Steeler Ladies (Put A Ring On It)

Nebby Debbie is certainly a Steeler lady, and she wants to sing it from the rooftop! If you want to hear her song, check out this Steeler Ladies link and crank up the volume.

Sock Monkeys Around the World

You might be surprised to learn that the United States is not the only country enamored with the sock monkey. I met some friendly folks, Alan and Sue, from England last summer. I was taking my first set of digital photos of the family and preparing to create my blog! They were quite curious about my "project," and I told them I would e-mail them details when the blog became a reality. Little did I know that Sue was bitten by the sock monkey bug that day. She got her first sock monkey this Christmas and named her Rosie (see pictured below). Rosie and I are pen pals, and we compare notes on sock monkey life across the pond.


The following picture was taken in the Netherlands by cousin Carson (loyal blog follower who was also known as Carsoon the Baboon decades ago thanks to Grandpa). It seems as if the Dutch sock monkey depicted below is a famous astronaut in his country. Sock monkeys are expanding the frontiers of science in a big way.


I also recently discovered a charitable organization called "Operation Sock Monkey" that is spreading the joy of sock monkey adoption to underprivileged children in South Africa. If you are interested in donating a sock monkey and/or buying one of the cute fellows for yourself, click on this link.

I Flew the Goodyear Blimp!

The Goodyear Blimp is in Tampa for the Superbowl. Goodyear was thrilled to allow their guest captain of the day (yours truly) to pilot the blimp. Here's a shot of the "Spirit of Innovation." Isn't she a beauty?

Here I am inside the blimp's gondola making adjustments to the instrument panel before my flight. Can you see me at the helm?

Captain Big Monkey is ready for takeoff!

Flying high above the City of Tampa with my trusty wingman, Ben Socklisberger. Can you believe this superstar Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback took time out from his busy practice schedule this week to fly with me? It was truly an honor. You'll see more of Ben on my blog this week.

Taking time out to reflect upon my blimp adventure today. We had a fantastic time!

Sarasota Visit - Part 3 of 3

My adventure in the classic car museum is coming to a close. This drinking bear in the museum's lobby was half crocked after I got finished with him. If you insert a quarter in the machine, the bear will drink a shot. Put another quarter in, the bear drinks again. You get the picture. Let's just say that I was like Laura at the slot machines in Vegas, and I spent my last quarter on this poor sap. I don't know if you can see it, but his eyes are glowing bloodshot red. The only words he could manage to slur as I departed the building were, "Bear.... Bear." Apparently, he still knew what he was.

I took a quick spin through the museum's gift shop and was horrified to find one of my brothers imprisoned as an organ grinder monkey. How insulting! This brother only makes 10 cents each performance. Wait a minute! Am I getting paid to do this blog? I need to speak with Laura about this matter immediately.

As you know in the past, I have always compared my "guns" to the master's... Popeye. Can you believe that he was actually shopping in the museum gift store too? We posed together, displaying our massive "guns" for all the lucky onlookers to admire.

My Sarasota visit concluded with a delicious meal at the famous Columbia Restaurant on St. Armands Circle. They have the best Cuban cuisine I have ever tasted. If you want to have a fine dining experience, there are also locations in Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Orlando and St. Augustine. I highly recommend it. Make sure that someone else is paying... ha ha!

Sarasota Visit - Part 2 of 3

This post continues my test drives of fabulous classic cars at the museum. This original Mini Cooper from the 1960's was once owned by Paul McCartney. Goo goo g'joob!

When you think of BMW's, you imagine a classy, sleek, sexy, head turning vehicle. The BMW and I, we have a lot in common. Don't you think this would make a great print ad with me posing as the cover sock on the hood of this Beemer?

This one is just my size; however, it's up on blocks. I can't go racing down Tamiami Trail until they fix this jalopy.

Now I'm setting my sights higher... literally. Look out, Snoopy! Here comes the REAL Red Baron.

Sarasota Visit - Part 1 of 3

Last weekend Laura, Mark and I traveled to Sarasota to see some of Laura's family that were visiting from up north. We spent part of the day at the Sarasota Classic Car Museum. I couldn't decide which car I liked the best, so I had to test drive them all!

This model was a bit archaic and reminded me of a Flintstones' style mobile.

This BMW Isetta was a nice choice. It would turn some heads when I cruise down the highway.

Ciao, baby! This sweet Italian sports car with a Ford engine would have been a big hit but never made it to the production line.

