Monday, October 29, 2012

Halloween Recipes!


Yesterday, I had the most entries ever on this blog in 1 day!  I'm soooo excited!  Now I just have to wait for my first comment!

Unfortunately, this is the last entry dedicated to Zombies!  And because it's still 2 days before Halloween I'm also going to throw in a few Halloween related suggestions as well.

Yesterday, when I was researching Halloween I came across some awesome recipes.  This issue is dedicated to Zombie and Halloween recipes.

The CSR website has some awesome recipes to prepare for that Halloween get together.

Sticky 'Bat' Wings

Carrot Cake Pop Skulls


Chocolate Mousse with Gingerbread Gravestones


Meringue Bones with Blood-Red Raspberry Dipping Sauce


Haunted Gingerbread House


Sunday, October 28, 2012

Halloween Events in Australia

This post is going to provide information about upcoming events, functions and gigs with a Halloween theme.

I know the post is meant to feature Zombie events; however I figured that being Halloween you can always dress up as a Zombie - so it ties in neatly together.  By the way, these events are from all over Australia.

Event 1 - Perth

Halloween Dress Up Party @ Villa

The Villa Nightclub on Stirling Street, Perth will be hosting a Halloween Party. This popular Halloween Party has become an annual event with decorations, best costume giveaways and a great line-up of local and international DJs playing all your favourite tunes.

This year the Halloween Party at Villa Nightclub will feature Swanky Tunes and plenty of local talent. Dress up in your most ghoulish or craziest costume and join in the fun on Wednesday 31st October, 2012, starting at 10pm.

Tickets start at $20.00 per person and available through Moshtix.




Image Courtesy of the Villa Nightclub Website

Event 2 - Perth


The Rocky Horror Picture Show

The Event Cinema's in Morley and Innaloo will have a special screening of the classic horror movie The Rocky Horror Picture Show on Wednesday 31st October, 2012 and Friday 2nd November, 2012. 

Tickets are $20.00 each and this price includes a medium popcorn. 
Image Courtesy of Event Cinema Website

Event 3 - Perth

Brothers Grimm Halloween Party

Wolf Lane, just off Murray Street in Perth is holding the Brothers Grimm Halloween Party on Wednesday 31st October, 2012 from 6pm. Get dressed up in your favourite costume and scare yourself senseless.

Tickets are $39.00 per person and this price includes canapés and a Halloween cocktail on arrival. 

Tickets can be booked through Iwannaticket.

Image Courtesy of the Wolf Lane Website

Event 4 - Perth

Halloween at Pancho's

Pancho's Mexican Villa Restaurant in East Victoria Park is having a Halloween night special. Dress up in costume and receive a free beer or frozen cocktail on arrival.

Pancho's is also offering $5.00 Nachos, Corona's and Frozen Cocktails with any main meal.

Image Courtesy of Panchos Website


Event 5 - Perth - kid friendly

Halloween Party at Chipmunks

Chipmunks Playland and Cafe in Port Kennedy will be hosting a Halloween Party on Wednesday 31st October, 2012 for children up to the age of eleven years old.

This fun, safe event will run from 6pm till 9pm. There will be lots of spooky games and activities and a prize for the best costume. Food and coffee will be a available from the cafe during the night.

Tickets are $10.00 each.

Event 6 - Brisbane

Halloween mischief in Bulimba
Hubble bubble, toil and trouble, there's some mischief afoot this Halloween in Bulimba. If your little ghouls and gremlins love the idea of Trick or Treat but you're not so keen on walking the streets knocking on strangers doors, Hocus Pocus in the Park could be just the trick for your tots.
Halloween in Bulimba

Event 7 - Brisbane

The Hi-Fi (West End) will host its inaugural Creepshow Halloween Festival on Friday, November 2. Live bands, burlesque performers, and DJs will haunt the Hi-Fi well past the witching hour. Tickets cost $20. 


Creepshow Halloween Festival, Hi-Fi

Event 8 - Brisbane

Eat, drink, and be scary on board a Kookaburra River Queen. This creepy cruise on the Brisbane River includes a seafood and carvery buffet dinner with live entertainment. The boat departs the Eagle Street Pier at 7:30pm on Friday, November 2, 2012. Tickets cost $39.50 for a child, $79 for an adult, or $197.50 for a family. 


