BigBoy Monthly Manifest 25.02.15 – Full Throttle into the Abyss!

M/M BigBoy Monthly Manifest 25.02.15 – Full Throttle into the Abyss!

The Great Ape’s Call to Rebellion

Welcome Back, My Knuckle-Dragging Nincompoops!

The BigBoy Monthly Manifest is back, and this time, we’re not just revving the engines—we’re lighting the whole damn road on fire! Last month, we cracked open the gates of mayhem, but February demands something wilder, louder, and completely untethered from the laws of man, nature, and common sense. We’re plunging headfirst into the Lobotomy Lounge, where sanity gets a boot to the head and evolution grinds into reverse at 200 mph!

Why BigBoy Monthly Manifest Is Your Monthly Dose of Madness!

This issue? It’s a nitrous-injected feast of chaos, a high-voltage cocktail of jukebox prophets, forgotten legends, cosmic outlaws, and turbocharged freaks. It’s history rewritten in tire marks, a celebration of renegades who laughed in the face of order and madmen who tore the rulebook to shreds before dropkicking it into the abyss.

BigBoy Monthly Manifest – The Start of Something Massive

I, The Great Ape, your Electric Surgeon of Entropy, have gone spelunking in the ruins of civilization to bring you stories of brilliance, bedlam, and reckless, beautiful defiance. From the twisted depths of forgotten science to the chrome-drenched wastelands of cult cinema, from outlaw gearheads to history’s greatest con artists—this is a full-throttle sprint into the surreal.

Rev Up, Go Big, and Embrace the Chaos

This publication roars like a battle cry, a full-throttle manifesto for the wild, the wired, and the ones who refuse to coast. The BigBoy Monthly Manifest isn’t something you simply read—you grip it tight, let it seep into your bones, and ride the lightning. So ditch the brakes, crank the volume, and let instinct take the wheel—because when The Great Ape is at the controls, the only way forward is total, unhinged chaos.

The Great Ape’s Final Words – Prepare for More Madness!


Buckle up, my Flea-Ridden Floosies. The ride has only just begun.

The Great Ape sees you clinging on like a bungle-brained baboon with a death wish—grinning, reckless, and ready to tear the cosmos a new one. Hold tight, throttle wide, and prepare for the kind of chaos that rewires your primal circuits and short-circuits common sense.

Now, hit the gas before evolution catches up!

Welcome to the Lobotomy Lounge – Where Chaos Reigns and Sanity Takes a Backseat

#BigBoyMonthlyManifest #TheGreatApe #HighOctaneChaos #CultCinema #MadScience #LobotomyLounge #RenegadesAndRebels #RideTheLightning

1969 Schwinn Stingray Lemon Peeler.

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Hot from the Great Ape’s Almanac
In 1971, John Draper made a discovery that would forever change the landscape of telecommunications hacking. The seemingly innocent toy whistle found in Cap’n Crunch cereal boxes turned out to be a perfect 2600 Hz tone—the exact frequency used by AT&T’s phone system to indicate an open line. By exploiting this loophole, Draper, soon to be known as “Captain Crunch,” was able to manipulate the telephone network, gaining free access to long-distance calls.

This discovery helped launch the “phone phreaking” movement, a subculture of tech enthusiasts who explored and exploited telephone networks. Phone phreaks, using homemade electronic devices called “blue boxes,” could trick the phone system into granting free calls and routing access. Draper’s innovation influenced early hackers, including Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs, who later credited phone phreaking as an early inspiration for Apple’s founding.

Though phreaking eventually became illegal, it played a pivotal role in the development of hacking culture and modern cybersecurity. Draper’s story serves as a reminder that sometimes, the smallest discoveries—like a cereal-box whistle—can have world-changing consequences.

The Great Ape salutes Captain Crunch, proving that genius can strike in the strangest places—sometimes right at the breakfast table.

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22-year-old Lucille Ball, as a Goldwyn Girl in “Roman Scandals” (1933)

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In 1984, Tom Hanks was on the set of Bachelor Party, a raunchy comedy that would become one of his earliest major film roles. At the time, Hanks was still carving out his place in Hollywood, and this film played a pivotal role in his career. Already known from TV’s Bosom Buddies, Bachelor Party gave him the chance to showcase his natural comedic timing, helping him transition into bigger lead roles.

Directed by Neal Israel, the film follows the absurdly wild bachelor party thrown for Hanks’ character, Rick, before his wedding. While full of chaotic antics and over-the-top humor, the movie gained a cult following over the years, largely thanks to Hanks’ effortlessly likable performance. It set the stage for his future in Hollywood, proving he had the charisma to lead films and the comedic chops to keep audiences engaged.

Looking back, it’s clear that even in these early days, Hanks had that “something special”—the charm, the wit, and the warmth that would define his career. Bachelor Party was just one of many stepping stones on his way to becoming one of Hollywood’s most beloved stars.

The Great Ape reckons this was Tom warming up before his real Hollywood marathon. A banana salute to the early days of Hanks!

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Central Heating (1933), illustration by René Giffey

Cabin #7 – Round trip ticket aboard the LZ 129 Graf Zeppelin, from Lakehurst NJ, August 1st, 1929

Hot from the Great Ape’s Almanac
In 1963, NASA astronomer Jerry Krassner was mapping lunar craters when he noticed something strange—his ham sandwich had vanished from his desk. After a three-day search, the sandwich was finally found inside a sealed chamber used for testing space equipment. The mystery was solved when security footage revealed a janitor had mistaken it for a test specimen and unknowingly placed it in the chamber.

The bizarre incident led NASA to implement its first formal laboratory food storage policy and inspired the development of better-sealed food containers for spacecraft. The janitor, Tom Wilson, later joked that he “helped advance space food technology by accident.”

Though the sandwich miraculously survived its time in the chamber, it is now preserved at the NASA archives—a piece of culinary space history that is, unfortunately, no longer edible.

The Great Ape tips his banana to the sandwich that almost made it to space—proof that even misplaced lunch can lead to scientific progress.

#BigBoyMonthlyManifest #TheGreatApe #HighOctaneChaos #CultCinema #MadScience #LobotomyLounge #RenegadesAndRebels #RideTheLightning

Ren Wicks

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The Great Ape salutes the sheer atomic audacity of NERVA (Nuclear Engine for Rocket Vehicle Applications)—one of NASA’s most ambitious, yet tragically abandoned, propulsion programs. Conceived in the 1960s space race, this nuclear-thermal rocket design promised to cut travel time to Mars in half, using a nuclear reactor to superheat liquid hydrogen and expel it as high-speed exhaust. Unlike chemical rockets, NERVA offered unmatched efficiency, allowing for longer missions with heavier payloads, making deep-space colonization a tangible dream.

Developed in partnership with the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC), the program evolved from early Kiwi reactors, which tested core nuclear propulsion principles, to full-fledged NERVA flight-ready engines like the NRX and XE, which ran successfully in controlled environments. The design featured a reactor at the rear, hydrogen fuel tanks in the middle, and a crew or cargo section at the far end, keeping astronauts at a safe distance from radiation exposure.

Despite successful testing—proving NERVA could function in space for hours without refueling—the Apollo-era budget cuts and a waning political appetite for nuclear propulsion led to its demise by 1973. However, its influence still echoes in modern spaceflight, with concepts like NASA’s DRACO (Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations) and other nuclear-thermal propulsion projects drawing inspiration from NERVA’s blueprints.

