tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70903541779479581362024-03-14T04:26:25.502-04:00bill white cartoonsObservations, Opinions and Rants from a Cartoon Point of ViewBill Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00231144346597143968noreply@blogger.comBlogger272125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090354177947958136.post-22617314962007044022012-10-28T22:15:00.002-04:002012-10-28T22:15:59.658-04:00It's a sad, sad, sad, sad world....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hard to believe just a mere 3 weeks ago, Bill wrote his last blog. I am his wife, Sharon, or as most of you know me, Perfect Wifey. I wanted to be sure that those who loved Bill and his blog were informed that he passed away last evening. His talent and humor were known by many, and his legacy will continue for years to come. Thank you for your continued support of Bill's blog over the years. He was very proud of it, and really enjoyed sharing his thoughts and talents with you all. Much love.... PW</div>
Bill Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00231144346597143968noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090354177947958136.post-88868630467446577932012-10-09T14:55:00.000-04:002012-10-09T14:58:52.737-04:00I'm (Almost) Back!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: left;">
Hello all. I'm back.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Yeah, I have been struggling with a serious medical condition for quite awhile now, but that's only part of the reason I haven't posted anything in, what is it, <em>OVER TWO MONTHS?! Yikes</em>! I am also having computer problems, so until I can figure out what is the trouble with my beloved Mac, I am forced to use Perfect Wifey's PC. I am not the most computer-literate dude to begin with, but working on a PC is a real pain-in-the-pixel for me.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
For example, you may notice this post is free of any of my "delightful" illustrations. There are some out there who might view this as an improvement, but not me. My blog without images is like a kiss without a hug, or something. Their absence is not due to my current condition (I drew a number of pics for this post, in fact), but rather that, for the life of me, I can't figure out how to scan and download images on this fushtoonkiner PC, and there is no one handy to give me any tech support in doing so. As soon as I can figure that out though, the cartoons and photos will return in full force. I'll even update <em>this</em> post with a doodle or two. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
One other thing before we move on: Yes, I am still not well, but I am getting a bit better every day. One thing that makes me feel worse that it should though, is talking about my condition. So from here on in, no more chat about that stuff here. Just assume that if I'm posting, I'm okay. If something momentous about my condition happens of course I'll mention it, but really, I don't wanna discuss it any more. Except for this last thing: Thanks to all of you out there for the cards, letters and yes, even gifts, you've sent to let me know you're thinking of me during this tough time. You can keep those coming. Especially the gifts...</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So now that I've let you know what won't be in the blog, I suppose you're wondering what I <em>do</em> have planned. That's easy: I don't know! I have plenty of things that I've wanted to comment on, but now a lotta time has gone by, and posting about them now seems kinda lame. I mean, National Pierogie Day is over, who wants to read about it now (although I hope you had a happy one)?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
One subject a few of you emailed me about is the death of cartoon legend Joe Kubert. As you may know, I attended his cartooning school. He was an important figure in my development as a cartoonist, and his death hit me rather hard. I DO have something rather special to post regarding Joe, but I really need to post it with illustrations. So, until the computer kinks are worked out, it will have to wait. It will be well worth the wait, however, as the images I will post have never been seen by anyone but Joe and I, and they give fascinating insights on the way Joe worked, as well as what a wonderful teacher and editor he was.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
In the meantime, I thought I'd share with you my latest obsession: Buying penny books at Amazon! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
During my recent recovery, I was often in search of something to read. The problem was, I read a lot, and finding something I hadn't read before was a challenge. To make things more difficult, I was really getting into "how-to" books by cartoonists. These books aren't in great supply at my local libraries and they are, for the most part, overpriced at book stores. Amazon usually sells thing cheaper than the stores, but often the shipping charges erase any "savings" you get on the cover price.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Unless of course, you check out the prices on their "Used" books! One day I was looking at the information on a book I coveted (I now forget what it was, sorry). The price was outrageous, but I noticed I could get a "used" copy for one cent! Even though with shipping costs added, the total was four bucks, it was still a heck o' a deal, so I ordered it. For a penny, I expected the book to arrive in wretched condition, held together with staples, duct tape and fond intents, but to my surprise and delight, it was practically new! I returned to the Amazon site, and found a bunch of books I was eager to read, and while not all of them were available for a penny, they were still worth taking a chance on ordering "used".</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So far, I have not been disappointed. Although some books have arrived in rougher shape than others, none look any worse than what a "new" book looks like after I have finished with it.