Event 9 - Australia wide

Frankenweenie opens in Australian cinemas on October 25. Directed by Tim Burton, famous for his dark and quirky-themed movies such as Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, and The Nightmare Before Christmas, Frankenweenie tells the tale of a boy named Victor who brings his beloved dog Sparky back to life.


Event 10 - Sydney

Dracula, creepy cocktails and Transylvanian treats
Escape the irritating, screeching children that loiter around the streets on October 31st like the mischievous little horrors they are and head to the Gazebo Wine Garden for a spooky and very adult Halloween.

The bar will be decked out like Dracula's lair - think coffins, candelabras and creepy cocktails (but definitely no crucifixes), and most importantly costumes; don't be an (un)dead bore and dress up.

Tickets are $60 and include entry, food and drinks.

Event 11 - Melbourne

Dress ups and candy can't be beat
Halloween is one of my favourite holidays. I think this is partly because I had an American upbringing, but also because when you are a kid and celebrating this holiday you get to dress up and get candy: a great combination.

Halloween is slowly becoming more popular in Australia. In Melbourne this year I spotted a few Halloween signs in grocery stores and shops. The first sign I spotted was for a free chocolate soft serve and I immediately wondered what the catch was. You have to dress up in your Halloween costume and go to Cacao Green to receive a free small serve. So, it does pay to get dressed up for this holiday, the free goodies are already beginning.

This trick-or-treat event will run from 3 pm to 5.30 pm. 

Event 12 - Melbourne


Haunted Melbourne Ghost Tour – There are a few different ghost tours in Melbourne and I can't personally recommend any of them as yet (although joining one of them is on the ever lengthening To Do List). However, the Haunted Melbourne Ghost Tour has featured on several reputable TV shows (think Postcards, Coxy's Big Break etc) so I figure it must be pretty good. Don your finest zombie outfit and join a two-hour walking tour led by Haunted Bookshop founder and Haunted Australia TV presenter, Drew Sinton. Tours begin at 8.30 pm on Saturdays at The Haunted Bookshop, 15 McKillop Street, Melbourne CBD and cost $20.

Event 13 - Melbourne


Old Melbourne Gaol – One of Melbourne's top tourist attractions, the Old Melbourne Gaol incorporates Melbourne's oldest prison, historic Magistrate's Court and former Police City Watch House. Located in Russell Street, it has seen the highs and lows of crime, law and order in Melbourne since the 1840's. Melbourne Gaol witnessed 133 hangings in total and the site was home to dangerous criminals, petty offenders, the homeless and even the mentally ill. There are various different experiences on offer but the Night Tours (there are several different types) would definitely be the most fitting if you're after the macabre and mysterious. Check the website for prices, ticket types and opening hours.


Event 14 - Melbourne

Halloween Night Tour: Melbourne General Cemetery – Now this one truly is macabre. Melbourne General Cemetery runs educational night tours based on historical figures with memorials in the cemetery, with the money made going to cemetery maintenance projects. On Halloween night (October 31st just in case you didn't know) there are special Halloween Night Tours in operation leaving every 15 minutes. Unfortunately these are all now fully booked for Halloween 2012 but remember it for next year for some serious spooking, or you can always go along at a different time and hear the tales of Frederick Baker, the famous Princess Theatre Ghost, Sir Redmond Barry, the judge who sentenced Ned Kelly to death, and ill-fated explorers Burke and Wills. More information can be found here.

Event 15 - Sydney

Notre Dame Halloween End of Semester Party

So it's coming to that time of the year yet again when essays are frantically being written, final touches are put on presentations and exams are frighteningly close.

It's the end of another semester in a year that has absolutely flown by!

So if you're looking for a party to kill all those nerves and anxiety before exams, don't look anywhere else but the end of semester Halloween Party at the University of Notre Dame, Sydney!

The event itself, to be held on Monday October 31st, will start from 3pm and continue til late. Perhaps the greatest thing about this uni party is the fact that everyone from anywhere is invited and tickets are the same cost for everyone.