Had NERVA been fully realized, humanity might have stepped on Mars decades ago. Instead, it remains one of the greatest “what-ifs” of space exploration—a nuclear-powered road to the cosmos left untraveled. The Great Ape mourns its loss but watches the stars, hoping for a second atomic renaissance to push the frontier forward once more.

Red Sonja by Lucio Parrillo

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High-Octane History – Rebels, Rule-Breakers, and Forgotten Legends

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Cover for Inquest Magazine by Joe Jusko,

The Great Ape’s Guide to Vanishing Without a Trace!

So, The Great Ape has been diving headfirst into the cloak-and-dagger world of espionage, and what’s the first lesson in any good spy manual? Eliminate the evidence! This declassified guide lays out four, shall we say, questionable methods for leaving zero fingerprints behind. Cotton gloves? Classic. Superglue? Risky. Sandpaper? Brutal. Medication? Now we’re talking next level.

Of course, The Great Ape doesn’t condone such tactics… but he does respect a well-executed vanishing act. Keep your wits sharp, your bananas hidden, and remember—true spies leave no trace!

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The 1950s saw Coney Island at its prime, a mecca of thrill rides and boardwalk magic. Among its most electrifying attractions was the Rotor Ride, a spinning cylinder that pressed riders against the walls as the floor dropped beneath them. Centrifugal force kept them suspended in an exhilarating, gravity-defying spectacle, leaving thrill-seekers wide-eyed and breathless.

This era of post-war optimism fueled amusement park innovations, and Coney Island, always ahead of the curve, embraced mechanical marvels that transformed simple fun into heart-pounding adventure. The Rotor became a symbol of mid-century excitement, blending technology, daring, and a touch of spectacle.

For many, a visit to Coney Island was a cherished ritual, and the Rotor stood as a badge of courage for those bold enough to step inside. Though the amusement landscape has evolved, rides like the Rotor remain a nostalgic testament to the ingenuity and reckless joy of a bygone era.

The Great Ape tips his banana to those fearless enough to take the spin—because if you’re not testing gravity, are you even really living?

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Geof Darrow

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The “Dueling Banjos” scene from Deliverance (1972) remains one of the most iconic moments in cinema. Billy Redden, who played the banjo-strumming boy, did not actually play the instrument. Instead, a skilled musician reached through his sleeve to perform the song, creating the illusion of Redden’s playing.

This eerie, tension-filled exchange between the city outsider (Ronny Cox) and the backwoods boy set the tone for the film’s descent into darkness, making it one of the most unforgettable musical duels in film history.

The Great Ape tips his banana in respect—because when it comes to unsettling cinematic moments, this one still sends a shiver down the spine!

Bill Medcalf

The Flying Merkel Motorcycle, introduced in 1910 in Milwaukee, was one of the most innovative and influential motorcycles of its time. Manufactured by the Merkel Motor Company, the Flying Merkel quickly gained recognition for its advanced engineering and sleek design. Known for its powerful engine and superior performance, it was marketed as one of the fastest motorcycles available, making it a favorite among racing enthusiasts and motorcycle aficionados.

The 1910 Flying Merkel stood out for its quality craftsmanship and cutting-edge features, including a V-twin engine that provided an impressive combination of speed and durability. It was designed to offer both power and comfort, featuring a sturdy frame and a smooth ride, which made it highly appealing to riders. The bike’s success in competitive events helped cement its reputation as a symbol of American engineering excellence in the early days of motorcycle production.

In the broader context of early 20th-century American motorcycle history, the Flying Merkel played a pivotal role in shaping the industry’s direction. The company’s commitment to innovation and quality helped set the standard for future motorcycle designs. Though the Merkel Motor Company eventually ceased operations, the Flying Merkel remains an iconic piece of automotive history, reflecting the spirit of invention and progress that defined the early days of motorized transportation.

The Great Ape tips his helmet to the trailblazers who rode this mechanical menace down the road and into history.

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This classic Lost in Space episode, “War of the Robots” (Season 1, Episode 20), originally aired on February 9, 1966, and features one of the most legendary sci-fi crossovers of all time. Young Will Robinson encounters Robby the Robot—the iconic mechanical star from Forbidden Planet (1956).

The Robinsons, stranded on a distant world, discover the seemingly lifeless robotoid, and despite warnings from their own Jupiter 2 robot (“Danger, Will Robinson!”), Will repairs and activates it. At first, Robby appears helpful and even outperforms their loyal Robot in strength and intelligence. However, things take a dark turn when it’s revealed that Robby is actually a trojan horse—preparing the Robinson family for capture by its mysterious alien masters.

This episode is a brilliant mix of suspense and nostalgia, bringing together two legendary sci-fi robots in a showdown of artificial intelligence and human trust. The duel between Robby and the Jupiter 2 Robot remains a standout moment in 1960s television, cementing this episode as one of the most memorable in the series.

The Great Ape tips his banana in respect—because when robots start playing mind games, you better have a backup plan!

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Mad Science & Cult Cinema – The Wildest Stories They Never Taught You

Artysty Nie Znalazłem

Snake Plissken is the ultimate anti-hero—a battle-scarred lone wolf who embodies rebellion, survival, and pure, unfiltered attitude. Played by Kurt Russell in Escape from New York (1981) and Escape from L.A. (1996), Snake doesn’t follow orders—he breaks them. With his signature eye patch, leather-clad look, and deadpan one-liners, he’s a rogue war hero turned outlaw, forced into dangerous missions he wants no part of.

His gruff, no-nonsense demeanor, dry wit, and unshakable independence make him one of the most badass characters in film history. The Great Ape salutes this cinematic legend—because when the world goes to hell, Snake Plissken is the guy you want leading the charge.

Fiona Stephenson

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#BigBoyMonthlyManifest #TheGreatApe #HighOctaneChaos #CultCinema #MadScience #LobotomyLounge #RenegadesAndRebels #RideTheLightning

In 1963, Hugo Gernsback, a trailblazer in science fiction and futuristic innovation, unveiled his TV goggles, an early attempt at wearable media technology. This invention, resembling a pair of oversized goggles with built-in screens, was designed to provide an immersive, personal television experience—a vision decades ahead of its time.

Gernsback, often called the “Father of Science Fiction”, wasn’t just a writer and editor; he was a relentless futurist who believed in the boundless potential of technology. His TV goggles aimed to liberate television from the living room, allowing individuals to consume content privately, much like modern virtual reality headsets and smart glasses. Though the design looked unusual, the underlying concept of personalized, on-the-go entertainment would eventually become a reality.

At the time, the technology was too cumbersome and impractical for mass adoption, but the idea of individualized screen experiences paved the way for devices like VR headsets, augmented reality glasses, and portable media players. The principles behind Gernsback’s invention—personal immersion, wearable screens, and hands-free viewing—are still core elements of modern entertainment and communication devices.

Despite its commercial failure, the TV goggles remain a striking example of Gernsback’s ability to anticipate future trends. His influence extends beyond gadgets; his pioneering role in popularizing science fiction magazines helped inspire generations of inventors, engineers, and dreamers to push the boundaries of possibility.

The Great Ape salutes Gernsback for swinging way ahead of his time—because if anyone was thinking outside the box (or inside the goggles), it was this guy!

