Hooray for Hollybot!

Traveling Monkbot Journeys to Hollywood

Text and Photos by Mind Doc
Photography Assistant: Mr. Doc

I was just about to send Monkbot on his merry way, when I realized that I was scheduled to work at a clinic that is near Hollywood later in the week. I was struck by the Monkbot potential in this visit. Shelley gave permission for me to take the little feller for a ride and so off we went to Hollywood. Before the Hollywood visit, I was at another clinic and found this great view.



I do not know much about the dinosaurs, but I seem to remember at least one of them being in Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure. The thematic requirement fulfilled, Monkbot poses in the freezing wind just long enough to get the shot, but avoid getting eaten. The website says, “From the interstate highway, the uncommon view of two giant dinosaurs, on an arid plain surrounded by mountains, is an irresistible magnet. But tourists are not the only ones compelled to stop. Well within L.A.'s convenient day-drive sphere, the Cabazon dinos became media darlings in the 1980s, appearing in everything from Coke commercials to rock videos to the film "Pee Wee's Big Adventure." They were built by Claude Bell, who ran the Wheel Inn on I-10. Claude took 11 years to build Dinny, a giant apatosaurus and arguably the largest dinosaur in America.”

I like that there is a giant slide built into the T-Rex’s tail, a fact that I did not know.

After work, I go to Hollywood, which is a short drive away. Mr. Doc volunteers to help out with the photos, as my previous photo-partner is in Scotland. The first stop is the famed Hollywood sign.



This was a remarkably tough shot to get. Too far away and there were scads of telephone wires and lethal traffic (the best shots were from the middle of busy streets). Too close and there were damned trees and hills. A helpful dog-walker suggested a vantage point and voila!

If there is one landmark that says "Hollywood" to the world - literally! - it is the famous Hollywood Sign, perched high atop Mount Lee, the tallest peak in L.A. The sign measures 450 feet long, its mammoth letters are 45 feet high, and it's visible from all parts of Hollywood. Erected in 1923 as an advertising sign for a real estate development in Beachwood Canyon, the sign originally read "Hollywoodland." The last four letters were removed in 1945, after Hollywood had become the world's movie capital, and the sign had already become a well-known landmark. (In fact, it's been officially declared "Los Angeles Cultural-Historical Monument #111.")

Who knew that they have a webcam?

We figure we have enough time to get another couple of shots. The next stop is the Kodak Theater, where the American Idol finale was held. It is situated right next to Mann’s Chinese Theater and is on the Walk of Fame.



Finally, we stop at the CBS Studios, where the American Idol television show was taped. Imagine a long queue of people waving Soul Patrol and Taylor Hicks signs, laughing and thoroughly enjoying themselves. We are shooed off – sheesh! No pictures are allowed to be taken on the property, by edict of the gate guard. I believe him to be a fascist. I back off to the driveway. The gate guard looks at me suspiciously, and I wonder nervously if they have tazers in the guard shack. I retreat to the van. We quickly get the shot, with little or no finesse. (insert whispered conversation consisting of “hurry! Just get it out of the window! I am, I am!”)



So, Monkbot is off to his next destination, antenna and visor intact. Not even scratched. The bubble wrap is looking a little tattered, though. Fond regards from this faction of the Monkbot Division.

Signing off!!

Woo Hooo!!! Five thousand Monkbot points to Rowan, Mind Doc, and Mr. Doc for all their hard work and sacrifice! This was a GREAT installment of Traveling Monkbot!

FYI...Traveling Monkbot has ALREADY reached his new foster home. Who has him? What will happen?

To be continued...

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Traveling Monkbot Journeys to Dundee

Please follow my train of thought behind the above video.

I was going to post a picture of Desperate Dan, since Traveling Monkbot is pictured below with his statue in Dundee. However, in my search for just the right image, I came across this picture and realized there was a group called Lieutenant Pigeon who had recorded a song called "Desperate Dan." (There is also a band called Desperate Dan...but they weren't as much fun.)

So, I went to YouTube in search of Lieutenant Pigeon and came across the video above for their song "Good-bye," but no "Desperate Dan" video.

But it really wouldn't have mattered. Within the first 10 seconds of the above video...I was laughing hysterically and had absolutely no choice but to post it.

Anyway...on to what matters...