Tickets themselves are wristbands and will be $15 for alcohol or over 18 tickets, whilst there are also $8 tickets on sale for non-drinkers and under 18's.

And yes, I know what you're thinking. What do I get for $15 that makes this party so unique from the rest?

Well here it is.

Your ticket will give you entry into a cordoned off courtyard which will feature slushy machines, alcohol, the Red Bull car, a barbecue, food stalls, carnival games, house DJ's, Triple J Unearthed indie rockers Castlecomer, an exclusive photographer and in the spirit of the day, face-painters!

There is one catch though.

Once you get into the courtyard, everything is FREE!

The event will begin at 3pm on campus and then carry on to the Abercrombie bar right next door from 6pm til late.


The above events are all scheduled for Wednesday, 31 October 2012 - or the following weekend, so hurry and get your tickets!

Event 16 - Sydney

Circo Loco Halloween at The Greenwood Hotel


On the 29th of October the European flavour and character will be replicated at the Greenwood Hotel, Sydney's premier outdoor venue. Bringing top of the line techno and house to Circo Loco, the night will be defined by locals such as Matt Aubusson and Robbie Low.

WHEN & WHERE:29th October - The Greenwood Hotel

HOW MUCH?1st Release - $40 BF
Moshtix.com.
au

For more information please see here.



PASSED EVENT!

The following event has passed; however take note of the event organiser's details for next year!

The Apocalypse Undead Festival, in conjunction with The Brisbane Zombie Walk, is a fundraising event for the Brain Foundation of Australia. Held on Sunday, October 21 at Victoria Park in Spring Hill, this festival promises to be the biggest zombie party in the world. Mayhem includes live music, make up booths, market stalls, movies, and more. Gates open at 10am while the walk itself begins at 3pm. 

Brisbane Zombie Walk, Apocalypse Undead Festival
                                                                    Zombie Walk

*There are other events around Australia so please check your local newspaper or Google it!


Discovery

Today, I discovered mobile blogging! It's hard to type on the phone because of my podgy little fingers!

Thank goodness for auto-correct!

Later today I will post the next installment of Zombie fortnight. This upcoming post will focus on zombie events in Australia.

Since we're so close to Halloween, I will also do another post tomorrow about console games featuring Zombies!

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Movie Review - ARGO!

 

Argo is a 2012 American thriller film directed by Ben Affleck. The movie is based loosely on former Central Intelligence Agency operative Tony Mendez's historical account of the rescue of six U.S. diplomats from Tehran, Iran during the 1979 Iran hostage crisis.

Outline

First up the events in this movie are based on true events which happened in 1979 in Tehran, Iran.

The movie is based on the Iranian hostage crisis in Tehran, Iran in 1979 where around 60 US government employees working at the US Embassy were taken hostage for 444 days.  The story focuses on 6 employees from the Embassy who managed to escape just as the Embassy was over-run and the hostages taken.  These 6 find their way to the Canadian Consuls house and remain there in hiding until a plan is hatched by CIA operative Tony Mendez. 

The plan is risky, hair brained with a less than 50% chance of success.  That's all I'm going to stay about that!


The Cast

The movie is directed by and starring Ben Affleck.  Ben Affleck plays serious, no smiles, CIA operative Antonio Mendez.  He is sooo cool pressure; however he looks very old with all that grey hair!

Other cast members included Bryan Cranston as Jack O'Donnell, Alan Arkin as Lester Siege, John Goodman as John Chambers, Clea DuVall as Cora Lije, Kyle Chandler as Hamilton Jordan, Victor Garber as Ken Taylor, Tate Donovan as Bob Anders and Michael Parks as Jack Kirby just to name a few.


The Review

I, personally, don't know much about the circumstances surrounding the 1979 hostage crisis; however the movie is well written and the footage reflect the technology of the age.  To me the story was more believable because the actors were unknown - well unknown to me anyway.

The movie played out like a documentary in some parts with original footage from the crisis thrown in at opportune moments.

It didn't have the special effects that most other modern war movies have, but it felt real.  It felt like it was an accurate recount of the events which occurred at that time.


