Back to Basics with Brooks (Max Brooks, that is)

I’ve done a lot of posts about things that can help keep you safe in the event of a zombie apocalypse - cars, amazing bunkers, and fancy schmancy modified weaponry – but there hasn’t been that much talk here about basic survival.

While having a flame-thrower, or a blimp stocked with Doritos would be great, what is it that you would actually need in those crazy days?

For that answer, I turn to the man who literally wrote the book on zombie apocalypse survival. I’m talking of course about Mr. Max Brooks.

Max has become the go-to guy for zombie survival in the last few years. With live appearances around the country and all over television, he has spread the word of true zombie survival.

So… say you have to hike from your home all the way across state to the safety of your uncle Leon’s condo. And let’s assume you don’t have access to a tank or a machine gun crossbow. What does Max say that you need?

1. WATER!

2. Some way to collect and PURIFY water!

3. Broken-in hiking boots (blisters are not funny!)

4. Dry socks (trench foot is definitely not funny!)

5. A radio that doesn’t need batteries (and an earpiece so you’re not broadcasting to everything living and undead within earshot)

6. Some means of making fire (matches are good, flint and steel and char cloth are better)

7. Some means of self-defense (preferably something that doesn’t need reloading)

8. A first aid kit

9. A Swiss army knife or multi-tool

10. The Zombie Survival Guide — ONLY if it’s in paperback! Hey, I love e-books too, but remember, in a crisis, paper doesn’t break or simply run out of juice!

Now, I’m sure Max wouldn’t mind if I added a number 11 to his list. That, of course, being the world-famous B’hold Designs UltimateCamouflage! If you doubt it’s power, consider this…. Max himself owns one. Of course I begged him to take it, but he did! (click HERE for the whole sordid tale.)

And one more thing… remember, in a zombie apocalypse, all bets are off. As “The Walking Dead” has taught us, anyone can become undead at ANY time. Even Mr. Brooks.

Aim high. Run fast.

Brett

B’hold Designs Store

B’hold Designs Website

Friends in 'Grave' Places

I don't follow football, so I don't really know anything about former player Hines Ward, other than what I've read... retired from the Pittsburg Steelers... studio analyst for NBC's "Football Night in America".... and once voted dirtiest player in the NFL.

And to that already impressive (although somewhat notorious) resume he can now add the title of ZOMBIE.

It seems Mr. Ward has a connection (a college teammate) who acts on the AMC show "The Walking Dead" which has allowed him to fall in the ranks of...well, a walker. I'm not sure who that connection is... wish I had one.

Mr. Hines was quoted in the Pittsburg Post-Gazette as saying, "Just being in makeup preparing me for my role was cool. I actually scared myself when I looked in the mirror for the first time after."

Wuss.

Aim high. Run fast. Go team.

Brett

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New "Walking Dead" Promo and a Terrible Rumor!

Oh boys and girls we are CLOSE! Just under two weeks until the single greatest television show of all time returns to finish out season three!

What will happen to our good buddy Daryl? Will he have to fight his own brother? Perhaps even kill him? How about Andrea? Will she quit having sex with the governor long enough to see what a prick he is? And how about Rick? How much more can he take before he loses it completely?

Now, I have seen rumors flying around on the internet that Daryl gets the ax this season, and it has generated a HUGE negative response, and rightly so. After all, Daryl has become everyone's favorite hero, with his willingness to eat any 'critter' that hops/flies/crawls across his path and his lethal squeeze on that crossbow trigger.

I think we're all in agreement that if ANYone could survive a zombie apocalypse, it would be Daryl Dixon. However in a realistic view of the end of days, anyone could go at any time, and I applaud the writers for their courage to illustrate that to us (Sophia). It keeps us on edge and completely fearful...exactly where we should be.

BUT... I have seen a few interviews with Robert Kirkman where he talks about his excitement over the characters of Daryl and Merle because they weren't in his comic. He's genuinely interested in how they interact within the world of his creation. So knowing that, do I think he would allow this character to be killed off in season three? I don't think so. Season seven or eight? Possibly.

Maybe I should send him one of my care packages to ensure his survival.

Anyway, we're all dying to know what happens next, and our good buddies at AMC know that, so they have given us a tiny nugget of a glimpse of what's to come in a new promo video. It's not much in terms of info, but it's MORE than enough to get our zombie killing fur all bristled up!

Check it out:



Aim high. Run fast.

Brett

B'hold Designs Store
B'hold Designs Website

Create Your Own Zombie

Have a flair for the undead? Do you like playing dress up with dolls? Got $50 laying around? Then you're in luck! Now you can "Create Your Own Zombie" with the "Create Your Own Zombie Action Figure Customizing Kit" from big k toyz!