Monkbot Makes It to Dundee
Text by Rowan
Photos by Mind Doc

Dundee I: This photo shows Monkbot perched cheekily on the rolled up comic book belonging to local hero, Desperate Dan. Dundee, which sits on the banks of the river Tay, is the home of the D.C. Thomson publishing house, responsible for a myriad of high-profile comics in Scotland, and the UK. Dan first appeared in the Dandy comic in 1938. Although he is a tough son of the Wild West, his Cactusville landscape is thinly veiled as Dundee. The city of Dundee had this very large bronze tribute to Dan set up in the city square a few years back, as he has been the delight of generations of local comic readers. I am sending the link to the Dundee webcam, where you can see him in situ.



In this photo, Desperate Dan wears a deeply pissed expression, as he has noticed a small interloper having the temerity to hitch a ride on his latest issue, which he is speeding home to read, along with his lunch of cow pie. This contained a whole be-pastried cow with the horns left sticking out. Childhood memories return, of wishing for a slice of cow pie!



This photo shows Monkbot in the railway station, perched on the windowsill of the station bar, which offers "anti-freeze solutions" to frostbitten travellers stamping their numb toes on the platform. Those like myself, a bit suspicious of fellow-travellers who indulge in alcohol-fests during the daytime, hang around outside and take pictures of the bar's auspicious name. Perhaps Tay Tay himself will grace it with his presence, order a beer, and answer the time-honoured local greeting at this time of year, "Gie wiz a sang, laddie."



Here is Monkbot perched amongst the penguins outside the impressive City Churches building, which houses the lovely Steeple Church. There has been a church on the site since the Twelvth Century, and part of the original tower still exists.

Monkbot is jiggling along in the company of a string of bronze penguins, part of the extended metaphor of Dundee as the "City of Discovery." Famous polar explorer and scientist Captain Robert Falcon Scott had his ship "Discovery" built in Dundee, and it stands anchored in the harbour now, visited by tourists entranced by his tale of unfeasibly "gung-ho" British bravado and ill-fated "derring-do." This led to him freezing to death in a tent in an Antarctic snowstorm in 1904. He took ponies.. they sunk into the snow, and the guys hauled the sledges themselves...Brrr. No duck-down and microfibre for them, just hand-knitted balaclavas and ex-army parkas. The Norwegian rival Amundsen, who got to the South Pole first, and home safely, used Husky dogs. Hmmmm.

Anyways...the 1940s film, "Scott of the Antarctic" is one of my all-time faves. The composer Ralph Vaughan Williams wrote a breathtaking score, "Sinfonia Antarctica" to accompany it.

Will Traveling Monkbot make it back to the U.S.? Will he ever be the same since he's become a world traveler? Where is his next destination?

To be continued...

Seriously...y'all didn't think I was going let us leave Scotland without a little BCR, did ya?

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Find Me and Follow Me...Traveling Monkbot Makes His Way to Edinburgh

In honor of Traveling Monkbot making it to Scotland...a little Franz Ferdinand.

Edinburgh – The Jewel in Scotland’s Crown
Text and Photos by Mind Doc
Photography Assistant: Rowan

I had heard many times of how beautiful Edinburgh is. It truly is – it is lovely and has an intimate feel to it. It has been described as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, and I would have to agree.

However, the first stop was more mundane than sublime. Off of Princes’ Street are these small alleys where there are pubs and small shops. We ducked in for lunch at Oliver’s and enjoyed a hot, inexpensive pub lunch. There is nothing like hot soup
and steak pie on a cold afternoon.



Steak and Guiness Pie with chips and soup. Yum! Note the tomato ketchup and the brown sauce. I have not figured out what it exactly is -- Rowan says that it is a staple to put on chips. It has tamarind in it. Interesting taste...I was going to ask the rather strapping young men hanging around the pub to pose with Monkbot, but I was afraid that Rowan would literally have expired from embarrassment.

Edinburgh is a great city to wander around in. Monkbot seemed to have some spiritual affinity for the place, and it was easy to see why...



This is a picture outside of Waverly Station. It is one of the main train stations in the city. As we came out of the station, we could hear bagpipes playing. This is the piper. Behind him, you can make out the city skyline a bit. The skyline is fairy-tale beautiful. You can just make out Edinburgh Castle to the right. It is perched atop the highest point in the city. Formidable, indeed.