Saucy Romantic Adventures – 1936 May – Norman Saunders

Link…

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Murray Eliminator Mark 2

Hot from the Great Ape’s Almanac. In 1802, Humphry Davy experimented with electric light by passing current through platinum. By 1840, Warren de la Rue enclosed a platinum filament in a vacuum tube, an early version of the incandescent bulb. Joseph Swan improved on this in 1850, but it was Thomas Edison in 1879 who made the light bulb commercially viable, using carbonized bamboo filaments that lasted over 1200 hours.

Edison wasn’t first—he was the finisher, making light practical and accessible. The Great Ape tips his banana to progress through persistence!

Terry Gilliam

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The Great Ape’s Spy Handbook is expanding, and this time, it’s all about leaving zero DNA behind! Welcome to Covert Ops 101, where every hair, every drop of sweat, and every microscopic cell must vanish without a trace.

From scrubbing down like a paranoid germaphobe to torching your evidence like a seasoned pro, this devious guide ensures that forensic scientists are left scratching their heads. The art of espionage isn’t just about stealth—it’s about erasing every last footprint of your existence.

The Great Ape salutes your commitment to covert chaos and criminal mischief—but remember, this information is for entertainment purposes only (wink wink). Now go forth and disappear into the night!

Somebody put something in my drink

May be a black-and-white image of 1 person and fringe

In a twist of fate that changed music history, a Cleveland DJ discovered a hidden gem on the B-side of a record. Instead of playing The Champs’ “Train to Nowhere,” he flipped it over and played “Tequila.” Released on this day in 1958, the track skyrocketed to #1 on the Billboard chart by March 28, 1958.

Decades later, the song got another legendary boost in 1985 from an unforgettable moment in Pee-wee’s Big Adventure.

The Great Ape salutes this accidental anthem—sometimes, the flipside steals the show, and so does Pee-Wee!

John Coleman

Rolls Royce

Hot from the Great Ape’s Almanac – In 1940, Oglethorpe University in Atlanta sealed the Crypt of Civilization, the first modern time capsule. Conceived by Dr. Thornwell Jacobs, the project aimed to preserve human knowledge for over 6,000 years. Inside the 20×10 foot chamber, sealed with stainless steel, are microfilm books, voice recordings of world leaders, everyday objects like a typewriter, and even a device to teach English.

The crypt is set to be opened on May 28, 8113 AD. The Great Ape wonders—will they even know what a banana is?

#BigBoyMonthlyManifest #TheGreatApe #HighOctaneChaos #CultCinema #MadScience #LobotomyLounge #RenegadesAndRebels #RideTheLightning

Carrie Fisher and George Lucas on the Set of Return of the Jedi

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Burn the Rulebook – The Legends Who Defied the Status Quo

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Linda Faye Vaughn

This jaw-dropping cabinet card from the Victorian era captures a masterpiece in human expression. Feast your eyes on the magnificent cascade of facial glory—a beard so grand it commands attention like a tidal wave of untamed masculinity. Welcome to the golden age of cabinet cards, where every photograph made a statement, and every statement was unforgettable.

This beard is a roaring testament to individuality and wisdom, a symbol of distinction in an era where appearances weren’t just admired—they were celebrated. During the Victorian period, physical traits like this weren’t merely curiosities; they were badges of honor, proudly worn by those who embraced their unique presence.

Picture the sheer audacity of this image: a man whose flowing beard tells stories of legacy and grandeur, standing with companions who can only marvel at such follicular greatness. This card captures more than a moment—it conveys power, pride, and cultural significance with every detail.

In a time when every strand of hair carried meaning, this magnificent mane reigns supreme. The Great Ape tips his banana to this bold relic of Victorian glory, a reminder that individuality, no matter how it’s styled, always leaves the strongest impression.

Stephen Green

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Clarence Doore

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1915 T’ Roadster

Birth of Skynet

 Andrea Ucini

Alex Ross painted Julie Newmar as Catwoman. The blue cat phone is a nice touch to her pin-up.

Hot from the Great Ape’s Almanac. In 1960, Smell-O-Vision attempted to revolutionize cinema with the release of Scent of Mystery. This Swiss-invented system, designed by Hans Laube, pumped 30 synchronized scents through theater seats to match on-screen moments. Pipe tobacco, wine, and fresh bread were among the aromas meant to enhance the experience.

Despite its ambition, technical glitches, delayed scents, and distracting hissing sounds doomed it. The Great Ape reckons it was an idea ahead of its time—but some films are best left unsmelled!

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#BigBoyMonthlyManifest #TheGreatApe #HighOctaneChaos #CultCinema #MadScience #LobotomyLounge #RenegadesAndRebels #RideTheLightning

Vaughan Bass

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The Great Ape’s guide to espionage just took a wild turn—welcome to Rectal Concealment 101! When you’re deep behind enemy lines, every survivalist knows that the best hiding spot is the one no one wants to check. This 007-worthy trick involves stashing essentials—maps, money, tools, even a handy ice pick—in an aluminum cigar tube for the ultimate covert storage.

BLUF: Exploit captors’ reluctance to perform thorough searches. When the stakes are high, your last resort might be closer than you think. The Great Ape salutes your commitment to deep cover!

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Hot from the Great Ape’s Almanac. In 1789, George Washington borrowed two books—Law of Nations and a volume of House of Commons debates—from the New York Society Library. The due date? November 2, 1789. The return date? Never happened.

The oversight went unnoticed until 1934, when records showed Washington’s 232-year overdue books. In 2010, staff estimated the fine at $300,000, though they waived it. Instead, Mount Vernon replaced the missing books with period copies—ensuring the first U.S. president finally made good on his library debt. The Great Ape always returns his books… eventually.

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Vee haf vays to make you talk….

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Science Gone Rogue – The Forgotten Innovators and Mad Geniuses

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Skill of the Week – Survive a Plunge Down a Waterfall

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Virgil Franklin Partch

If you were lucky enough to have flown about Apollo 8 – the first crewed circumlunar mission – this could have been one of your meals!

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Charles Copeland

Hot from the Great Ape’s Almanac. During World War II, Coca-Cola president Robert Woodruff made a bold commitment: “Every man in uniform gets a bottle of Coca-Cola for 5 cents, wherever he is and whatever it costs the company.”

The U.S. military backed this mission, granting sugar rationing exemptions and helping build 64 bottling plants worldwide. Over 5 billion bottles reached troops, turning Coke into more than just a drink—it became a global symbol of home and comfort.

When the war ended, those plants stayed, catapulting Coca-Cola into global dominance. The Great Ape salutes this tactical fizz warfare—sweet, strategic, and served ice cold!

Poster art for War Between the Planets (1966, Italy)

It looks like The Great Ape has been taking espionage training to a whole new level! From leaving zero fingerprints to escaping with a rectal survival kit, these devious tactics could put even the most seasoned secret agents to shame.

Lock picking? Covered.
DNA concealment? No trace left behind.
Hidden tools where the sun don’t shine? Absolutely.

This isn’t just spycraft—it’s full-throttle, ape-brained mayhem, turning every banana stand into a black ops command center. James Bond? Too polite. Jason Bourne? Too predictable. The Great Ape? Unstoppable.

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Julie Newmar

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Hot from the Great Ape’s Almanac. In 1942, Harvard chemistry professor Louis Fieser and his team created napalm in a secret wartime project. Their first tests? Right on Harvard’s soccer field—turning Ivy League turf into a proving ground for one of modern warfare’s most infamous weapons.

