September 5, 2004

At The Top - For all of you laboring Monkies that are partying the Labor Day weekend away, remember to play safe and smile hard. And if "coconut juice" is involved, don't even think of getting into the car unless a sober ape it at the wheel. I don't mean to sound like a lecturing loon, but there's plenty of life to enjoy without putting yours or others' in the way of danger. With that said, have a blast!

Need A GUI Facelift?Shift Your Shape With ShapeShifter!

Monkie Business

Odds and Ends

Labor Day - Labor Day, which always is observed on the first Monday of September has been a federal holiday since 1894, but was observed in some places before that day as a result of a campaign by an early organization of workers called the Knights of Labor. Its purpose is to honor the nation's working people. In many cities the day is marked by parades of working people representing the labor unions.

Most Americans consider Labor Day the end of the summer, and the beaches and other popular resort areas are packed with people enjoying one last three-day weekend. For many students it marks the opening of the school year.

The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. The Central Labor Union held its second Labor Day holiday just a year later, on September 5, 1883. In 1884 the first Monday in September was selected as the holiday, as originally proposed, and the Central Labor Union urged similar organizations in other cities to follow the example of New York and celebrate a "workingmen's holiday" on that date. The idea spread with the growth of labor organizations, and in 1885 Labor Day was celebrated in many industrial centers of the country.

Through the years the nation gave increasing emphasis to Labor Day. The first governmental recognition came through municipal ordinances passed during 1885 and 1886. From them developed the movement to secure state legislation. The first state bill was introduced into the New York legislature, but the first to become law was passed by Oregon on February 21, 1887. During the year four more states -- Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York -- created the Labor Day holiday by legislative enactment. By the end of the decade Connecticut, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania had followed suit. By 1894, 23 other states had adopted the holiday in honor of workers, and on June 28 of that year, Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories.

- from U.S. Mission to Germany and Twighlight Bridge

September 4, 2004

Monkie Business

Odds and Ends

Lead To The Fall - Lead poisoning has been blamed for contributing to the fall of the Roman Empire. Women became infertile by drinking wine from vessels whose lead had dissolved in the wine, and the Roman upper classes died out within a couple centuries. The Romans used lead as a sweetening agent and as a cure for diarrhea. It added up to massive self-inflicted poisoning.

Weird Laws

Pacific Grove, California - It causes a misdemeanor if you kill or threaten a butterfly.

Sarasota, Florida - It is illegal to wear swim wear while singing a public place.

Chicago, Illinois - A hat pin is considered a concealed weapon.

Michigan - It is illegal for a woman to cut her hair without her husband's consent.

Minnesota - It is illegal to mock skunks.

Brainerd, Minnesota - Every man must grow a beard.

September 3, 2004

Icons | Community News | Monkie News | Bananas

At The Top - Approaching the Labor Day weekend, we're pleased as punch to plug the pixels - our labor of GUI love - with this week's Friday Icon Edition! Always eager to add enjoyment to your daily routine, we have our special brew of Monkie Spin along with News and Bananas to set you in the direction of the almost sane. But have no fear! As long as you land on the lite side, we'll stay as coconutz as we can possibly be! 'Nuff said...Let's get to the fun!

New GOO!

New Icons - Ooo, the GOO! Can you smell that sweet sweet smell? When there's 3 New Icon Sets on the GUI griddle, of course you can! And with all of the aroma of your favorite pixel flavors, you're certain to find yourself in pixel heaven...That is, as long as the big mouth Monkie shuts his trap! Duct tape anyone???

DV Graphics - The GUI magic of Mr. Paul Sahner from DV Graphics never ceases to amaze this Monkie! On the heals of Apple's introduction of their latest, greatest innovative "feet," Paul produced his own productive replication titled iMac G5s! The two original icons, like all of DVG's pixel pleasures, are not photographic representations - but hand drawn with pain staking detail! So if you just can't wait for the new iMac to ship, now you can have a new iMac on with your Mac Attack!

