You and Media

Why Adobe?

2010-04-29T06:57:00.000-07:00

In this post, I'd like to talk about why I use Adobe for all of my media production needs. Adobe products aren't for everyone. Here are a few reasons why Adobe works for me:

1. Integration with each other

Probably the best thing about Adobe is how well all of their products work together. Example: Photoshop saves as a .psd and Illustrator saves as a .ai, both of which you can directly import into Premiere without the need to save as an actually picture file, giving you the flexibility to go back and make changes in Photoshop or Illustrator.

2. The community

There are far more free and paid tutorials out there for Adobe products than anyone could know -- making it easy for new users to learn how to use them. Here are a few sites that have helpful information for beginners:

Photoshop

After Effects

Illustrator

Premiere

3. Regular upgrades

While this may be a con to some people, I'm glad Adobe upgrades their products pretty regularly. If you think of something that should be implemented into the Adobe product you're using, chances are they're already working on it in the next version.

Again, Adobe isn't right for everyone, and I'm not putting down any other software. Download a few trials and see what works for you.

Have a reason why you like/dislike Adobe? Post it in the comments!

Adobe Creative Suite 5 is expected to be released in May 2010. For more info about CS5, click here.

I was NOT paid to write this blog - however, I'll gladly accept CS5 as compensation :)

Facebook Profiles vs. Groups vs. Fan Pages

2010-04-13T20:02:00.001-07:00

Okay, so the question has been posed to me more than once. Should I just use a facebook profile for marketing my business, or a facebook group, or a fan page?

First and foremost - you should NOT use a facebook profile for your business for one very significant reason. It is against the facebook terms of service to use a profile as an identity other than that of an actual person. So, if you spend months setting up a profile for your hair salon and facebook finds out, they have every right to simply delete it and send you back to square one. You can certainly use your own personal profile to talk about your business just as you would with friends in normal conversation, but you should not attempt to set up a profile solely for a business or organization.

Now, having said that you're left with two alternatives - group or fan page.

Here are some similarities -

1.) Both can host discussions.

2.) Both can post videos and photos.

3.) Both can message members (albeit differently, which I'll explain below).

Here are some differences -

1.) Fan pages provide insights (or statistics) that allow you to track member activity; groups do not.

Fan Pages: 1 - Groups: 0

2.) Fan pages allow you to incorporate practically limitless applications into your page, from e-mail sign-up forms to youtube channel tabs; groups have only the basic photo, video and discussion applications available.

Fan Pages: 2 - Groups: 0

3.) Fan pages allow you to customize your username (or url extension) so that rather than having a garbled mess after facebook.com you can have something nice and clean like facebook.com/12StarsMedia; groups do not provide this customization. Note: You will need 25 fans before you can change the username.

Fan Pages: 3 - Groups: 0

4.) Fan pages are easily integrated into the extremely awesome "facebook ads" feature, allowing you to increase traffic to your fan page by displaying ads on the profiles of your target market; groups are not easily integrated (though it's technically not impossible).

Fan Pages: 4 - Groups: 0

5.) Fan pages allow you to send messages to fans, but they end up in the fans' updates section rather than in the actual inboxes; groups allow you to send messages directly to the inbox of your members (at least for now).

Fan Pages: 4 - Groups: 1

I have also recently read, though not confirmed that while fan pages are indexed by google, groups are not.

My conclusion - Fan pages win hands down unless you already have such a great thing going with a facebook group that you simply can't justify asking everyone to migrate over to a fan page. Should you need any help in getting a fan page set up for your marketing needs, feel free to contact us.

The Shelf-Life of Online Video

2010-04-07T06:47:00.000-07:00

During initial consultations with my clients I always share this adage, "You can have it good; you can have it fast; you can have it cheap. Pick two."

Years ago, online video was a marketing luxury. Companies would invest a significant of money and/or time into producing a great welcome video for their website or a few client testimonials wrapped together in a nice little package. Once launched into their promotional positions, these videos lingered around for what seemed like an eternity, but why shouldn't they? After all, they were expensive and/or time consuming to produce.

Nowadays, in the era of amateur YouTube videos galore, the shelf-life of online video has shortened dramatically. Viewers engage brands based on fresh content and video is no exception. So, when you're thinking of online video I want you to think fast and cheap.

