I won't say this is a cure all but it definitely helps take a step in the right direction. Edmonton has been known for it's heavy horror-cult community and now the city is finally standing proud behind the name DEdmonton instead of trying to shove it under the carpet. So on the off chance any Edmonton artists are reading this but haven't heard about the new funding, now might be the time to watch how things are going and if you're lucky grab a piece of the pie.

Stay vigilant, may the infection never reach you, and those close to you have the resolve to do what is needed should you be so unfortunate, Mike D.

Confirmed Class 1, Miami, USA

It's all over the news, probably the most public attack of this kind we've seen in a long time. First thing of note here is that reports are all over the place. Some reports say both men were naked, some say multiple officers were on site, no one agrees where the bullets actually hit on the body, different accounts on what the two men were doing prior to one of them eating the other's face. Be here's what we know for sure:

Police in Miami found a naked man crewing on another man's face. Police verbaling warned the man to which he responded with "growling" and continued eating. Police shot the man once, he didn't even seem to notice. Police continued to fire until the man died. Those are the facts.

Now what else is interesting? The wounded man was "eventually taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital" but the videos that have been leaked through the internet show paramedics completely avoiding the wounded man well after the attacker has been killed.

Not too odd that police have taken all recording and surveillance devices in the area but only certain videos of the event are still being allowed to be posted or kept online. Also both men are claimed to be homeless and their identities are not being released. The names of the paramedics and other onsite staff are also being withheld.

Finally, police are trying to say this is a fairly normal case when it obviously is not. Saying the naked man was suffering from "cocaine psychosis" and they face cases like this all the time where LCD is claimed to the cause.

I could find no further evidence of what became of the man who had been attacked.

UPDATE: the man attacked is currently in hospital police say and the community is raising funds to rebuild his face. But more importantly there were no drugs found in the attackers system besides marijuana. Last I checked marijuana doesn't turn normal people into pain-immune cannibals. Something else is definitely going on.

Details Breakdown-
Location: Miami, USA
Time: May 26, 2012
Infected: 2
Response: Local
Media Coverage: High but contained

My suggestion: To me this appears very clearly to be an attack that got public to widely and too quickly so cocaine and LCD are a quick cover-up. If you live in the Miami area be extremely cautious.  If this is truly a cover of some sort than similar events have definitely occurred before and may well again.

Stay vigilant, may the infection never reach you, and those close to you have the resolve to do what is needed should you be so unfortunate,Mike D.

Above all things

Hello fellow survivors:

Today will be a day of links. Just a couple to hopefully keep you occupied while new survivors go back over my months of posts and seasoned survivors complain I only post once every couple of months. Well hush now, open these links and bask in stuff I didn't write.

For instance opensource. The concept is that the vast hivemind of the internet knows everything and the collective can make any decision, share any information and create any creation better than any select group of people could. To that end we have things like opensource.com who have supplied us with the open source to zombies (which reads more like an advertisement for opensource guides everywhere.) None the less it is a worthwhile lead and has links to download a couple of zombie related songs.

After that I am constantly telling people how important it is to eat right and know about good fitness and eating. The man who has taught me the most about healthy living is actually someone I've never met, Mike Geary, author of The Truth About Abs and he has a blog with all sorts of helpful and, in any emergency where you might have to use your body, life saving, information.

Finally, entertainment will always be an important part of survival. Keeping a healthy mind is just as important as a healthy body. To that end I encourage the use of storytelling in every way I possibly can. Many independent groups choose the method of creating short films to tell stories and while electricity will not last long after the fall, for now you can enjoy that style of storytelling.

But remember when you are reading, watching, scouting, snooping, listening and researching, above all things, it will be your own knowledge and skills that will keep you and your's safe in the coming ruin.

Stay vigilant, may the infection never reach you, and those close to you have the resolve to do what is needed should you be so unfortunate, Mike D.

Too long

Hello fellow survivors:

I'm back. Almost one year since I started the ZLC and I regret only that I haven't been able to keep up with the demand. I am currently without a computer of my own but will still post when and what I can in the hopes the world will continue to learn about this threat that we all must face together.

After the fall we will all have to learn to get by without computers, iPhones, GPS, the little technologies we've grown so comfortable with in North America. To this end I suggest to anyone to try going a week without just to see if you can. Find other ways to communicate and get things done. Trips to other countries can also show how these devices are not as essential as we believe them to be.

