Is Cheeta A Cheat ?
Almost everybody knows who Cheeta is. The scampish chimpanzee who came to fame in the Tarzan movies starring Johnny Weismuller in the 1940′s. Many even associate him with several other movies such as “Bedtime for Bonzo” starring the late Ronald Regan who rose from the B-movie pit to become President.
For those who are interested, the word had gotten around the past few years that Cheeta is now recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s oldest living primate, now 75 yrs. of age.
Noted and successful author and biographer R. D. Rosen was approached last year by Cheeta’s agent, working for Cheeta’s owner Dan Westfall, to write an authorized biography of the famous and lovable chimp. As Rosen started looking into the story of Cheeta’s life, though, some awkward facts started showing up. Cheeta might best be called “Cheater.”
Rosen wrote a lengthy article on his subsequent research and conclusions about the truth of Cheeta’s story and it was published this past Sunday in the Washington Post Magazine. While it has nothing to do with fire, ems, or any other emergency services, Firegeezer found it to be very interesting. Not only the story, but Rosen’s dogged research into the living myth of Cheeta.
When you get the chance, set aside about 20 minutes and read the article HERE.
* * *
For what it’s worth, I see that the Arena Football League announced yesterday that they are cancelling their 2009 season. I didn’t even know they still had seasons. They first came into the public consciousness when the NFL players went on strike and some people wanted to watch some football anyway.
I tried watching one game on tv, but never made it all the way through. Apparently most people have had the same experience because the league has been spawning and abandoning franchises on a regular basis ever since. The league owners insist that they are only “reorganizing” and will be back, stronger and better than ever, in 2010. Not likely.
Instead, let’s bring back the indoor auto races. That was a great way to get through the winter when I was much younger than I am now.
Better yet, let’s do the indoor equipment check for today. I need to make some more coffee.
Recent Comments