In our new ongoing assignment, the Orange Brigade took on the job of scouting possible food sources during the zombiepocalypse within each of the zones laid out for our Tasty Survival series. One thing we’re all guilty of is not looking in our own backyards for ways to survive. Check for local farms you can hit on your escape routes to add to the canned/dried goods that should already be in your go bags. Grab fresh produce while you can. It will not last long once there is no one to tend to the crops. Kill only what livestock you need to feed your party. Don’t waste food others could use.
This is what we discovered for the Yellow Brigade’s zone in the mid-west.
Wyoming:
Just over half of the land in Wyoming is dedicated to farmland.
86% of farms in the state raise livestock and process livestock products. Cattle are the primary product, by a large margin. Hogs and sheep can also be found if you know where to look.
The remaining 14% of farms grow crops. While the top crop is hay, Wyoming also offers sugar beets, barley, dry beans, and wheat.
Make a pit stop for meat and hope you find a farm with edible produce on your escape routes. You’re not going to find a lot of variety, but at least you’ll have food.
Nevada:
Only 9% of Nevada is used as farmland.
68% of Nevada farms house livestock, with a focus on cattle and dairy products.
32% of the farms produce crops, with a large focus on hay.
You can also find onions, potatoes, wheat, and garlic at select locations.
Utah:
22% of Utah is used as farmland.
A vast majority, roughly 79%, of the farms in the state raise cattle, hogs, sheep, and process dairy products.
21% of Utah farms grow crops. The top two products are hay and green house plants. However, you can still find wheat, onions, and apples on your way through the state.
Nebraska:
An overwhelming portion of Nebraska is utilized as farmland, approximately 93% of the state.
The majority of farms raise livestock. The main livestock is cattle, followed by hogs.
The remaining 38% of Nebraska farms grow grain corn to feed the cattle, soybeans, wheat, hay, and dry beans.
While this state is rich in farms to visit on your escape routes, the variety of food leaves much to be desired. There are few crops that will sustain humans for the long-term after the zombiepocalypse.
Colorado:
Just under half of the land in Colorado is used as farmland.
76% of farms in the state raise cattle and hogs. Colorado is the number one producer of lamb and sheep for consumption in the United States.
24% of Nebraska farms grow crops. The top two commodities are grain corn and greenhouse plants. However, you may still find wheat, potatoes, onions, and dry beans at farms on your way to safe haven.
Arizona:
Approximately 36% of the state is farmland.
47% of Arizona farms house livestock, with a focus on cattle on dairy products.
The remaining farms grow lettuce, cantaloupes, broccoli, and cauliflower.
Despite the temperatures, Arizona produces a wide variety of food that should sustain survivors for a decent amount of time.
New Mexico:
Over half of the state, about 58%, is dedicated to farmland.
A large majority of farms house livestock and process livestock products. The main focus is on dairy products, cattle, and sheep.
22% of New Mexico farms grow crops ranging from pecans to chili peppers, corn, onions, and wheat.
Like its neighbor, Arizona, there is just enough variety in produce and livestock to keep survivors in the state fed for a while.
It would be wise to find ways to preserve or dry meat, since it is the most prevalent commodity.
Hawaii:
Just about 32% of the island state is farmland.
Only 17% of Hawaiian farms raise livestock, focusing on cattle, dairy products, and chicken eggs.
The majority of farms, roughly 83%, grow crops. There is quite a bit of variety, including pineapple, sugarcane, macadamia nuts, papaya.
Hawaii is the only state to grow the following: Coffee, bananas, ginger root, guava, macadamia nuts, papaya, pineapple, and taro.
This means once the zombies take over, the rest of the U.S. can kiss these items goodbye. Life without coffee? Start stocking up now, guys!
There you have it, the resources available to brigadiers living in the Yellow Zone! This zone has a wide range of food available to them. Other brigades should take note and consider these states for their ultimate safe haven.
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!
The main concern during the zombie apocalypse is food rations. A person can only carry so much food with them. A two week supply at most, and even then their go bag may become too heavy to carry on the run from the undead. The Orange Brigade took on the job of scouting possible food sources within each of the zones laid out for our Tasty Survival series. One thing we’re all guilty of is not looking in our own backyards for ways to survive. Check for local farms you can hit on your escape routes to add to the canned/dried goods that should already be in your go bags. Grab fresh produce while you can. It will not last long once there is no one to tend to the crops. Kill only what livestock you need to feed your party. Don’t waste food others could use.
This is what we found for the Red Brigade’s zone on the east coast.
Pennsylvania:
Approximately 27% of the state is comprised of farmland.
68% of the farms raise livestock or process livestock products (dairy, eggs, etc.). The top product in the state is dairy.
Only 32% of Pennsylvania farms produce crops. Most of the farms are greenhouses, growing plants, not produce. The second top crop in the state are mushrooms.