Another thing I always share with my clients - I don't want to compromise your message for the sake of a great looking video. Can I get a show of hands? How many people have wanted to do a video to deliver their message, but just never got it done because it was too expensive or too time consuming? What a sorrowful loss for the online community; we'd have loved to have heard your message. Additionally, if you never got the first message out, you certainly have not provided fresh, continual content that keeps viewers coming back for more.

Add value to the online community! Don't fret about not being able to have a pristine, Hollywood-style production. Focus on the value of the message. After a viewer has watched one of our videos I want them to remember the message, not how great the video looked.

Here's an example of a quick and affordable video we put together for Hometown Comics, a local comic book store here in Greenfield, Indiana.

Run4LifeIndy Promotional Video

2010-03-24T10:19:00.000-07:00

Rocky and I recently produced a promotional video for Run4LifeIndy, who received our services free of charge via our Facebook fan page contest.

Run4LifeIndy is an organization that provides opportunities to raise money for charity. For more info about Run4LifeIndy, visit Run4LifeIndy.org.

View the final product below and let us know what you think ;D.

Make That Movie!

2010-03-15T08:21:00.000-07:00

Not too long ago, I came across a few videos I made with some friends a while back and realized that, while the overall quality wasn't perfect, the story was still good.

I suppose I'm talking to filmmakers when I say this: Get that story out there, film it, get it to where people can see it. Even if you're not a filmmaker, if you have an idea and some free time, let your creativity out; it'll help with your other areas of work (at least, that's what I believe).

I'm not saying you should rush something and make it half-baked, but if not having the preferred equipment or software is preventing you from making it, DON'T LET IT -- unless you can guarantee yourself that you WILL make that movie once you have item A or B.

Here is a video I made -- looking back, I see things I could have made a lot better, but at the same time I'm glad I made it when I did.

5 Ways To Make Sure Your Online Video Flops

2010-02-16T12:58:00.000-08:00

Most people get frustrated when their online video has zero views, but in case you want to make a video that flops, follow the tips below.

1. Don't use keywords/tags on your video.

Putting tags on your video is like labeling your pen drawer; if you want a pen, you look in the drawer labeled "Pens", not the one label "Junk". Using tags will make it much easier for viewers to sort through the junk online to find your video.

2. Don't use a description on your video.

This may sound similar to using tags; well, it is, but still very important. In the description box of your video, it is usually a good idea to give a basic overview of what your video is and how it was made/why it was made.

Example: say I make a special effects video that has fireballs and energy beams flying everywhere, I would put in the description: I filmed this video in Greenfield, IN with my Canon camera. All special effects were created with Adobe After Effects and Adobe Photoshop.

Now, whenever someone searches for Adobe Photoshop, After Effects or Greenfield, IN, my video will be listed (perhaps on the last page, but at least we're getting somewhere).

3. Don't tell friends/co-workers about your video.

How can you expect everyone else to tell their friends if you don't tell yours? Post a link on Facebook, send an E-mail, tell anyone you want to watch your video about it, and encourage them to leave comments.

4. Don't make a video that is worth watching.

Nowadays, there is usually a market for everything -- but I would still recommend making something that isn't completely pointless.

Put some value into your video, whether it be entertaining, informative, or educational, make it something that a large range of people can enjoy watching.

5. Don't make a unique video.

"Jim862 made a video about ____ and has a lot of views, so should I make a video just like it?"

My answer: no.

While you may get some views by making a knock-off video, you're also taking the risk of blending in with the crowd -- plus, if your video is supposed to be at all professional, your viewers may find out that you copied someone else's work, which is something everyone should try and avoid when possible.

Well, those are my tips on making your video less flop-able. Feel free to let me know what you think in the comments!

My Favorite New Toy: Tungle

2010-02-11T07:28:00.000-08:00

Tungle is one of my new favorite toys. In fact, I've been recommending it to everyone I know.

Why?

You know the frustration that frequently accompanies organizing a meeting over e-mail. Back and forth and back and forth before you finally settle on a time and place. Well, Tungle fixes that problem by allowing your potential guests to view your calendar and propose several meeting times and places that they already know you are likely available for. Then, you can check their suggestions and confirm the one that works best for you!

Now, wasn't that better than five or six e-mails back and forth?

I started using tungle for a few reasons;

1.) I love that it integrates with my google calendar so I can make so much more use out of it without having to share it with everyone.

2.) I love the look and feel of the tungle.me page.