In my experience I've found technology to be more stressful than helpful and yet it always seems so important to use it over something else. Here are a few ways to relieve stress without using an app:
Blow bubbles
Meditate
Go bowling
Have some quite time
Read a book
Have a cup of hot tea
Take some time to make a good meal
Visit a library
Write a letter
Join an activity group
Window shop
Play with a pet
Go to the park
Have a nap
Plan your dream vacation
Sit under a shady tree
Watch a sunrise or sunset
Do some deep breathing exercises
Have a long bath or shower
Listen to the sounds around you
Prioritize your activities or goals
Play an instrument
Sing or whistle
Clean out a closet
Work on a puzzle
Do creative writing
Draw or paint
Take a walk
Pick flowers
Ride a bike
Weed your garden
Catch-up with family or a friend
Begin a new project or hobby
Use visual imagery
Lie down and cloud watch
Give of yourself
Reflect on your blessings
Enjoy the weather
Attend a concert or large social event
Listen to music
Play a board or card game
Tear up an old newspaper
Go roller-blading
Laugh at nothing
Go swimming
Reflect on your spirituality
Light some candles
Finish a task or goal
Reach out to someone

Obviously some of these will be harder to do or find after the fall but not impossible and knowing how to relax now will help the true survivor deal with stress later.

Stay vigilant, may the infection never reach you, and those close to you have the resolve to do what is needed should you be so unfortunate, Mike D.

Scouts motto

2% of people are natural killers. So say the SAS and I think they are somewhat of experts on the subject.
1% of people are estimated to survived the Zombie Apocalypse according to the ZRS.
Survival experts around the world say most people would not survive more then a week to a month without a modern support and supply system.
Health statistics show North Americans becoming ever more overweight and less healthy.

With all of these statistics staked against the average person, why wouldn't you take every precausion to be as prepared as possible? When the Fall -or any other catastrophy- occurs, the average person who is not prepared stands very little chance of making it out alive; let alone prospering. Don't be average, be prepared.

Stay vigilant, may the infection never reach you, and those close to you have the resolve to do what is needed should you be so unfortunate, Mike D.

Seriously

Seriously, I intend to provide more regular updates now that I have finished travelling. And while most of the information provided is vital to survival after the fall. Some posts, like today's, will simply be undead related.

For instance this video, just some good old fashion zombie fun.


And this video is a little more zombie learning directed. I do have one major issue with this video, do not set zombies on fire unless you can completely control the situation. A flaming zombie is more dangerous then a normal zombie and the amount of time it takes for the brain to boil might surprise you. Also note this is extremely simple in it's design and intend, it is not an extensive guide.



Follow me on Twitter for on the spot Zombie Tips and Awareness.

I have only recently got myself a smartphone and thus have begun to explore the world of apps. Naturally my first action was to download a few dozen zombie keyword apps. Here are my thoughts on a few of them.

Stupid Zombies is a puzzle game in which a character who looks an awfully lot like Ash with a boomstick, has a limited number of shots to kill all the zombies on the level.

It's fun, it's problem solving but it provides no actual zombie training. Unless you count the problem solving aspect, but even then the game, while hard to master, is easy to play and won't really push your problem solving skills too far. It's an entertaining way to spend a bit of time but not worth anything in the long run.

Zombie Village is another entertaining little game without too much training value. Kill zombies to gain coins and ammo, search houses to gain coins and ammo. Spend coins for better weapons after each level. The strategy of hiding is very important and should be a lesson well learned if it's not already understood. The benefit of surviving far out weights the benefit of whatever money or supplies the zombies might drop by you killing them. Never be afraid to hide from the undead.

Coins vs Zombies is a bit of whacky fun. Nothing too complex here, its a crazy game that actually requires a little bit of skill and timing to play. But the real joy of the game is just letting loose and everything happening at once. Any training or survival value here? Nope, unless you have the battery power to play just to ward off boredom.

Zombie Killer is a fairly standard side-scroller, melee/ranged attack game. What makes it a little different is interesting art used in the game but the art never really changes so it in itself isn't a selling point. Lessons like ammo saving and learning to take the path of least resistance are notable here but as with any side-scroller, better learned somewhere else, like in real life training. Definitely among my favorites in the genre, the genre just doesn't impress me a lot.

Stay vigilant, may the infection never reach you, and those close to you have the resolve to do what is needed should you be so unfortunate, Mike D.

Romania

Well survivors I have fallen quite behind in my duties but I have a lot of information gathered. I just need to find time to sort through it and then you will have a stream of zombie guidance unlike ever before.