When preparing your escape routes, make sure each one passes by a farm to gather supplies.
New Jersey:
Approximately 17% of the state is farmland. You really want to keep an eye out for possible food sources, here.
22% of the farms raise livestock and/or process livestock products. However, most of them raise horses and mules. Dairy farms are the second most prevalent after horse ranches.
78% of New Jersey farms grow crops, with a majority producing greenhouse and nursery products. Blueberries and peaches are second and third in produce production.
We suggest brigadiers in the state do not linger long. The sparse resources will vanish quickly.
Delaware:
Approximately 42% of the state is farmland.
80% of the farms raise livestock and/or process livestock products. Chickens compromise 73% of livestock products.
20% of Delaware farms grow crops, primarily focused on grain (feed) corn for livestock, and soybeans.
Grab a cage of chickens on your way out of town, and pack extra cans of vegetables.
Maryland:
Approximately 33% of the state is farmland.
58% of the farms in Maryland raise livestock and process livestock products. Chicken is the primary livestock product. You guys need to grab some cages, too.
42% of Maryland farms grow crops. However with a focus on greenhouse products, soybeans, and grain corn, pickings are scarce.
We recommend you grab a few chickens and head toward a state with more variety in crops.
West Virginia:
Only 23% of West Virginia is dedicated to farmland.
82% of the farms raise livestock, with chicken and cattle being the most prevalent.
17% of West Virginia farms grow crops. Most of it is hay and grain corn.
You can’t haul a cow around, but if you know how to butcher your own meat and have a place to store it (or dry it), go ahead and take down a cow. Keep an eye out for apple orchards in the fall and load up on the nutritious fruit.
Virginia
34% of Virginia is farmland.
66% of the farms house livestock. Chicken, cattle, and dairy are the leading products in the state.
33% of the farms grow crops. Variety of produce is slim.
Try to find a farm growing tomatoes, wheat or apples.
North Carolina
Approximately 29% of North Carolina is farmland.
65% of those farms produce livestock, with hogs and chicken being the most prevalent.
The 35% of farms growing crops mostly focus on greenhouse plants, tobacco, and cotton.
You may be able to find some sweet potatoes, blueberries, and cucumbers if you know where to look on your escape route.
South Carolina:
Only 25% of South Carolina is farmland.
56% of those farms house livestock—primarily chicken, turkey, and cattle.
The remaining 44% of South Carolina farms grow greenhouse plants, tobacco, cotton…the list of non-food items goes on.
Try to plot your escape routes to hit the few farms growing peaches, tomatoes, cucumbers, and squash.
There you have it, the Red Zone and all it has to offer for food sources. Take a look at the farms around you and start plotting your escape routes.
When you’re engaged in the tricky business of survival, there may be times when building a fire simply isn’t possible. Could be a lack of wood to burn, or fear of attracting unwanted attention from the undead. Either way, humans are not built to see in the dark and batteries will only get you so far after you’ve abandoned your homes in search for a safe haven. Candles are an ideal way to light your way in the dark. They aren’t too hard to make, either. Homemade candles allow you to create something that’ll fit perfectly in your go bags without sacrificing room for your Oreos and beef jerky.
Below, we’ve included instructions for a basic candle. Be extremely cautious when handling hot wax. Use utensils and pots you don’t care about (we suggest snagging cheap items from a discount store). Wax doesn’t clean off easily.
What You’ll Need:
Soy wax flakes or a block of beeswax
Wick (make sure they’re longer than your container.)
Containers (can be just about anything that won’t melt with the hot wax – mason jars, Altoid tins, old glass/porcelain cups, etc.)
Pitcher with spout or a funnel
Fragrance oil (10-15 drops per 5.5 ounces of wax) Use cinnamon, eucalyptus, or citronella to keep biting bugs away. (Note: this does not include zombies.)
Popsicle sticks (with a hole in the middle), chopsticks, pencil–something to hold the wick straight.
How to Make a Candle:
Melt soy wax flakes or beeswax in a double boiler.
Once the wax completely melted, set your pot aside to cool for a little bit.
Add essential oils.
Dip metal wick base in wax and set into the container. The wax will “glue” the base in place.
Carefully pour wax into containers with funnel or transfer wax to a pitcher and pour.
Thread wick with Popsicle stick or tie around pencil/chopstick, and let the candle cool for a few hours until solid.
Once the wax is completely set, trim wicks, leaving about ¼ of an inch above the wax.
Ta-da! Simple and easy. If you add the right essential oils, these candles will be another line of defense against bugs and the boogeyman.
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.
Last month ZSC Command introduced you to our newest Special Forces member, Brimstone. Not surprisingly, this man of many talents and much energy has one of the busiest schedules we’ve seen in awhile. Here’s a quick (ish) update for what’s happening in Brimstone’s world.