3.) I love that the staff is so responsive and engaging (this blog, for example, was written in response to their request to provide them some constructive feedback).

If you googled web-based calendars or web-based scheduling, I'm sure you'd find other apps out there that do similar things, but one thing sets Tungle apart... simplicity. My mother-in-law could schedule a meeting with me using Tungle (hey, wait... maybe that's not such a good thing).

The one thing I think would make the tungle.me page even better is the inclusion of some other social networking site links. They've made it easy for you to link to your facebook, twitter, and linkedin profiles, but I'd love to see a YouTube and Flickr link made available. At Twelve Stars we do lots of YouTube videos, so we'd love to have those more easily accessible through Tungle.

Want to meet with me? Maybe to talk about Tungle? Check out my calendar and propose some times at http://www.meetwithrocky.com/ (I masked the original domain of www.tungle.me/rockywalls).

Tips For Making Sure Your Video Is Internet-Ready

2010-01-28T10:08:00.000-08:00

YouTube is the world's second largest search engine, meaning that online video sites, such as YouTube.com and Vimeo.com, are the preferred format by most people for viewing anything from news on things going on around the world, to just about any "how-to" video you can think of.

If you haven't started uploading videos online yet, now is the time to start.

Below are a few tips for making sure your video is something people WILL watch.*

(*the following tips may or may not help you with increasing view count)

1. Make sure everything in your video is viewable when not viewed in full screen.

(Example: don't put text in your video that you can't see in a few inches wide by a few inches tall screen)

2. Make a video that's valuable.

Videos uploaded to the Internet are usually in one of the two following categories in order to be viewed by a large amount of people: Useful or Funny.

That's not to say a video HAS to be useful or funny to have a high view count, it just means it will be more likely to.

3. Be real!

Whether you are using online video to teach techniques from your profession or hobby, or to share info about upcoming specials your company is running, try not to think it all out too much. A higher level of interest is given when people believe you really care about what you're saying -- and not just reading a script.

Try to use these tips when creating online video, but most importantly, GET YOUR VIDEO ONLINE.

Wedding Debut Films Design Work

2010-01-21T10:45:00.001-08:00

Rocky and I recently did some work for Wedding Debut Films in Greenfield, IN.

I'd say it turned out really good considering we put it all together in about 72 hours, just in time for a Bridal Show.

Check out the logo design and motion graphic work we did below, and the website at http://www.weddingdebut.com/

Moving Up!

2010-01-18T13:39:00.000-08:00

We recently moved into a.... NEW OFFICE!

Yes, it's true: 12 Stars Media Productions and Cross Creative are now located at The Marketing Loft above The Bread Ladies restaurant on 7 American Legion Pl. in Greenfield, IN.

We look forward to having a grand opening sometime later this year with some cheese, wine, and things of that nature. Once we have more details, we'll try and post an update here.

Feel free to stop by and see our new place at The Marketing Loft. Until then, check out the video below of us unpacking.

UPDATE: Now with photos!

What's Going On? Part II

2010-01-12T23:50:00.000-08:00

Goodbye old, hello new. Around here at 12 Stars we've been pretty stoked lately for a few reasons, one of which will be revealed here shortly. View the photos below for some clues.

What's Going On?

2010-01-05T13:32:00.000-08:00

There are some big things happening here are 12 Stars. Be on the lookout for what's coming up!

Video Greeting Cards!

2009-12-14T12:15:00.000-08:00

So, what are they?

Video Greeting Cards are like any other cards you'd give to a family member, friend, or client -- only a lot more personal and information-filled.

Below is the Video Greeting Card my co-worker, Rocky, sent out to our clients and contacts:

Want to send your own Video Greeting Card?

Here's how it works:

You set-up a time with us between now and the end of January

We come to your office with our camera for a 60-minute video session

You use the video to communicate with family, friends, clients, prospects, etc., talking about whatever YOU want

We take the footage and edit it, add music (if requested) to make a short, entertaining clip, custom to the mood you want, within one week

Why use video?

By using Video Greeting Cards you will stand out among all the paper-cards, candies, emails, not to mention how much more personal and engaging it is.

Get started by visiting our Contact Us page and scheduling your appointment today!

The Package Has Arrived.

2009-12-11T11:53:00.000-08:00

We are a little late, but it is here, our second Promo!