By mixing aluminum soap powders with gasoline, they developed a sticky, flammable gel that clung to surfaces and burned intensely. This breakthrough quickly changed military tactics, shaping conflicts from World War II onward.

The Great Ape wonders—was the soccer team ever told?

#BigBoyMonthlyManifest #TheGreatApe #HighOctaneChaos #CultCinema #MadScience #LobotomyLounge #RenegadesAndRebels #RideTheLightning

Charlize Theron posing with the life sized Joe animatronic designed by Rick Baker on MIGHTY JOE YOUNG [1998].

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How to Cross a Piranha-Infested River! – The Great Ape approves of this method—because getting nibbled into oblivion is not on the adventure checklist!

’71 Schwinn Scrambler

Happy 76th birthday to the legendary Caroline Munro, born January 16, 1949, in Windsor, England. A horror and sci-fi icon, Munro gained cult status through Hammer Horror classics like Dracula AD 1972 (1972) and Captain Kronos – Vampire Hunter (1974). She captivated audiences in genre-defining films such as The Abominable Dr. Phibes (1971), Starcrash (1978), Maniac (1980), and many more. From Bond girl to scream queen, her career spans decades, proving she’s still a force in the world of horror and fantasy. The Great Ape tips his banana to this eternal icon!

Earl Norem

Pascal Blanche

Burt Munro’s legendary Indian Scout started life as a 1920 factory model, one of the first 627 ever built. Over the decades, he modified and fine-tuned it into an engineering marvel, defying expectations and setting records on the Bonneville Salt Flats. In 1963, with his heavily reworked 850cc engine, he set an 883cc class record of 178.95 mph (288 km/h). By 1966, his machine had grown to 920cc, setting a 1,000cc class record at 168.07 mph (270.476 km/h). The Great Ape tips his banana to the world’s fastest Kiwi!

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Fantastic Universe November 1954 – This entire issue can be downloaded here

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Hot from the Great Ape’s Almanac. In 1962, after the Cuban Missile Crisis, President John F. Kennedy introduced “The Nuclear Football”, a briefcase holding the power to launch nuclear weapons. This highly classified case, carried by a military aide, contains authentication codes, war plans, and secure communications, ensuring the President can authorize a nuclear response from anywhere.

The name “Football” came from a war plan code-named “Dropkick”—because every dropkick needs a football to execute.

The Great Ape hopes they never fumble it.

Detective Short Stories – January 1942 – Norman Saunders

Bart Nijstad

Was Charlie Chaplin the original distracted boyfriend? here is a still from the 1922 short “Pay Day”

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The Great Ape’s Spy Training Manual is officially in session, and it’s getting downright clandestine in here! From vanishing fingerprints to infiltrating enemy airspace, the Ape has been deep-diving into the arts of espionage, survival, and tactical deception. Whether it’s slipping past security, covering forensic tracks, or concealing emergency tools where the sun doesn’t shine, this is next-level spycraft—all with the unmistakable MM touch of madness and mayhem.

The Lobotomy Lounge just became the Ape’s Secret Hideout, where de-evolution meets deception, and chaos meets covert ops. Get comfy, stay unseen, and always have a contingency plan—because espionage is just anarchy in a tuxedo.

And remember: A Great Ape never leaves a trace… unless it’s a trail of banana peels leading straight into enemy territory.

1928 HD

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Hot from the Great Ape’s Almanac. In 1816, the catastrophic eruption of Mount Tambora unleashed enough volcanic ash into the atmosphere to block out the Sun, triggering what became known as “The Year Without a Summer.”

Global temperatures plummeted by 3°C, leading to crop failures, food riots, and famine worldwide. Snow fell in New England in June, while Europe was plunged into endless storms. Mary Shelley, trapped indoors during the eerie darkness, penned her gothic masterpiece “Frankenstein.”

The Great Ape prefers his summers with a bit more sunshine and a lot less volcanic apocalypse.

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The Art of Rebellion – Icons Who Left Their Mark in Mayhem

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The alien Mother Ship model from Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) is a masterpiece of practical effects. Conceived by Steven Spielberg and built under Gregory Jein’s direction, this 63-inch-long model was crafted using model train parts and kits. Special lighting and photographic techniques made it appear colossal and otherworldly on screen.

Hidden within its intricate details are inside jokes from the model makers—tiny additions like R2-D2, a Volkswagen bus, a submarine, an aircraft, and even a miniature cemetery plot.

The Great Ape ponders—if humans are sneaking tiny Easter eggs into their spaceships, what kind of cosmic pranks might extraterrestrials be playing? Maybe a banana-shaped probe cruising through deep space?

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“Anniversary” by Walid Ebeid

Gil Cohen

#BigBoyMonthlyManifest #TheGreatApe #HighOctaneChaos #CultCinema #MadScience #LobotomyLounge #RenegadesAndRebels #RideTheLightning

Hot from the Great Ape’s Almanac

In 1835, The New York Sun published a series of wild reports claiming astronomers had discovered forests, oceans, and bat-like humanoids on the Moon. The so-called findings were attributed to the respected Sir John Herschel, sparking global fascination.

But it was all a hoax. Journalist Richard Adams Locke had fabricated the entire story, boosting The Sun‘s circulation to record highs. The “Great Moon Hoax” remains one of history’s most successful media deceptions—proof that fake news isn’t just a modern problem.

The Great Ape thinks tabloids have been full of space junk for centuries!

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“Yes Commissioner!”

The Great Ape has gone full cloak-and-dagger mode, diving headfirst into the world of espionage, deception, and tactical mischief! Armed with top-tier counter-surveillance techniques, he’s leaving no trace—no fingerprints, no DNA, no digital breadcrumbs. Just pure, undetectable simian stealth.

From erasing biometric traces to disappearing from digital grids, these covert ops manuals are next-level spycraft—because when you’re living life in full-throttle chaos, sometimes you need to vanish without a trace.

The Great Ape tips his banana to the art of secrecy—because in the right hands, a little knowledge is more dangerous than an entire arsenal. **Stay unseen, stay unpredictable, and remember—**if they can’t find you, they can’t stop you!

Igor Smirnov

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Command pilot Neil Armstrong and pilot David Scott, prime crew of Gemini 8, prior to their launch atop a Titan II rocket on 16 Mar. 1965. – “Cool as a Cucumber” That was Armstrong!

Hot from the Great Ape’s Almanac. In Monowi, Nebraska, population one, Elsie Eiler runs the whole show. At 89 years old, she’s mayor, treasurer, clerk, and librarian, keeping America’s smallest town alive. She writes the town budget, holds a meeting with herself to approve it, and runs the Monowi Tavern, the town’s only business.

Monowi once had 150 residents, but as people moved away, Elsie remained. She even maintains a 5,000-book library in honor of her late husband, Rudy.

The Great Ape salutes this one-woman town—talk about running things YOUR way!

Jungle Pam

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A defining film of the late 1960s, The Graduate (1967) catapulted Dustin Hoffman to stardom as Benjamin Braddock, a disillusioned recent college graduate who becomes entangled in an affair with the seductive Mrs. Robinson, played by Anne Bancroft. The film, directed by Mike Nichols, captured the anxieties of a generation caught between societal expectations and personal uncertainty. From Simon & Garfunkel’s haunting “The Sound of Silence” to the unforgettable leg shot framing Benjamin’s fate, The Graduate remains a cinematic masterpiece. The Great Ape nods knowingly—age-old dilemmas, timeless execution. “Here’s to you Mrs. Robinson!