The National Gallery of Scotland was surprising. It is small, but mighty. It is home to Scotland's greatest collection of European paintings and sculpture from the Renaissance to Post-Impressionism periods, and is one of the very finest galleries of its size in the world. It opened to the public in 1859. There were pieces by Van Dyck Gauguin, Velázquez, El Greco, Titian, and Raphael. Botticelli's Virgin Adoring the Sleeping Christ Child was literally breathtaking. Rembrandt’s self-portrait was a complete surprise. I think that is what I will remember about the gallery – it is
remarkably unassuming. You just walk around the corner and there is something that makes you stop in your tracks – awestruck.



Edinburgh Castle puts to rest all the ideas of fairy tale castles. It looks like a fortress – you can see why the castle never fell. Apparently, it has surrendered because the defenders ran out of food, but never was taken by force. It is massive. It looks like a stone dragon, perched on a crag. The guard at Edinburgh Castle was initially a bit concerned about letting us perch a monkey on the wall – in fact, she looked at us with a jaundiced eye. She soon got into the spirit of the adventure and suggested a much better view, which you see here.



Here is Monkbot at the cannons. At one o’clock each afternoon a cannon fires (but not one of these) – these are just your standard repel-the-invader cannons.



This is the Scottish National War Memorial. We could not take pictures inside, but I liked the outside as well. When you come around the corner and see it, you are immediately struck with the stern beauty of the architecture. I was almost scared to go inside, because it is very solemn.



So, Monkbot made it through to the UK in one piece, despite the fact that I was questioned by customs each and every time regarding why I had a robotic monkey in my bag. I was airy about it, as if everyone does it. Why WOULDN’T I be carrying a cymbal-crashing, antenna-wearing monkey? It seemed to work. I found this attitude to be very helpful in general and recommend it highly to anyone who takes the next leg of the journey.

Tomorrow...on to Dundee...(which, incidentally, is the name of Shelley's first dog...a beautiful male collie)

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London Calling...Traveling Monkbot Jumps the Pond

When we last left our intrepid little Traveling Monkbot...he was stranded in the Atlanta airport with some suspicious-looking primates. Read on to see if he made the leap across the pond to the UK.

London, Baybee, London
Text and Photos by Mind Doc

(Click on any image to enlarge)

London is a great city. Rowan and I hit Heathrow and found it really easy to navigate. The Underground has a station right there in the terminal. It is about an hour by train to our first destination, Bloomsbury.



This is the famous Fleet Street, home of publishing and journalism. Fleet Street is named after the Fleet River, one of the many rivers that now flow beneath London's streets to the Thames. Running eastward from the Strand toward Ludgate Hill and St. Paul’s, Fleet Street was once synonymous with Britain's national daily and Sunday newspapers. Monkbot seemed perfectly at home here.



The playwrights William Shakespeare and Ben Jonson were once patrons at the old Mitre Tavern, now No. 37 Fleet Street. Samuel Pepys and Dr. Samuel Johnson drank at the Devil's Tavern, at No. 1, and Dr. Johnson was also a regular of the most famous of Fleet Street's taverns, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese. Parts of this building, set on the corner with Wine Office Court, date back to 1667, when the tavern was rebuilt after the Great Fire. It is one of the few pubs in London to have retained the 18th century arrangement of small rooms with fireplaces, tables and benches. Dr. Johnson's association with "the Cheese" made the tavern a place of pilgrimage for many 19th century literary figures including Mark Twain and Charles Dickens.

A wander through the streets of London leads to St. Paul’s Cathedral.



A Cathedral dedicated to St Paul has overlooked the City of London since 604 AD, a constant reminder to this great commercial centre of the importance of the spiritual side of life. The current Cathedral – the fourth to occupy this site – was designed by the court architect Sir Christopher Wren and built between 1675 and 1710 after its predecessor was destroyed in the Great Fire of London. Its architectural and artistic importance reflect the determination of the five monarchs who oversaw its building that London’s leading church should be as beautiful and imposing as their private palaces.

As the Cathedral of the capital city, St Paul’s is the spiritual focus for the nation. This is where people and events of overwhelming importance to the country have been celebrated, mourned and commemorated since the first service took place in 1697.

This is a view from the back of the Cathedral – St. Paul’s Churchyard, I think. I have looked and looked to see what it is called. Suffice it to say, the lions are fab. The cathedral is to your left and what looks like a smaller chapel to your right.



Off to the Tower of London …

I don’t know what I expected – but I guess I thought that the Tower would be …um … a tower. It is more like a compound.

Monkbot was persuaded to pose with a Beefeater (who was a great guide, btw), but this picture had more gravitas, it seems. The Jewel House, unsurprisingly, houses the Crown Jewels. Let’s just say that there were some big, big sparkley jewels there. Scepters for everyone!



