This is how it started; for years, Lowell Miller and his wife, Sandy, had an 8-foot-tall mechanical gorilla in front of their store in Maine.
Then, over Labor Day weekend, somebody stole the gorilla.
Then, the guy who built the gorilla, Ken Booth of the Gorilla Robot Factory in Akron, Ohio…
I know what you may be thinking…does this thing really work?? Can you really put it in front of your store or business and instantly gain the
public’s attention??? Yes!!! They really work. Our hand-built, mechanical characters are the perfect employee! Very tough! They are made for this
job…built for it…they don’t need a break , they don’t get tired, they don’t call off sick, they are always on time. Day in and day out, they never
quit, till the job is done! They work for you, faithfully, giving you and your business 100% every day!!!
…Ken Booth of the Gorilla Robot Factory in Akron, Ohio, put a video up on YouTube announcing the theft and a reward.
As always, press pause, in a stealthy manner, on the music player, located in the side bar before playing the YouTube.
Then, the guy that stole the gorilla, did his own YouTube.
Now, the gorilla has turned up in a cornfield in Vermont. From Breitbart/AP.
Now the gorilla—named “Seemore,” as in “See More at Sandy’s Sales”—has turned up in a cornfield at Swanton, Vt.
Sandy Miller intends to press charges.
“What really upset me was the YouTube video. He was so nonchalant,” she said Tuesday. “You don’t steal other people’s property and take it out of state.”
She said her husband’s old truck is in no shape to make the 750-mile roundtrip to St. Albans, Vt., where the gorilla is being held by state police. But she said offers were pouring in from people willing to assist.
That’s not funny, stealing an old dude’s 8-foot-tall gorilla and leaving it in a cornfield.
Well, it’s kind of funny. Actually, it would make a good made-for-TV movie.
Related posts
Tags: gorilla, Ken Booth, Lowell Miller, Seemore
Pat Darnell and Friends wrote,
“He’s a cool guy; he actually cares. If you dropped me off in California — and there’s like a precious prop… needed for whatever, a movie, and Tristan is with me, we would just like steal it and run it up the flagpole…
“It just sounds like something me and my friends would do, something like that guy did.”
Pat 2, twelve, and on the side of the Pranksters.
Link | September 9th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
Pribek wrote,
Good deal there getting some input from prankster-aged P2. I was trying to put myself in that frame of mind but, it’s long past.
Here’s an angle; these people aren’t above trying to call attention to their business hence, 8 foot robot gorilla. This prank has gained Sandy’s Sales more exposure than any they could buy.
Link | September 9th, 2008 at 6:29 pm
Jayne d'Arcy wrote,
Burt Reynolds would have to be in this movie. Maybe as Sandy? But, who would be the gorilla? Dave Prowse?
Link | September 9th, 2008 at 7:45 pm
Pribek wrote,
Who id Dave Prowse?
Link | September 9th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
J wrote,
There’s a heck of a song here waiting to be written….
Link | September 9th, 2008 at 8:37 pm
Jayne d'Arcy wrote,
Dave Prowse of Chewbaca fame - 7.5 feet in height. I met him. He’s tall. Very nice, too.
Link | September 9th, 2008 at 9:28 pm
Pribek wrote,
J-rolls right off the tongue like the “Hoochie Coochie Man” riff
but, knowing you I’m wondering if you are thinking along the lines of an “Illinois Enema Bandit” thing.
Jayne-Have you met Yoda?
Link | September 9th, 2008 at 9:49 pm
Pat Darnell and Friends wrote,
As I pause to press… not wanting to interrupt the esoteric workings of a sibling codex —
But anyhow, why did this subject of a 750 mile round trip get quoted? That is because Mr Lowell Miller just made the round trip to the VT cornfield and back, and burned out his transmission; I theorize.
I think if you find the sock puppet, you will find the culprits. And I would start looking in Mrs Sandy Miller’s drawers, I would.
Link | September 9th, 2008 at 11:10 pm
Pribek wrote,
Inside job? Is that what you’re saying?
Link | September 9th, 2008 at 11:17 pm
Pat Darnell and Friends wrote,
At first I thought this was another story about Li’l Jon Benet again.. “I woke up, my gorilla was gone…”
but then I googled: kidnap, gorilla, web, site — and got this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SaFTm2bcac
So, as you can see, I’m not sure where I’m going with any of this.