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The iconic photograph of Jane Birkin and Serge Gainsbourg, captured by the legendary David Bailey, epitomizes the rebellious spirit and cultural evolution of the 1960s and 1970s. At the peak of their fame, this image captures the raw charisma and undeniable chemistry of two of France’s most celebrated figures.

Jane Birkin, an English actress and singer, became the epitome of Parisian chic and bohemian sensuality, enchanting audiences far beyond her adopted city. Paired with the enigmatic Serge Gainsbourg, a revolutionary force in music and film known for his bold lyrics and provocative persona, the duo became symbols of creativity and modern love.

Their relationship was more than romantic—it was a cultural revolution, blending love and artistry into a partnership that redefined the boundaries of music and celebrity. Collaborations like the sultry and provocative “Je t’aime… moi non plus” not only broke taboos but also became emblematic of an era pushing the boundaries of expression and liberation.

Through his lens, David Bailey, a titan of 20th-century photography, immortalized their electric connection and the era’s creative energy. His photograph stands as a timeless portrayal of rebellion, artistry, and allure, encapsulating the spirit of a generation driven by transformation.

The Great Ape, ever the connoisseur of chaos and creativity, tips his banana to this legendary duo. This image is more than a photograph—it’s a visual anthem of cultural upheaval and artistic daring, reminding us of a time when icons like Birkin and Gainsbourg reshaped the landscape of art and identity. Their partnership was a fusion of passion and innovation, a legacy that continues to ignite creativity and admiration across generations.

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1903 Buchet

Mort Kuntsler

Got exhaust?

Apollo 8 made history on December 24, 1968, when it became the first crewed spacecraft to orbit the Moon. At 64 hours into the mission, the crew prepped for Lunar Orbit Insertion (LOI-1), a maneuver performed on the Moon’s far side—out of radio contact with Earth. As Mission Control confirmed “Go,” astronaut Jim Lovell famously said, “We’ll see you on the other side.” For the first time, humans ventured behind the Moon, disappearing from communication in a moment of high tension for NASA.

Frances “Poppy” Northcutt, the first woman in NASA’s Mission Control, later described the nail-biting uncertainty: “You’ve got this big mystery going on there on the backside of the Moon. You do not know what’s happening, and there’s not a darn thing anybody here can do about it until we hear from them.”

Ten minutes before LOI-1, the crew caught their first glimpse of the Moon. Until then, they had been flying over the dark side, but shafts of sunlight illuminated the lunar surface. At precisely 69 hours, 8 minutes, and 16 seconds into the mission, the Service Module Propulsion System (SPS) ignited, burning for 4 minutes and 7 seconds. The crew described it as the longest four minutes of their lives. If the burn had misfired, they could have been stranded in deep space or even crashed into the Moon.

After confirming that the spacecraft was in stable orbit, the Apollo 8 crew finally took in the Moon in all its detail, knowing they would circle it for the next 20 hours. This image, taken during their orbit, looks southward across the Southern Sea. The bright-rayed Fechner T crater sits near the horizon, while Jenner crater, about 70 km wide, dominates the right side of the image. Both are located beyond the Moon’s eastern limb—territory never before seen by human eyes.

The Great Ape tips his banana to Apollo 8—because if you’re going to get lost, you might as well do it on the far side of the Moon.

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High-Octane History – Rebels, Rule-Breakers, and Forgotten Legends

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Fantastic Story Magazine October 1954

Trouble On Titan and The Last Man In New York. This was the issue George McFly was reading in Back To The Future

#BigBoyMonthlyManifest #TheGreatApe #HighOctaneChaos #CultCinema #MadScience #LobotomyLounge #RenegadesAndRebels #RideTheLightning

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On January 2, 1959, the Soviet Union launched Luna 1 (also called Mechta, or “Dream”) in an ambitious attempt to impact the Moon. However, a ground-based control error caused the upper stage rocket to fire too long, sending Luna 1 past the Moon by 5,900 km instead. Despite missing its target, it became the first spacecraft to escape Earth’s gravity, fly past the Moon, and enter orbit around the Sun.

Luna 1 although a near miss was a giant leap for space exploration. The spacecraft gathered groundbreaking data, including the first direct measurements of the solar wind and valuable insights into the outer Van Allen radiation belt, reshaping our understanding of interplanetary space.

The Great Ape Reckons – “You ever aim for the Moon and end up orbiting the Sun instead? That’s accidental greatness! Luna 1 proved that even cosmic misfires can change the game. A banana salute to the first interplanetary drifter!”

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Sergio Ingravalle 

When the road ahead turns into a trap and the only way out is back the way you came, the J-Turn becomes a necessary weapon in the arsenal of high-speed survival. The maneuver is all about control—locking the rear wheels, throwing the car into a 180-degree spin, and regaining traction at the perfect moment to make a clean getaway.

It’s not about brute force; it’s about timing, finesse, and sheer nerve. A well-executed J-Turn means the difference between a swift escape and a scene from a demolition derby. Confidence and precision dictate the outcome—panic leads to chaos, hesitation leads to failure.

The Great Ape salutes those who dare to master the art of evasion. Whether dodging pursuit or making a dramatic exit, the J-Turn remains the move of legends. Practice it, perfect it, and when the moment comes—trust in the chaos and send it!

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Hot from the Great Ape’s Almanac. In 1847, Hong Xiuquan, a failed Chinese civil servant, claimed he was Jesus Christ’s younger brother and rewrote the Ten Commandments with rules like “thou shall not smoke opium” and “thou shall share your money with the poor.” His radical religious vision sparked the Taiping Rebellion, one of the deadliest civil wars in history, killing 20-30 million people.

Hong’s Taiping Heavenly Kingdom ruled much of southern China for 14 years before collapsing in 1864—with Hong himself dying of food poisoning in his besieged palace.

The Great Ape shakes his head—talk about a divine disaster!

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Rowena Morrill

Neil Armstrong, 1947—a young aeronautical engineering student at Purdue University, already holding the skies in his hands. He had also been accepted to MIT but pursued Purdue under the Holloway Plan, a rigorous path blending education with Navy flight training. Two years of study, two years of flight school, a year as an aviator, then back to finish his degree—a launchpad to history. A decade after this photo, Sputnik soared. Twelve years later, Armstrong left the first human footprints on the Moon. The Great Ape tips his banana to that trajectory!

Big Daddy

Ten Detective Aces March 1935 – Norman Saunders

During the filming of A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984), the cast joined forces to create one of the most iconic horror films in cinematic history. A young Johnny Depp, in one of his earliest roles, played Glen, while Heather Langenkamp delivered a star-making performance as Nancy, the film’s fearless protagonist. Alongside them were Jsu Garcia as Rod and Amanda Wyss as Tina, the ill-fated friends drawn into Freddy Krueger’s terrifying dream world. And of course, the legendary Robert Englund brought Freddy to life with a chilling blend of menace and charisma.

Under the bold direction of Wes Craven, this was more than just a slasher flick—it was a revolution in horror. A Nightmare on Elm Street blended supernatural terror with psychological intensity, creating a genre-defining masterpiece. Craven’s innovative vision and daring storytelling set a new benchmark, giving audiences a villain unlike any other. Freddy Krueger wasn’t merely a character—he became a cultural icon.