Inside this glorious box is a 1/9 scale body with removable joints to add any custom pieces and heads with detailed levels of decay! The pieces range from fresh wounds to long-term decay with torn flesh, exposed bone and withered skin.

Not sure how to paint or build your zombie? Fear not! There's a DVD included that shows painting and assembly techniques, and step-by-step instructions on how to make your zombie as disgusting as possible.

Whether you get it for yourself to terrorize your cat, or for your kids to throw the world's most awesome tea parties, this is obviously a product every zombie fan should possess.

Check it out HERE!

Aim high. Run fast.

Brett

B'hold Designs Store

B'hold Designs Website

Warm Bodies

I've seen this movie being advertised online for a while now, but have been avoiding blogging about it. Why? Because I guess I'm kind of a "zombie snob." I prefer the films I see to showcase zombies in their "classic form." What does that mean? It means, unable to learn (didn't care for Bub in "Day of the Dead"), unable to think, and unable to use weapons (both found in "Land of the Dead").

Now it appears I have to state that I want them unable to LOVE!!

While the movie appears to be funny (and funny zombies are ok... see "Shaun of the Dead"), it also appears to possess a love story, which downright pisses me off.

I'm sorry, but you can screw around with other movie monsters and make them all warm and squishy and sexually desirable, but don't... and I can't stress this enough... DON'T "TWILIGHT" MY ZOMBIES!

Personally, I love zombies because of the horror of the situation. I mean, what's more horrifying then watching your uncle Leon die in your arms, only to have him come back and try to chew your face off?!

Will this movie do well? Probably. But only because the market is saturated with undead right now, so those that started calling themselves "zombie fans" a month or so ago are already getting bored.

Here's the trailer, in case you want to check it out. I'm not saying boycott it by any means. Who knows? Maybe you'll like it, and that's totally cool, but as for myself..... no thanks.



Aim high. Run fast.

Brett
A zombie fan before it was fashionable

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Time to Nut Up or Shut Up...Again!

Well, paint a number 3 on my car and yell "thank God for rednecks!" It looks like ol' Tallahassee is gearing up for more professional zombie extermination, and banjo pluckin' ....but this time, online.

That's right, Amazon is developing "Zombieland" as an original series for their streaming service. Apparently, it's been in the works for tv for a while now. Originally, it looked like it might go to CBS, but I guess that's not happening. It seems Amazon is working hard to compete with Netflix and Hulu and producing a few original programs.

No word on a release date at this time.

Of course we all know that, as cool as Tallahassee is/was, he's no Rick... or Daryl... or Michonne... or hell, CARL this season. I'll stick with "The Walking Dead."

Aim high. Run fast. Eat Twinkies (while you still can)

Brett

B'hold Designs Store

B'hold Designs Website

Zombie Apocalypse Day Coming to a Town Near You?

Everyone wants to be prepared for the zombie apocalypse. Some prepare by stocking up on guns and toilet paper. Others prepare by fortifying their house with safe rooms or moats. We here at B'hold Designs like to watch "The Walking Dead" and obsess over zombifying pictures of celebrities and friends.

However you go about it, you probably have questions, and now (as long as you live in or near Seattle) you can get answers!

This Sunday, January 27 is "Zombie Apocalypse Day" at the Ballard Community Center! Billed as a family-friendly event about crisis preparedness, there will be over 20 vendors giving demonstrations and tackling some of your craziest questions. Who are these experts in the field of survival in a post-apocalyptic, bloated moaning carcass filled world? None other than the Seattle Office of Emergency Management, the Red Cross, and Z Ultimate Self-Defense Studio to name just a few.

It's from 12 to 6 p.m., so pack a lunch and stay all day. Check out their facebook page for more info.

AND HEY... want to really impress the experts? Show them you're no survival newbie by strutting thru the doors wearing your ULTIMATE CAMOUFLAGE by your buddies at B'hold Designs, and don't be surprised if they yank you up on-stage to teach them.

Aim high. Run fast.

Brett

B'hold Designs Store
B'hold Designs Website

MAMA

I know this isn't zombie related, but I'm really anxious to see the new film "Mama" that's out right now. I love me some good old creepy horror and this movie looks to deliver.

In case you haven't heard of it, here's the official trailer:



Looks pretty good, right? How would you like some BONUS creepy stuff? Check out this short video, which is the inspiration for the film!



Pretty freakin' sweet, right? Go out and see this film. Hopefully it will be all that I'm hoping for and make me afraid to go potty in the middle of the night!

Aim high. Run fast.

Brett

B'hold Designs Store
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Mythbusters Wants YOU for Zombie Episode!

Hey everyone! If you're a fan of the show "Mythbusters", or a zombie fan, or better yet, BOTH, this might be the best news you've heard in a long time.

Mythbusters is doing a zombie episode! There aren't many details, but we do know two things: 1) they're testing weaponry to decide which is really the best for taking down a horde of the undead! And 2) they need VOLUNTEERS!

