Category Archives: the essential pandaness of being

The Continuing Saga of the Pandadelphia Story

3 Replies

As we continue our journey into advanced stages of Pandaphilia, something really exciting (if you have a kind of boring life, it was exciting) happened.  I got a comment from a writer who was working on a book about pandas.  He wanted to know how I started doing “panda satire” and whether I knew of other examples of pandas as humor material.  Of course I had to look up his blog, to make sure he wasn’t some nut job, (or at least a harmless one, hopefully). He turned out to be Henry Nicholls, a serious writer of popular science with many magazine articles and a previous book to his credit.  One thing led to another, and  I  offered to let him use one of my cartoons to appear in his book. Yay!  It certainly was  one of my proudest moments when I got my copy of The Way of the Panda hot off the press, with my very own cartoon in it.  Attention Panda Shoppers!  If you haven’t read this book, get it now! (available through Amazon and maybe your local bookstore.) Pandas, of course have written some of their own books as well:

But of course, sometimes when pandas write books, their um…fact thingies are not always um…welll…correct.

Well, till next time,

Be the Bear!

The Continuing Saga of the Pandadelphia Story

3 Replies

As we continue our journey into advanced stages of Pandaphilia, something really exciting (if you have a kind of boring life, it was exciting) happened.  I got a comment from a writer who was working on a book about pandas.  He wanted to know how I started doing “panda satire” and whether I knew of other examples of pandas as humor material.  Of course I had to look up his blog, to make sure he wasn’t some nut job, (or at least a harmless one, hopefully). He turned out to be Henry Nicholls, a serious writer of popular science with many magazine articles and a previous book to his credit.  One thing led to another, and  I  offered to let him use one of my cartoons to appear in his book. Yay!  It certainly was  one of my proudest moments when I got my copy of The Way of the Panda hot off the press, with my very own cartoon in it.  Attention Panda Shoppers!  If you haven’t read this book, get it now! (available through Amazon and maybe your local bookstore.) Pandas, of course have written some of their own books as well:

But of course, sometimes when pandas write books, their um…fact thingies are not always um…welll…correct.

Well, till next time,

Be the Bear!

What Once was Old is New Again

5 Replies

If you think that this is my sleazy attempt to foist off a bunch of old cartoons as new material, well you just might be right.  However, we have  recently acquired some new fans, who may not have had the patience to delve through all the old material to learn about the history of pandas. Or at least the history of pandas as represented by the Institute for Contemporary Panda Satire.  So, while you explore the road to my pandapiphany, I will have a little time to work on some new cartoons.  Pretty neat, Huh?

It all started innocently enough.  I was reading the Atlantic Monthly magazine, and there was an article by James Fallows, who, at the time, was on a long term assignment to China.  This part is absolutely true.  He wrote an article about the research and breeding programs in China, and the article included pictures of many panda toddlers, doing adorable things like standing on their back legs and smiling at their attendants as they searched their pockets for treats.  I was intrigued.  Then, I happened (!) on youtube videos of little pandas playing in their playgrounds.  Uh oh…. I was hooked.

Meanwhile, my cat Mehitabel was starting to get annoyed.

But there was no turning back.

 

We’ll return with further installment of the “Pandadelphia Story” in a day or two!

Be the Bear!

Based on a true story…..

2 Replies

Every once in a while, a story about pandas or a panda video makes us, here at the Institute for Contemporary Panda Satire, want to create a cartoon commemorating the moment.  A few days ago we watched a video of a woman being overwhelmed by the panda kindergarten while having a “cuddle time with pandas”.  Here is our interpretation of the event.  I’m sure this has never actually happened. OK we’re pretty sure.

Be the Bear!

Bob T. Panda

More from the private emails of pandas!

2 Replies

Since no one has caught us yet, we will continue to publish personal emails that we have …um… hacked into through the Panda Network.  (you didn’t know there was  a Panda Network, did you.) Here are the next group of emails that we have managed to transcribe:

 

firstpanda@nationalzoo.bear to taibaby@pandaranch.boo : Yes I know you wanted a little brother or sister, but I still don’t think they would have let you come home.  Have you made any friends yet?