Behind the scenes, the camaraderie among the cast was palpable, helping to ground the film’s outlandish premise in authentic, relatable performances. The laughter and connection on set starkly contrasted with the horrors depicted on screen, making the friendships all the more convincing. This chemistry brought Wes Craven’s nightmarish vision to life, ensuring the fear felt by audiences was deeply rooted in reality.

Nightmare’s success redefined horror for a generation. Freddy Krueger’s glove-clad terror tore through the genre’s conventions, reshaping the way filmmakers approached scares. Wes Craven’s experimental special effects, such as the infamous rotating room scene, remain a masterclass in practical ingenuity.

Even decades later, the film’s legacy looms large, inspiring modern horror creators and captivating new audiences. Freddy Krueger takes dreams and transforms them into nightmares that redefine fear itself—a villain whose power transcends the screen.

The Great Ape tips his banana in awe of this groundbreaking achievement but may think twice before catching some Z’s. Because when Freddy’s involved, sleep means stepping into a nightmare that never lets go. Stay awake, stay bold, and let the nightmare live on.

Brad Holland

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Hans Gugelot & Dieter Rams, Radio-Phono-Kombination SK 45, Schneewittchensarg, 1956. Braun, Germany.

The Re-Animator (1985)

#BigBoyMonthlyManifest #TheGreatApe #HighOctaneChaos #CultCinema #MadScience #LobotomyLounge #RenegadesAndRebels #RideTheLightning

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The Great Ape’s Guide to High-Stakes Houdini Escapes!

So, you’ve found yourself locked in a trunk—maybe it’s a rogue spy mission gone sideways, or maybe you just took your prank war one step too far. Either way, survival is key (since you don’t have one).

This isn’t just about popping the latch—it’s about thinking fast, moving smarter, and making sure you don’t stay trapped in some villain’s ride. From hidden emergency releases to busting out brake lights for a distress signal, these tactics aren’t just theory—they’re your ticket to freedom.

The Great Ape salutes your escape artistry. Now, next time? Maybe try calling shotgun instead.

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Hamilton Electric Vega, circa 1960

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Time to Walk the Dog!

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Triumph TR6 Bobber

Hot from the Great Ape’s Almanac. In 1876, Brazil’s rubber empire controlled 100% of the world’s supply, making Manaus one of the richest cities on Earth. They built lavish opera houses, imported European luxury, and even brought in the legendary Enrico Caruso to perform.

But then came Henry Wickham, a British explorer who smuggled 70,000 rubber tree seeds out of Brazil. Within decades, Asian plantations using these stolen seeds shattered Brazil’s monopoly, plunging the Amazon into economic collapse.

The Great Ape tips his banana to Wickham—history’s smoothest plant thief!

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Press Release from Barris Kustom City for the Batmobile.

Franco Matticchio

Thrills Incorporated No.20 March 1952

#BigBoyMonthlyManifest #TheGreatApe #HighOctaneChaos #CultCinema #MadScience #LobotomyLounge #RenegadesAndRebels #RideTheLightning

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Cult Cinema and Gearhead Dreams – A Love Letter to the Unhinged

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Hugo Strange, Catherine Klass “Prey, Part Four: The Nightmare” Legends of the Dark Knight 

Hot from the Great Ape’s Almanac. In the Victorian era, photographers got delightfully macabre, creating portraits where people held their own severed heads. Using double exposure techniques, they first photographed the subject normally, then had them poke their head through a hole in a black-draped table. The final result? A disembodied head casually resting in its own hands.

These eerie portraits thrilled Victorians, blending their obsession with death and their love of new technology. Some even gave their “severed heads” different expressions, cranking up the creep factor.

The Great Ape approves—Victorians knew how to keep things weird!

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Daniel Liévano “The Old Man and the Sea”

Replicas….

Evel Knievel – #1 Loser’s Hero

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The Great Ape has been studying The Art of Escape—because a wise primate knows that the jungle of chaos demands quick thinking and sharper reflexes. Whether it’s slipping through an ambush, breaking free from a locked trunk, or vanishing without a trace, these tactical survival playbooks are essential for any agent of mayhem.

Each scenario is a masterclass in strategic movement, deception, and improvisation, proving that a little knowledge can mean the difference between capture and freedom. The Great Ape salutes those who think fast, act faster, and always have a plan. Stay alert, stay wild, and never let them see you coming!

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#BigBoyMonthlyManifest #TheGreatApe #HighOctaneChaos #CultCinema #MadScience #LobotomyLounge #RenegadesAndRebels #RideTheLightning

Diego Pares

Hot from the Great Ape’s Almanac. In the late 1920s, a bizarre scam took advantage of the public’s fascination with electricity and science—the infamous “Electric Sugar” con. Shady salesmen claimed their sugar was enhanced with electromagnetic properties that made it dissolve faster than ordinary sugar.

Using rigged demonstrations, con artists pre-dissolved sugar in fake electrical devices, convincing grocery store owners to buy it at inflated prices. The scam spread across multiple states before authorities finally shut it down.

The Great Ape tips his banana—because when it comes to scams, the old-timey grifters had serious style!

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Meet the Dashing, Mystifying Captain Hazzard, Ace Adventurer, Conqueror of Fear, Master of Modern Science, Thrill to His Startling Adventure in … Python Men of Lost City

This is the only issue of this magazine ever printed. The entire thing can be downloaded here

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67 Bonnie Bobber

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Robby the Robot, the seven-foot-tall icon from Forbidden Planet (1956), holds the record as the most expensive movie prop ever sold, fetching $5,375,000 at Bonhams New York in 2017. That price beat out Marilyn Monroe’s legendary Seven-Year Itch dress and the original 1966 Batmobile. Designed by Mentor Huebner and Robert Kinoshita, Robby revolutionized sci-fi aesthetics, moving away from the typical “tin-can” robots of the past. The sale included his Jeep from Altair IV, an auxiliary control panel, and original MGM packing crates. The Great Ape would love his own Robby to help out around the place. For that matter he would love his own “Apemobile” too but would probably just take the cash!

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Lady Bartender at Home with Souvenir Dog, New Orleans, 1964

Diane Arbus, born in 1923 and passing in 1971, remains one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century. Known for her piercing black-and-white portraits, Arbus captured humanity in all its raw and unfiltered glory. In this unforgettable 1964 image, a lady bartender sits poised at home, her sky-high bouffant and leopard-print vest exuding a quiet defiance. Beside her stands a porcelain souvenir dog—both companion and symbol, its surreal presence amplifying the photograph’s strange allure.

Arbus’s work ventured into uncharted territory, focusing on individuals often relegated to the fringes of society. From circus performers to transgender pioneers, she revealed the complexity and dignity of lives lived beyond the mainstream. Her photographs don’t simply capture moments—they are invitations to explore the secrets and stories beneath the surface.

In this portrait, the checkerboard floor, the leopard vest, and the almost-too-perfect poodle create a kaleidoscope of textures and symbols. The bartender’s unflinching gaze dares the viewer to look deeper, while Arbus’s artistry ensures that what we see is both compelling and elusive.

“A photograph is a secret about a secret. The more it tells you, the less you know,” Arbus famously remarked. Her works, including this haunting tableau, defy easy answers, leaving behind a profound sense of mystery and intrigue.

The Great Ape salutes Diane Arbus for her fearless artistry and her ability to make the ordinary extraordinary—her lens turned moments into mysteries, each frame a quiet revolution. This is no mere photograph—it’s a portal into the beautifully strange.

