the Monk zone: April 2020

Easter 2020 had a better than expected showing given the one day notice. 17 entries this year. Special thanks to Andrew Monk who inspired a 2020 reincarnation and Mary Monk who forced the Commissioner leave retirement and step back into the arena.

All comments on the winners should be made on this post.

This year's entries, in order of appearance are...

You must understand the medium to understand the art... Jake Monk
A Very Covid Easter Alesa Monk
TP Crisis 2020 Danny Monk and Alesa Monk
Elizabeth, Jayden, Lilly, Jala, DJ Sookie, Paula, Barb Moxie Monk
Bonsegg Andrew Monk
Zombie Eggs - Zeggs Alden Monk
Bunny King   Grandma Pat Kopanda
Eggiens Invasion   Alden Monk
Egg Meme Jody Monk
3 ways Carol Eggbasket May have killed her husband Mary Monk
M' M' M' My Corona   Tammy Loew
Deborah Eggbirx discusses flattening the curve Mary Monk
Tiger King   Tammy Loew
Camp Out   Robin Demaree
Joe Eggburrow #1 Draft Pick   Mary Monk
Moon Dance   Tammy Loew
Egg Hunt Karl Monk

And the Winner is, by a significant land slide...

3 ways Carol Eggbasket May have killed her husband by Mary Monk.

Eighteen (18) comments celebrated Mary's entry. Aunt Tammy's suggestion that the authorities be lent these clues is a solid suggestion. Nephew, Andrew, has enlisted Ace Ventura, Pet Detective, to represent his Aunt. Approval from the South given by a multiple time winner succinctly states: "Brutal." Yes, the esteemed Katie of the clan Bowlby, showed great restraint by not entering this year. Multiple comments complimented hair and dress design. Showing the entry's appeal across generations, Henry cared enough to rank this a solid 4th place while Alden summed up the youth interest in one word, "Gators." Showing a huge and over the top appreciation was Moxie Monk with her glowing appraisel: "is a little tiny bit cool."

And the Children's Division Winner is...

Eggiens Invasion by Alden Monk

While this entry shouted a technical and futuristic theme, with a great use of props, the angst and fear in the faces of the dramatis personae completely captured the older viewer and propelled this entry to first place. Calvin's vote of #1 shows peer group appreciation of "aliens and ships."

Second Place goes to...

A Very Covid Easter by Alesa Monk

A fan favorite as an entry. A threat in future years as Alesa threatens to ascend to the top spot. A mystery entry of props soliciting all to common thoughts of "are those fake or real?" We may never know unless the author tells all. Very mixed voting as Alden ranked this 10 out of 10 while his father discounted the entry to last place in hopes his entry would win. Alesa, welcome to the family. No quarter given here. One must pay particular attention, once again, to the Grand Champion of the South. When Katie likes it, you know it's good. Who would have imagined a Covid virus would be a star component to a winning entry? Well executed. Calvin recognized the well executed masks so good job setting an example to the youth.

Third Place goes to...

Egg meme by Jody Monk

Almost unanimously voted Third, just because of the strength of the #1, Jody's entry captured the anxiety and fear of the generations. Using a classic meme (Danny) to represent the fear and disdain for single ply (Aunt Tammy, possible speaking on behalf of Uncle Bob) while lamenting how far our societal standards have fallen (Lauren) to the deep musing about comedic insight of the grave importance of toilet paper (Mary) we see that Jody has truly captured our innermost feelings. Congratulations on a viral success.

And the individual awards for, go to...

For Humanity, Friendship and Unity, the award goes to Moxie Monk's entry: Elizabeth, Jayden, Lilly, Jala, DJ Sookie, Paula, Barb

Even spacing while valuing congregation shows the most human of needs, friendship and association. Good job to Moxie Monk.

Best use of the word EGG in a title, the award goes to Andrew Monk: Bonsegg

Simple, fully descriptive, and clever; Bonsegg sets an inspirational standard for future contestants. We shall see if 2021 steps up to this challenge. Congratulations (you may now leave the stage)

the Almost Disqualified Award goes to Jake Monk for his entry: You must understand the medium to understand the art.

