We put the vert in covert… or maybe not. Any time the Zombie Survival Crew hits a new city, we tend to draw attention.
Hard to hide when arriving alongside Special Forces commander Michael Rooker, Blue Brigade commander Norman Reedus, plus first lieutenants David Della Rocco and Sean Patrick Flannery. And of course ZSC CIC and Red Brigade commander Juliette Terzieff, with yours truly scrambling to keep up.
Hey, your Orange Brigade commander is no slouch, but Juliette moves quickly. Blink and you miss her darting through a crowd of thousands. Which happened. Several times. Like a flesh and bone version of “Doctor Who” baddies, the Weeping Angels. Sacramento had no clue what hit them when Wizard World Comic Con rolled into town.
Once the shock passed, the locals and those who traveled from out of town to attend the event embraced the insanity and ran with it. The show opened Friday evening to a huge crowd, with many, many more folks to visit over the weekend. We saw tons of creative costumes, homemade fan shirts, and beautiful artwork. The massive crowds inside and out of the convention center attracted a herd of zombies—well over a hundred in the pack—leading Wizard World to call in the God of Thunder himself, Chris Hemsworth, who helped in the good fight to save mankind.
Everyone’s efforts were repaid with smiles, kind words, hugs, and a lot of good local food to fuel us throughout the long weekend. We take pride in personally ensuring the safety of the folks in California’s capitol city.
Just another stop in the ZSC’s bid to prepare and protect the world from the undead hordes!
On January 16th, the command crew stumbled across an encoded piece of information with sources in the Walking Dead camp. Once we opened the video . . . well, let’s just say we’re thankful the command center is sound-proofed. Wouldn’t want Blue Brigade Commander Reedus to hear our peals of laughter.
While Norman was in Japan doing a promo tour for “The Walking Dead,” the production company for the show decided it’d be the opportune time to prank him. Enter Nick Santonastasso.
The New Jersey native was born with only one arm and no legs due to Hanhart Syndrome. But that hasn’t stopped Nick from making the most out of life. Last year, Nick made a name for himself online when he donned zombie makeup and tattered clothes and filmed himself charging panicked customers in a NJ supermarket.
Shortly after, his friends created an online petition, urging Robert Kirkman—the creator of the Walking Dead comics and executive producer for the show—to bring Nick on as a walker.
The show’s producers did one better and flew Nick to Japan to be the zombie in their hidden-camera prank on Norman. With help from TWD star Andrew Lincoln and co-executive producer/FX makeup artist Greg Nicotero, Nick transformed into a walker fit to terrify the show’s most notorious bad boy.
It’s okay, Norman. We won’t tell too many people that you shrieked like a girl.
Once again the Zombie Survival Crew commanders are teaming together to bring you, loyal brigadiers, easy and delicious recipes you can fix on the run during the zombie apocalypse. The goal is to find a mix of food ideas that’ll keep you ready to fight your way to safety, even when supplies are running low.
This week we’re making Food. Yes, that’s what it is called, Food. In the Orange Brigade kitchen, Food refers to a single-pan dish with everything you find in the pantry that’ll taste good together. Typically, Food consists of potatoes, some sort of sturdy green vegetable, onions, and meat or cheese for a protein kick. Here’s the basics.
What You Need:
1 large cast iron skillet
Spatula
1 tablespoon oil (Any kind. Butter will also work. You just need to keep the potatoes from sticking.)
1 pound potatoes, washed and chopped into bite-size pieces
1 medium-sized onion, chopped
Garlic (fresh or powder), to taste
Salt and pepper, to taste
Whatever other vegetables you have on hand – Corn, bell peppers, asparagus, leeks, cabbage, broccoli, etc. Chopped in bite-size pieces.
Whatever meat is available – sausage, chicken, deer, rabbit, squirrel, etc. (No fish. It is too delicate to handle the cooking process.) Chop meat in bite-sized pieces.
Cheese (optional)
How Do You Cook Food?
Heat the cast iron pan over the fire, add oil.
When the oil ripples, carefully toss in the potatoes and onions. Cook until the onions start to turn clear.