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So now I am hooked on my "Amazon Penny Books", and will have a tough time paying cover price for a "new" book. The only spoiler in the whole deal is the shipping charges. If you decide to give the Penny Books a go, look at the costs of shipping carefully. Once and a while, a used book dealer will try to boost their profits by "tweaking" the postage rates a bit. In fact, one dealer had the shipping charge for a one cent book at around sixty bucks! Unless this shipping method involved the book being delivered to you on a satin pillow by a beautiful naked woman riding a silver unicorn, that seemed a bit much.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So what sort of bargains have I obtained? Here is a list of a bunch of the titles I have purchased at a ridiculously low price from Amazon. One caveat: one or two of these books were not "Penny Books" at all, but gifts from well-wishers that I enjoyed. I am posting this list not only to show how many I have obtained, but also because I intend to start writing my beloved-by-all book reviews again on a more frequent basis. If a title piques your interest, mention it in the comments and I'll let you know what a thought of it in a future post. Not all of these books were winners, believe me. You may notice most of them are "how-to's" and books on animation. I explained my "how-to" obsession already, the animation thing is a result of me realizing just how easy it is to do animation on your computer at home. I love animating, but filming pencil tests was always a problem, not to mention that things got expensive if you wanted to finish the films. Computers have made things much easier and affordable, as these books try and show. Some of these books are a <em>huge</em> help, while others should have remained trees. Of course, I will need to get my Mac back in working order first, but once that little wrinkle is smoothed out, oh boy...</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Anyway here are the books, in no particular order:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
* "Iwao Takamoto- My Life with a Thousand Characters" by Iwao Takamoto</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
* "How to Draw Cartoons" by Syd Hoff (Please note this is a different book on cartooning by Syd than I mentioned before. A very. Different. Book.)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
* "The Animated Raggety Ann & Andy- An Intimate Look at the Art of Animation: Its History, Techniques and Artists" by John Canemaker</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
* "Big Book of Cartooning Volume 1" by Vic Lockman</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
* "Bryan Hitch's Ultimate Comics Studio" by Bryan Hitch (Duh!)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
* "Manga Pro Superstar Workshop- How to Create & Sell Comics & Graphic Novels" by Colleen Doran</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
* "Incredible Comics with Tom Nguyen- The Ultimate Guide to Creating Kick-Ass Comic Art" by Tom Nguyen</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
* "Radioactive Man: Radioactive Repository Vol. 1" by The Gang at Bongo Comics</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
* "Robert B. Parker's Fool Me Twice" by Michael Brandman</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
* "Animation- The Whole Story" by Howard Beckerman </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
* "The Klutz Book of Animation" by John Cassidy and Nicholas Berger</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
* "The Fleischer Story (Second Edition)" by Leslie Carbarga</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
* "How to be a Successful Cartoonist" by Randy Glasbergen</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
* "Get Animated!" by Tim Maloney</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
* "Felix- The Twisted Tale of the World's Most Famous Cat" by John Canemaker</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
* "Beginner's Guide to Animation" by Mary Murphy</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
* "Stan Lee's How to Draw Comics" by Stan Lee</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
* "Superheroes- Joe Kubert's Wonderful World of Comics" by Joe Kubert (Like going to Joe's school, but for forty thousand dollars less!)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
* "The DC Comics Guide to Digitally Drawing Comics" by Freddie E. Williams II</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
* "Cartooning: The Art and the Business" by Mort Gerberg</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Again, in the comments, let me know if you want to know my opinions on any of these books, or the reasons I even paid a penny for some. Thar are some gems in this list, as well as a few hold-yer-nose-and-open-the-windows stinkers here.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Thanks for reading. It's great to be back!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Bill Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00231144346597143968noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090354177947958136.post-64977096785163661062012-07-29T17:39:00.000-04:002012-07-29T17:39:35.551-04:00Disses and Dats!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ieuqxmwica8/UBWmPJpXNUI/AAAAAAAAA9E/90vlpD41iWE/s1600/IMG_20120729_115326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ieuqxmwica8/UBWmPJpXNUI/AAAAAAAAA9E/90vlpD41iWE/s320/IMG_20120729_115326.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
My goodness! Has it really been<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> twenty one days </span>since I've posted anything here? I'm afraid it has. Regular readers, of course, know that I have a perfectly good excuse for neglecting my blogger duties: I still continue to recover from my recent medical "crisis". I knew my recovery wouldn't be of the miraculous overnight variety, but I had no idea it would take this long! And, according to the medical professionals overseeing my progress, I shouldn't schedule anything on my dance card until early Fall.<br />