Link | September 10th, 2008 at 12:34 am
Ken Booth wrote,
Hello….This is Ken Booth, Owner of Gorilla Robot Factory…Just want to respond to commit I saw here. I can guarantee you this was not a Prank, or a inside job!!…..This story is very real story…. Ken
Link | September 11th, 2008 at 9:30 am
Pribek wrote,
Do you have any leads Ken?
Link | September 11th, 2008 at 10:14 am
Ken Booth wrote,
Yes…But I cant say any thing about that yet!!! But I can tell you this much….I do not think this story is over ………I think Sammie Longdong the kidnapper and is accomplices are hiding out and are planning surprize ending to there bizarre caper!!!
Link | September 11th, 2008 at 10:34 am
Pribek wrote,
A surprise ending!!?? No way!!
Have you told the police about this Ken? Or, just hunch?
Link | September 11th, 2008 at 10:41 am
Ken Booth wrote,
Mostly a hunch!!! Here is some more breaking news….I Just found out that See-More the Gorilla Robot while arrive home with a police escort Saturday at 1:00 PM
Link | September 11th, 2008 at 10:56 am
Pribek wrote,
Well, that’s good new Ken. I was concerned about Lowell’s truck making the trip. Sounds like you genuinely care about your robotic gorillas.
Link | September 11th, 2008 at 11:07 am
Ken Booth wrote,
It’s not Lowell Going to get The Gorila….it is a kind stranger that volunteered after hearing the story on the news…..it is a 18 hour round trip!!
Link | September 11th, 2008 at 11:18 am
J wrote,
I know copyright issues abound, but think about a line of waving robotic celebrities.
Waving politicians.
Waving rock stars.
Waving movie stars.
We could all pitch in and get the Jack Pribek “tele” model and set it up outside the hall the day of one of Jack’s concerts.
Way cool.
And does the smiling gorilla robot cost extra?
Link | September 11th, 2008 at 11:22 am
Ken Booth wrote,
Always loved the idea of politician robots!!!
Link | September 11th, 2008 at 11:26 am
Pribek wrote,
So, Ken, do you do just gorilla robots or, could I get say….a Bigfoot robot?
Link | September 11th, 2008 at 12:16 pm
Ken Booth wrote,
We also custom built robots…Be happy to custom built a Bigfoot for you!!! Maybe you could stick it out in the woods,take pictures and say you found Bigfoot. We all know how much the press loves Bigfoot!!!!
Link | September 11th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
Pribek wrote,
Now we’re getting somewhere. J?-Pat? you taking this in? I think you know what I’m talking about here.
Link | September 11th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
Pat Darnell and Friends wrote,
No. Jack you’re not dropping that baton on my foot.
And, J, you know we have to watch costs this quarter, no smiling gorilla robot is needed; Jack never smiles.
How much for just a giant roadside bobble-headed one?
Link | September 11th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
Pribek wrote,
No PD, not a gorilla robot a BIGFOOT robot. Know what I’m saying?
Link | September 11th, 2008 at 2:43 pm
Pat Darnell and Friends wrote,
I kinda like this direction… that of a mobile monkey unit going to Market Street over the stationery one… eh?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOI7WRb2UUs
Consider?
Link | September 11th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
J wrote,
Roger-that, and a big 10-4!
Link | September 11th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
Pat Darnell and Friends wrote,
I just keep thinking of the cost for the over-sized Freezer and gas powered generator for a BIGFOOT robot… that is why I am ignoring you. It’s not the EverReady Bunny here!
Take it up with the CLO.
Link | September 11th, 2008 at 3:00 pm
Pribek wrote,
CLO SchmeeLo-sometimes you have to abandon all practical thinking and embrace showbiz baby.
Link | September 11th, 2008 at 8:05 pm
Ken Booth wrote,
Hello….What are you guys up to??? Are you planing a little publicity stunt using a BIG FOOT!!!
Link | September 12th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
Pribek wrote,
Well it’s like this Ken; there was an idea for a product that I kind of threw out there as a joke one day but, it’s one of those things where, I thought about it later and said to myself; “yeah, that’s funny but, if I had the wherewithal to actually do it,, it would work, it would sell.” It’s not an organized situation as the two other guys involved in the conversation and I have only communicated about it through different blogs. If I were to have a giant robotic Bigfoot and all the other ducks in a row, I could envision a marketing scheme.
Link | September 12th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
Jayne d'Arcy wrote,
Pribek - nope, never met Yoda.
What’s this scheme with Bigfoot? Ya know, I see the great marketing schemer dad in you when you’re like this.