Add in the meat. Cook until the outside edges of the meat are done.
Add in the garlic and other vegetables. Cook, stirring to keep the potatoes from sticking, until vegetables are tender and the meat is cooked through.
Toss cheese on top and serve in a bowl.
It isn’t a glamorous meal. Heck, it doesn’t look particularly thrilling, either. But it is a great, easy way to get your vegetables and protein in. One pan will feed at least five people.
While duct-taped to her chair… a memo from the Chief, Juliette Terzieff
Okay… you know how much I love the Oracle, but I have to be honest … it scares the bejeebus out of me when LK says the words, I’ve been thinking…. I mean seriously, the entire command center shudders with the utterance of those words. So imagine my terror when I heard she was giving an entire interview … UNSUPERVISED??
If you haven’t read it yet, Green-Fly Media put out an ALL zombie magazine this month. The Oracle’s interview starts on page 47. She didn’t do half bad … even if I DO say so.
Heads up! We’ve got a tasty treat for you today for Lt. Blue Brigade, with some down home cooking from Iowa! In other words….DESSERT!
Grandma Corabelle’s Fudge Brownies
1 cup butter
12 heaping tbsp unsweetened cocoa
2 cup sugar
1 tbsp vanilla
4 large fresh eggs
1 1/2 cup flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup chopped nuts, if ya like
Mix together butter and cocoa in dutch oven (or saucepan) and heat slowly till the butter is melted. Let it cool till it’s lukewarm. Beat in sugar and vanilla. Beat the eggs in, one at a time. Stir in flour and salt just till it’s mixed, and fold in nuts.
Bake in dutch oven with low fire/coals for about 25 minutes, and the top has lost its shine. Use a knife to scrape the sides for easier removal, or just scoop it out into bowls!
Thanks to fellow ZSC member Beth of Orange Brigade for offering up this wonderful family recipe!
Stand aside, Yellow Brigade! Second Lieutenant Addy Miller is stepping up to the spotlight! This vibrant and fearless young miss has both the brains and the courage to both lead and inspire us all when the inevitable finally begins. While many of us will always remember her as the pajama-clad undead waif in the opening sequences of The Walking Dead pilot episode Days Gone Bye, Addy is no stranger to the industry. At the age of twelve, she is the youngest member of Zombie Survival Crew Command, and it goes without saying that this bright young shining star will only shine brighter as the days grow darker.
Beginning her career as a child model at the age of four, Addy first appeared on the big screen in 2008, starring as the younger Lily Owens (Dakota Fanning) in the award-winning film, The Secret Life of Bees. She went on to make guest appearances in the television series Tainted Love, and it cannot be mere coincidence that she also had a small role in Blood Done Sign My Name with Special Forces Commander Michael Rooker. In 2010, working closely with director Frank Darabont and makeup guru Greg Nicotero, her brief appearance in The Walking Dead earned her a permanent place in the memories of zombie and horror fans everywhere. From there she continued on with appearances in the television film The Shunning and the series It’s Supernatural. Her preference for roles that challenge her to draw upon the darker and more difficult human emotions set her apart from other child actors, and she holds herself to her own high standards at all times.
Addy has very quickly become a regular in the comic-con and horror show circuits. When her busy and demanding schedule allows, she can be found touring and meeting fans from all over the world. This straight-A home-schooled student has been active in raising awareness for autism through public events, charity auctions and much more. Addy also has an interest in the goings-on behind the camera, and it wouldn’t surprise any of us a bit if she were to try her hand at directing, writing or producing somewhere down the road.
Coming soon:
Addy has been working hard and has several upcoming roles in both film and television. She has recently worked on several films including Plan 9 and Nowhere. She has also appeared in the short films Burying the Truth and Red Rose. Currently in production are Sick People, Dark Places and the Kickstarter-funded horror filmThe Devil’s Tree.
Keep watching! This young star can only soar higher and shine brighter.
If you’re just joining us for this series, please be sure to check out our previous Commander Monday reports!
