October 31, 2010
October 29, 2010
Pride & Prejudice... and Zombies
This is one of those moments when I’m kicking myself for not coming up with a fantastic idea first. It’s like the pool noodle attachments that were so popular when I was growing up. My friends and I were using duct tape to connect pool noodles together for years, but we never thought it was something that could be marketed.
To end zombie week on my blog, I want to pay homage to a hilarious novel that is worth purchasing. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies infuses a classic narrative and a modern fad to create a strangely appealing final product. Both Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith are credited as the authors. The original novel was published in 1813, and the modern, “adjusted” version was released in 2009. The plot of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is more or less the same, except that various zombie and ninja elements have been added.
For some reason, my brother and I have had a thing for zombies since we were kids. Maybe it’s the whole “undead” superiority thing. Or, maybe we just needed a break from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Either way, learning about zombie culture is something we have done since we were young. I can’t express our excitement level when this novel came out, and I was not disappointed after I read it the first time. I recommend it to everyone, even if you aren’t a zombie fanatic like me. It’s truly an entertaining read.
The new cover. See what I mean? It's just great...
Here’s a piece of advice if you actually purchase the novel: Buy the original and the zombie edition. Get a group of people together, and take turns reading paragraphs from each novel aloud. It’s so much fun, and you can actually see where changes were made.
*All images taken from Google.
P.S... Do you think it should be "zombified" or "zombiefied?" I can't decide which way to go...
Here's one of the not-so-zombified book covers. Not very scary, right?
To end zombie week on my blog, I want to pay homage to a hilarious novel that is worth purchasing. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies infuses a classic narrative and a modern fad to create a strangely appealing final product. Both Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith are credited as the authors. The original novel was published in 1813, and the modern, “adjusted” version was released in 2009. The plot of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is more or less the same, except that various zombie and ninja elements have been added.
For some reason, my brother and I have had a thing for zombies since we were kids. Maybe it’s the whole “undead” superiority thing. Or, maybe we just needed a break from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Either way, learning about zombie culture is something we have done since we were young. I can’t express our excitement level when this novel came out, and I was not disappointed after I read it the first time. I recommend it to everyone, even if you aren’t a zombie fanatic like me. It’s truly an entertaining read.
The new cover. See what I mean? It's just great...Here’s a piece of advice if you actually purchase the novel: Buy the original and the zombie edition. Get a group of people together, and take turns reading paragraphs from each novel aloud. It’s so much fun, and you can actually see where changes were made.
*All images taken from Google.
P.S... Do you think it should be "zombified" or "zombiefied?" I can't decide which way to go...
October 27, 2010
How to Survive a Zombie Outbreak
DISCLAIMER: The events in the following essay have not yet happened. This was an assignment for one of my classes, so do not be alarmed when you read the part about everyone you love being dead. This following is a How-To essay designed to teach the public what to do WHEN a zombie outbreak occurs. Print it out, put it in your wallet or purse, and ensure you can refer to it quickly in the event of an emergency. You will be glad you did. Good luck to us all...
The world, as we know it, has ended. Either a massive flu virus has broken out, or a deadly, unknown disease has escaped from a high security facility. Regardless, the majority of humans are now deceased. Unfortunately, those who died have not remained dead, and instead have begun to roam the planet in search of living people on which to feed. Simply stated, you are now being hunted by creatures commonly referred to as zombies. And depending on the virus or disease that infected them, you are either being hunted by slow, stupid, awkward zombies, or fast, screaming, infected-with-rage zombies. But do not panic. The following is a guide of three easy steps that must be understood in order to survive a zombie outbreak. Do not refer to books such as “The Zombie Survival Guide,” or “World War Z," because that information is not up-to-date. Following this three-step system is paramount, and complying with the information might just save you from becoming someone’s dinner.