It was an enjoyable movie and even though it lacked the glitz and glamour of modern Hollywood movies it still gave you that edge of your seat effect.   There was no lengthy gun fights, no gruesome explosions, no bodies blown to bits but it was an enjoyable 2 hours and to be honest I would definitely watch it again, maybe not at the cinemas, but definitely in the privacy of my own home.

For that great cinema experience though I would see it there first - which I already have.  So don't miss out!



Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Zombie Books!


In the last Zombie post I mentioned that I would post on here some information about Zombie books.  Like I said, I've read a few of these and they are awesome.  My method is usually to read the first few chapters of a book and if it grabs me then I keep reading, but if it doesn't then I just stop.  I don't read the last chapter to see how it ended - nothing - I just put it down and move on!

Once, I started reading a book and after the first page I just couldn't bring myself to pick it up again.  It's sad but true :-(

So here is my list - I'll try and so a small summary of each book, but I may not be able to especially if I haven't read it.  I'll try and find out also any new Zombie books which may be coming out shortly.

Houston - we have a problem!  It appears that my 'book review' book has gone AWOL.

Yes, I know I'm a bit weird, but I do keep a 'book review' book.  There are 2 reasons for this:


  1. I read so many books that it was getting hard to keep track of all the books which I have read and which I haven't.  So, I started this A4 alphabetical ruled hardcover notebook which allowed me to write down the books that I finished reading; and
  2. because I also read books which sometimes comprise multiple volumes - keeping a book allows me to note which book it is and write a brief review noting the characters and their roles.  This also allows me to keep track of which volume I am up to in the series.
I also keep an A5 size book to note down future books which I would like to read.  This system has gotten a bit out of hand and it is now all over the place.  I have several books which perform this function, until recently that is.  I recently discovered this website called Good Reads and I am slowly transferring the title of the books there.  It's an awesome website.  You can search for books and either rate it if you've read it or put it in your reading now or read later sections.  According to good reads I've rated 51 books, but that's just the ones I could remember, because my 'book review' book is missing.

HELP!!!!!

If I don't find it soon I'll start hyperventilating and not to mention I can't remember all the Zombie books I've read.  

I'm going to use good old Google and see what that turns up!  Here goes...

Zom-B (Zom-B #1)

Zom-B is a radical new series about a zombie apocalypse, told in the first person by one of its victims. The series combines classic Shan action with a fiendishly twisting plot and hard-hitting and thought-provoking moral questions dealing with racism, abuse of power and more. This is challenging material, which will captivate existing Shan fans and bring in many new ones. As Darren says, "It's a big, sprawling, vicious tale...a grisly piece of escapism, and a barbed look at the world in which we live. Each book in the series is short, fast-paced and bloody. A high body-count is guaranteed!"


A Very Good Man (Dead End) - I haven't read this one, but research seems to suggest there are mixed reviews out there.  Here is a link to a free sample from Amazon.com, have a read and make up your own mind.  I'm going to.



A Very Good Neighbor (Dead End) - This book seemed to received reviews more in line with each other.  Looking forward to reading it!  Here is a sample!





Zombie Tales: Primrose Court Apt. 205 - I just got this one off Amazon for free to read on my kindle reader.  It's only 3 chapters long, so interested to see if its the full story.  Hope so, I love Zombie books!
Theodore Granger believes he’s cursed. He’s spent the last ten years locked away inside his apartment. But today is his day, the day he is to venture out into the world again. There is only one simple task on his agenda: walk one block, cross the street, and have a cup of coffee with his shrink. The only problem is, he chose the wrong day.
Enjoy this short story based in the world of my novel Don of the Living Dead.

Zombie Tales: Primrose Court Apt. 305 - This one is for free as well.  These 3 Zombie Tales just appear to be short stories.  Hopefully still a good read!
Charles Grimly has marital problems you wouldn't believe and his mommy issues are a little too much for him to handle. He may not be all there, but he has to hold it together if he's going to make it through this day in one piece.

Enjoy this short story based in the world of my novel Don of the Living Dead.

Zombie Tales: Primrose Court Apt. 502 - This too is free!  Another short story.