Link | September 12th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
Pat Darnell and Friends wrote,
embrace showbiz baby…
waving robotic celebrities…
Waving politicians…
Waving rock stars…
Waving movie stars…
publicity stunt using a BIG FOOT!!
ducks in a row…
Those are all really great ideas, and yes, I could envision a marketing scheme — very possible.
But as always it is placement, like in our value proposition “Location; Location; Location and spend no money”–
Could we get away with just our cell phone cameras, some Gumby’s and a shoe box for now?
Link | September 12th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
Pribek wrote,
See, I can’t give away how this thing gets done because, it’s a legit scheme and there’s already a little bit too much info out there for my comfort.
Link | September 12th, 2008 at 1:38 pm
Pat Darnell and Friends wrote,
Mrs Jayne: Burt Reynolds? What is it with women and their libidos and Burt Reynolds? Huh? for 53 years now since I was a fetus, womens all ages: Burt Reynolds this and Burt Reynolds that.
I understand Mrs D’Arcy, but; What if I say no, the one who plays the marketing scheme-er has to be Charles Bronson, and your second choice is good for Sasquatch, Prowse… Jayne?
…and the hook ad “angle” is BigFoot entering a PayLess Shoe Store to shop for shoes; Prib’s “Country Mile” music announces the mission, while Sasquatch finds some “Buy One get Half-off on 2nd Pair Boots in size 36 wide… Available Only at Payless: your BigFoot Shoe Source.” Then you place a BigFoot smiling and waving at every Payless location in the nation… How’s that Ken?
And your recent news story could be repeated a thousand times as they are kidnapped …Before we know it there will be Ken’s Robotic characters in the middles of every crop circle from Wasilla, Alaska to Stratford on the Avon…. and plenty of free press to boot.
[SOURCE]
Who knows, we might intercede and save a dying strip center oriented economy all in one felled swoop!
Link | September 12th, 2008 at 7:51 pm
Pat Darnell and Friends wrote,
[SOURCE] for Previous
Ooops, I forgot to put the page address in there, “The case for Persona-based Lead Generation” Bryan Eisenberg
A lost wallet lies on a Manhattan street, stuffed with cash. A white middle-income male, New Yorker, between age 30 and 44, picks it up. Will he look for the rightful owner, or pocket the cash?
With that level of “targeting,” it’s anyone’s guess. There just isn’t enough information available.
BigFoot / Payless Shoes…. hmmmm — BOGO….. Persona’s — hmmm! [sorry Boheme, it's just better to go ahead and divulge the scheme sometimes.. no?]
Link | September 12th, 2008 at 8:43 pm
Jayne d'Arcy wrote,
Mrs Jayne: Burt Reynolds? What is it with women and their libidos and Burt Reynolds? Huh? for 53 years now since I was a fetus, womens all ages: Burt Reynolds this and Burt Reynolds that.
Ack! Let me just categorically state right now that I have NEVER had a thing for Burt Reynolds. He’s funny (haha) but that is his only saving grace.
Case in point - this old post there ain’t a single Burt Reynolds “porn stache” here.
Link | September 12th, 2008 at 9:05 pm
Pat Darnell and Friends wrote,
Pardon me for interrupting your libido again Mrs Jayne, but does anyone know if the Gorilla is returned?
Now, Mrs Jayne: Yes, I see the difference in faces in your “old Post” blog source there. I retract, you are the exception to my sour grapes rampage about the very “funny” and ubiquitous Burt *Muff diving Sasquatch* Reynolds.
I submit to others to go see the alternative to the Playgirl champion centerfold chomp-master at POST courtesy M. J’dArcy above.
good morning. pd-in-ful for my sins
Link | September 14th, 2008 at 10:49 am
Ken Booth wrote,
Hello….You heard it here first…Yes, the Gorilla Robot made it home Saturday at 1 pm. It had a police escort into town, as was met by the local collage band, and a whole crowd of people. He is now safely back in his cage!!! You will most likely start seeing stories about the homecoming in the press in the next day or two.
Link | September 14th, 2008 at 11:26 am
Pat Darnell and Friends wrote,
Thanks Ken… do you have any pictures of that grand re-entry? I think Pribek bloggers would love to see the exclusives… but you don’t have to scurry, as you say: “most likely start seeing stories about the homecoming in the press in the next day or two.”
Good stuff all around… eh? Sort of puts things on the map.
Link | September 14th, 2008 at 12:16 pm