Given the massive number of parodies that have been written of this classic, I was naturally inclined to do one myself. Unfortunately, I struggled with the initial idea. Add to the fact that I had a life to contend with, and wyou can see why I've taken so long to get here.

These vagaries aside, here's the buzz: While searching around, I came across an unusual event that occurred in Canada during World War II: If Day (FR: Si un jour...). If Day was a staged invasion of Winnipeg that occurred on February 19, 1942. In short, here's what happened: The "invasion" began with mock bombings and faked destruction of bridges. A few mock casualties later, the Canadian forces there surrendered at 9:30 AM, after which a guy named Erich von Neurenberg took over. In addition to the usual Nazi policies of censorship, suppression of assembly, book burnings and such, the town was renamed "Himmlerstadt" and the local newspaper, The Winnipeg Tribune, was renamed "Das Winnipeger Lügenblatt" (EN: "The Winnipeg Liesheet").

When the currency was replaced by German Reichsmarks, the truth became apparent to the townsfolk: On the back of these phony Reichsmarks, there was an advertisement for Victory Bonds. At 5:30 PM, at the end of it all, groups of people paraded with signs saying "It Must Not Happen Here!" or "Buy Victory Bonds!" Actually, the media had informed the public of this event well in advance. Nevertheless, it still took many by surprise. Could you imagine something like this happening nowadays? Whatever you think, enjoy the parody, and have a Happy Halloween!

Copyright 2011 by Dylan Baranski GmbH S.p.A. Inc. Misuse is punishable by a zombie invasion of your hometown.

Know more about If Day? Go here: http://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/mb_history/13/ifday.shtml