Rocky and I basically sat in front of our Green Screen for two hours, talking about how we got into the Media Production business, what we did before 12 Stars and so on.

The video is about two minutes long, so we obviously chopped down quite a bit.

Thanksgiving List

2009-11-24T09:43:00.000-08:00

With Thanksgiving being just a few days away, we decided to make a short list of some of the things we are thankful for.

Well, here it goes:

1. Adobe.

Where would Rocky and I be without Adobe Photoshop (Photo Editing) and Adobe Premiere (Video Editing)? We are truly thankful that Adobe makes a bunch of good software so that our jobs are easier.

2. New Technology.

As much as I hate having to buy new computer components every so often, I love how there is always something new and faster. I can't wait until Terabytes will be the new Gigabytes, and 16-core processors will be the standard. Maybe it's me being a little geeky, but some of the new technology I'm hearing about is really exciting.

3. Our Clients

We are very thankful that just about all of are clients have been very nice and understanding. With being in business for over two years, you would think we would have made more than just a few people mad :).

4. Our Job.

Video Editing, Motion Graphics, Visual Effects. Some of the things I get to do while I work. At times, they can be frustrating or boring, other times they can be absolutely awesome. I love seeing how color correcting and adding Visual Effects to a video can completely change it from plain and boring to something exciting and fun to watch.

5. Thanksgiving Dinner!

This goes without saying, but I'm REALLY thankful for all the food on Thanksgiving Day; turkey, deviled eggs, corn... Mmm! Only to have it all for leftovers the next week!

Hope you enjoyed the list and can find things you are thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

(Photo by xybermatthew via Flickr)

Just like the old days...

2009-11-17T10:35:00.001-08:00

Rocky and I are excited to be working on our 2nd Promo for Twelve Stars!

We try to make our Promos as entertaining and full of information as possible. With that said, our goal is always between one half and three minutes of finished video.

We hope to have it all wrapped up by the end of this week. In the meantime, check out our first Promo and tell us what you think! Shorter? Longer? Less/More special effects?

Link to Promo #1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PxTA1zrxIo

Bradley Hall at the Creative Arts and Events Center

2009-11-09T13:54:00.000-08:00

Rocky and I recently shot and edited a promotional video for Bradley Hall (a reception hall in Greenfield, Indiana housed in the third floor of The Creative Arts and Events Center).

We filmed an actual wedding reception at Bradley Hall, then chopped it all down to just over two minutes and added music, titles, special effects, etc.

Because it was at night the video quality is not as good as it would be if it was shot during the day but overall, we are satisfied with the result (and so is our client!). Check it out below and tell us what you think!

How to get your VHS tapes onto your computer.

2009-10-14T07:49:00.000-07:00

Tutorial - Capture your VHS tapes onto your Computer from Twelve Stars Media on Vimeo.

In this tutorial, I explain how to use a VCR and USB Capture device to get your VHS tapes onto your computer.

RCA cables : http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10241&cs_id=1024101&p_id=660&seq=1&format=2

LinXcel Video Grabber: http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=108&cp_id=10810&cs_id=1081003&p_id=1882&seq=1&format=2

-Zach Downs

2009-10-06T07:25:00.001-07:00

Facebook Tutorial 1 - Photo Hack from Twelve Stars Media on Vimeo.

In this tutorial I explain how to use Adobe Photoshop to make your Facebook profile picture appear as though it has no background.

Kudos: This concept and technique was first seen in the following written tutorial by Rob Banagale on AllFacebook.com: http://www.allfacebook.com/2009/02/facebook-profile-photo-hacks

Rocky Walls

Looking to display your videos and presentations more easily?

2009-09-21T10:59:00.000-07:00

Pocket projectors (mini projectors) are slowly becoming more and more popular. These neat little devices can project the image from your personal media player, laptop, etc. onto a screen or blank wall --- and they fit in your pocket. Depending on what model, it may also have a speaker built-in.

So, why would you want one?

Size

Instead of requiring an LCD monitor or TV, you now have the power to slide one of these cellphone-sized projectors out of your pocket to project images and video onto a blank wall or screen. (no, the quality is not superb, but for the size who can complain?)

Ease of use

Ever had a time where you needed to show a video someplace other than your office or home, only to find out the equipment you're using doesn't do what its supposed to? Bringing your own projector is typically a lot easily than hooking up to the equipment at your viewing destination.