The classic VW Beetle - Laura drives one of the new style Beetles.

Run for freedom, Brother!

There's a monkey on the loose in Clearwater. Click on this link to read all about him. He is streetwise and armed with a handful of caca, so if you see him WATCH OUT! He's outsmarted all the humans that have been looking for him over the past week. Let him eat bananas and be free!

Inauguration Day

It's a momentous day in the history of Crystal Beach. Basock Obama was sworn in and became the Commander in Chief! The streets were packed with onlookers trying to get a glimpse of the Presidential motorcade. Basock traveled in style via his Escalade to the delight of the citizens of Crystal Beach.
Boy, was it cold outside though! It felt like it could snow. Believe me, if that happens we will document it on the blog as a once in 20 year type event. Laura kept warm while she watched the parade with Sock Monkey Hat and Sock Monkey Gloves.

Superbowl Bound Steelers!

My Steelers are coming to Tampa in two weeks for the Superbowl! What could be more exciting than that? Well, maybe this monster Primanti's style sandwich that Mark made me for nourishment during the game yesterday. There's lots of goodies in this super "sammich" like roast beef, cheese, coleslaw, french fries, tomato - all topped off with a fried egg! If you click on my Primanti's link above, you can learn all about these unique, world famous "sammiches" from my hometown of Pittsburgh. Chipped Ham Sam helped me demolish this feast, and his new girlfriend Nebby Debby is looking over my shoulder saying "Hey, what yinz doin' over there?"

Barista Big Monkey's New Coffee Creation

One of my many talents includes preparing a fine cup of joe. My new creation is topped off with frothed milk and cinnamon swirls. Can you see the monkey face I have designed? I am calling this drink the Capuchino... ha ha!

Ailing Sock Monkey in Pittsburgh

My friend Herkey from Pittsburgh was injured when he fell out of his tree house. Thankfully, there was a capable nurse named Harrett who was on the scene immediately to tend to Herkey. He has a broken arm and some bruises, but when he is mended he will come to Florida for a visit. We wish Herkey a speedy recovery!

New Blimp Concept

The culmination of football season compels me to discuss the topic of blimps. You've seen them flying above stadiums (like the Goodyear Blimp over Beaver Stadium in the picture below).

Here's a closeup of the Goodyear blimp. Sure, it's a classic, but what if someone designed a new and improved blimp?
Some brilliant, innovative individual should pitch the concept of a sock monkey blimp to Goodyear. Of course a perfect specimen will be required to serve as a model for the new design. Which sock monkey would fit the bill? I know what you're thinking... Big Monkey! Below is a rendering of the prototype blimp. Goodyear should take a risk to completely change the blimp business, and put this sock monkey blimp into production. What do you think? Vote for your favorite - the classic, old fashioned blimp above or the brilliant new sock monkey blimp below.

Rose Bowl 2009

The gang is all set to watch the Rose Bowl! The Nittany Lion and Coach Joepa are ready for kickoff. I'm planning to put those roses between my teeth after Penn State is victorious!

A delicious feast of macho nachos will keep us nourished as we watch the game (and yell at the t.v. frequently).
Footnote by Laura:
By now we all know that USC beat Penn State 38-24. It was a very sad day for Big Monkey. He would not stop pouting. I brought him to the bank for Sock Monkey Friday to lift his spirits, but even that didn't work. His pride is slightly bruised, but he will recover.

New Year's Day Tradition - Herring in Sour Cream!

It's a delicious treat that will bring good luck to all brave enough to consume it - herring in sour cream. Here I am about to dig in to this delicacy. Mark and I have traditionally eaten this every New Year for as long as we can remember. Laura says it's disgusting and refuses to even try a little bite! We make sure that she at least can enjoy the aroma as we mightily exhale our rank fish breath near her presence.

Later today, my Penn State Nittany Lions will be playing USC in the Rose Bowl. Help to cheer our team on by yelling WE ARE... PENN STATE! I will post again soon with all of our game day festivities.

Happy New Year to everyone from me and the sock monkey gang!

Big Monkey's House is rockin' on New Year's Eve

These three amigos are living it up with some sparkling grape juice and noise makers. From left to right (Farcus, Big Monkey, and Billy the Engineer)

Candy Cane, Chocolate, Sammy, Reege and Lollipop are having a swinging time at Big Monkey's shindig.
Someone always gets a little carried away on New Year's Eve. That's why Officer Po Po is on duty. He caught this party animal conducting himself in a disorderly manner.