The first step to surviving a zombie outbreak is acceptance of the situation. This is much easier said than done, as most people will have a difficult time when they realize everyone they have ever cared about is most likely dead. A variety of emotions will occur as you struggle to make sense of what has happened. Crying or hysteria will occur almost immediately; shock and fear will follow soon after. Next, rage will take over, and this is the emotion that can be the most problematic. Many people will want to grab the first available weapon-like object and destroy every zombie around as a way to avenge the deaths of loved ones. It is paramount that you fight this urge. Angry weapon wielding usually results in a zombie-inflicted injury, leaving you in the same position as those you lost. Find some way to stay occupied, and allow anger to pass like the previous emotions. If you successfully work through the rage phase without getting yourself killed, feelings of acceptance and calmness will take over. This is good, as it means you are now ready to move forward.
The second, and most important step to zombie survival, is preparation. If a zombie outbreak were ever to actually occur, the government would set up a recovery plan. This means help will arrive, sooner or later, and all you need to do is stay alive until you are found. To do this, preparation is necessary. First, find the nearest police station or military base, and stock up on the following: guns, ammunition, swords, machetes, various explosives, blow torches, and a bow and arrow. Next, locate the nearest department store, and collect canned food, bottled water, first-aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, a portable radio, and rope. Load everything into a dependable, working vehicle. Hopefully, you will be far away before the zombies are attracted by the noise of the car engine. Fill up at the nearest gas station, and fill as many portable gas cans as humanly possible. Finally, begin driving to the nearest body of water where large boats are moored.
It is a known fact that zombies are unable to swim. They will attempt to follow you into the water, but will gradually drown. This is precisely why in step three it is necessary to find both a sailboat and lots of water. Technically, any type of boat would do in a desperate situation, but a sailboat eliminates the problem of running out of gas. Pack the boat with the supplies you have collected, and set sail through your chosen body of water. Do not follow an approach similar to that highlighted in the movie Dawn of the Dead, where survivors hide in a local mall. This is short-term solution, as zombies will gradually surround your hideout and make escape impossible. Help will arrive eventually, and waiting on the water where zombies cannot reach you will increase the chance of survival. It is important, however, to be on the lookout at all times. Do not assume you are safe simply because you are on the water.
Attempting to live through a zombie outbreak can be a trying and terrifying experience for anyone. This is why it is extremely important to fully understand and implement the three easy steps that make survival possible. Allotting adequate time for acceptance, preparation, and escape will separate you from those who do not have a serious will to live. The well-organized steps and industrious methods you exhibit may even impress the rescue teams, resulting in a high-ranking political position in the post-zombie world. Following the zombie outbreak how-to guide will not only save your life, it will steer you towards a more powerful future. Just remember to choose your survival partners carefully, and when killing zombies, aim for the head.
*All images taken from Google. All ideas compiled from years of zombie-related research.
The world, as we know it, has ended. Either a massive flu virus has broken out, or a deadly, unknown disease has escaped from a high security facility. Regardless, the majority of humans are now deceased. Unfortunately, those who died have not remained dead, and instead have begun to roam the planet in search of living people on which to feed. Simply stated, you are now being hunted by creatures commonly referred to as zombies. And depending on the virus or disease that infected them, you are either being hunted by slow, stupid, awkward zombies, or fast, screaming, infected-with-rage zombies. But do not panic. The following is a guide of three easy steps that must be understood in order to survive a zombie outbreak. Do not refer to books such as “The Zombie Survival Guide,” or “World War Z," because that information is not up-to-date. Following this three-step system is paramount, and complying with the information might just save you from becoming someone’s dinner.
The first step to surviving a zombie outbreak is acceptance of the situation. This is much easier said than done, as most people will have a difficult time when they realize everyone they have ever cared about is most likely dead. A variety of emotions will occur as you struggle to make sense of what has happened. Crying or hysteria will occur almost immediately; shock and fear will follow soon after. Next, rage will take over, and this is the emotion that can be the most problematic. Many people will want to grab the first available weapon-like object and destroy every zombie around as a way to avenge the deaths of loved ones. It is paramount that you fight this urge. Angry weapon wielding usually results in a zombie-inflicted injury, leaving you in the same position as those you lost. Find some way to stay occupied, and allow anger to pass like the previous emotions. If you successfully work through the rage phase without getting yourself killed, feelings of acceptance and calmness will take over. This is good, as it means you are now ready to move forward.The second, and most important step to zombie survival, is preparation. If a zombie outbreak were ever to actually occur, the government would set up a recovery plan. This means help will arrive, sooner or later, and all you need to do is stay alive until you are found. To do this, preparation is necessary. First, find the nearest police station or military base, and stock up on the following: guns, ammunition, swords, machetes, various explosives, blow torches, and a bow and arrow. Next, locate the nearest department store, and collect canned food, bottled water, first-aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, a portable radio, and rope. Load everything into a dependable, working vehicle. Hopefully, you will be far away before the zombies are attracted by the noise of the car engine. Fill up at the nearest gas station, and fill as many portable gas cans as humanly possible. Finally, begin driving to the nearest body of water where large boats are moored.