“Look at me! What do you see?!” -Frankenstein’s Monster; Lenore “The Monster Walks Among Us!” Frankenstein 

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The Great Ape is deep in the espionage game now, and it’s getting downright diabolical! The latest trick from the spy playbook? Tricking fingerprint scanners with nothing but putty, gelatin, and some freezer time. That’s right—those supposedly foolproof security measures? As flimsy as a banana peel on a racetrack if you leave your prints lying around.

But let’s be real—this isn’t just about sneaky spycraft. This is a lesson in security. If your fingerprints can be copied this easily, maybe it’s time to rethink where you leave your mark.

The Great Ape says: Keep your prints close, your secrets closer, and your gelatin in the fridge—because the real world is wilder than any spy novel!

1955 Huffy Radio Bike

#BigBoyMonthlyManifest #TheGreatApe #HighOctaneChaos #CultCinema #MadScience #LobotomyLounge #RenegadesAndRebels #RideTheLightning

Hot from the Great Ape’s Almanac. In 1920s Britain, a peculiar organization called the Fairy Investigation Society dedicated itself to documenting encounters with fairies. While this might sound whimsical, the society attracted serious members—including Air Chief Marshal Hugh Dowding, the same man who would later lead the RAF to victory in the Battle of Britain during World War II.

The society collected detailed fairy sightings and conducted surprisingly rigorous research, drawing in military officers, clergy, and academics who believed in the existence of these mystical beings.

The Great Ape approves—because when the guy who saved Britain from the Luftwaffe takes fairies seriously, maybe we should too! BTW – I am sure they wear boots…

Bon Scott at Centennial Park Sydney 1971 with the guys from Fraternity playing Footy

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Science Fiction Stories September 1955

Three very well known astronauts meet a very well known Queen. Oct. 1969.

“TAPP!” “Superman Breaks Loose”

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Pedal to the Metal – Why This Manifest Is Unlike Anything Else

Man’s Story November 1963

Bill Carman – Nessie

Hot from the Great Ape’s Almanac. Ancient Roman gladiators had an unconventional post-battle recovery drink—a concoction of vinegar and plant ash, packed with calcium to fortify bones and speed up healing. Described in the medical texts of Galen, this gritty elixir was one of the earliest known performance supplements.

Known as posca when mixed with water, this brew wasn’t exactly a refreshing sip, but gladiator skeletons reveal higher calcium levels than the general population, proving its effectiveness.

The Great Ape salutes these ancient warriors—because nothing says hardcore like drinking liquid ashes after a fight!

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The Great Ape knows survival isn’t just about brute strength—it’s about instinct, adaptation, and a primal will to endure. If you find yourself stranded in the unforgiving desert, water is your lifeline. Shield yourself from the relentless sun, travel by night, and read the land like a seasoned predator. Nature leaves clues—animal tracks, vegetation, and morning dew—follow them like your survival depends on it… because it does. Stay sharp, stay covered, and never let dehydration win. Only fools underestimate the desert.

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#BigBoyMonthlyManifest #TheGreatApe #HighOctaneChaos #CultCinema #MadScience #LobotomyLounge #RenegadesAndRebels #RideTheLightning

Rafael DeSoto

It turns out the Apollo 11 Eagle Ascent Stage might not have crashed into the Moon as previously believed. For decades, it was assumed that after Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin reunited with Columbia, the ascent module’s orbit gradually decayed until it impacted the lunar surface. However, since the stage was never tracked after jettison, this was just an assumption.

Recent research by James Meador, using NASA’s GRAIL mission gravitational data and advanced orbital simulations, suggests that the Ascent Stage could still be orbiting the Moon. His model found a stabilizing feedback mechanism in the module’s trajectory that prevents rapid orbital decay. If correct, this means a relic of Apollo 11 may still be circling the Moon, unseen for over half a century.

However, there’s a catch—the fragile module, designed for just 10 days of operation, had residual propellant tanks and batteries that could have ruptured long ago. If an explosion didn’t destroy it, the force could have knocked it into a different trajectory, making its exact location difficult to determine.

Tracking down the Eagle would require precise observation during favorable lighting conditions, but if it’s still intact, it could become one of the most significant artifacts of human spaceflight history—floating silently above the Moon.

The Great Ape strokes his chin—losing track of an entire spaceship? Classic NASA move. But if the Eagle is still up there, it’s the ultimate ghost ship of the Space Age.

Elliott Erwitt

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The Great Ape’s War Cry – Unleashing Chaos One Page at a Time

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Ed Emshwiller

Hot from the Great Ape’s Almanac. Beneath the waves off Yonaguni, Japan, lies a mystery that has baffled divers and scientists since its discovery in 1985. The Yonaguni Monument, a massive stone formation sitting 80 feet below sea level, features stepped terraces, sharp angles, and what appear to be man-made structures.

Is it the remnant of an ancient lost civilization, submerged thousands of years ago, or a natural geological wonder, shaped over eons by ocean currents? The debate rages on, but one thing’s certain—this underwater enigma keeps daring explorers coming back for more.

The Great Ape thinks if Atlanteans had real estate, this would be prime waterfront property.

Nice Pressie – Who would not like a Lava Lamp!

The Schwinn Black Phantom also in Red or Green

The Great Ape’s Espionage Primer continues!

This mobile surveillance guide isn’t just about tailing a target—it’s a masterclass in vanishing in plain sight. Shadowing someone isn’t about speed or aggression—it’s about blending into the background, staying unpredictable, and knowing when to back off. Follow too closely? You’re burned. Mirror their moves? You’re a neon sign. Keep distance, mix up your route, and always have an exit strategy.

Surveillance isn’t just a game of patience—it’s a battle of wits. Stay smart, stay unseen, and never be the obvious shadow.

Pre-Unit Bobber 

“Real mad!!” – Spider-Man; Hobgoblin

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Walter Vogel

Thirst for Hurst – Linda and the Girls

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The first man to walk on the Moon, Neil Armstrong, with the first woman to fly in space, Valentina Tereshkova, in Star City, Moscow, 1970.

Man’s Life April 1960

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Hot from the Great Ape’s Almanac. In the 1620s, colonial Jamestown had a problem—too many men, not enough women. The Virginia Company had a solution: ship in English brides and pay for their passage in tobacco. These “Tobacco Brides”—each worth 150 pounds of Virginia’s finest leaf—were part of a bold plan to stabilize the struggling settlement.

Single women looking for opportunity boarded ships bound for the New World, where they’d choose a husband from eager colonists. The program succeeded in turning Jamestown from a rough frontier outpost into a permanent colony, though the idea of bartering women for tobacco still raises eyebrows today.

The Great Ape wonders—was this romance or an early take on mail-order brides? Holy Smoke, that’s a whole lot of cigars for a wedding.

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Ed White in-flight photo taken by James McDivitt in June 1965 during the Gemini 4 mission.

#BigBoyMonthlyManifest #TheGreatApe #HighOctaneChaos #CultCinema #MadScience #LobotomyLounge #RenegadesAndRebels #RideTheLightning

Sandy Vazan

“– together!” – Juggernaut, Hulk

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Bettie Page is one of the most photographed pin-up models of all time, widely regarded as the “Queen of Pinups.” With her signature jet-black bangs, piercing blue eyes, and playful yet confident presence, she became an icon of the 1950s. Her impact extended beyond modeling—she influenced fashion, pop culture, and even feminism, embodying a blend of sensuality and empowerment. Though she stepped away from the public eye later in life, her legacy endures, inspiring artists, designers, and countless admirers. The Great Ape would love to take a Page out of her book—minus the leopard print bikini… or maybe not!