Meanwhile our new President Elect, Basock Obama, is celebrating Hawaiian style. He's saying "hau'oli makahiki hou" which is "Happy New Year" in Hawaiian. Here's to better times in 2009!

The Story of the Monkey Brothers

The Monkey Brothers (pictured below) are fraternal twins. They were adopted from Pet Supermarket several years ago and will squeak if you squeeze their bellies! Laura was given a tip from a friend about their existence, so she went to Pet Supermarket to purchase one.

At the time, Laura and Mark used to canoe / boat on the Homosassa River, which is about an hour from our home. One of the feature attractions on the river is an island called Monkey Island. There are currently 5 spider monkeys who are residents of the island. It's right off the shore of the Homosassa River Resort. If you click on my link, you can check out the monkeys activities in real time via the live monkey cam.

Laura and Mark thought it might be nice to bring something to the residents of Monkey Island, and the Pet Supermarket squeaky toy seemed like a perfect gift. Laura purchased two monkeys - one to keep and one to give away. However, she got attached to both of the little guys and imagined what the spider monkeys might do to him (his head might be ripped off immediately). She called them the Monkey Brothers and did not have the heart to separate the two of them.

To make a long story shorter, the spider monkeys did not receive a Monkey Brother. They were given a substitute gift of a rope toy with a tennis ball center resembling a monkey's head. It had to be something that wasn't so cute!

The Monkey Brothers have adopted a south of the border lifestyle, donning sombreros and sipping margaritas ever since Laura bought the sombreros as souvenirs from a cruise several years ago. One of the Monkey Brothers enjoys wearing fruit of the loom briefs.

In fact, he is so proud of his undergarments that he designed this fancy Christmas postcard to send to his friends.

The Monkey Brothers have another brother named Kringle (see center of picture below). Kringle works for Santa Monk as an elf and helps to fabricate toys all year long. He has one week off to visit his family every year (between Christmas and New Year's). Here are the three brothers catching up on a year's worth of stories.

Big Monkey's big adventure at the Suncoast Primate Sanctuary

Yesterday Laura and I visited the Suncoast Primate Sanctuary, which is just a few miles from our home. We had a fantastic time! The sanctuary, which was previously known as the Chimp Farm, is run entirely by volunteers. They care for chimpanzees, orangutans, monkeys, baboons, etc., that were abandoned as pets, former research animals and television stars! In fact, Cheetah the chimpanzee from the Tarzan movies has called the sanctuary his home for the past 50 years. He is now in his 70's. The sanctuary has been closed to the public for at least 8 years for a rebuilding project. Mark and Laura used to be frequent visitors prior to that. The long anticipated grand re-opening happened earlier this year.

I am preparing a slideshow which will include all of my photos from our visit, but I was anxious to make a blog post. Here is a preview, and my slideshow will be featured in future post.

When Project Rebuild was in full force, the sanctuary utilized various fundraisers to make up for the lost income of daily visitors. Laura purchased a brick as a donation to the animals. We think the brick is at least 6 or 7 years old now. It is still in great shape. She had our cats, Megan and Karl, listed on the brick. It should have been my name, but that's OK.

This is one of the spider monkeys. His name is Blue because he has such brilliant blue eyes! He looks really cute, but spider monkeys can be quite ornery. He stuck his tongue out at me when I took this picture.

This is Baby Bob. He was born at the sanctuary about 4 years ago. He is such a cute little guy and is quite a ham! Most of the time that Laura and I observed him he was hiding under a giant bucket. He would stand on all fours and walk around with the bucket covering everything but his legs. It was difficult to get a good picture of him because he is such an active little chimp.

One of the sanctuary volunteers took us into her office to see this picture of Bob when he was a baby boy. You can barely see it, but he is wearing little monkey diapers! Ha ha! Isn't he adorable?

Christmas Day - Part Two - Gifts

They say that humans and chimps share 98% of the same genes. Some humans are more chimp than others. Mark proudly displays his new Christmas shirt while having an unexplained urge for a banana.
Do you recall the most famous reindeer of all? Rudolph the Red Nosed Deerchimp had a very shiny nose. And if you ever saw it, you would even say it glows (and blinks)!

Laura is fulfilling her lifelong dream to become a giant sock monkey. Check out these awesome sock monkey pajamas with feet!

Everyone made out like bandits on Christmas Day. Santa Monk even left something special for Officer Po Po under the tree. What could it be?

Yea! Po Po got a new rifle! It's just what he wanted.