Supernatural - Season 1

I've started re-watching this series, because I LOVE THE WINCHESTER BOYS!!!!

I find it amazing how scrawny they look in season 1 compared to season 7, but they are still cute! :-)

Here is some footage from season 1, just in case you've forgotten what they look like ;-)

How about this one!

To be honest I put off watching this series for a long time because I thought it would be too scary, but now I love it.  I missed the episodes of season 8, so I can't wait until it's out on DVD.

So far I've purchase all 7 seasons and I don't regret it.

Book Depository sells the Season 1 companion guide - how awesome is that!

Just in case you're not familiar with the story: the series is about 2 brothers, Dean and Sam Winchester, who are hunters of supernatural beings.

The pilot episode, which aired in 2005, introduced a 4 year old Dean with his 6 month old baby brother Sam.  Unfortunately, at the very beginning of the story Dean and Sam's mother is killed by Lucifer himself, while he is trying to make Sam drink his blood.  He manages to feed Sam his blood, but while he is doing that, he is interrupted by Sam's mother.  As a result she dies in a sea of flames while stuck to the ceiling by supernatural forces.

In current times, Dean Winchester is played by Jensen Ackles.  Jensen was born in 1978 and is also known for his brief roles in Smallville and Dawson's Creek.  In 2009 Jensen starred in 'My Bloody Valentine'.  Jensen's won 2 awards in his career and has been nominated for a further 7 awards.







Sam Winchester is played by Jared Padalecki.  Jared started acting at the age of 12 and since beginning his career at this tender age he has been nominated for 7 awards.  Jared started out on the Gilmore Girls and has since starred in movies such as Friday the 13th and House of Wax.







Shoot me now!  I can't believe I forgot to mention the other most important member of the cast - Jeffrey Dean Morgan.  Ok I know I'm showing my age, but isn't he just a honey!

Jeffrey Dean Morgan plays Dean and Sam's father, John Winchester.  Jeffrey was born in 1966 - so he is more my age!  He has a list of movies and TV shows to his name the length of my arm.  Some which may be more recognisable include:

• Watchmen - 2009
• Losers - 2010
• P.S. I Love You - 2007
• Grey's Anatomy as Denny Duquette - 2009

The story in Season 1 continues as Dean turns up at Sam's college dormitory announcing that their father has gone missing while on a 'hunt'.  Dean convinces Sam to join him on the hunt for their missing dad.  Needless to say the father is still missing by the end of Season 1, but other tragic events have forced Sam back into the life of a hunter and both Dean and Sam now continue hunting monsters and demons while looking for their dad.  Throughout Season 1 Dean and Sam battle a variety of different monsters, including ghosts and demons.

I enjoyed Season 1 so much that I raced out to buy the other seasons immediately.  I've now watched all the season, but re-watching and informing as I go along.

If you haven't seen this series, I highly recommend it.





http://www.bookdepository.com/?a_aid=pinkacquarius

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

                                                                    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!

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)

by Darren Shan

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

One more sleep!

Continuing the theme on Zombies...it's official...1 more sleep until the start of The Walking Dead Season 3 on FX.

I probably shouldn't be this excited, as I can't even watch it until it comes out on DVD!

Here is a sneak peak!

The Cast

Rick Grimes = Andrew Lincoln - he sounds funny as a Briton

Lori Grimes = Sarah Callies

Carl Grimes = Chandler Riggs

Daryl Dixon = Norman Reedus

Merle Dixon = Michael Rooker 

Maggie Greene = Lauren Cohan

Andrea = Laurie Holden

T-Dog = IronE Singleton

Glenn Rhee = Steven Yuen

Carole Peletier = Melissa McBride

Michonne = Danai Gurira

The Govenor = David Morrissey

Stay safe!  :-)

Don't let the Zombies bite!

The Walking Dead

Good Evening!

I've made a decision.  In order to honour the commencement of Season 3 of The Walking Dead (TWD) I will be dedicating this Blog to anything and everything Zombie until the end of October.  This will also be fitting considering it is Halloween on October 31.

So if you have any interesting facts, trivia, knowledge or insider information about zombies you would like to share please leave a comment.  Any such appropriate material is allowed to be posted on this Blog.

Don't forget this dedication is only until 31 October - after which time the Blog will revert back to its usual diversified self.  

I've run out of time - it's 12.44am Qld time - so I'll start by adding some information tomorrow.  There'll be heaps of groovy stuff - I'll make sure of it.  I'll put in here links, events, reviews of zombie books and movies as well as lots and lots of pictures!

OOOHHHHH SCARY!!!!!

I'll leave you all with this parting picture.  GOOD NIGHT!

I'll be back later to bring more interesting information about Zombies!