While the Commissioner would have bounced this entry, the sophistication of the viewing audience persuaded a second chance be given. Not since Robert Mapplethorpe in 1989 has an entry solicited such deep contemplation of 'what really is art?'

For Best Made Prop, not Purchased, the award goes to TP Crisis 2020. Danny Monk, creator.

While the overall work of art is a collaborative effort, it is my understanding this prop was carefully crafted by a connoisseur of the fabric, Daniel T. Monk. Few have spent as much time researching, evaluating, testing, and perfecting the design and use of 2020's most valuable product. (disclaimer: Charmin is a P&G product, the Commissioner owns stock in P&G and has been financially enriched by such association during this Covid event.)

For Best Utilitarian Prop goes to Camp Out by Robin Demaree (I suspect Doug)

A twist-tie for arms and a Q-Tip for a stick with marshmallow is easily missed as one admires the happiness of the subject and the joy of isolation when it's not forced upon us.

For Dissonance, the award goes to Joe Eggburrow by Mary Monk

Hope and Disbelief as few believe a #1 Draft Pick will cause the Bengal's to succeed. While Luke believes, ahh the power of youth, the people who have dis-proportionally benefited from the Bengals sucking (Aunt Tammy, likely Bear's fan) wish us no wind to our back. I suspect Joe will appear again in the 2021 Monk zone Easter Egg Super Bowl.

For Technical and Human Complications in a Submission, the award goes to Patricia Kopanda. aka: Mom, Grandma, Great Grandma for Bunny King

All children and sons-in-law know the challenge of keeping Grandma's computer working. Achievement and success is evident as this entry was digitally provided to this year's contest. Good job to Pat Kopanda!! You did it.

the Commissioner's Award, a new award, not previously issued, is give to Moon Dance by Tammy Loew.

I thought this was a loaf of bread. Aunt Tammy's lack of offense as I clarified this to be an actual entry showed great restraint. A lesser person would have been greatly insulted by my lack to understanding and vision. The next award also goes to Moon Dance. It is sure to offend.

For Best Comment, the award goes to Alden Monk on the entry: Moon Dance.

The comment, "Its just dirt on an egg." [In your mind envision a microphone dropping]

So this brings to a close the 2020 Monk zone Easter Egg celebration. Thanks to all that enjoyed and contributed to the event. As we enter our third decade of social distancing I look forward to us joining in 2021 for the biggest and best Easter Egg competition ever. Start planning now!!!!

Peace to all and may good health and prosperity be forever yours.

The Commissioner

Easter Egg 2020

Remember, if you click on the picture it will expand for bigger better detailed viewing.
Best viewed from your computer on larger screens.

After 7 consecutive years (2006-2012) of competition spanning two decades, and a 7 year layoff, we are back with...

The 8th Annual Installment of the Monk zone Easter Egg Competition.

Year 8, yes, Year 8 is this year's number. We are in our third decade of artistic competition!!

Thanks to all who submitted eggs as it will make my victory sweeter.

Voting closes at 5pm, Cincinnati time, on Easter Sunday (unless gratuitous begging extends the deadline.)

All the eggs are posted. Let me know if I missed any, I will fix immediately.

Another balanced showing this year, which is quite exceptional given the one (1) day notice of this year's contest.

Voting Rules:
Rule 1, there are no rules. Vote as you like. Your comments matter and weigh heavily in the final determination.
Rule 2, note... there is a Children's Division. Vote accordingly. Any entry not labeled Children's Division is fair game, no need to be kind.

We will have several categories of winner, so vote frequently and often. Ranking of entries against each other is welcome. Pick a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place if you like. I use those as tie breakers.

Post general comments on this post, specific comments on the individual egg submission. Your comments are the key to success, use that voice!

If you refer to prior year's summaries, you can see it will take me some time to tabulate the winner, correlate comments and try to have some fun.

Thanks to all who submitted this year and to those that didn't, next year is right around the corner. Happy Easter to all and God bless! We will be having a 2021 Contest so start your planning now!! We will open 2021 to all families and friends.