This view is leaving the Tower. You can see the Tower Bridge (Rowan’s favorite) in the background. We had to fend off the famous Ravens of the Tower to get the shot, as they seemed really interested in Monkbot. They kept looking at him with their beady bird eyes, covetously, I thought. Seven ravens are in permanent residence in the Tower of London; their wings are clipped, so they can't fly away. A superstition from the time of Charles II claims that when there are no longer ravens in the Tower, both the White Tower and the kingdom will fall.



A final shot of the Tower Bridge. You can see that it is getting cold and dark, even though it is only about three in the afternoon. Rowan just about froze in place as I got the shot. She might have started to make pathetic sounds right about now, but I was determined to get the best shot.



Next stop, Edinburgh!

Will Traveling Monkbot have to fend off more ravens? Will he bring home a hunky Beefeater to marry Shelley?

Tune in tomorrow...

Traveling Monkbot Goes to Vegas, Baby...Vegaaaaassss!

Prepare yourselves, folks, this week we gots lots of travel shots from our furry little friend.

In the past few weeks, Mind Doc has schlepped him practically around the world and back, capturing the adventure along the way.

Documentation of this leg of the trip begins in Las Vegas...

Starting Out

Text and Photos by Mind Doc

Once upon a time, I went to a website – graycharles.com.

While I was there, I made many new friends.

I made a friend who lives in Scotland, and she invited me to come and visit her sometime. The planets aligned, I got a great airfare and time off of work, and so off to Scotland I went. Life is funny, sometimes.

When I heard about the Traveling Monkbot Project, I asked Shelley if she thought that Traveling Monkbot would like to go to the UK, and she allowed as she thought that he would.

There was a great amount of discussion about whether to carry TM on or pack him. My husband was worried that I would not be able to explain why there was a robotic monkey in my bag, I was worried that he would get smashed if I put him in my luggage. My brother-in-law’s words “think burly guys throwing luggage around” kept echoing in my head.

I decided to carry him on.

The trip started out in Las Vegas, where Traveling Monkbot did enjoy a quick go at the machines in the airport...though he left his antenna in the luggage for ease of packing.



At the Atlanta Airport, Traveling Monkbot was pleased to see a display of his progenitors. It seems that there are a lot of toys made in Atlanta.

Do the planets stay aligned?

Will Traveling Monkbot make it to the UK?

Or will "burly guys" throw him from the plane into the ocean?

Tune in tomorrow...same Monkbot time...same Monkbot blog...to find out!

To be continued...

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Special International Travel Caveat: I know I said I was limiting each person to seven pictures...but since this leg of the trip went through different states AND countries...I decided to bend the rule a bit and allow seven pictures per city. It was the least I could do since Traveling Monkbot practically had to sit on Mind Doc's lap for hours and hours on board a plane...right? Plus, I figured...the more pictures...the more fun. So, to be fair...if anyone else takes TM out of the country...he or she is granted more than seven pictures to run.

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Traveling Monkbot Begins His Journey from Jackson, MS

Traveling Monkbot has been set loose into the big, open world...in search of other Monkbots...in search of THE Monkbot.

I'm sure he'll meet with many good people. And I'm sure he'll have many fine adventures. Though he may never reach the hands of Taylor Hicks...he's at least gonna have fun trying.

The adventure begins in Jackson, MS...

Literary lovin' Monkbot visits the Pinehurst Street home of the late Eudora Welty. This is where she wrote much of her fiction and many of her essays. I moved to the Metro Jackson area in 1998 and Ms. Welty passed away in 2001...so, for the briefest of time, we were sort of neighbors...and that makes me happy.


Political pundits beware of the mighty Monkbot. Here he visits the Mississippi Capitol Building. He is looking up 180 feet from rotunda area into Capitol's dome. Sitting atop the dome outside the building is an 8-foot tall gilded eagle. With a wing span of 15 feet across, the fierce bird stares South...because, as the legend goes, he cannot bare to face North. (I know...corny...but whatever.) By the way...you don't truly know fear until you're standing in a metal detector, trying to explain to a security guard why you're carrying a visor-wearing, antenna-clad, cymbal-wielding Monkbot into your state's capitol building.


Sitting on the bar at Hal & Mal's Restaurant and Brewery, Monkbot visits with Erin the waitress. Hal & Mal's has been around for about 20 years. It's a landmark in the city and has played host to countless well-known and up-and-coming singers and bands over the years. It'd be a great place for Taylor to perform once the new album comes out. Oh...and for anyone who has ever heard of the Sweet Potato Queens...they originated from Mal's Annual St. Paddy's Parade.