It is a known fact that zombies are unable to swim. They will attempt to follow you into the water, but will gradually drown. This is precisely why in step three it is necessary to find both a sailboat and lots of water. Technically, any type of boat would do in a desperate situation, but a sailboat eliminates the problem of running out of gas. Pack the boat with the supplies you have collected, and set sail through your chosen body of water. Do not follow an approach similar to that highlighted in the movie Dawn of the Dead, where survivors hide in a local mall. This is short-term solution, as zombies will gradually surround your hideout and make escape impossible. Help will arrive eventually, and waiting on the water where zombies cannot reach you will increase the chance of survival. It is important, however, to be on the lookout at all times. Do not assume you are safe simply because you are on the water. Attempting to live through a zombie outbreak can be a trying and terrifying experience for anyone. This is why it is extremely important to fully understand and implement the three easy steps that make survival possible. Allotting adequate time for acceptance, preparation, and escape will separate you from those who do not have a serious will to live. The well-organized steps and industrious methods you exhibit may even impress the rescue teams, resulting in a high-ranking political position in the post-zombie world. Following the zombie outbreak how-to guide will not only save your life, it will steer you towards a more powerful future. Just remember to choose your survival partners carefully, and when killing zombies, aim for the head.
*All images taken from Google. All ideas compiled from years of zombie-related research.
October 24, 2010
A zombie flash mob extravaganza
Ever since I saw the YouTube video of people randomly dancing to The Sound of Music soundtrack in a train station, I have been hooked on the concept of flash mobs.There is something about a group of people getting together and performing for strangers that I find fantastic. I also have the same attitude towards bridal parties that break into dance at various times during their wedding-day activities. My love of flash mobs is so serious that I even included one as part of a recent PR proposal for Winnipeg Harvest. But despite my obsession with random acts of dancing, I haven’t personally taken part in a flash mob until I joined hundreds of other Winnipeggers on the Zombie Walk this past Saturday evening.
Now, it isn’t technically a real flash mob, but I’m pretty sure “flash mob” is a loose definition. There don’t seem to be a lot of rules when it comes to spontaneously breaking into dance, song, or other activity.
We all gathered in an alleyway behind The Royal Albert at around 8 p.m. on October 23, and listened as a group of people gave speeches and pumped us up from a series of fire escapes snaking up the side of one of the buildings. The most popular chant was “brains” by far, although I prefer “uuurrrggghhh” myself. There were death-related signs everywhere, and a live band was playing in the back.
In our group of three, I had the least interesting costume. Deciding at the last minute to purchase a trench coat from Value Village – because for some reason I felt that would make me look “scarier” – I think I was a goth/vampire who was having an identity crisis by thinking she was a zombie. My boyfriend – the ever-industrious costume creator – went as a zombie cow (or mad cow, whichever you prefer). Tiffany, in true Star Trek blogger style, went as a zombie Vulcan complete with utility belt, communicator, and phaser. Both their costumes were so fantastic that everyone wanted pictures of them. Thus, I became popular by association.
(P.S. When I just wrote “Vulcan” in Microsoft Word, spell check automatically capitalized the word. That’s how far the reach of Star Trek has gone. “Vulcan” is officially a proper name.)
