Full disclosure time: Ms. Day is no expert on the zombies. Sure, she likes "Time of the Season" as much as the next girl, but she doesn't own any albums other than Odessey & Oracle. And as far as Rob Zombie goes, all Ms. Day knows is that he is "more human than human," whatever that means (strange). So in other words, unless your team is hard up for a tenth member, you should not invite Ms. Day to help you answer questions at the Zombie Squad's Trivia Spectacular. This fundraiser — proceeds benefit Youth in Need — takes place at 7 p.m. at the Schlafly Tap Room (2100 Locust Street; 314-241-2337 or www.schlafly.com) and costs $11 per person or $100 for a ten-person table. Many of the questions during the ten rounds of trivia are zombie-related, so good luck finding a bunch of people that know a lot about a '60s band and Mr. Zombie. However, if you are successful at team-building, go to www.zombiehunters.org or call 888-495-4052 to register your group.
But wait a second here...inspection of the Zombie Squad's Web site reveals that these fundraising folks may be more into the risen-from-the-cemetery/undead/flesh-eating variety of zombies. Oh. Well, unfortunately that doesn't help Ms. Day either. She knows even less about this minority group (even though she looks like one of these zombies in the morning if she doesn't take off her makeup the night before) — but she does know that if you can get a couple of the undead on your trivia team (some of the less-hungry ones, of course), you all will probably clean up in prizes. Good luck! — Ms. Day
Open for Rock
SAT 11/19
If there is a rock-&-roll heaven, all those dead rockers would shop at Tension Head (2619 Cherokee Street; 314-577-6997 or www.tensionhead.net) when decorating their clouds: Nothing but punk, hardcore and metal accoutrements fill the shop. The little store that rocks has been open for a few weeks, but it celebrates its official grand opening with a party from noon to 8 p.m. Owner Sheri Ford picked today because she had plans to get the Dwarves and Mondo Generator to stop by for giveaways and handshakes prior to their show at the Creepy Crawl, but word on the Internet is that Mondo Generator is off the tour. Still, the giveaways go on; the Vultures (pictured), LoFreq, Eating Rats and Bug are scheduled to play in-stores; and Mr. Night knows exactly where he's doing all his holiday shopping this year. — Mr. Night
Knit and Purrrl
SUN 11/20
The bad news is that the price of heating oil is expected to climb to new heights this winter. Even worse is the news that most kittens can't afford heating oil at today's prices. What to do? The simple and humane solution is knitting. Donate your time and fingers to knit pet mats, sweaters and even tiny booties for local pet shelters. Whether you're an experienced knitter or a big-hearted first timer, the Knit 'n' Purl for Pets workshop at Petropolis Pet Center (16830 Chesterfield Airport Road, Chesterfield) welcomes you. Bring your own supplies, and be there at 2 p.m. to learn how to help before it gets too cold. Call 636-537-2322, extension 28, for information and to reserve a spot. — Paul Friswold
Taste of the Zoo
SAT 11/19
We heard this rumor that last year, some people were afraid to go to Zootini because they thought the drinks would taste like our beloved zoo; while it's a wonderful place, we imagine it would have a, shall we say, "rugged" flavor. Fortunately, Zootini serves delightful martinis and food; the fundraiser is Asian-inspired this year, to give you a hint of what's going to be available. So don't be afraid to join the Young Zoo Friends and DJ Sarah Cox, the Hot House Sessions and Boogie Chyld from 8 p.m. to midnight in the Living World to dance, eat, drink and help out the zoo. Tickets cost $35 to $45 and include two drink tickets. Reservations for the wild night (sponsored in part by the RFT) are recommended, so visit www.stlzoo.org/yzf or call 314-768-5440 to save a spot for yourself. — Alison Sieloff