Every four years, the USA International Ballet Competition rotates between four host cities...Varna, Bulgaria; Moscow, Russia; Tokyo, Japan; and...Jackson, Mississippi. Yes, you read that right. The event, which brings competitors from around the world to Mississippi, is held at Thalia Mara Hall. Maybe Traveling Monkbot can perform there in 2010.


Honoring famous Mississippi athletes like Walter Payton, Dizzy Dean, and Archie Manning, the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame & Museum opened 10 years ago. I'd write more...but I've never been in the place and really could care less. I put this up because I know Taylor's such a big sports fan...and I wanted to impress him. (Taylor, if it worked...call me at 1-800-MS-HAWTY.)


There is no stretch of highway more beautiful in Mississippi than the Natchez Trace Parkway. The Parkway stretches 444 miles from Natchez, MS, through the state and the top west corner of Alabama and into Tennessee. If you ever get the chance to drive even a small part of the trace...do yourself a favor...drive the whole thing.


After taking Traveling Monkbot to see all he could see in Jackson, Shelley bids him adieu and sends him off for adventures unknown.


I'm sure y'all can't wait to see where he lands next...right?

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Interested in learning more about the Traveling Monkbot Project?
Click here.

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The Monkbot Has Left the Building

The Traveling Monkbot Project has officially begun!

The little guy was shipped out of Jackson, MS, on Monday, November 13, 2006...on its way to adventures around the country and world!

As soon as the first person receives the Monkbot, I'll post the pictures I took around Jackson!

Viva le Monkbot!

And can I end at least one more paragraph with an exclamation point?

Why, sure I can!

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On another note...let me put something out there for discussion.

I hope y'all are watching "Brothers & Sisters" and "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip." Both are great shows...a little free with the liberal diatribe of conservatism...but really great shows.

Anyway, my favorite part of both shows is that each have one token character...the same token character to be exact.

That character is a conservative, strong white woman who must rely on her wit amongst the sea of family/co-workers around her who are all liberal and biting. Both characters on these shows have taken punches for the right wing. Both are up-quipped by the liberals in their lives...but both forge ahead with grace and style and one-line zingers (plus both are really, really skinny).

I'm torn by this phenomenon...the pithy, perky, intelligent, lovable conservative white female (both of whom had their character's names drawn right out of a 1950s sitcom script...Harriet and Kitty).

On the one hand, I want to root for her and cheer her on as she stands her moderate right wing ground (she's not a full-on nut...thankfully).

On the other hand, I want to be angry at "Hollywood" for making these creatures so rare (the likable moderate conservative) and then hit "Hollywood" upside the head with a large fish for still giving the BEST lines to the liberal characters. (By the way...why are conservatives always the ones who are either extremists or moderates...the left wing is always just the left wing...hmmm...)

On the third hand (my middle name is Shiva), I want to hit Polly Pithy Perfectus upside the head with a large fish for being so obtuse at times.

And on my fourth hand...I just got a bunch of fish stink.

Anyway...what say you oh magnificent Monkbots?

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Why...Why...Why...Walter?

First of all...if you're not watching "Ugly Betty"...then you obviously need to get your priorities straight.

I love this show.

It's entirely a guilty pleasure...but I can't help myself.

I love this show.

Betty (America Ferrera) is absolutely charming...but she is almost upstaged by a fantastic ensemble cast.

Vanessa Williams as Willamina is beyond fabulous. I would have never thought she'd be so much fun. I mean, for years, I've associated her with "All the Colors of the Wind"...how does that translate into evil, yet complicatedly tenderhearted Willamina?

She's amazing.

And her assistant, Eric (played by the hilarious Mark Urie), never fails to crack me up with just one crazed look in his eye.

Even guest star (and producer) Selma Hayek has been wonderful. (Is it me or did she look a thousand times better last night than last week?)

But my favorite...the character that searches his soul and reaches into my heart is Daniel Mead...played by Eric Mabius (pictured top right).

Okay...so maybe he doesn't reach into my heart...but he IS hawt.

Very hawt.

I'm in love with Daniel Mead/Eric Mabius. When he illuminates from my 15-year-old Goldstar television, I forget about Jim Halpert...and I wonder...Taylor, who?

