Friday, February 29, 2008

The Year of the Frog


Many zoos, aquariums, and botanical gardens across the country, are showcasing special exhibits in honor of the 2008 leap year, declaring it the Year of the Frog. Apparently half of the world's amphibian species are threatened by extinction. When frog populations die off, it causes a disharmony in the ecosystem that disrupts the delicate balance of plants and animals.

All frogs need a little love.

To learn more about how to help our amphibian friends, click here.

Thursday, February 28, 2008




The Big Word Project is a viral marketing experiment that has been set up by two guys in Northern Ireland working on their Masters Degree. You pick a word, spend a buck per letter, it links to your website, which then becomes the new definition. I have a feeling those boys will be eating more than Top Ramen. I will give you a couple guesses which words I picked up. I couldn't resist.

Canadian Lesson # 46

So, I heard from our pal Stefan, Canadian and Kraft Dinner enthusiast, and he was happy to hear that Americans also love to indulge in this tasty treat. He sent the official pic of a Canadian Kraft Dinner box. He also pointed out the Canadian French / English bilingual labeling - Diner - Kraft - Dinner. Also to note, he referred to the Barenaked Ladies as the kings of "Dork Rock", (not "Kings of the Nerds" as I previously mentioned) a name they apparently gave themselves on late night Canadian television. I don't know if any of you have had the pleasure of watching late night Canadian television, but there are a certainly a plethora of barenaked ladies.  I will leave you with this last nugget of wisdom from Stefan:

You know you're Canadian when your know the meaning of the phrase,

"Please pass me a serviette, I have spilled poutine on the chesterfield."

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Postcards From the Edge


So, as my adventures in travel continue, my little Star Alliance experiment has seemed to pay off. As many of you frequent flyers are aware there is a certain "art" to traveling. Packing light (and no, I have not mastered this one yet) minimizing fluids, and wearing shoes that slip off easily, just to name a few. Some of the perks, when you belong to frequent flyer programs if you reach a certain 'status' such as 'Premier' or 'Premier Executive' are priority check-in, boarding and seating privileges. For those of you that travel often, you know you have a certain warm feeling when you print your boarding pass in gold with the large number 1 and you walk up to the 'Premier" security line. You proudly display it to the TSA agent and think, that's right, "Gold baby! Gold!"

So, what I discovered is that Air Canada, who is a member of the Star Alliance, offers Elite Status with 35,000 miles accumulated within a year. United, who is my carrier of choice, also a member of the Star Alliance offers Premier Status with 25,000 miles accumulated within a year, and Premier Executive Status with 50,000 miles. Obviously, the more miles you have, the more benefits you receive. I am convinced that if you are a 100K member you can take a crap on the check in counter, they will thank you, and proceed to give you an upgrade to first class. But I digress....

I started using my Air Canada membership number last year and have achieved 'Elite Status' which translates to 'Star Alliance Gold'. This means, not only do I enjoy priority check-in, boarding, and seating privileges, but priority baggage allowance, which means when I pack too much stuff (see aforementioned failed attempt to pack lightly) I do not have to pay for the excess weight charge, plus they put priority tags on my luggage which means my bags are typically the first on the belt. Plus, as an added bonus, I get free access to the Red Carpet Lounge. That's right...free. (typically a $400 annual fee)

You know you have been traveling too much when your day is made by finding a seat with an electrical outlet right next to it, drinking a glass of orange juice made from concentrate, while noshing on your 3rd bag of pretzels.

It's good to be home.

Saturday, February 23, 2008

Kraft Dinner Rules!


It's never a dull moment when I get together with my girl Erika! We had big plans to go out on the town, but we decided to stay in and do it up in style and hit the blue box. Peter calls it 'Kraft Dinner', which for some reason cracks me up. The only place I have ever heard it referred to as Kraft Dinner, is in a Barenaked Ladies song. (which I will never think of that band the same way again, since Stefan told me they are considered the 'Kings of the Nerds' in Canada. Thanks Stefan!) I am convinced Peter picked up 'Kraft Dinner' in Canada, since I know they would never consider eating a pasta with a bright orange colored, powdered cheese in Sweden. Good times E! Good times!

Mac n' cheese and some Frank's Red Hot with a nice glass of Pinot Noir.
Does it get any better?



I still think these guys are hilarious.

Friday, February 22, 2008

On the Road Again....

Now that I am actually feeling human again, it is time to hit the road. Peter has also been traveling to some fabulous locations in Ontario such as Orillia, and North Bay. Meanwhile, I have spent some quality time behind the windshield in places like Fresno and Reno. We get to go to all the hot spots!

This map is for people who think that Toronto is the only city in Ontario.
Not that anyone really cares about Ontario anyway.

Monday, February 18, 2008

Good Morning!

It looks like herring season is officially in full effect as we could hear all of our buddies barking up a storm last night. Here are a couple of friendly faces I woke up to this morning.   

If you look closely, you can see what this guy is having for breakfast. 


Friday, February 15, 2008

Pillow Fight!

So, in the spirit of boycotting Valentine's Day, I wanted to go into San Francisco for the 3rd Annual Pillow Fight in Justin Herman Plaza (by the Ferry Building). My partner in crime was a little hesitant, and also concerned that it would be my first outing after fighting the flu for 2 weeks. He didn't want me to take one hit to the head and fall over. Alas, we did not make it into the city and here is a shot of the action we missed. Damn! I am definitely going next year!

Photo courtesy of Scott Beale / Laughing Squid

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Funny, But No: Rejected Valentine Cards

Here at Monkey and The Frog, we boycott this Hallmark holiday, however, I might have considered giving one of these cards that were rejected. Happy Valentimes!

Moving Day February 14, 2006

Believe it or not, it was 2 years ago today that Peter and I loaded up the truck and headed West to San Francisco. Where does the time go??

All of the stuff that needed to fit in the truck.

T. having a last moment in the old apartment.

P. behind the wheel.

Our trusty steed.

A quick moment at the truck stop.

Driving through Salt Lake.

On the road.

The place we would now call home.

A view from the new deck.


Some key rations.

P. adjusting to his new office.


Amazing cake made by our friend Sue, complete with fog.

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

San Antonio Girl



So, even though I came home with a Texas sized bug and have been down and out ever since, I did manage to have a pretty good time while I was in San Antonio. Here is just a taste of how the evening started in the chaps. Note to self: Do not sit with a full beer placed in beer holster! Thus the face and the wiping of the pants!

Monday, February 11, 2008

Back from the dead (barely!)

Well, after a very rough week spent laying around feeling quite pathetic, I am finally starting to feel a little better. Not quite like myself yet, but slowly but surely feeling human once again. Thanks to my house doctor Pedro, and to the Van Emsts for keeping the doctor entertained, and for the beautiful flowers! They made my day! Here's to getting well by the weekend, and hoping that Heineken will taste good again someday soon!

Friday, February 8, 2008

Happy Birthday Big Ry!

Ry working hard to get the raft down Westwater Canyon (1990)

Birthday greetings going out to our pal Ry! We hope life is treating you well in Spain! ¡Feliz Cumpleaños mi amigo! Cheers!

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Under the Weather


Okay, so I have returned home from San Antonio with a Texas sized bug and I am sick as a dog! I can't remember the last time I felt this terrible, so I apologize that the updates have been few and far between. Birthdays have been missed (we didn't forget you Colin!) and pics have not been downloaded. I did, however come home to find that Peter has left his day job running multiple empires and has decided to pick up work as a '70s wife-beating cop. I don't know if it is the cold medicine, or the fact that my head feels like it is in a vice, but does he look just like Magnum in that stash or what?