 

Alphan Gunaydin - Offering you crystal clarity in sight, sound, and icon design is the second installment of cellular sensations titled Nokia Icons 2. Currently attending the University of Massachusetts Boston, Turkish native Alphan Gunaydin has assembled this cool and colorful collection of calling devices that, as you well know, can now do so much more than communicate little voices asking, "Can you hear me now?!" Maybe someday they will create icons as cool as Alphan's!

 

elpincho Designs - Maybe I can color with Crayola Crayons, but no one colors as creatively as elpincho Designs' Master Icon Crafter with his latest collection called iColorsHD! When in need of a big ol' GUI smile, nothing comes close to the smooth, slick, and simple style with an obvious air of Aqua in your eyes. And what could be better than this hard drivin' bargain of GUI fun? A second set of eye popping "extra's" is certainly soon to come! Enjoy!!

 

Thanks Department --

Alphan, elpincho, and Paul...

All ten toes tipped up for a most astonishing,

Innovative, and invigorating collection!

THANK YOU!!

Wanna share your work with the world?

Send Us Your Icons!

Community News

Live Pencil - WHAT? A dead piece of led can become a live pencil? You better bet your booties! Live Pencil, everybody's favorite GUI shop full of smiles to liven up your view has updated with all kinds of spectacular new GOO. Let's have a look at the latest:

• ANIMATIONS - Transparent version of our thirsty sun.
• SMILEY EMOTICONS - Tongue out and Na na na...
• SLIDE PUZZLE!!!! Very very difficult.
• BACKGROUNDS - Animated and static. Lightning in the storm. Use them with your e mail and as computer wallpapers.

So...If your pixels are pouting about, make your move to Live Pencil and get a BIG pile of smiles plastered GUI face!

Monkie News

Miscellaneous Monkie Stuff - There's a few quick things I would like to mention for all of those who have the need for the knows, beginning with my long time Monkie bud, BeanHead Spicer.

Monkie Girl Madness - For the last couple of years, she has been working her tail off delivering interesting Mac and Network News, as well as assisting me with editing. Normally, she finds the stories, summarizes them, and sends them to me to post. However, she has recently shown an interest in HTML combined with more direct involvement with the production of the site. Therefore, I have let loose of my tight grip of technical control to allow her to do her thing. Thus far, she's performing like a champ. Hats off to the Bean!

Request for Graphic Input - Second, I have been mentioning a couple of projects that are in the making. One of those is pretty much complete with the exception of "testing."

The other has hit a speed bump due to my lack of knowledge. Specifically, I am creating an image in Photoshop with a transparent background and attempting to save it as a transparent GIF. However, once I do, I find a small white area outlining the entire image while leaving everything else "clear." Cutting to the chase: I thought there was a way to get around this. One Master GUI Meister suggested using a png image, but this over doubles the file size and is not supported by older browsers.

So, if you happen to be Photoshop savvy, or happen to know another GUI trick that can be of assistance, please drop me a line!

PHEW!!! What a mouthful! So now back to our regularly scheduled programming!

Bananas

Just Plain Nutz!

WINDOZE: ANOTHER BRIGHT IDEA

Q. How many Windows programmers does it take to change a light bulb?

A. 472. One to write WinGetLightBulbHandle, one to write WinQueryStatusLightBulb, one to write WinGetLightSwitchHandle...

BARK AT THIS!

"Some plants," said the teacher, "have the prefix dog. For instance, there is the dogrose, the dogwood, the dogviolet. Now name another plant prefixed by 'dog'."

"I can," shouted a student, "Collieflower!"

IT'S A FORTUNE

You might be a redneck if the interviewer asks, "Did you know that we are a Fortune 500 Company?"

And you answer "What track do y'all sponsor that race at? I ain't been to that one yet."

POOR AS THE WIND BLOWS

You So Poor

You so poor, every time the wind blows, your address changes!

September 2, 2004

Monkie News | Network News

Monkie News

Tomorrow: New Icons - Another fine line of Icon Design is headed your way tomorrow as we pull out the pixel plugs for your Friday Icon Edition! And to wrap up your work week and your first convivial atmosphere of class time classmates in ye ol' school house, we've an appropriate portion of News and Fun for your Monkie Appetite. All ya gots to do to begin is swing back by the Monkie Zoo on Friday for a Monkie style grin!