Walking down Portage Avenue with a massive line of people “in character” as zombies is an experience I will never forget. My mind flashed back to psychology class in first-year university, and for some reason the definition of “groupthink” popped into my head:
Groupthink is a psychological phenomenon that can occur in groups of people. Rather than critically evaluating information, the group members begin to form quick opinions that match the group consensus. Groupthink is sometimes positive but is more often seen in a negative light. Mass hysteria can be seen as an extreme example of groupthink.
Winnipeg Police were directing traffic and shutting down side streets as we walked, and I found out later that this wasn’t initially planned. They thought we were having a rally behind The Albert, and didn’t actually know the Zombie Walk was taking place until our line of people stretched from the starting point to the MTS Centre. I felt bad because we were cutting off cars and walking through green lights, but most people stuck in traffic seemed to be enjoying themselves.
Overall, the Zombie Walk was fantastic. I will attend again next year, and I am so excited that my first flash mob experience was with hundreds of other Winnipeggers who understand the importance of zombie culture.
If you want to read the Winnipeg Free Press article about the walk, click here.
Die long and prosper... Happy Halloween.
Quirky billboards provide inspiration
I'm currently working on a billboard for a proposal assignment in radio class. It's safe to say that when it come to artistic design, I have no skills.
Last year, I had to painfully force myself through Desktop Publishing class. It's interesting learning how to use Photoshop and InDesign, but for some reason I just can't come up with my own creative ideas.
I've come to the conclusion that I can write... but I can't design. Therefore, I needed to search online for popular billboards in order to draw some inspiration. Below are a few of my favourites.
Last year, I had to painfully force myself through Desktop Publishing class. It's interesting learning how to use Photoshop and InDesign, but for some reason I just can't come up with my own creative ideas.
I've come to the conclusion that I can write... but I can't design. Therefore, I needed to search online for popular billboards in order to draw some inspiration. Below are a few of my favourites.
I never considered using the actual billboard light for effect, but it's definitely working here...
This one got a lot of attention, and I can see why...
It's the perfect way to describe an iPod.
And I think this one is just fun.
If I were braver, I would post my billboard on here too, and see if you can figure out which one is mine. You could (it's not that great), but I can say that I feel I am slowly learning what works and what doesn't. I'll never have amazing design skills, or create an award-winning layout or advertisement, but I think I'm content being the person who writes the eloquently-phrased news releases in the background.
*All images taken from Google.
October 22, 2010
Market research at the mall
I have never been one of those people who like to spend an extended period of time at the mall. Also, there is absolutely no way that I would ever be at a mall on a Monday morning unless it was for a school assignment. Therefore, I was shocked to see how many people were at Polo Park Shopping Centre (Polo Park) at 10:30 a.m. on October 18, 2010.
There were an eclectic variety of people from many different backgrounds at Polo Park this past Monday. The majority of mall patrons were senior citizens, and they were usually in groups of two or three. They didn’t seem to have a specific purchasing goal in mind, and appeared to be using the outing as a social experience. There were also a number of parents – specifically mothers – walking around with young children. In addition, I noticed a few groups of teenagers (who looked like they were skipping school), some well-off, non-working women, and a number of business professionals.
When watching each of the different types of mall patrons shop, I noticed that most people could be placed in two different categories. First, there were the “committed purchasers.” They were the people who were at the mall with a list of specific items to buy, and they moved purposefully from store to store. People in this category were primarily business professionals and parents with children, however, there were a few senior citizens and teens that seemed like they were on a mission as well.
Committed purchasers made decisions in record time, and one woman was in and out of Sephora in seven minutes with perfume, lipstick, and eye shadow. It appeared that she had already previously decided what she wanted, and was simply coming to the mall to pick it all up. I noticed no common patterns in what committed purchasers were selecting, and the only similar thread was the fact that they all seemed rushed, slightly impatient, and eager to move on to the next store.
Second, there were a number of “random browsers.” These were the people who obviously had nowhere to be and nothing specific to do. They seemed to be simply enjoying the fact that they could peruse the array of clothing, shoes, and accessories the mall sells undisturbed and unmolested by crowds. People in this category were primarily senior citizens and truant teenagers. I couldn’t determine much about their purchasing decisions or patterns because I didn’t actually see a random browser buy anything. I even went as far as to follow one elderly lady into three separate stores, but she left the mall disappointingly empty-handed.