Coolness

If you’re using one of these, you’ll be considered up-to-date on today’s technology (at least as of right now). It may sound pointless, but letting clients know you are using today’s technology can be very important for some businesses.

As with most new technology, it will only get better and less expensive. In the meantime, here is a list of some of the pocket projectors out now:

FAVI Mini Projector PJM-1000

The PJM-1000 does very well in low-light when compared to its competition. However, it does have a higher price tag and lower battery life than most other projectors in its range.

Battery Life: 45-60 minutes

Lamp Life: 10,000 hours

Projection Type: LCOS

Max Brightness: 12 lumen

Price: $299.00

More info on the PJM-1000 can be found here.

Optoma Pico Pocket Projector PK-101

Optoma's PK-101 has average image quality and a lower resolution of 480x320, but if you don't see yourself needing a screen bigger than 26" and want the extra 30 minutes of battery life, this may be the one for you.

Battery Life: 1.5 hours

Lamp Life: 20,000 hours

Projection Type: DLP

Price: $229.00

Max Brightness: 9 lumen

More info here.

Nextar Z10 Micro Projector

If you prefer only needing one device to display your video, the Z10 is a good choice. it comes with a Micro SD card slot; meaning you can load your videos onto the card, insert it into the Z10 and you're ready to go! Also, its price is quite attractive. It can be found online in the $190 - $220 range. The Z10 does not have a VGA or DVI connection, so you cannot connect it to your laptop without additional adapters.

Media Type: 1GB built-in flash memory/Micro SD Slot

Lamp Life: 30,000 hours

Projection Type: LCOS

Price: $200.00

Max Brightness: 12 lumen

More info here.

Bottom line

This technology is still new, making it fun to show off, but it also comes with kinks and limitations that will be worked out in future products.

Qik - Getting to know qik by Rocky Walls

2009-09-02T06:24:00.001-07:00

Keeping your Media Organized

2009-08-27T12:08:00.000-07:00

It's always a good idea to organize and label whenever you can, but when it comes to camcorder tapes, organizing can save you loads of time and money.

Every time you watch a tape in your camcorder, you're wearing down the mechanical parts inside. So by not labeling your tapes in the first place, you'll be spending a lot of time going through them to find the one you want and money by wearing down your camera until it needs to be repaired or replaced, not to mention the wear you put on the tape itself which causes the quality of your video to decrease.

Of course, just about anything mechanical or electrical will wear with time and use. tape-loading cameras simply wear much faster when you fast-forward, rewind, etc. on the camera.

Don't be afraid to use your camera, just be aware that it when you watch that funny thing you just filmed over and over, the parts inside aren't getting any newer.

Being organized = save $

Our 1 Year Anniversary is Coming up!

2009-08-21T14:12:00.001-07:00

Hard to believe Rocky and I have been in our office for nearly a year now. Check out these before and after pictures.

Hard work does pay off :).

Panning Shots Vs. Trucking Shots

2009-08-19T12:54:00.000-07:00

Panning

Panning is moving the view of your camera without actually going anywhere, whether you are holding the camera and turning your body, or the camera is on a tripod and being turned.

Panning shots can be good when filming a stationary subject; they can make shots of landscapes a little more fun to watch. Panning may also be a good idea when your subject is passing right in front of the camera. But be aware, when not used properly, panning can easily make viewers feel like they are watching a video. Rather than being part of the moment that was filmed, Your viewer is given the cameraman's perspective.

Trucking

Trucking is actually moving the camera with the movements of your subject (example: being at a little kid's birthday party, you're holding your camera low and you run with them out the door to bust open a pinata). It can really make whoever is watching feel much closer to the action.

Trucking is good to use when you want your viewers to feel action, excitement, horror, etc. It is NOT good to use when you want your viewers to be amazed and in awe from the beauty of a sunset.

Implementing these techniques into whatever you are filming can make your video much more entertaining to watch, just know when and where to use them.

What’s a Netbook?

2009-07-17T09:31:00.000-07:00

Netbooks, Netbooks, Netbooks.

You most likely have seen or at least heard of a Netbook by now.

Netbooks are small Laptops, with a small pricetag. Because they are so inexpensive, you get much less of a computer when compared to a $1500 full-sized laptop; however, their primary purposes are smaller too. You might use a netbook to check e-mail, use twitter, facebook, and other forms of social media, but you would not (at least right now) use a netbook for video editing, serious gaming, etc.