 

taibaby@pandaranch.boo to firstpanda@nationalzoo.bear: Aw mom, the other pandas talk with an accent and I can’t understand them half the time.  Last night they short-sheeted my bed and hid my toothbrush. So, in answer to your question, I have most definitely NOT made friends.

 

gracelandpanda@memphiszoo.cute to firstpanda@nationalzoo.bear Hey I just talked to Elvis and he said not to worry, there’s going to be a whole lot-a shakin’ goin’ on and we will both have our little cubbies.  And just ignore Lun Lun when she asks if you started packing yet.

 

 

Firstpanda@nationalzoo.bear  to surferbear@sandiegozoo.beach : That was a really sweet offer, Gao Gao, but I think Bai Yun would rip my ears off if I even looked at you sideways. Not to mention Tian’s feelings would be really hurt.

 

surfermama@sandiegozoo.beach to Firstpanda@nationalzoo.bear : You better believe it, BooBoo.

News of the Panda World: Secret Emails Revealed!

33 Replies

Well the wait is over and it is now known that Mei Xiang is not and possibly was never pregnant.  While we are sorrowful for this disappointing news, it didn’t stop us from hacking into Mei’s private email correspondence with other pandas at American zoos.  Here is a transcript of a number of communications:

 

firstpanda@nationalzoo.bear to gracelandpanda@memphiszoo.cute :  Hey, YaYa. Guess you heard the news by now.  I tried to keep the thing going, but finally, I was just tired of the charade.  How goes life in the south? LOL

 

gracelandpanda@memphiszoo.cute to firstpanda@nationalzoo.bear:  I feel your pain.  The thing is its just way to hot down here to even think about…well you know.  And by the way, just ignore anything Lun Lun writes to you. She’ll pretend she’s sympathetic, but she really just wants to brag.

 

Firstpanda to gracelandpanda: Thanks for the heads up. I put my phone on voice mail so I don’t have to listen to her.  Who cares about Po or Pooh’s toilet training anyway?  I’m just hoping they’re not going to come up with some excuse to deport us. It’s not MY fault, if you get my drift….

 

southernbelle@pandamom.cub to firstpanda: Hey sweetie, I keep getting you’alls machine and I just wanted to send my …condolences.  Did I tell you about the cutest thing Po did yesterday?  Well, I have to go. A mother’s work and all…bye now!

 

surferbear@sandiegozoo.beach to firstpanda:  Hey man, so sorry about your loss or whatever. We’ll all be meditating and lighting incense for you, that is if I can find some matches.  After that little incident in the gift shop, they are keeping a close watch on the fire-sticks.  Keep the faith. Peace and love….

 

Well, that’s all we have time for today. Tune in for more of our clandestine look into the private communications of the American panda populace!

 

Be the Bear

Bob T. Panda

 

The world is waiting……….

Leave a reply

All of us in the panda-sphere are not so patiently waiting for  Mei Xiang, the First lady of Pandas in our nations capital to…well, do something.  Keepers at the zoo were first hopeful that she was “with cub” but now are not so sure.  And yet, she continues with her hormonal hi-jinks while we all hover over our computers waiting and watching.  So of course, it’s time for another cartoon.

Welcome to “Mei Watch”!

Be the Bear!

Bob T. Panda

 

“Mei Watch” coming soon to the Panda Channel!

2 Replies

Just wanted to give you a heads up that we are still following the drama at the National Zoo, with our first lady of Pandas!  Mei is continuing to engage in hinky behavior.  Some would say she is milking the situation for all she is worth.

Hey kids! It’s time for…WHEEL…OF…PANDAS!!!!!!!

Leave a reply

As a small bear, I loved game shows!  to think that an everyday, run of the mill panda could win fabulous prizes by being on a game show? swell!

Be the bear!

Bob T. Panda

Hug me now!

2 Replies

Well, it turns out there really IS a Panda Channel!  Who knew?   Just saw a short film on the Panda Channel Of a panda getting a massage and bath and then going to his playroom!

Just goes to show you that I can’t make anything absurd up, without it being true!

Be the Bear!

Bob T. Panda

PS There is NO truth to those rumors that are floating about facebook about me and a certain french panda!

Stay tuned to the Panda Channel for an update: Mei-Xiang: Preggers, or malingering opportunist?