Blatant Self Promotion

Here’s what some other people are saying about the zines I make and stuff. Yay!

RAZORCAKE: 

“I can’t handle how funny this zine is. Alanna reviews a few of Richard Simmons’ Sweatin’ to the Oldies tapes, complete with sections like “Richard’s Outfit,” “Best Lines,” and “Sweat-a-bility.” In the re-reads I go straight for the Best Lines. My favorite is “LET THAT FAT JUST WANDER OFF!” from STTO #4. Even though I haven’t seen the tapes, I can just picture them so perfectly. That’s probably because the all-caps quotes from Richard really set the scene. I like how she gets into what extras are doing/wearing and the details about the sets. Also: Dolphin Shorts.”

MAXIMUMROCKNROLL #347: 

“A mini zine by a sixteen year old girl from Canada about Sweatin’ To The Oldies! It’s a full breakdown of the VHS series, with reviews of Richard Simmons’ dialogue, Richard and the extras’ clothing choices, and choice most hilarious moments outlined and a detailed report of the set design and insane sounding workout moves. This is goofy and fun, and the sort of thing you are supposed to do when you are a bored teenager, so if you want some cheap entertainment that is charming and hilarious send Alanna some stamps or a cool trade!”

RAVENSWING ZINES:

“[This] zine is a pocket-size collection of illustrated reviews of Richard Simmons videos, critiqued on the basis of set, routine, outfits, best lines, and “sweat-a-bility”. [Alanna] praises Sweatin’ to the Oldies 2 for ending with “what is, quite possibly, the only upbeat and not totally pseudo-spiritual cool-down”, and Sweatin’ to the Oldies 3 for its admirable circus-themed set.  Actually, she is pretty strongly in favour of the tapes in general, so if you are looking for a hard-hitting critique of R. Simmons, you will have to look elsewhere. If you feel the least bit of nostalgia for being a teenager and buying silly videos at thrift stores, watching cult movies, and loving your favourite bands whole-heartedly, this is for you.  (Likewise, if you ARE a teenager, or if you are a full-on adult who also likes these things.)  These zines are really fun, and it made me happy to read them.”

SHAMELESS #18:

“The February 2011 issue of Puker Nation (PN) is exactly what the cover and opening page promise: it’s fun, it’s chock-full of idiosyncratic tidbits and reviews of books and films and, like all good zines, it’s the product of an individual. A very, very funny Ottawa-based individual named Alanna who, at just 15, has a long zine-ing career ahead of her. PN’s writing is engaging and the self-deprecating humour that peppers this publication had me laughing out loud. In short, PN is a winning combination of LOL, some alternative pop culture, and yes, a how-to on hiding stuff in thrift stores.”

OTTAWA EXPLOSION:

“I’ve been picking up as many issues of this zine as I can. I usually pick them up at Vertigo but they’re usually available at a few other locations. PUKER NATION is a fun zine done by a young gal in high school. I love the enthusiasm dripping off every page and the fact that a handwritten zine is done in this day and age by someone who grew up in the age of the computer. Most people don’t even bother to put forward anything tactile anymore and just take it for granted that people will know about certain books, bands or whatever or can just search it out on the internet. PUKER NATION writes about these things with great enthusiasm and excitement and it’s very refreshing to read. It’s great to know there are people keeping the spirit of excitement and d.i.y. alive. PUKER NATION does however have an online presence and you can check out the blog which will also link you to digital versions of all of the issues if you can’t seem to find any of the physical copies. CHECK IT OUT!”