Network News

the WebWorld - BeanHead

Tiger Attire: Dressed For Success - Apple's up-and-coming operating system is roaring with features that will make it soar. Its revolutionary search engine, Spotlight, makes Tiger stand out more than any other. A few other factors will make this cat unforgettable as well, such as the ability to host ten people chatting and four people on video. Typical of Apple always being a step ahead, Tiger will be ready an entire year earlier than Microsoft's Longhorn. - from MacNewsWorld

Microsoft Steps Into Mac Shadow - Microsoft is scheduled to launch an alternative online music service today. Following in Apple's footsteps, the new service is expected to directly rival iTunes. Though multiple cyber music services are available, Apple is Microsoft's main competitor, as it is the only one that has captured the hearts and minds of populations around the world. Because Apple is already the shining light in online music, Microsoft can only hope to stand in Macs shadow.- from Excite

Cool Biker Box - Technology is coming to the aid of sun baked bikers. These passengers may ride with the wind blowing through their hair, but they still want more air. Air conditioning, that is. So a small cooling device is being developed which will cool travelers torsos through a tube. The bike box will generate cold air which will travel through a hose, venting into the bikers vest. Then the riders can not only look cool, but actually be cool. - from Ananova

September 1, 2004

Desktops | Community News | Bananas

At The Top: New iMacs - Apple has somehow managed to once again amaze the masses with the roll out of their next generation iMac G5s! Fitting your whole life - all your music, all your photos, all your movies, all your email - in a computer as fun and useful as an iPod, Apple introduced the futuristic iMac G5 in 17- and 20-inch widescreen models. The entire computer, including a G5-based logic board, slot-loading optical drive, hard disk, speakers, and even the power supply, dwells inside the enchanting display. For all the details and a look at this new technological marvel, head over to Apple and grab a look at the new iMac G5!

More At The Top - Well, we couldn't resist giving Apple first plug with their latest innovative break through. But the real pixel plug for all of you GUI enthusiasts would be the latest wonderment of pixel popping designs for your Wednesday Desktop Edition! So while they're still hot off the pixel press, let's dive right into the fun!

New GOO!

New Desktops - The unofficial end of Summer has arrived...Drrrrrrag! But you're certain to find plenty of sunshine available as we let the light shine on in with 5 New Desktops for this week's Desktop Edition! With the work of 2 New artists and 3 of your favorite desktop designers, there's a GUI story to be told to brighten your desktop smile. Let's begin!

Nature - Early to bed, early to rise...Shake the sand from your shoes and begin your day with a Myrtle Morning! When you're the first to return to the shore, you'll find scenes of serenity as with this wonderful number by Russell Rinehart. This snapshot was taken at 8:00am while the lifeguards were setting up the lounge chairs and umbrellas for the day. Rise and shine!

Once everything is set up and your eyes have been pried wide open, you can now start your journey back to a more out of the way location and head to the Beach! Just like the previous photographer, Heike Lill of Clarycon knows no end to Summer's sweetness with this gorgeous portrait of pixel pleasure. For your year 'round fun, this hideaway is just a click away!

 

3-D Rendered - Out of the waters and Over The Ridge is where we go next as we visit this single tree sensation from the continuing 3-D stories of bungalow Bob Wiley! This is the first work of its kind he's done since "Across The Way" more than a year ago. And in that same vein, Bob notes that much time was spent in making this selection appear real. Realistically? Real cool!

 

Desktops - We're not out of the wonderful Aqua waters yet! You can cool off by dipping your GUI toes into the pleasurable pixel pools of Cells, made by blue man by the bayou Neil Roberts! Though you won't find this mesmerizing masterpiece behind bars, it almost seems a crime to let it go unnoticed. And that's exactly where your desktop comes into the picture...Let it flow!

