Sunday, April 24, 2011

Can I Make the Zombies Eat the Buffalo Sabres?

Well?

Check that....Bruins.. arrggghhhh

Nevermind.... zombies apparently ate the brains of the Flyers. Bah. End of this post. FOREVER.

Saturday, April 23, 2011

How Would You Be Tracked by a Zombie?

Is it sense of smell or something more supernatural that would guide a zombie to your super secret hidey place?

If these creatures are truly dead (of course but walking), would their physical senses be operational? Would the crunch of your fateful misstep on that shard of glass or twig be the clue igniting the chase?

Having read several zombie books (I admit not more than a dozen or so), authors seem to gravitate most towards the sense of smell or sound when describing the human honing techniques of the undead. Perhaps them, as I train, I should work on my swift and silent ninja
maneuverability skills or find a means of masking whatever awesome-come-hither-living-scents I might be generating.

Yet, if these creatures are dead, this seems somewhat illogical? Then again, should I worry about logic?

Other writers/theorists postulate these creatures do not actually die by after being infected by a virus rendering them impervious to pain or reason, may actually rely on their base senses to navigate the difference between tasty people treats and the rather useless (everything else in the universe).

Lastly, I've read a few novels exploring the zombie as a truly supernatural creature--a demon possessing a dead body. In regards to these creatures, senses other than esp are generally useless and therefore the writer often fails to explore them. In these cases, no matter how sound proof or air tight your fortress, that talented undead can detect your presence.

If zombies were to invade, I think it would be likely they would be "living" walking dead or the second theory put forth in this blog. I can imagine a neurological virus diluting their concepts of pain and encouraging a driving need to consume. Are there not such viruses/illnesses now which command the helm of human brains? (Dementia, etc.). True, they don't necessarily produce flesh-eating monsters, but the brain is a weird little opponent which can be manipulated to do rather creepy and heinous things.

I suppose we can only really know how we are hunted if and when it truly happens. Perhaps it is best to plan for all contingencies. Get a rosary, very quiet sneakers, and some deodorant. Do not trample blindly into the night, even when scrambling from those attempting to use your femur as chew toy. We will need all of the help/luck/grace we can get.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Review: Zombie Apocalypse!

I've recently been reading the innovative Zombie Apocalypse!, a work of fiction deriving from multiple authors in a variety of medias such as texts, tweets, emails, letters, journals, etc. The "book" offers a fantastic form of narrative generated from such technological marvels often associated with zombie fiction though not as much with mainstream literature. It chillingly takes the reader from the beginnings of the parasite induced virus to the "Death" of the world itself.

The book encapsulates what I love about the living dead: their mutations, adaptability and the deeply personal stories associated with them. Because Stephen Jones, the creator (as so noted on the cover), drew upon the writing talents of a plethora of authors, the book has an even more genuine feel. When characters are created, their voices are stronger than one might expect or rather, we don't have an author employing a persona simply to vent his or her frustrations. The word choices, hand-writing, errors, and other personal touches, not just the media, change with every new person introduced. A thirteen year-old girl gushes over a crush while attempting to cope with the loss and terror around her. A doctor, after having been infected, locks himself up for study the affects on his body and emotional state. The two could not be more dissimilar yet the editor/creator did weave the narratives together rather fluidly through plot and scene (so far, most of the book occurs in London and centers around the site of viral origination).

For most fiction, it is in the details. This work watermarks, "staples," and bends pages when appropriate. I think because it felt so real, I experienced the need to watch something funny on TV before going to bed. I couldn't quite finish this one story because before slumber, I didn't want the end I knew was coming to arrive. Yet, I will return to the book, complete this journey of gruesome horrors and the indomitable will of humanity to survive.

Similar to one character in the book, I suppose I too turn to novels such as Zombie Apocalypse! in an attempt to study or hone my skills as I prepare for the big Z-Day. But I wonder, if I, like him, will find my meager skill set seriously lacking when I face those great demons? Are these "preparations" really going to offer guidance for us? Perhaps Max Brook's Zombie Survival Guide as it does provide practical knowledge. I think maybe for works by such as Jones, the offer a different kind of survival skill: hope. All the machetes and crossbows in the world cannot defend against despair.

So, read on zombie fiends/friends. Read on and keep your eye on that glint of sunlight shining through your bordered up windows.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

The Tally

Alicia : 10
Zombie: 100

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As suggested by a friend, I will keep a tally of my "wins" versus the accolades of the undead.

How, do you ask, is this possible when zombies do not actually roam the earth? (As far as you know...)

Well, whenever I experience an iota of hope or moment of accomplishment (which will invariably able me to survive the zombie takeover), I get a point. When I fail (crushingly), my mind seems to melt into zombie soup, and my actions unfailingly lead to certain lack of undead survival, well, you get the picture.

With every update, I'll put forth a biting explanation.

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Zombie point 1: rejected from graduate school on my BIRTHDAY! This will surely lead to an overindulgence in everything sweet and therefore will undo my vague attempts at physical training. Boo to you academia....

Me point 1: Got netflix for birthday. I can now study the zombie via numerous documentaries errr movies and thus learn their sneaky, lumbering ways...

Me point 2: Great support from friends and like 100 new "views" on blog since yesterday. I think at least 25 aren't from me ;)

Zombie point 2-4: Don't ask.

Zombie point 5: Frustration. I will prevail and once I do, I will afford myself a point.

Me point 3-4: Visiting wonderful family and friends and planning on adventurer training with my sister-in-law. This will assuredly translate into successful zombie survival skills. Sadly, I must return home soon--at least I'll be happy to see someone special!

Zombie point 6: Grading composition papers.....takes all of my brainpower leaving nothing but mushy brain goo behind. On second thought...

Me point 5: Mushy brain goo due to grading = zombies uninterested in using me as a lunchable!

Zombie point 7: painful week where the pain meant nothing. I super dislike this and it makes me want to swim in a sea of zombies (sorta).

Me: I've managed to lose 14 pounds since May and my jeans are falling off my .....

Zombies: Semester has restarted. I gave the little undead creepies as many points as papers I've already had to comment on. It's only been four weeks.