Watch out world! Light Blue Brigade’s Second Lieutenant Adrian Kali Turner is stepping up to the plate. This young actor, writer, singer, competitive dancer, youth speaker, humanitarian and ambitious entrepreneur may be young, but that shouldn’t give you any reason to believe he is to be underestimated.
Born in Takoma Park, Maryland in 1997, Adrian took the lead in a pre-school play and joined the Norbeck Community Church Choir at the age of four. While his peers and classmates were busy fingerpainting, worrying about nap time, and playing tag on the playground, Kali was already well situated on the path to success, and preparing for the day when he would be called to duty.
One of the youngest members to take on the daunting responsibility of Zombie Survival Crew leadership, Adrian is no stranger to hard work. He has appeared in numerous television roles including iCarly, Yo Gabba Gabba, Chuck, Lincoln Heights, Flash Forward, and Disney’s 3 Minute Game Show. Adrian earned awards for Monologue and Commercial competitions at the Actors, Models and Talent Competition in Orlando, Florida in 2006. He delivered solid performances in the films My Name is Khan,Cowboys & Aliens and the 2011 summer comedy Bad Teacher.
In a critically acclaimed and heartbreaking episode that aired during Season 3 of AMC’s The Walking Dead, we learned of Dwayne Jones’ tragic demise through a retelling by his father Morgan, played by Lennie James. In spite of this sad turn of events, Adrian has continued to move onward and upward.
Adrian is a member of the teen singing group, Boyz Crew, and had the opportunity to perform at President Obama’s Inauguration Neighborhood Ball. He has appeared on the talk show circuit with Oprah Winfrey, Ellen Degeneres, and Larry King Live and performed performing alongside Will.i.am, Donna Summer and Jamie Foxx. Adrian has put his musical talents to work to promote humanity and peace, writing and performing a rap single for the Peace in Our Hearts CD. Adrian also indulges in his greatest love, writing, whenever he can. He has penned countless poems, short stories and rap songs, and is a regular writer with the OMG-TV Live teen sketch comedy group. Adrian also wrote and produced the short film My Bad, and is the Chief Operating Officer at Epic Apps Forever, creator of iPhone and iPad apps.
Adrian’s current humanitarian missions involve raising awareness about child slavery. His work has included public speaking and coaching opportunities for young artists and their families, as well as work with the US Forestry Campaign. There seems to be no stopping this young force of nature, and nothing that he cannot do. We at the ZSC are convinced beyond a doubt that this world is a little bit brighter because of him, and we are counting on him to shine that light on us all in the days to come.
Coming soon:
Adrian recently appeared as Julius Love in an episode of Arrested Development. He has also been seen in the films Camp Fred, Standing Up and Teachers alongside Salli Richardson-Whitfield and Esai Morales. Keep an eye out for Behind Locked Doors (formerly The Jack Story), directed by Charles S. Dutton and co-starring Richard Tyson.
You’ll need a pot to cook over a fire, tongs, gloves, a bowl and an instrument to mash like a potato masher.
Pick fruit with gloves and tongs. You don’t want to prick yourself with those needles! There’s a reason it’s called Prickly Pear.
While holding the fruit under running water with the tongs, brush off the needles with a wire brush. Yes, a wire brush.
Place them in a pot. Cover with water and boil until tender (about 1 hour). Cut them in half after cooking, as they will mash easier. Drain and mash with a potato masher. Strain with double thickness cheesecloth (juice should be clear, no needles, etc.). Put pulp in garbage, not disposal (if indoors).
Measure 2 cups prickly pear juice with 1 ¾ oz. pkg. pectin, assuming you’ve got some with you. If not, raid a local grocery store because let’s face it, no one’s going to be yanking pectin off the shelves during an apocalypse. Bring to boil, stirring constantly.
Add 3 ½ cups sugar and 3 Tbsp. lemon juice. Boil—rolling boil—for 3 minutes . . . stir constantly.
Remove from heat and skim off foam.
Pour into glass jars and seal.
Mmm mmm good! Now you have jelly to go with whatever your apocalypse breakfast will be!
You’re welcome.