Netbooks are also good for watching videos on YouTube or viewing photos on Flickr.

If you plan to use it for simple tasks, you can purchase a decently equipped Netbook for under $300.

Three points to consider when deciding between a high-definition (HD) and standard definition (SD) video camera.

2009-06-19T09:35:00.000-07:00

1.) Ask yourself if you’ll be importing your video onto your computer’s hard drive (for editing, burning to disc, storage, etc.).

If the answer is yes, then you’ll want to consider your current computer’s performance. High Definition (HD) video requires your processor speed be at 3GHz or dual-core and that you have 2GB of RAM, while Standard Definition (SD) video requires around half of that. If your computer is older than 3 years, it will likely not meet these requirements.

2.) Consider what features you really need or want for your new video camera.
Some video cameras have lots of bells and whistles, and some don’t. Digital and optical zoom, the ability to take still photos, the ability to add accessories like microphones or lights; there’s definitely no shortage of video camera features.

If you don’t need many features (zoom, accessory shoes, etc.), but you still want HD you might look into the Flip MinoHD for just over $200. If you’ll be mainly using your camera to export videos to youtube.com for laughs, you might settle for an SD camera. Also, remember that you can’t enjoy the beauty of HD without an HDTV or an HD monitor.

3.) Okay, so how much?
Cost is usually one of our first considerations when shopping for something new, but you may be sur

prised when comparing costs of HD and SD cameras. HD cameras, like all HD technology are becoming more and more affordable with the release of every new camera. But, cost is still (and always will be) a factor to consider when making this kind of investment. As far as the pricing goes, you can purchase a quality HDV camera with lots of features in the $500 range. Also in the HD category, what the Flip MinoHD for

just under $200 lacks in on-board features, it makes up for in ease and convenience of use. Ultimately, you could easily spend $1000 on an HDV camera like Canon’s HV30 or as little as $100 on an SD Flip Ultra.
Here are some options you might consider:

$100 – $200 range: Flip Video MinoHD
You can’t really complain when you’re getting an HD camera for $200. with it’s ease of use, quality video and small size, the MinoHD makes a very attractive camera at a very reasonable price.

$200 – $300 range: Sony DCR-HC52E
In my book, Sony has a good reputation in the MiniDV camera area. While the HC52E is only SD, it will still provide very high quailty footage at an affordable price.

$400 – 600 range: Canon HF100
The HF100 is possibly the most affordable full-sized HD camera. If you want more info, check out the review on CNET.

Tasty Photos and a Restaurant Review

2009-04-13T11:11:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday I had a hankerin’ for some homemade, hometown food and my stomach led me (and my camera) to The Bread Ladies in Greenfield, Indiana. Okay, so I also wanted to take some photos to display at our booth for the Taste of Home Cooking School sponsered by the Daily Reporter this Thursday.

Several plates and many photos later, my stomach and my camera were quite satisfied, so as a food lover and photographer (I knew I’d find a way to fit food reviews into my blog), I feel as though I must provide the following information to you, my hungry friends.
The BT Grill – A warm panini pressed thin w/ bacon, tomato, and two kinds of cheese oozing out in every direction. Mix the salty, crispy bacon with the fresh moist tomato and you have a delicious marriage. Add the ooey gooey cheese and crunchy, fresh-baked bread and this sandwich is a WIN!

Roasted Red Pepper Soup – I’ve been wanting to taste this soup for months (somewhat due to the fact that I’ve been desperately looking for a reason to prepare it for even longer). I was not at all disappointed. I won’t say it was worth the wait, because I don’t want you to think about waiting. STOP what you are doing right now and go get a bowl. Be sure to order some of the following on the side.

Italian Smear w/ Tomato Basil Vinaigrette on Sourdough Bread – Donna, at The Bread Ladies, does not include this dish on their menu. I know why. Remember The Night of the Living Dead? Imagine how Donna would feel if everyday around noontime a horde of mindless, Tomato Basil Vinaigrette-thirsty, zombies thronged the windows and doors until enough of this delicious sauce had doused them away until the next riot-inducing crave overcame the town.

So, in conclusion, come to the Taste of Home Cooking School at Greenfield Central High School on April 16th, and head to The Bread Ladies for some fresh, made-from-scratch, zombifying cuisine.