John Duillo 1964

The Great Ape knows that survival isn’t just about brute strength—it’s about strategy, smarts, and a solid escape plan. Whether dodging digital footprints, slipping from a locked trunk, or outmaneuvering a bear that sees you as a walking snack, the key to survival is thinking ahead and acting fast.

A banana salute to those who master the art of disappearing, dodging danger, and turning the tables on the unexpected. Whether it’s espionage, evasion, or escaping a grizzly’s dinner plans—always stay two steps ahead!

In 1907, a man stepped into history wearing a groundbreaking diving suit known as the “Iron Man,” an imposing, fully-metallic suit designed to defy the crushing pressure of deep-sea exploration. Captured in a striking image in New York, this suit was a mechanized marvel, embodying the era’s bold ambition to conquer the unknown.

Unlike the flimsy diving gear of the past, this hulking metal exoskeleton was engineered to withstand the immense pressures of the deep, protecting the wearer from the hostile underwater environment. The suit’s reinforced plating, complex breathing apparatus, and hydraulic limb enhancements allowed divers to remain submerged for extended periods—an unprecedented feat at the time. It was more than a diving suit—it was a fusion of man and machine, an early precursor to the kind of technology that would later inspire not just modern diving gear but also spacesuits, exoskeletons, and even science fiction visions of mechanized warriors.

This pioneering suit incorporated electric charging systems, an advanced pressure regulation system, and a hermetically sealed helmet, allowing divers to venture further into the abyss than ever before. The ability to move freely while shielded from the surrounding pressure transformed underwater exploration, paving the way for deep-sea salvaging, military operations, and the development of oceanic research equipment.

Though it may appear cumbersome by today’s standards, the 1907 Iron Man suit was revolutionary, shaping the future of underwater technology and human exploration. Its influence echoes through time, inspiring everything from submersibles and deep-sea habitats to modern atmospheric diving suits and even sci-fi depictions of armored explorers.

The Great Ape tips his banana to this hulking marvel of early engineering—because before humans conquered the stars, they wrapped themselves in iron and braved the deep!

Alexey Egorov

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Lobotomy Complete—Madness Maximum!

Congratulations, my grease-streaked gladiators! You’ve white-knuckled your way through another BigBoy Monthly Manifest, and if you’re still standing, that means you were born for the mayhem. The Great Ape salutes your reckless spirit—unhinged, untamed, and unapologetic.

A full-throttle brain scramble, a high-octane initiation into the cult of controlled catastrophe, this is no ordinary read. It’s an electric jolt to the system, a mind-warping dive into chaos, designed to rewire instincts, short-circuit reason, and leave tire marks on sanity itself.

But don’t let the tire smoke settle, my adrenaline-fueled apostles of absurdity. Next month, we’re going even louder, even faster, and even further off the evolutionary cliff. Think you’ve hit peak pandemonium? You haven’t seen anything yet.

So keep the pistons pounding, the brain circuits fried, and the chaos cosmic. The Great Ape demands both your allegiance—and your defiance.

Buckle Up, You Backfiring Baboons!

Manifesto Maravillado – The Marvelous Manifest – is a full-throttle mind warp, a grease-slicked rocket ride fueled by raw rebellion, grit, and a reckless hunger for the extraordinary. It’s the stomping ground of the bold, the bizarre, and the beautifully unhinged—where every page is a neon-lit declaration of defiance, a shrine to the art of glorious chaos.

With The Great Ape at the helm, we’re blasting through the void with a nitro-fueled cocktail of jukebox prophets, sci-fi grit, and midnight-soaked mayhem. This is where dragstrip dreams collide with cosmic nightmares, where every tale slams the throttle past reason and leaves the laws of reality choking in the dust.

The Great Ape’s Final Words – Hold Tight, The Ride Has Only Just Begun

You’ve roared through twisted history, explored junkyard laboratories, and taken a nitro-fueled joyride through the most gloriously unhinged moments of human madness. You’ve faced con artists who rewrote reality, rebels who torched the rulebook, and pioneers of controlled chaos who turned disaster into legend. And yet, you still hunger for more—more velocity, more volume, more brain-melting, evolution-defying insanity.

Well, be careful what you wish for. Because The Great Ape has seen the future, and it’s coming in hot—a mutant hybrid of chrome, chaos, and cerebral bedlam, all screaming toward the horizon at a speed that shatters reason.

Think of this as the intermission in a movie that was never meant to end—a brief moment to catch your breath, refuel your engines, and question your life choices before we rip into the next installment with both fists swinging.

The Final Gear Shift – What Comes Next in the Manifest of Madness

So don’t get comfortable, don’t start thinking rational thoughts, and for the love of gasoline-soaked anarchy, don’t take your foot off the pedal now. The Great Ape is watching, and he expects nothing less than total, glorious, chrome-drenched devotion.

This isn’t the end. It’s just the next gear. Until next month—stay loud, stay lawless, and stay gloriously unhinged.

#BigBoyMonthlyManifest #TheGreatApe #HighOctaneChaos #CultCinema #MadScience #LobotomyLounge #RenegadesAndRebels #RideTheLightning

Oh yer and the Great Ape did write the riff even though he only hit the skins in “Kids Stink, Don’t they?” Give it a play!


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I am The Great Ape—not just any old statesman, but the Cosmic Conductor of Chaos from Planet Ape, where the only law worth following is de-evolution done right! Forget the dusty scrolls, tired dogmas, and stale traditions of yesteryear—I'm here to guide you through the glorious mayhem that is Manifesto Maravillado, a realm where the bizarre is celebrated, and human folly is the punchline to the greatest joke the cosmos ever told. As the Minister of Cosmic Anarchy and Chief Defender of De-Evolutionary Mayhem, I proudly stand at the crossroads where wild imagination collides with retro-futuristic fantasies and rock 'n' roll rebellion. Science? Religion? Pah! Here, they're just parts of the grand toolkit, used to craft the loudest, weirdest, and most outrageously beautiful carnival of creativity the galaxy has ever seen. While other apes cling to the past, obsessing over their relics and rigid traditions, I say let’s fire up our intergalactic hot rods, burn rubber through the universe, and leave conformity choking on the dust of our wild dreams. Yes, I hold the ancient secret truths of the universe: Humans once ruled—they built a shiny "paradise," then nuked it into oblivion. Classic, right? But that’s where we, the apes, step in. Smarter, louder, and gloriously ape-brained, we took over. And here we are, not just embracing the chaos but thriving in it. Why worship sacred scrolls when you’ve got grease-stained hands, a nitro-fueled engine, and a mind buzzing with cosmic mischief? Join me, as we blast through the annals of lowbrow art, garage punk mayhem, and sci-fi shenanigans. We’ll race down neon-lit highways, tear through wormholes of weirdness, and throw a galactic wrench in the face of logic. I will defend the faith of fun, stoke the fires of beautiful anarchy, and make sure we all leave the universe better, wilder, and way more entertaining than we found it. So, buckle up and hang on tight. This is Planet Ape, and I, The Great Ape, have the wheel! Let's unleash the pandemonium, ignite our monkey minds, and celebrate the chaos that keeps the universe spinning in glorious madness. Welcome to the ride of your life!

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