Time to reflect! From beginning to end, from young to old, you'll find Fan Dance by Victor Emert a great way to wrap up what has made for a fine faring of desktop flash and flare! Victor's most unique artistic style is quickly becoming a craved fave in the Monkie Galleries, and this selection is certainly no exception. Whether you enjoy sitting by the shore or in front of the fire, this one's for you! Enjoy!

Thanks Department --

Heike, Russell, Bob, Neil, and Victor...

Talk about the ultimate GUI splash!!

THANK YOU!!

Have a piece you want to display?

Check out our Submissions guidelines and then send it in!

Community News

The Iconfactory - The "GUI stars" from The Iconfactory have aligned to present their latest freeware icon set: Constellations of the Zodiac. This set of 12 by Factory artist Kate England is a great companion for anyone interested in astrology and is available for both Mac and Windows. Is the moon the second house and Jupiter aligned with Mars? Is this the age of Aquarius? Slip over to The Iconfactory and find out what the stars have in store!

DV Graphics - Never missing an Apple event, DV Graphics' Paul Sahner has found himself far ahead of the rest as he has released the first ever iMac G5 Icons! Just hours after Apple announced the new iMac G5 line of computers, DV Graphics released this set of two original icons created by hand that represent the iMac in its traditional "Hero" pose in two different styles. The icons are available for free and immediate download at DV Graphics. Go get 'em!

PlasmaDesign - Another marvelous batch of GOO has been released from PlasmaDesign with high quality desktop backgrounds designed for use on Apples new range of flat panel displays. Each image is available in resolutions of up to 2560 x 1600, ensuring a highly detailed and crisp appearance across all three sizes of monitor. This new collection of 33 wallpapers, along with a further 130 high resolution images, are available to members of PlasmaDesign. Membership is a one time payment of only GBP £7 with no monthly subscription. If you are in need of big, bold, and beautiful desktops, hurry over to PlasmaDesign and check 'em out!

Bananas

Just Plain Nutz!

SCIENTIFICALLY SIGNED GOD?

I think the crucial question is not why God doesn't reveal himself to us; he may simply be too busy, creating new universes or something. Rather, why didn't he make his existence obvious from his creations?

For example, he could easily have signed his creatures so that we somewhere on the animal would find something like: Copyright © The Sixth Day, God. This animal is commanded to be fruitful and multiply. It may do so freely, provided that this copyright notice is included.

DO-IT-YOURSELF BRAIN SURGERY?!

In Ohio, an unidentified man in his late twenties walked into a police station with a 9-inch wire protruding from his forehead and calmly asked officers to give him an X-ray to help him find his brain, which he claimed had been stolen. Police were shocked to learn that the man had drilled a 6-inch deep hole in his skull with a Black & Decker power drill and had stuck the wire in to try and find the missing brain.

BUMPER SNICKERS Part III

Nice perfume. Must you marinate in it?

Too many freaks, not enough circuses.

Chaos, panic, and disorder - my work here is done.

If I want to hear the pitter patter of little feet, I'll put shoes on my cat.

Earth is full. Go home.

Is it time for your medication or mine?

I thought I wanted a career, turns out I just wanted paychecks.

How do I set a laser printer to stun?

Meandering to a different drummer.

MATHEMATICAL COWS

Q: How do cows do subtraction?

A: They use a cowculater.

August 31, 2004

Monkie News | Network News

Monkie News

Tomorrow: New Desktops - Skool daze, kewl faze...time to eat from fude trays!! Yuck-a-muck! Though millions of folks have returned to the educational institutions for drawn out lectures and tests, we are still serving up bunches of batches of GUI fun. And you will find just that as we showcase a great gathering of GUI artists tomorrow for your Wednesday Desktop Edition! There's even 2 New artists in the lineup along with your regular designing favorites. So for all of you Desktop and Icon artists, keep 'em comin'! And whilst the GUI goodness is on the income this away, you be sure to come and get your input of fine GUI output back on Wednesday!

