The Observation Deck

Alright, so when and where is the LO Christmas party?

I'll bring some cookies. Egg Nog anyone?

I'm picturing Jim in a Santa suit and I'm guessing that Gary has a special holiday banjo packed away somewhere for just such an occasion.

Bret Callentine wrote:Alright, so when and where is the LO Christmas party?

I'll bring some cookies. Egg Nog anyone?

I'm picturing Jim in a Santa suit and I'm guessing that Gary has a special holiday banjo packed away somewhere for just such an occasion.

Well we are working on a holiday affair, but after Christmas.

You know maybe something like on New Years Eve.

Something with a little fire.

You know...

.

oh jimminy jeeeeez-------not another monkey assassination!!!!!!!

Jim O'Bryan wrote:Well we are working on a holiday affair, but after Christmas.

You know maybe something like on New Years Eve.

Something with a little fire.

You know...

why, whatever are you talking about (wink wink nudge nudge knowwhatimean knowwhatimean)

(hope you liked the poem)

Bret Callentine wrote:(hope you liked the poem)

Very nice, very moving, Deb loved it!

Thanks, you know that gives me an idea!


.

I certainly hope Fire Marshall Gillman is monitoring this thread

shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh



.

Ode To Creative Delinquency
by Bret Callentine

This is dedicated to all those people who make this city a wonderfully crazy, uniquely iconic, and individually spectacular place to live. Here’s hoping that the New Year brings you continued success. You have my personal gratitude and greatest appreciation.

'Twas the night before New Year at my home in Lakewood,

My family was sleeping as best as they could.

The locals were shooting off fireworks galore

Despite making noises the neighbors abhor.

The patrons were heading to bars across town

With visions all blurry from drinks they had downed.

My wife bundled up and starting to snore,

I turned off the lights and locked the front door

When out on my lawn there arose such a wailing,

I grabbed something sharp for intruder impaling.

En route to the window I tripped on a toy,

Swore under my breath and cursed at my boy.

My view was impaired by plastic shrink wrap

Since my windows won’t close weather-tight worth a crap.

But what to my wandering eyes did appear

But a small furry creature consumed with great fear.

Though it wasn’t a possum, a dog or a cat,

But instead a small chimp that I looked at

More rapid than eagles it flew up my tree,

It screeched and it bellowed and continued to flee

To the top of the porch, to the top of the wall,

It dashed to the rooftop without chance it’d fall.

I heard on the roof quite a scratch, quite a scrape,

His little paws pacing, destroying my slate.

As I looked for my phone to call Animal Control,

Down the chimney he came with a casual stroll.

As I straightened my head and was turning around,

A guy lept to my porch, up the stairs with a bound.

Not bothering to knock, he kicked in the front door

Then looked around anxiously scanning the floor.

His eyes how they twinkled – obviously drunk.

His cheeks were like roses; he smelled like a skunk.

His long hair was flowing as white as the snow.

His years of carousing were starting to show.

He had a broad face and quite the beer belly

That shook when he moved like a bowl full of jelly.

With a glint in his eye and turn of his head,

“Have you seen my monkey?” is all that he said.

Not waiting for me, he went back to his work.

As I turned on the lights he stopped with a jerk.

Now clutching a net, he steadied his pose,

For he saw the poor chimp, in the corner it froze.

He sprang toward his prey, with his catch he did cheer,

“I captured him boys, now let’s get outta here!”

As I tried to inquire rationale for this plight,

He ran up the street yelling, “Just wait 'til midnight!”

Later that eve as the clock struck twelve bells,

I awoke to the sound of great cheers and loud yells.

I turned on the news to see what was the matter

and saw my intruder had created the clatter.

And I heard him exclaim as the police grabbed him tight,

“The fire is contained! Everything is alright!”

And although it’s tradition, I can’t help but sneer.

Isn’t there a safer way to kick off the year?

by Bret Callentine.

It would appear that local merchants are now starting to buy, market and capitalize
on the Burning Monkey Festival. This is in the window of Lion And Blue in DowntowN
Lakewood, Ohio.

.

From Rob Masek


.

A little Lego Monkey with a flame sent in by little Bobby! Very touching.

I would like to thank Bobby and his parents for burying the hatchet, and not
pursuing legal actions against those that stage the Burning Monkey Festival
It is clearly what this event is all about. Releasing and burning off the bad
JuJu of the last year while welcoming in the good for the coming year.

However, we cannot allow Bobby to light this year's monkey! Sorry.

PLEASE CHILDREN DRESSED AS MONKEYS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED INTO THE
IGNITION/LAUNCHING AREA. There will be nearly no exceptions to this rule!
Now called the Bobby Rule.

Reminds me of...



.

From this evening.

Happy New Year, and it would seem that 2011 should be better for urban farmers, and residents.

More photos from this years BMF tomorrow.

PEACE