Tommy's world is falling apart. It's the worst day of his life, but it's about to get much worse.





Deadlocked - Pretty good reviews on this one.  Everyone commenting seems to like it.  So hope it's as good as they all say.
David was caught in the middle of the city when the zombie outbreak started. His wife and daughters were at home, stranded on the roof as zombies waited below. He would have to fight through hordes of undead, merciless other survivors, and a series of death defying stunts to get home. However, even if he makes it there, how can he be sure they're safe?
Deadlocked puts you into David's head as he struggles to get home. Then a final confrontation occurs that could guarantee his family's survival, but at what cost?
Download it to Kindle for free here!
Circus of the Dead - Again this is a short story of just over 10,000 words.  The reviews seem to be pretty positive.  This too can be downloaded for free here!
Twenty years ago, the dead destroyed the world of the living. The survivors scattered in the wake of the Scourge, erecting small towns in the worlds' most sparsely populated areas.

For young Gabriel, the walking dead are merely the memories that haunt the eyes of those old enough and lucky enough to have survived. He is more concerned with his hard life in America's desert, where his chores keep him busy and the husks of books stashed beneath the cellar of the library are his only freedom.

Until the circus comes to town.

"Circus of the Dead" is a novelette of approximately 10,748 words.

Zombie Britannica by Thomas Emson
I love Thomas Emson's books all of them so far.  Zombie Britannica was the first Zombie book I ever read, and I normally do not go in for guts and gore, but I could not put this book down.  From the moment I finished reading Thomas Emson's book I fell in love with Zombie books.  Please read his books, they are fantastic.  He has also written a trilogy of vampire books and they are also great.  I've read the first 2 and can't wait to get my hands on the final 3rd one.  I promise to write a review on his other books as soon as I have time.
In 2009, Canadian researchers warned that a zombie plague would wipe out civilization … unless we were ready – WE WEREN’T!  As temperatures reach unprecedented levels, the dead rise – and eat the living. There is no warning. There is no time to prepare. And with tens of thousands dead or infected, another waking nightmare comes to terrorize the survivors – THE UNDEAD’S VICTIMS NOW RISE UP, A NEWWAVE OF ZOMBIES HUNGRY FOR HUMAN FLESH!  As the nation teeters on the edge of extinction, those who survived the onslaught fight for their lives, and for the lives of their loved ones …CARRIE ASHER must battle her way across the blood-soaked streets of London to save her six-year-old daughter who is locked in the basement of their home – with her zombie-infected father upstairs.  VINCENT MASKELL is trapped in a Welsh castle with the girl he loves. But how can he be her knight in shining armour with a zombie army besieging the medieval fort and the humans inside slowly losing their minds?  CRAIG MURRAY and his family are stuck in a traffic jam in Scotland when the zombies attack. But when his younger sister is kidnapped, he is forced to confront a human monster as well as the undead hordes.  The odds are against us. The zombie throng is growing. Our numbers are dwindling – WELCOME TO ZOMBIE BRITANNICA!
This book is great!  There are no bad reviews here!

Sundered (A Zombie-ish Apocalypse, Book 1) [Kindle Edition] 

Shannon Mayer
The reviews on Amazon seem to be all positive - can't wait to start reading!  I've downloaded my free Kindle version.





Obviously there are thousands of Zombie books out there in the market and I don't have the time or the space to put up every single one here.  If you have a suggestion, please send it through the comments.  I'd love to hear what other people have read out there.  I'm always open to reading new and exciting books and it doesn't just have to be about Zombies!

Thank you

Monday, October 22, 2012

More New Zealand!

Activities


Jet Boating 


Adventure Jet Boat Ride
Our Auckland jet boat tours offer a very different experience of the beautiful Waitemata harbour with a second to none opportunity to view of the Auckland City Skyline, Auckland Harbour Bridge, our Hauraki Gulf Volcanoes and of course Auckland's famous Sky Tower.

Aboard the fastest jet boats in Auckland, Auckland Adventure Jet provides the original jet boat tours on Auckland's harbour. Powered by twin supercharged 300HP engines the New Zealand jet boat has incredible acceleration, speed and manoeuvrability.

