Yeah, it’s more promotion, but you don’t mind, right?

Over the weekend, I did a bunch of work on the Monkey’s Uncle website including putting the new logo on a bunch of products on our Cafe Press store: shirts, magnets, mouse pads, coffee mugs, hats, etc., because it just looks so good on things. I even updated the old Joke Opener shirt so it would include Shari (she’s the Blonde). Check out the store and get yourself something pretty. You deserve it.

The other major thing was the addition of a new blog: Monkey’s Uncle News & Funny. This time it’s Wordpress and it looks like the rest of the site. It will be mostly news about the group, but the other Monkeys have access and — hopefully — they’ll throw up something funny on occasion as well. You can subscribe to the feed here.

And, lastly, we have a show tonight! Starts at 7:30 at Jazz@Jack’s in downtown Denver. Get details here.

Listening to: “Two Hearts” - Kylie Minogue

Since a commenter was so nice to point out that the use of a certain company’s clipart as a logo was against their policies, I finally got around to making a new one based on the old. The monkey was illustrated by Hayes‘ friend, Dusty, and it’s hilarious. Because of him, we now to get to moon everyone who comes to the site. Thanks, Dusty!

Of course, if you’re in the Denver area, we have a show Monday night at 7:30pm at Jazz@Jack’s and I think all the Monkeys will be there this time with me taking it a bit easy after this pneumonia crap. Join us for some laughs!

Listening to: “Finally Woken” - Jem

This is a shot from the end of the show last night taken by Kath. Cancer was the secret word last night. No, really. Every time someone said cancer, the entire audience screamed, so you can imagine how much screaming there was last night. There were 75 people in attendance and by the end of the night a whopping $1,800 had been raised. I can’t thank everyone enough for the help and for bringing all the love that was in that room.

The highlight of the night turned out to be the shaving of Monkey heads. I was completely blown away at how entertaining the audience found it. Scanning back from the stage to the audience, it was amazing to hear the laughs and see the smiles of the audience as the boy Monkeys including former Monkey, Mike, all sacrificed their hair in support. Shari (as pictured by HDW) didn’t shave her head, but she did dye it red in honor of the color of the wrist bands for blood cancers. She looked great, too! She could totally get a job at Hot Topic except that she isn’t morose enough.

For me, the night was wonderful and strange. I like attention, but this was basically all about me. I guess there is such a thing as too much attention, but any discomfort I felt was more than made up for the people showing up to show their support in this little battle in the war of life. Friends, acquaintances and complete strangers taking a few hours of their life to laugh and say, “Hey, you’re not alone. We’re here and we want you to survive,” was one of the best, warmest and awe-inducing-est moments of my life. It’s a feeling everyone should experience at some time.

Also, I have to thank all the people who gave online which totaled another $1,400 or so. The outpouring of support has been quite overwhelming — in a good way. Needless to say, I paid a bunch of medical bills today; however, I’m still waiting for the chemo treatment invoices to begin to roll in. Thanks to everyone over the last few days, I am now in a great place to take care of the by-products of cancer.

Bald Boy Monkey Lineup (by Leslie)

You can see more pictures from the show here and here.

Listening to: “All This Beauty” - The Weepies

Do you realize how weird it is to advertise a fundraiser for yourself? It’s damn weird. The Monkey’s Uncle show on Monday, May 12th is now going to be a financial helper to pay some of my medical bills and be a showcase to see male Monkeys getting their heads shaved.

First, I want to thank everyone who has offered support, comfort and especially laughs during this period. I’ve felt truly blessed at having such a strong virtually- and reality-based support group. The Monkeys I especially want to thank for their huge hearts at even offering to do this upcoming comedy benefit — like I had a choice actually. 

It’s been suggested strongly that I put a link for donations for those who want to and won’t be able to see the show although I’m hearing rumors that the show may be taped, so if you are so inclined…

And for no reason at all, here is something for you. It’s the new Monkey Mix that we put together for the show. 

P.S. The t-shirt was a birthday present from fellow Monkey Mateo. Click on it to see the slogan idea come to life.

Listening to: “You Need A Woman Tonight” - Captain & Tennille