However, I am quickly growing tired of Walter (Kevin Sussman, pictured top left), Betty's nerdy but "lovable" boyfriend.

He's supposed to be the one who keeps Betty grounded as she navigates the wild world of high fashion magazines.

He's supposed to be heart and soul to Daniel's skirt chasing and uber-image-conscious ego.

But has everyone forgotten that WALTER CHEATED ON BETTY...WITH SOME FLOOZY WHO BATTED HER EYELASHES AT HIM?!

Why is everyone routing for Walter? Why?

He's whiny. He's predictable. He's insecure. He's clueless. And he's inconsiderate.

Plus...

HE CHEATED ON BETTY...WITH SOME FLOOZY WHO BATTED HER EYELASHES AT HIM!

I say down with Walter...up with Daniel!

Okay...I'm off my "Betty" rant.

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Now...onto "The Office."

I loved this episode...even though it was basically one huge set up for next week. Did anyone else almost choke with laughter at the previews for next week when Michael meets Karen and says she looks so exotic and is her father a G.I.? I actually howled...I bet you heard me. I can't wait for next week.

Other great office moments of the night:

1. Dwight's Christmas Card list (Raise your hand if you were aching to know who else was on that list...care to take a stab at guessing? Here are a few to start you off...Orlando Bloom...Ian Anderson...and Mike Johanns.)
   
   
2. Kelly ramming Ryan into the fridge when she learned they wouldn't be separated
   
   
3. The look on Pam's face when Phyllis told her Jim was returning to Scranton
   
   
4. When Jim said, "I always thought the Scranton branch would close but I thought it would be because Michael sold the building for a handful of magic beans."
   
   
5. When Jim said about Josh, "Say what you will about Michael Scott...he would NEVER do that."

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About Grey's Anatomy...another great episode.

First of all...could George have looked any cuter in his close ups? Those green eyes! MMmmmm...

In regard to Meredith. I know we're supposed to champion behind her because she's flawed and all that crap...but GIVE ME A BREAK! She went for a drink with McSteamy?! What?! I don't care that she ended up with Derrick...her flirting and "getting a drink" with Sloan was disgusting. Ack!

Now...I saved this for last...everyone sit down and prepare yourself...

I actually liked Callie last night.

BAM! I buried the lead.

Now discuss.

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Oh...for those who are curious...the Traveling Monkbot Project is shaping up nicely. I took him around Jackson today at lunch and snapped some great shots. So far 13 people are taking part (including me)...and Traveling Monkbot will visit 8 states and two other countries. I don't want to say where's he's going...I think it will be more fun to surprise you!

Traveling Monkbot Project

Now that antennas have been raised, offensive smells have been eradicated, batteries have been bought, and visors have been donned...the Traveling Monkbot Project (or TMP) is ready to officially get underway.

What is TMP?
TMP is a way to connect all Monkbots around the world via a skeery little toy that was bought on eBay and "fashioned" by this blog's owner to become the Traveling Monkbot.
Actually...it's Shelley's way of trying to get a side-splitting picture(s) of Taylor Hicks holding said Monkbot...especially if more than one person encounters Taylor and he's like "What the crap is this boomerang of a monstrosity these weird people keep shoving at me to have my picture taken with?" Yeah...that would totally rawk.

How does TMP work?
As readers of this blog learn of the project and decide to take part, they will send their shipping information to monkbottalk@gmail.com and agree to house the Traveling Monkbot for a week...taking photos of the Monkbot at landmarks or hot spots in their city or just around their home before shipping it to the next recipient.

Who can take part?
Well, if I know you...you can take part. I'm not sending this out to anyone who doesn't have an established presence at Monkbot Talk...period. I love inclusion, but I'm a realist...the folks here will care about the project more than someone who simply learns of it and asks to take part on a lark. Sorry...that may be mean...but tough. I've worked too hard on this to see it go down the toilet because someone doesn't take it seriously (well...as seriously as you can take a mechanical monkey jazzed up to look like a crazed Monkbot).

Will my address be kept private?
Yes and no. Everyone will need to send their address to me, Shelley. I will then map out an initial route for the Monkbot to travel on his wild adventure (however long it takes...my guess is as good as yours on this). As people are added to the project, I'll work them into the plan. But, to keep me from having to pay out the wazoo for shipping over and over and over again...I think it would make more sense for the Monkbot to be sent to the next person from the current holder. So, your actual address will be shared with whomever has the Monkbot before you, so they can address the box (however, there is a caveat to this...allowing for total anonymity...as you'll read below).