Departing from Pier 3 on the Auckland Waterfront each 35 – 40 minute trip promises a unique Auckland adventure with excitement to raise your pulse.

The team at Auckland Adventure Jet are a mixture of passion and experience. Staff undergo significant training to provide an exciting and safe experience that's world class.

98.00 per person

Auckland Zoo
Auckland Zoo is home to the largest collection of native and exotic animals in New Zealand, set in 17 hectares of lush parkland and just five minutes from central Auckland.

Auckland Zoo is home to the largest collection of native and exotic animals in New Zealand, set in 17 hectares of lush parkland and just five minutes from central Auckland.
There is lots to see and do all year, including events, animal encounters, Zoom (behind the scenes) tours and more!
Our Zoom (behind-the-scenes) Tours offer you an exclusive backstage pass to go behind the scenes. Imagine helping a keeper wash down an elephant, coming eye to eye with New Zealand fauna, a tiger, or one of Africa’s big five.

Price Range & Conditions

Child$10
Adult$25
Other ChargesInfants (under 4): Free. Senior citizens (65 years+) and students (ID required): $20.



Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki is New Zealand’s most inspiring visual arts experience. Visit us and discover the world’s largest permanent collection of New Zealand art right in the heart of Auckland city.
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki is New Zealand’s most inspiring visual arts experience.
Visit us and discover the world’s largest permanent collection of New Zealand art right in the heart of Auckland city. Enter between majestic kauri columns to explore four floors of exhibitions, five centuries of art and one of Auckland’s most iconic buildings.
Entry is free and we’re open from 10am until 5pm every day, except Christmas Day.

Auckland Museum
The worlds most extensive Maori and Pacific Island Collection located within one of New Zealand’s most iconic and outstanding heritage buildings.

Nau Mai Haere Mai - Welcome to Auckland Museum, where exciting stories of New Zealand people, the Pacific, flora, fauna and landforms of our unique islands, are told within a memorial dedicated to those who have sacrificed their lives for our country.
In one of New Zealand’s most outstanding historical buildings, boldly situated in the Domain - a central city pleasure garden - you encounter exhibitions that will excite you with the artisitc legacy and cultures of the Pacific people. See the monumental carvings, buildings, canoes and taonga (treasures) of the Maori.
The diversity of cultures which now combine to form the rich tapestry of race, nationality and creed which is modern New Zealand.
10.00




Puhoi River Canoe Hire Limited
We offer a safe leisurely kayak adventure on the Puhoi River which meanders 8kms
from the Historic Bohemian Village to the scenic Wenderholm Regional Park.

We supply superior kayaks, buoyancy vests, paddling instruction, local river knowledge and a courtesy coach return.
We have kayaks or canoes to suit the whole family and cater to almost all ages (sorry no infants under 3yrs) and fitness levels from corporate groups, Christmas picnics, families, individuals, couples, grandparents, team building to just a group of friends out for a day of fun.
We are a small family business and are descendants of the original Bohemian settlers of the Puhoi Valley. We are a NZ Qualmark endorsed Visitor Activity, have resource consent and are Auckland Council Regional Park Concessionaires.
You will find us in the Puhoi Historic Village opposite the Church of Saints Peter and Paul.
Sheep World Warkworth
Experience the best of natural New Zealand, sheep farming and wool production within one hours drive from Auckland. Good fun for all ages, rain or shine and a suitable venue for incentive groups.

Experience the best of New Zealand’s rural life, sheep farming and wool production within one hours drive from Auckland. SheepWorld is set in a unique natural environment, where you can watch the world-famous sheep and dog shows daily at 11am and 2pm. Watch the experts at work - then have a go yourself in our newly set up Interactive Zone.
Enjoy our farmyard and feed the animals, or explore the unique Eco-Discovery Trail.
Browse around in our spacious and refurbished Ecowool® store, only selling quality New Zealand-made products, woollen clothing and a wide variety of beautiful sheepskins.
You can relax at our on-site Sheepworld Café that serves a tempting range of beautiful meals and drinks.
Open daily from 9am-5pm
Look what I found!
Pinky - how cute!


To be continued...