That's right! They're seeking 300 zombie volunteers to help shoot the episode in a few weeks! You can get details thru their Twitter account! While your safety cannot be guaranteed, the upgrade of your "awesome factor" is most definitely assured!

Aim high. Run fast.

Brett

B'hold Designs Store

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Kick Ass Zombie Weapons

In my travels for zombie stuff on the interweb, I have seen some things.... some gruesome, some silly and some amazing.

Add the following to the list of amazing.

Zombie Tools is a collection of guys that are full-on ready for the apocalypse. Describing themselves as "deadly serious" in creating gear to increase ones survival of such an event, they show incredible skill at metalsmithing! Based in Montana they use American made steel and aluminum to cut the shape from steel, heat and hammering the blade into shape... and they do stellar work.

Check out the "Bone Machete 2012"

Wow! This is one cool looking piece of slice and dice.With it's handguard handle, you can protect your fingers from what they describe as "all manner of ill-fortune you might find in the fray." It comes with a sheath and leather-wrapped grip. 25" long blade; Weight - just over 2 lbs.

Now have a gander at "The Mack Daddy-O"

Modeled after the Chinese great sword, or dadao, you could hack and slash about anything with this piece and look really freakin' cool doing it. Weighing 4 lbs 13 oz, this blade could (as they say) "almost certainly decapitate a unicorn."

These are just two of many incredible works of art that could hack thru a horde in a matter of minutes. I highly recommend checking them out.

Aim high. Run fast.

Brett

B'hold Designs Store

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I Now Pronounce You Undead

Are you about to get married? Know anyone that is?

British video game company Deep Silver is hosting a contest in which one couple will win not only a Caribbean honeymoon.....but a zombie-themed wedding!!!

All you have to do is post a video on YouTube explaining why you and your sweetie are the best candidates for the wedding, and share it on the "Dead Island Riptide Zombie Wedding" Facebook page!

Hurry up, though, because the "deadline" (did I mention I hate puns?) is February 14th!! The winners will be chosen in early March.

Aim high. Run fast. You may kiss the zombie.

Brett

B'hold Designs Store
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Yummy for the Tummy

 Have you ever seen a kid beg his parents for a few cents for gum, or a useless trinket  from a vending machine? Cute isn’t it? Over and over and over they beg at an increasingly high volume until the parent explodes and practically throws  money at them  just to hush them up. Ah, those adorable youngsters.

Wouldn’t you love to see the look on the little brats faces  as they skip merrily over to THIS freakishly amazing gumball machine??

From Juneau Studios comes two delightful vending machines sure to traumatize little Billy and Suzy into keeping their mouths shut for a while.

Each machine stands 4 ½ feet tall and are molded from fiberglass.

Now if only there were some “eyeball” gumballs to put inside…

Aim high. Run fast.

Brett

B’hold Designs Store

B’hold Designs Website

Holy Sheet!

Now I lay me down to sleep....holy crap, something's got my feet!

Introducing the coolest set of bed linens I have ever seen! Textile designer Melissa Christie has come up with an amazing accessory for every zombie super-fan's bedroom!  it includes a duvet cover and two pillowcases, showcasing zombie arms and disgusting blood splats all over the place.

The best part is, they probably come in your bed size, be that twin, double, queen, or king!

I recommend buying them in secret, then at 3:00 am when your spouse goes potty, jump up and switch them! The look on her face the next morning as she sees you face down, unconscious in what appears to be a pool of blood will be worth the four months of silent treatment you'll get!

Get yours by clicking HERE!

Aim high. Run fast. Nighty night.

Brett

B'hold Designs Store
B'hold Designs Website

Right Up My Alley

I hate puns. Seriously. But this item I discovered online screamed out for one.

Introducing the most amazing bowling balls ever to be created! Unfortunately, these little gems aren't for sale, which really sucks because imagine the look on Rocco's face when you show up for league night pulling one of these bad boys out of your bag!

Check it out:



Aim high. Run fast. Aim for the 'head' pin..... geez I hate puns.

Brett

B'hold Designs Store
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Returning Soon

Well, it's only the third day of 2013, and I've only written 1997 four times! How about that?

Being the beginning of January, we're just a little over a month until the return of AMC's "The Walking Dead!" Huzzah!! There's a lot of crazy, dramatic tension in store as Team Rick squares off against Team Governor, and I for one cannot wait to see how it all plays out!

Here's a clip of the cast and crew discussing the upcoming second half of season three and how it affects their characters. (There might be a spoiler or two. I didn't see any, but AMC had a spoiler warning so I thought I'd better pass it along, just in case.)

Check it out:



Aim high. Run fast.

Brett

B'hold Designs Store
B'hold Designs Website