Monkie Stuff Still to Come - As we have been mentioning in recent weeks, the Monkie Master has been working on a couple of new projects for you here at the Monkie Zoo. Work is still continuing at a fairly good pace thus far. Thanks to a handful of outside "techno" contributors, we should be able to roll out the mysterious Monkie works very soon. Since a completion date is not known at this time, we may post a couple of "teasers" to give you an additional clue as to what's up. Till then, and as we often say, "Keep your Bananas peeled!"

Network News

the WebWorld - BeanHead

Apple Dares To Dream - Though Apple may not employ Oompa Loompas, its institution has been likened to the Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory of the computer world. Sure, there are other computer makers, but Apple adds the dimension of mystery and fun to the industry. For instance, it has just patented a pyramid base design for its iMac. Whether or not Apple uses it isn't ultimately the issue, but the excitement it generates in dreaming its dreams. - from MacObserver

Hewlett-Packard Sells iPods - Hewlett-Packard has not only put iTunes on its PCs, it is now offering iPods online as well as in retail stores across the country. The 'Apple iPod from HP,' interestingly enough, is compatible with Mac and Windows, even though HP PCs only run Windows. Customers can also buy tattoos for their iPods from the high-end technology business. The tattoos slip on and off easily, and are aimed at customizing individual iPods.- from MacWorld

Going Ape For Affection - A chimp in a China zoo is literally going bananas, and it's not for bananas! Apparently the poor primate feels a lack of affection from her mate. This lack of love has got her spitting at spectators and smoking their dirty old cigarette butts. The formerly meek monkey is simply mirroring back the bad behaviors she has observed from the spectators. It is believed, however, that she began doing this to act out her feelings of frustration. - from Yahoo

August 30, 2004

Monkie Business | Bananas

At The Top - Ooo, ooo, eeeeeeww! It's Monday already and for many, it's time to start the readin', writin', and 'rithmetic. Good grief, Charlie Brown! With all of that, how can one even begin to put a smile on their face? As we don't have a miracle Monkie cure for the Monday blahs, we simply twist and turn whilst puttin' on the Monkie Spin and find the grins always seem to begin. So why not join in with all of us crazies here at the Zoo and watch the blues go to Kalamazoo!

Monkie Business

Odds and Ends

Trippin'! - A space vehicle must move at a rate of at least 7 miles per second to escape Earth's gravitational pull. This is equivalent to going from New York to Philadelphia in about 20 seconds.

The Clock Is Slow - The tip of a 1/3 inch long hour-hand on a wristwatch travels at 0.00000275 mph.

Fresh Air Through The Forest - An acre of trees can remove about 13 tons of dust and gases every year from the surrounding environment.

Innovate! - Pretty much, Apple and Dell are the only ones in this industry making money. They make it by being Wal-Mart. We make it by innovation.

- Steve Jobs

Bananas

Just Plain Nutz!

BUMPER SNICKERS Part II

Whatever kind of look you were going for, you missed.

Suburbia: where they tear out the trees & then name streets after them.

Do they ever shut up on your planet?

I'm just working here till a good fast-food job opens up.

I'm trying to imagine you with a personality.

A cubicle is just a padded cell without a door.

Stress is when you wake up screaming & you realize you haven't fallen asleep yet.

Don't worry. I forgot your name, too!

Adults are just kids who owe money.

SHIPPING: BRIGHT IDEA

Q: How many shipping dept. personnel does it take to change a light bulb?

A: We can change the bulb in 7-10 working days; if you call before 2 pm and pay an extra $15 we can get the bulb changed overnight. Don't forget to put your name in the upper right hand corner of the light bulb box.

PULLED OVER

A cop pulls over a car that's been swerving across the lanes of a road.

"Get out of the car, please."

"But I'm not drunk, officer!"

"Listen, it doesn't matter if you're drunk or not. If you don't get out of this car, I'll arrest you anyway."

"Fine," says the man and gets out of the car.

"Okay, now walk this yellow line."

The man looks at the line. "Which one of them do I walk on?""

BOWLING FOR REDNECKS

You might be a redneck if you think a woman who is "out of your league" bowls on a different night!