Monkeys in the Zoo Cartoon

Monkeys in the Zoo Cartoon The 1930's and 40's were the High Renaissance of cartoons!

What's It All About, Monkey Bob?

If I may be serious for a moment, I had an epiphany today, that I would like to share with you:

It's not about ME. It's about OTHER PEOPLE.

For the past few years, I've felt that my life lacked a sense of direction and purpose. This manifested itself in depression, panic attacks, and a general dissatisfaction with day to day existence. I was not happy, and nothing seemed to make me feel satisfied or fulfilled.

A number of events created this state of mind:

* - I am 57 years old, and recently realized that I'm not going to live forever. The idea that someday I was going to die hit me in the face like a left hook from Mike Tyson. I mean, no shit, I am actually going to die someday! It wasn't an abstract concept. It was a visceral realization. It scared the hell out of me, and threw me off balance emotionally. It gave me nightmares!

* - My best friend John, a contemporary in age, passed away from cancer a year ago.

* - I've reached the point in my life where being a workaholic no longer fulfills my emotional and spiritual needs.

* - My wife got sick in 2000, with a cerebral aneurysm. This required surgery, and she is now partially disabled.

* - My wife's illness almost forced us into bankruptcy (a couple of times), and our financial condition has been "dicey" for the past few years - until very recently. (Things are looking better now.)

* - Two years ago, my wife was involved in a head-on collision. The car was totaled and she was seriously injured. She recovered from the accident, but it was a long, slow process.

* - I have been supporting my 20 year daughter - both emotionally and financially - as she struggles with a new baby, getting through college, and establishing herself as a successful and happy adult.

There's more, but this is the good stuff.

In general, I have been feeling sorry for myself. I don't recommend it as a life style, because it sucks!

Then I recently started supporting monkey conservation groups through my blog. I have been featuring posts about them, linking to them, and also supporting them financially. It has been very rewarding - the first emotional "shot in the arm" that I have felt in a long time! And I genuinely care about this issue. Monkeys are my little buddies!

Also, today I went and worked with Habitat for Humanity in Newark, NJ. I met some really nice people who genuinely care about other people, and back it up with physical work. The program allows low income people to buy their own homes. At the end of the day, I felt better than I've felt in a long time!

The conclusion that I have drawn from these experiences is:

It's not about ME. It's about OTHER PEOPLE (and monkeys).

I feel, after a very long time, that my life is beginning to have some purpose and direction again. I will continue to volunteer my time and energy to worthwhile causes, because I now realize that one person CAN make a difference in our world.

Look for more upbeat news in the near future. I want to use the word zeitgeist in a post. I heard it on National Public Radio!

Will Liechtenstein Conference Deny the Existence of the Kong-ocost?

Today Liechtenstein one of the world's smallest countries, announced a Conference to examine whether The Kong-ocost (King Kong's 1933 rampage through New York City) ever really happened. The meeting is scheduled for February 2007. The announcement drew angry protests from some elderly New Yorkers.

Simon Plotsky, 96, voiced his objections. "We were there and saw with our own eyes what that monkey did to our city! It was Horrible! Horrible! We should never forget!" When Simon was asked where he lived in New York at the time of the incident, he could not remember. He also couldn't remember where he lives now.

CNN Reporter Mindy Lee spoke with Hans Frichter, the President (and also Mayor and Police Chief) of Liechtenstein about the meeting. Mr. Frichter said "We are a small country with limited income. Postage stamp sales to collectors have dropped off sharply in the past 10 years because of e-mails and the internet. Iran brought in a bundle of tourist dollars with their Denial Conference. Why shouldn't we cash in as well?"

When Miss Lee pointed out that King Kong was just a movie, not a real event, Mr. Frichter commented "Well, that is yet to be determined. You should come to the Conference and find out. I can get you a good deal on a hotel! Breakfast is included!"

Reaction to the Conference from the monkey world has been positive. P Monkey faithful sidekick of LonelyGirl15 said "The media should pay more attention to primate issues. After all, we've been around a lot longer than you humans!" The Bronx Zoo's Monkey and Ape Coalition also voiced support for the Conference. Spokesman Bongo Bongo (a 10 year old orangutan) commented "It's time to stop blaming us for the decline of Western Civilization. It's been more than 100 years since Darwin's book came out. Get over it!"

Hotel bookings and airline reservations for the tiny country have risen sharply. Mr Frichter is hoping for a slow news week, to increase press coverage. Or as he put it, "If nobody gets blown up, then Cha-Ching!"

Monkey See - Monkey Do!

Vader Dad Monkey see, monkey do! The source for this video is Black20.com

Painting an Ape (time lapse)

Painting an Ape (time lapse) This is from a cool site, TheDailyDrawing.com I used to be a portrait artist (among 8,000 other careers!) so I appreciate the talent of these people.

Primate Rescue Center Inc. - Helping to Save Our Hairy Cousins!

Primate Rescue Center Inc. This group is doing some great work to Rescue, Recover, and Rehabilitate primates. I encourage you to support them. Please mention Monkey Prose if you do!

Crossword Puzzle for Primates - No. 1

Primate Crossword No. 1 This was originally published in The New Chimp Times. I thought that their article - "When Good Bananas Go Bad" was a literary tour de force!

"Ape Man" by The Kinks

Apeman By The Kinks

New Chiquita Banana Commercial - With Frogs

Chiquita Banana Commercial New and Improved - Now With Frogs!

Bed Nets for Kids - Protecting Children From Malaria

Bed Nets for Kids Is a charity that is fighting malaria by a very simple technology - providing bed nets for children in malaria infested areas. This keeps mosquitos away while the children are sleeping. I encourage you to support this worthwhile cause. Please mention Monkey Prose if you do!

Groucho Marx in "Monkey Business"

Groucho Marx in "Monkey Business" Classic Groucho!

Banana Phone Song

Banana Phone Song Very catchy tune!

Harry Belafonte on The Muppet Show - Performing "The Banana Boat Song"

The Banana Boat Song Performed by Harry Belafonte on The Muppet Show. Very funny!

"Shock the Monkey" by Peter Gabriel

Shock the Monkey An awesome music video by Peter Gabriel!

G is for Gorilla - Part 2

G is For Gorilla - Part 2

G is For Gorilla - Part 3

G is For Gorilla - Part 3 One of the better amateur videos that I have seen. I am posting two of them on my blog. This one is my favorite. The filmmaker has incorporated a lot of sophisticated tools into these videos - slow motion, sound effects, etc. I think that this person is very talented!

LonelyGirl15 - Date with P Monkey

Date with P Monkey

Gorilla Librarian by Month Python

Gorilla Librarian Skit By Monty Python

Homer the Ape Cartoon

Homer the Ape Classic Cartoon from The Simpsons

King Kong - The Original Movie Trailer

King Kong - The Original Movie Trailer This is still the Gold Standard King Kong for me!