At this moment I am waiting for a flight to Romania. Romania, home of Dracula, not a zombie but I believe a small tribute to him and a look at what a vampire is and some myths of undead might be in order.

It is easy to confuse old stories of vampires with old stories of zombies. After all the word zombie comes from Haitian voodoo and West African mythology. Just as the word Vampire comes from the Russian word Umpyr. In Romania the undead were known as Strigoi, and how much of the Strigoi are real zombies and how much are the basis for many of our modern vampire myths? Romania has had undead myths ever since it had people to tell the stories. They even have two specific dates for the observance of the undead, St. George's Day (April 23) and the Eve of St. Andrew's Day (November 29.) On these two days, especially Nov 29, it is advised not to go out at night or be near any crossroads. November 29th is reputedly a special day for the Strigoi at which they must all return to their living homes before travelling to crossroads at which they will do battle with other vampires.

The Romanian Strigoi are interesting creatures in that they are not all equal. Here are a view things from accounts of Strigoi:
When dorment (in coffin/during the day) blood pooled in the mouth or eyes.
Killed by a silver steak through the chest.
Killed by having heart burnt.
Killed by decapitation.
Dead looking, decaying purple toned flesh.
Bloated with the consumion of blood and flesh.
Feed on living family members.
Torment living family members.
Come to full strength 40 days after death.
Must be killed by family.
Put garlic in the mouth.
Place iron coins on the eyes and tongue.

The Gypsies also believe there are many forms of undead. The Romanian Strigoi could not harm the Gypsies according to their believes but they did fear the Mules. Demons who took the bodies of the living and returned to demand a wife. If the chosen woman was not given the mule would reek havoc on the village. The only ones able to kill mules are the Dhampir, mortal children of mule who had enhanced strength and speed because of their mixed blood and could see the mules true forms even when the mule was invisible to others. These mules sound a bit more like the vampires of legend. But where does that leave the Strigoi? This "other" form of undead that the Gypsies did not fear. Perhaps the average Romanian simply couldn't tell the difference between a Strigoi (zombie?) and a mule (vampire?) and over time and with retelling and extraction the myths blended together completely. This would explain why the Strigoi in the Romanian vampire tales don't always follow the same rules.

These myths still prevail in many areas which with all of our "modern" science and technology one has to wonder how much we are hidden from the truth here in North America. After all there are many accounts of many mystical and supernatural things all over the world and it is not hard for most people to believe in spirits, demons or the undead. Yet we in North America can't even decide for ourselves if we think there is a God or not. In 2004 the family of Toma Petre cut out his vampiric heart and made tea from it's ashes to heal his niece. Or in 1988 a 13 year old girl was found to be a vampire and killed by her family. These are only two examples of reported cases, that the media got a hold of and was aloud to make public. We know from zombie research how much the media is censored and in the case of other supernatural myths I have no doubt it is similar.

If it is so easy for the Strigoi and Mule to be confused as one monster and then converted into the generic "vampire" how hard would it have been for the official vampire plague of the 18th century to have actually been a zombie outbreak? An event the Catholic church publicly declared and supported but now will not let anyone view records of. Many modern scientists have theories about a strange form of rabies or a mental disease brought on my poor living conditions and food. But are those not possible causes of zombies as zombie researchers have proven? The biggest proof to zombies may actually be based in the confusion of undeniable vampire reports which science tries to explain away when the simplest answer is sitting right in front of us.

Stay vigilant, may the infection never reach you, and those close to you have the resolve to do what is needed should you be so unfortunate, Mike D.

Whack-a-zombie

Some times it just helps to let loose a little steam. Or sometimes you want some target practise on a 3D object. Now you have a miniature zombie to do so. A tiny, (about 5" tall) zombie-punching bag called, Whack-a-Zombie: You Can't Keep a Good Zombie Down.

I mentioned target practise, now this can only be done to a certain extent unless you want to buy a new $7 for each bullet. But it does provide a good stepping stone for those new to firearms. An airsoft gun and one of these make for great practise on aiming and proper weapon handling.