Do I have to let folks know where I live if I take part?
That's the point of the whole thing really...to see where everybody is...at least in the general sense of city and state...not street address. (Besides, it'd make no sense to have Traveling Monkbot photographed at landmarks and NOT know where those landmarks are.) However, if you wish for your information to be kept private but you want to be a part of the fun, that can be arranged. You would just let me know that in the initial e-mail. I will make sure the person who sends you the Monkbot would only know your mailing address (shipping name would be Monkbot Smith or something) and when your photos are posted on the site, I'll only indicate the city and landmarks without mentioning your name.

Will this cost me anything?
Just shipping and time. As far as overseas, I'll be sure to ask if you would mind taking on that burden before I sign you up to ship to another country...but I will ask that someone step up and help (if you are willing to do this...please indicate so in your initial e-mail). I can't swing putting in more money than I already have on this project.

How do I get my photos to you?
You e-mail them to monkbottalk@gmail.com. I do NOT want to have to scan in people's pictures. I don't have the time to dedicate to that and I won't offer to do it. Shelley's the meanest Monkbot in town.

How many pictures will I need to provide?
I ask that you limit the picture count to 7 (clean and suitable for viewing by Monkbots young and old). And DO NOT send me 20 pictures and tell me to decide. I will turn red with anger and seethe like a Monkbot gone wild! Simply choose the best/most representative/funniest photos and send them to me.

Will I need to write anything?
Yes...but NO NOVELS. When you send the photos, include text in the body of an e-mail about your visit with the Monkbot...what y'all did...where you went...if he burped his wine...etc. Also, if anyone is pictured with the Monkbot (pets included) please identify who is in the photo. DON'T ASSUME I KNOW WHO SOMEONE IS. You may think I should know that Roberta is your grand-niece or Alphonso is your husband...but I won't know unless you tell me...I ain't that smart. Also, be sure to clarify what we are seeing in the pictures. If you've photographed Traveling Monkbot outside of the town hall...tell me that's where he is. AGAIN, I DON'T KNOW UNLESS YOU TELL ME...ASSUME NOTHING...I'VE BEEN KNOWN TO CONFUSE BIG BEN AND THE CHRYSLER BUILDING.

When will my story be posted?
As soon as I know the Monkbot has been received by the next person, I'll post the most recent tale. I know time is precious to everyone but I would like for Monkbot to stay on the move as much as possible...at least a week at each person's house and no longer than three weeks at any location.

Shelley, do you seriously want pictures of Taylor Hicks with the Monkbot?
Um...unequivocally and resoundingly...YES! If you think you may be going to a concert or appearance with Taylor, let me know as soon as possible. I would love to have at least one shot of the thing with the original Monkbot...more shots if possible.

What happens if I lose the Monkbot?
I'll cry.

Of course I ask that you take care of the Monkbot and treat it responsibly (away from dogs and kids...off high ledges and out from under Mack trucks). However, seriously, don't sweat it. If something happens to the thing...well, I guess the project will end. We'll write a nice eulogy and move on. Don't feel like you're responsible for guarding it with your life...THIS IS JUST FOR FUN!

When will I get my turn with the Monkbot?
I'll put together the list as names come in and make out the route. I will try to let you know a week ahead of time when you will receive the Monkbot. However, as this is something I've never done before and cannot possibly predict how operation of the project will run...I make NO PROMISES!

Do you think/hope/want Taylor Hicks or Gray Charles to get the Monkbot and take part in the project?
OF COURSE!!! But I'm not expecting it in the least. If it happens great...if not, it's okay. So, don't get expectations up. Let's focus on just seeing where all this little guy can travel and what he can see...that in itself is cool enough.

Can I get it first?
Dibs have already been called. Sorry. After I take pictures of Traveling Monkbot around Jackson, I'm mailing this mug out!

How do I sign up?
Easy. Send your name (what you go by online) and your physical address to monkbottalk@gmail.com! I will send you a confirmation e-mail to let you know whether or not you were accepted into the Traveling Monkbot Project.

Okay, folks, I think that about covers it. If I have additional guidelines, I'll be sure to post updates.

I can't wait to hear from you. Let's get this Monkbot on the road!

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It's All in the Eyes

The good news is that, after some time and patience and a little elbow grease...our Monkbot is complete.

The bad news is...somehow in the process of attaching the visor to him...I broke his inner workings and he no longer claps his cymbals. The Monkbot is fully operational...I guess the batteries were just low (which is weird since they are brand new and I've only turned the thing on three times).