I attempted to speak to a sales associate in Lululemon, and I was unceremoniously shut down. She told me that employees aren’t allowed to speak to customers about shopping trends, and I should contact the public relations department with my inquiry. This answer seemed strange, so I talked to a sales associate in GUESS as well. She was much more helpful, and actually wanted to answer my questions. I asked about discounts, and she stated that a customer would usually be interested in a sale if there were a savings over 10 per cent. Twenty per cent and up were the most favourable sales, she explained, but Winnipeggers will pretty much get out of bed for anything, including free garbage.
My favourite store to shop at was Lululemon. The organization was simple, it was easy to find what I was looking for, and it wasn’t too crowded. I like the fact that the clothing is organized by item. The pants were in the pants section, the shirts were in the shirt section, and sweatshirts and jackets were at the front. GUESS was also organized well, and it was easy for me to find both casual clothing and dress clothing because they were each in their own section. Also, the service at both stores was very friendly, and this made me enjoy the experience even more.
No matter where I go, or what I do, my favourite store will always be Swarovski. When I was in Europe last summer I visited the headquarters in Austria and absolutely fell in love with the brand. Everything is so shiny, so regal, and so gorgeous. I spent 20 minutes inside the store at Polo Park, and it was great. In addition to having a beautifully laid out selection of items, the sales associates were incredibly friendly. They kept mentioning that I should be having fun as I’m shopping, and that it’s fine to try things on without purchase because Swarovski jewellery is meant to be experienced. I think that was a very effective sales tactic, and I would have bought something if I wasn’t a starving student with no money.
In Sephora, I actually purchased a $24 tube of lip-gloss. It was an impulse buy that I can’t really afford, but I was mesmerized by the Parisian Moulin Rouge display that accompanied the line of beauty products. After returning to school, I eagerly pulled out my purchase to show it to a few classmates. Imagine my surprise when the item I pulled out of the box was NOT my beloved lip-gloss, but a completely different and thoroughly ugly tube of lip plumper. It had apparently been labeled incorrectly, and I was furious. As mentioned at the beginning of this report, I’m really not a mall person. Now, I have to get on a bus and go all the way back to Polo Park to return the item and – hopefully – get the correct one. That isn’t how I envisioned ending this assignment, and I definitely won’t be purchasing anything from Sephora again as a result.
Overall opinion: People shopping at a mall on a Monday morning largely don’t have anywhere else they need to be. While this is slightly depressing, it is also a huge advertising opportunity, and holding sales and promotions during this time would drastically increase traffic.
There were an eclectic variety of people from many different backgrounds at Polo Park this past Monday. The majority of mall patrons were senior citizens, and they were usually in groups of two or three. They didn’t seem to have a specific purchasing goal in mind, and appeared to be using the outing as a social experience. There were also a number of parents – specifically mothers – walking around with young children. In addition, I noticed a few groups of teenagers (who looked like they were skipping school), some well-off, non-working women, and a number of business professionals.
When watching each of the different types of mall patrons shop, I noticed that most people could be placed in two different categories. First, there were the “committed purchasers.” They were the people who were at the mall with a list of specific items to buy, and they moved purposefully from store to store. People in this category were primarily business professionals and parents with children, however, there were a few senior citizens and teens that seemed like they were on a mission as well.
Committed purchasers made decisions in record time, and one woman was in and out of Sephora in seven minutes with perfume, lipstick, and eye shadow. It appeared that she had already previously decided what she wanted, and was simply coming to the mall to pick it all up. I noticed no common patterns in what committed purchasers were selecting, and the only similar thread was the fact that they all seemed rushed, slightly impatient, and eager to move on to the next store.
Second, there were a number of “random browsers.” These were the people who obviously had nowhere to be and nothing specific to do. They seemed to be simply enjoying the fact that they could peruse the array of clothing, shoes, and accessories the mall sells undisturbed and unmolested by crowds. People in this category were primarily senior citizens and truant teenagers. I couldn’t determine much about their purchasing decisions or patterns because I didn’t actually see a random browser buy anything. I even went as far as to follow one elderly lady into three separate stores, but she left the mall disappointingly empty-handed.