Also with the little guy comes an equally tiny book called, Whack-a-Zombie: The Book. It begins with a lovely little introductions giving equal praise to zombies as real research and zombies as an entertaining pass time. The book continues on to tell the basics of zombie lore and where it comes from, even including a basic list of zombie films to start introducing oneself to the world of undead lore. A very well put together list of books is also included. The little book even goes so far as to provide the very basics of zombie survival. Over all I would say this book is ideal for those just beginning their training and getting ready to prepare for the fall of society as we know it. Is it complete or full of information? No. But the best way to begin such a large task is with a small but sure step. And I would say this book is that step. If you get a chance, pay the $7 just for the book, the bop-zombie is just a bonus. Even if the book has no use to you it will make an excellent gift to any friends or loved ones who are just beginning or you are trying to drop hints at. Often it is the ones close to us who deny and reprimand the preparation the most.

Stay vigilant, may the infection never reach you, and those close to you have the resolve to do what is needed should you be so unfortunate, Mike D.

Zombie Make-up class

If you happen to be in Calgary next week you may want to check this out. Nothing like knowing how to look like your enemy or having the skills to put together instructional videos or just partake in a good ol' zombie walk.

This workshop will be a demonstration with time at the end to use the some of the products and practise some of the techniques you have learned. To register email info@donshobbyshop.ca - Space is limited! WE WILL BE DEMONSTRATING: Contouring face, neck and hands with cream makeup's, water based makeup's and powders Creating various zombie skin textures with latex and gel effects Wounds and broken bones using prosthetics,bone simulation wax and gel effects (application and removal) Various blood, dirt, eye and tooth effects.

Stay vigilant, may the infection never reach you, and those close to you have the resolve to do what is needed should you be so unfortunate, Mike D.

Videos

From the creators of Red vs. Blue comes a very interesting idea, Real life Horde Mode. The video pretty much explains itself.



Now this I find a very interesting idea. Any real life zombie scenarios are always worth looking into and this represents very literally what I think most people fail to realize. Shit goes wrong. Your guns don't work and 400 zombies is a lot. Now these two had the mistake of staying in one place forced on them but with only one chance to survive many people will make mistakes like this. Or like spending so much time and energy running back and forth. The two of them killed less then one hundred zombies and they had basically unlimited ammo. You will not be so lucky. So be prepared! Have better barricades and exit strategies. When the Horde comes, there is no replay button.

If you want to partake in something like this you can look here or find similar events in your community. Airsoft, paintball and nerf make excellent training grounds to actually test the skills every would be survivor claims to have.

Another zombie experiment will be happening due to over whelming audience interest and despite past claims it would never happen. Check out the video, coming September 14th.

The Deadliest Warrior Pits Vampires Vs. Zombies
Get More: The Deadliest Warrior Pits Vampires Vs. Zombies

Stay vigilant, may the infection never reach you, and those close to you have the resolve to do what is needed should you be so unfortunate, Mike D.

Mini-shows

Well survivors, I'm getting the site up and running again and some of you may have noticed I've added a gallery. I will be adding one picture to it each day, so while small now it will be mighty. If you have any zombie pictures you would like to be considered for the gallery, send them to zlc@live.ca with any names that need to be credited. There is also a new poll up; and here, as foretold is another zombie related theatre show.

The show is called Dine + Dash. It played at the Regina International Fringe. Kent Evans, Ash-Lee Hommy and Kelly Sanchuck play in this series of short plays written by David Ives, Mark Levine and Virginia Lamax. Directed by Jason Fedorchuck with music by Kevin MacLeod. Now that all the technicality of names is out of the way onto the show.
Remember the piece I did on  Toxoplasma gondii back in February? Well writer Virginia Lamax has done her research when she was writing the zombie section of Dine + Dash. Toxoplasma gondii is a parasite which has evolved to control mice, influence cats and is estimated to already infect 50% of humans. And science has shown parasites like this evolve hundreds of times faster then we do so the chances of it getting to the point of controlling us before we become immune to it is actually quite high. But Virginia's theory is that it's not that parasite that already infects us, or that we get from petting the cats or cleaning their litter boxes. She suggests the parasites first change evolve in the cats and turn them into undead-infection spreading machine of furry rage. I was quite surprised by the research and understanding that went into this piece. However aspects such as zombies climbing the outsides of buildings, retaining speech and human grudges all take this show away from being a reliable piece of research into pure fantasy.

From a more theatre tinted point of view this show stank like a rotting shambler. The writing was quite good for all three pieces but the delivery was where it all seemed to fall apart. Young actors who didn't seem to get much direction, with scripts above their talent level just made the whole event rather hard to watch.
Stay vigilant, may the infection never reach you, and those close to you have the resolve to do what is needed should you be so unfortunate, Mike D.