Jinxie G
PS: Jinxie would like to thank her wonderful Aunt Pat for this recipe! =)
In a world where the old ways are far too often overwhelmed by the new, Green Brigade Second Lieutenant Elizabeth Schiable combines classic beauty, brawn and brains with flawless grace and style. With her special ops training in traditional Chinese martial arts, specifically the Northern Shaolin Kung Fu style Bak Sil Lum, Lieutenant Schiable brings wisdom, balance and a good old-fashioned can of whoop-ass to the front lines of the Zombie Survival Crew’s ranks.
Known for her roles in Angel of Death, Beyond the Ropes and False Prophets, Elizabeth has also appeared in several television series, including The Protector and Hollywood Inc. Her talents are many, and she is also experienced in the goings-on behind the scenes, having carved a place for herself in every aspect of the business from makeup artist and production assistant to associate producer and assistant director. Elizabeth recently completed work on the films Crossroads and Don’t Pass Me By.
As one of the Zombie Survival Crew’s most valuable covert operatives, Elizabeth is a master (or mistress) of disguise. She is currently operating out of an undisclosed location, and Command is eagerly awaiting word on her next mission.
If you’re just joining us for this series, please be sure to check out our previous Commander Monday reports!
Plagued: The MidAmerica Zombie Half-Breed Experiment
When Tom, the son of a powerful Senator, becomes stranded in the Plagued States of America while searching for his lost sister, his only hope of survival rests in the hands of a few grizzled veteran zombie hunters and a mysterious half-breed zombie woman he thinks may know where to find his sister.
I was asked to review this book, and chose to purchase it myself rather than receive a review copy.
One can’t say this book by Better Hero Army lacks action. In fact, it’s full of enough action and detail to really keep you reading. The first three chapters move quickly and are very well-written. Beginning with chapter four, however, the editing errors creep in and take over, though the action and detail never stop.
I was impressed with the detail throughout the novella. Better Hero Army does an excellent job in describing the people and surroundings, giving a good layout of the land, enough to give the reader a good visual. Logistically, I had a few issues, but other than that, it was well done.
Tom is the main character, of course, and I’d consider Penelope—the half-breed zombie—the other main character, as Tom grows quite attached to her and the story centers around the two of them. The only part that bothers me with Penelope is that a certain thing I can’t discuss here because it’ll be a spoiler doesn’t get explained in the end. Cliffhangers are one thing; leaving the reader hanging without an explanation is another.
Tom is desperately trying to find his sister for penance, for the mistake of a scared twelve-year-old boy. There is a good plot to this story, background is well thought out, but it doesn’t wrap up everything at the end. I know there will be other books to follow, so I’m hoping this isn’t one of those ‘let’s split one book up into five’ deals. As much as I enjoyed the story—though not totally enthusiastic about it—it drives me bonkers when an author splits a story like that.
Plagued is in need of a good copy edit by an experienced editor. I’m rating the book 3 stars (my star rating system: 1=hated it, 2=disliked it, 3=liked it, 4=really liked it, and 5=loved it) because while I enjoyed the story overall, there were a lot of distractions with misspelled words, lack of punctuation, passive voice, and formatting, etc.
I wish Better Hero Army the best of luck with the series and future endeavors.
Plagued can be purchased on Amazon in both Kindle and paperback formats.
Once the shock passed, the locals and those who traveled from out of town to attend the event embraced the insanity and ran with it. The show opened Friday evening to a huge crowd, with many, many more folks to visit over the weekend. We saw tons of creative costumes, homemade fan shirts, and beautiful artwork. The massive crowds inside and out of the convention center attracted a herd of zombies—well over a hundred in the pack—leading Wizard World to call in the God of Thunder himself, Chris Hemsworth, who helped in the good fight to save mankind.
Pick fruit with gloves and tongs. You don’t want to prick yourself with those needles! There’s a reason it’s called Prickly Pear.
Place them in a pot. Cover with water and boil until tender (about 1 hour). Cut them in half after cooking, as they will mash easier. Drain and mash with a potato masher. Strain with double thickness cheesecloth (juice should be clear, no needles, etc.). Put pulp in garbage, not disposal (if indoors).
Plagued