I attempted to speak to a sales associate in Lululemon, and I was unceremoniously shut down. She told me that employees aren’t allowed to speak to customers about shopping trends, and I should contact the public relations department with my inquiry. This answer seemed strange, so I talked to a sales associate in GUESS as well. She was much more helpful, and actually wanted to answer my questions. I asked about discounts, and she stated that a customer would usually be interested in a sale if there were a savings over 10 per cent. Twenty per cent and up were the most favourable sales, she explained, but Winnipeggers will pretty much get out of bed for anything, including free garbage.
My favourite store to shop at was Lululemon. The organization was simple, it was easy to find what I was looking for, and it wasn’t too crowded. I like the fact that the clothing is organized by item. The pants were in the pants section, the shirts were in the shirt section, and sweatshirts and jackets were at the front. GUESS was also organized well, and it was easy for me to find both casual clothing and dress clothing because they were each in their own section. Also, the service at both stores was very friendly, and this made me enjoy the experience even more.
No matter where I go, or what I do, my favourite store will always be Swarovski. When I was in Europe last summer I visited the headquarters in Austria and absolutely fell in love with the brand. Everything is so shiny, so regal, and so gorgeous. I spent 20 minutes inside the store at Polo Park, and it was great. In addition to having a beautifully laid out selection of items, the sales associates were incredibly friendly. They kept mentioning that I should be having fun as I’m shopping, and that it’s fine to try things on without purchase because Swarovski jewellery is meant to be experienced. I think that was a very effective sales tactic, and I would have bought something if I wasn’t a starving student with no money.
In Sephora, I actually purchased a $24 tube of lip-gloss. It was an impulse buy that I can’t really afford, but I was mesmerized by the Parisian Moulin Rouge display that accompanied the line of beauty products. After returning to school, I eagerly pulled out my purchase to show it to a few classmates. Imagine my surprise when the item I pulled out of the box was NOT my beloved lip-gloss, but a completely different and thoroughly ugly tube of lip plumper. It had apparently been labeled incorrectly, and I was furious. As mentioned at the beginning of this report, I’m really not a mall person. Now, I have to get on a bus and go all the way back to Polo Park to return the item and – hopefully – get the correct one. That isn’t how I envisioned ending this assignment, and I definitely won’t be purchasing anything from Sephora again as a result.
Overall opinion: People shopping at a mall on a Monday morning largely don’t have anywhere else they need to be. While this is slightly depressing, it is also a huge advertising opportunity, and holding sales and promotions during this time would drastically increase traffic.
October 20, 2010
I am a ghost hunter
My IPP is very independent, and I don't really have much anyone can help me with. This is unfortunate, because I loved listening to CreComm's thank each other for their help at the IPP Presentations last year.
In an effort to infuse my presence in other CreComm's projects, I have started helping out everyone and anyone who needs something. I want to leave my mark on as many projects as possible, and my most recent endeavour has been ghost hunting with my good friend Jenn.
Miss Jenn Twardowski is filming a documentary about haunted locations around Manitoba. So far, she has visited three different places that are known to experience paranormal activity. I have accompanied her to each of these locations, and some of the things we've seen are pretty creepy.
Follow Jenn's progress on her blog, and come to the presentations in March to hear her talk all about what scary things happened to her -- and us -- as she put her documentary together. There are so many interesting IPP's this year, but Jenn's is one of my favourites.
In an effort to infuse my presence in other CreComm's projects, I have started helping out everyone and anyone who needs something. I want to leave my mark on as many projects as possible, and my most recent endeavour has been ghost hunting with my good friend Jenn.
Miss Jenn Twardowski is filming a documentary about haunted locations around Manitoba. So far, she has visited three different places that are known to experience paranormal activity. I have accompanied her to each of these locations, and some of the things we've seen are pretty creepy.
Follow Jenn's progress on her blog, and come to the presentations in March to hear her talk all about what scary things happened to her -- and us -- as she put her documentary together. There are so many interesting IPP's this year, but Jenn's is one of my favourites.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)