But first…
Cookies!
Hound Comics, Inc. and Butterwinks Cookies have entered into a promotional relationship. Keep reading to find out when, where and how YOU can get a FREE Butterwinks/Brimstone cookie!
Interviews!
Interview with the Superhero Speak Podcast from 9/18/13 – Click HERE
Interview with Trash Talking Radio from 9/25/13 – Click HERE
Brimstone on the Chimichanga Talk Podcast on 9/25/13 – Click HERE
October 7th 10pm – 11:30pm (Pacific Time) – Brimstone will be interviewed LIVE on the Brothers Bear Podcast. Make sure to tune in by clicking HERE.
Brimstone will be featured in the November 2013 Edition of Maxim Magazine in an article by writer Steve Leckart. The issue will be on sale on or around October 15th – Keep your eyes peeled!
Conventions and Appearances
Make sure to visit Brimstone at Monster-Con taking place at the Wonderland of the Americas Mall in San Antonio, Texas from September 27th – 29th. First 20 people to visit Brimstone and say, “I wanna be Brimstone Butterwink’ed” receives a FREE Brimstone cookie compliments of Butterwinks & Hound Comics. **Cookies available while supplies last – ONE per family
Brimstone will be appearing at New York Comic Con 2013 from October 10th – 13th at the Jacob Javits Center, NYC. Scheduled signing in the celebrity autographing area is Saturday, October 11th from 12pm – 1pm (add to your schedule HERE). Brimstone will also be signing with the Stan Lee Foundation at booth 3148 throughout the entire weekend.
Catch Brimstone at the Forest of Fear during their opening weekend October 4th – 6th. The tri-state area’s HOTTEST haunt is located in Tuxedo, New York and is rated within the top ten in the United States.
San Antonio, Texas – Brimstone will be back on October 25th – 27th to appear at the Alamo City Comic Con taking place at the B. Gonzalez Convention Center. First 20 people to visit Brimstone and say, “I wanna be Brimstone Butterwink’ed” receives a FREE Brimstone cookie compliments of Butterwinks & Hound Comics. **Cookies available while supplies last – ONE per family.
While you’re at the Alamo City Comic Con, make sure to grab your own copy of the EXCLUSIVE ‘Batman vs Brimstone vs Wolverine’ print ONLY at the Alamo City Comic Con. **Available from ACCC while supplies last
Brimstone will be appearing at Stan Lee’s Comikaze Expo November 1st – 3rd at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, California.
Brimstone will be returning to the Great Allentown Comic Con on November 16th taking place at the Merchants Square Mall in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
Merchandise!
**AVAILABLE SOON** from The Jerky Connection – Brimstone Sweat Heat Meat Treat Jerky! New gourmet jerky using Brimstone’s award winning Sweet Heat Treat(Sweet Chile Hot Sauce). More details as they become available.
Brimstone inked a licensing deal with Serenity Custom Drums in the UK for Brimstone based Snare Drums! More details as they become available.
Bulky Boy Clothing will be producing a Brimstone/Bulky Boy collaborated t-shirt that will be made available on the Bulky website as well as at Brimstone appearances around the country. Artwork is being done by Hound artist ‘DONT‘. More details when available.
Hound Comics, Inc. has officially signed with Troll Lord Games and will be releasing a Brimstone and The Borderhounds RPG (table top role playing game) under the extremely successful Castles & Crusades brand. More details as they become available.
Stay Tuned for the first peek at the’ Brimstone’ custom designed YO! Figure being designed for Stan Lee’s POW! Entertainment by Christopher ‘Evilos‘ Avalos. Once the piece is completed – it will be auctioned off by POW! to raise money for charity! More details as they become available.
More more more!
NEW Contest taking place on the Official Brimstone Facebook – ENTER NOW!
Darby Customs to re-create the Brimstone motorcycle from the Brimstone and The Borderhounds comic book series to be auctioned off for two child related charities (Stan Lee Foundation and RAAC). More details as they become available.
Hound Comics, Inc. (Hound Entertainment Group) received word that Brimstone and The Borderhounds product will be seen on the set of the Emmy Award Winning series “The Big Bang Theory” on CBS! We will announce episodes once we are given that specific information; however we are told that the Brimstone (Eastsport) backpack will be seen in Koothrappali’s apartment and the comic book covers will appear as posters in the comic shop in later episodes. More to come.
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! =)
Just over half of the land in Wyoming is dedicated to farmland.
Only 9% of Nevada is used as farmland.
22% of Utah is used as farmland.
An overwhelming portion of Nebraska is utilized as farmland, approximately 93% of the state.
Just under half of the land in Colorado is used as farmland.
Approximately 36% of the state is farmland.
Over half of the state, about 58%, is dedicated to farmland.
Just about 32% of the island state is farmland.
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).