Oh well...what cha gonna do?

So, for DIY addicts...here's how I made the visor.

Using silver Sculpey Premo Polymer Clay, I shaped the visor.



Next, I took the roughly shaped visor and put it on the Monkbot...to ensure a snug fit and to get accurate sizing.



To give a little depth to the visor, I made a rim for its outer edge.



Ben and I had talked about how best to affix the visor to the Monkbot, and Ben suggested making clips. This was a GREAT idea. However, I had trouble finding thin, flat stips of metal to create the clips. I had to improvise using needle threaders from the sewing section of the craft store. They measured about 2" long and I used jewelry pliers (from when I used to make jewelry) to bend them into shape. I then pushed the Monkbot's eyeballs back in his head (this is where I think I may have broken his mechanical parts). Next I tested the clips to see if they would brace into the sockets...which they did.



I then took the shaped clips and embedded them in the back of the visor.



Next I smoothed the entire visor as best as I could...getting rid of cracks, fingerprints, etc.



I then baked the visor in a 275-degree oven for an hour.



Using the same paint I used on the antenna...I painted the inside of the visor black.



After the black paint had dried, I used some yellow fabric paint I had to create the frequency readout...so the Monkbot can properly detect kick-ass music.



Actually attaching the visor took a little finagling...but once it popped into place, it sat securely on the Monkbot's face. I even opted to not use glue because the fit was so tight.

I also went back and used a little bit of the industrial strength craft glue to secure the antenna to the Monkbot's head. It still wiggles...but the antenna stands much straighter.

I stayed home from work today...taking a mental health day...and used this project as my catharsis. It was great to get absorbed in something so goofy and fun...thinking through problems and resolving them on my own. I started the visor at around 9 a.m. and finished at about 4 p.m.

Okay...the next step is to write instructions and get the Monkbot mailed out. This week has been a little crazy for me...so please be patient while I work up our Traveling Monkbot Plan. I will post it later this week...and when I do...we'll have lift off!

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An Antenna Is Raised

Well...it's a very floppy antenna...but it's an antenna.

I didn't realize until I held the actual monkbot...but the head is made up of moving metal parts...cover in a loose faux "fur." I tried to keep the antenna lightweight...using a wooden dowel and a wooden bead and a wooden "foot." But, ultimately, it didn't matter. Because the antenna is only attached to the fur and not to the metal head...it wiggles...a lot.

Here's how I created the antenna: (This whole process took me about three hours...yikes.)

Using a utility knife, first I cut the dowel to the length desired and whittled down the end that would insert into the pre-drilled bead.



Next I covered the whittled end of the dowel with wood glue and fitted it into the wooden bead. I then used wood putty to fill in the top of the hole on the bead.



Using the smallest nail I had around the house...I nailed the wooden foot to the end of the dowel. This was my first problematic step...as I split the dowel with my hammering (you can see in the picture below). Fortunately, wood putty covers a multitude of sins (I wish it helped with thighs).

So I used the putty to smooth out all the cracks and splits...let the putty dry...then sanded it all down.



I gave about three coats of paint to the antenna...let it dry...then affixed an adhesive dot of Velcro on the bottom of the antenna and on the Monkbot's head (after giving him a little haircut).



The end result looks pretty good...but wobbles like CRAZY! Oh well...at least these will be photographs and not movies. I hope y'all aren't expecting perfection.



Next step...shivers with nervousness...THE VISOR!!

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So, $45 later...

Okay...so I took a trip to Michael's this afternoon to get stuff to make our monkey into the Monkbot.

It was a little more costly that I thought it would be ($45...the monkey only cost me $30...yikes)...but I think it's gonna be worth it.

I decided that I wouldn't be able to get all the materials and monkey to Ben and have him make everything and return it to me in a timely manner...so...it's up to yours truly to create the Monkbot.

Cross all fingers...and toes.

Ben talked me into using clay to make the visor. I've never worked with Polymer clay...I'm not sure how it will go. Also, I hope the glue I bought will keep it affixed to the monkbot...or else...hmmmm...I don't know.

Wish me luck.

Y'all don't look for many posts this week. This project is going to fill my evenings...I'm sure.

I'll try to keep you posted on the progress with photos as I go along.

is a little nervous...but excited



P.S. After Febreezing the heck out of the Monkbot...the cigarette smell has substantially decreased. Just FYI.

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