Zombies are evolving; these have an agenda

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For creatures on the prowl for brains, a growing number of zombies seem especially thoughtful. Or at least less single-minded than usual.

Last weekend, they turned up in Santa Rosa to tout the need for healthcare reform. Here’s the Press Democrat story and the YouTube video.

And this Saturday -- yes, yes, Halloween -- they’ll be lurching around Silver Lake Reservoir to raise money for brain cancer research. Proceeds from that event, Zombiethon: A Run for Brains, will benefit City of Hope.

Whether you consider the zombie and brain-cancer connection witty or grotesque (here, we didn’t agree), find out more at http://www.silverlakezombiethon.blogspot.com/. (There’s a costume contest too.)

The zombies-with-a-cause appear to be a slightly more evolved offshoot of the pop-culture-fad-of-the-moment-zombies.

But presumably even the less health-conscious versions -- if they make a habit of the white-face-and-bloody-mouth look -- would want to know about the potential problems with the trappings of their pastime.

Here’s a U.S. News & World Report story on the topic of face paint. One day of use is unlikely to do harm, says one expert quoted. But those who make themselves up routinely may have makeup side effects, amid other problems.

-- Tami Dennis