<br />
This illness couldn't have come at a worse time. I have had to pass on several promising career opportunities, and delay several projects I was in the middle of when this crisis struck.<br />
<br />
My social life too, has taken several hits. Not only is July the month of my birth, it also marks Perfect Wifey's Birthday and our anniversary. Not to mention our town's annual carnival. Not that I actually enjoy going to my town's annual invasion of Carny Folk, but this is the first year I can recall not attending it. I hope the lipless chain-smoker that sold Sno-Cones didn't miss me too much.<br />
<br />
My biggest regret remains my neglect of this blog, though. Any of the above events could have been the basis for a memorable post. Especially our Anniversary. During this recent unpleasantness, Perfect Wifey has certainly lived up to her title. Her love and support have made this awful time a lot less awful. My number one priority when I am 100% again is to treat her to something special to make up for this lost time, and for all her sacrifices. Maybe I can find a skeevy carnival somewhere and buy her a Sno-Cone.<br />
<br />
PW isn't the only one who has helped lift my spirits. A sincere thanks to all of my regular readers out there who have sent get-well emails and cards, as well as those of you who sent me toys! Your kindness touched me to the core, and I appreciate the good wishes.<br />
<br />
Okay, enough maudlin rambles. Hopefully, next time I'll be back with better news, and I can go back to posting unacceptable excuses as to why I don't post more often.<br />
<br />
Until then...</div>Bill Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00231144346597143968noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090354177947958136.post-65651510626416078152012-06-08T14:49:00.001-04:002012-07-03T08:41:58.461-04:00Sick of Being Sick- AGAIN! -UPDATED<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GpHEEIMCiME/T9IxWPRm_mI/AAAAAAAAA78/J32BmUs9Kq8/s1600/hospitalshaded.PIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GpHEEIMCiME/T9IxWPRm_mI/AAAAAAAAA78/J32BmUs9Kq8/s320/hospitalshaded.PIC" width="255" /></a></div>
As mentioned in my last post, I am back home after a several day stay at the Hospital. It was pretty serious, but now that the whole experience is behind me I can look back and laugh. Or, I can look at what the whole thing cost us and cry. Really hard.<br />
<br />
It all began a few weeks ago, when one day out of the blue, I started to have severe pain in my abdomen. I have had these pains before, and those pains had led me to a Hospital stay and the knowledge that I have a pancreatic mass that I will be carrying around with me forever (you can read all about that fun time <a href="http://bwhitecartoons.blogspot.com/2010/02/sick-of-being-sick.html">here</a> ). At the time I got the original diagnosis, I was told that if I followed the Doctor's instructions and took care of myself, I would not experience such pain again.<br />
<br />
Well, big surprise, but I guess I didn't do so well following instructions and taking care of myself, because the pain was back, and it seemed worse than before. So I headed for my local emergency room, and, after it was established that I would be able to pay for treatment, I was pumped full of pain killers and left in a room to wait for further diagnosis. So I waited. And waited. And... Well I waited so long and the pain killers did their job so well that I didn't feel the need for further treatment. I detached the myriad of tubes connected to me went home. A stupid move? You bet! It didn't seem so at the time though: I felt <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">great</span> all weekend!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L04Ejle9MyY/T9I5Un1aL8I/AAAAAAAAA8I/tnEPOVWZG3Q/s1600/IMG_20120523_135813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L04Ejle9MyY/T9I5Un1aL8I/AAAAAAAAA8I/tnEPOVWZG3Q/s200/IMG_20120523_135813.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Me, heavily sedated, at the hospital staff's<br />request, I suspect</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Then on Sunday, my Sister passed away. We held the wake on Tuesday and then prepared ourselves for her Funeral on Wednesday. It was going to be a bad day, but not for the reasons I expected.<br />
<br />
<br />
Wednesday morning I awoke to find that my pain was back, and worse than ever. I tried to pull myself together for the Funeral. I figured I could suffer through that, then head for the ER. Well, I couldn't, and was soon back at the same Hospital I had just so recently escaped from. The pain was so bad this time, and I was pumped up with such a dizzying array of drugs that I remember <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">none</span> of the next few days' events. Which is a good thing because according to Perfect Wifey (who had a front row seat to all this), I was not on my best behavior.<br />
<br />
According to PW, in my altered state I, at various times:<br />
<br />
• Was under the impression that I was a bad actor currently appearing in a B-Horror film, and I didn't think much of the crew (a.k.a. the Hospital staff).<br />
<br />
• I thought I was staying at a vacation resort in Rhode Island. My Brother-In-Law said that it was with great pride that I pointed out how posh the bathroom was. It was a bucket in the corner.<br />
<br />
• I told everyone around that at any moment now the 3 Stooges were coming for a visit.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Opc_ew5mQ_g/T9I8DiO3ZVI/AAAAAAAAA8U/BdQqP_YgX8c/s1600/IMG_20120528_191406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Opc_ew5mQ_g/T9I8DiO3ZVI/AAAAAAAAA8U/BdQqP_YgX8c/s200/IMG_20120528_191406.jpg" width="150" /></span></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Better get up soon. The Stooges will <br />be here any minute now!</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I also tried to leave. A lot. So they finally had me restrained.<br />
<br />
They also decided that what I officially had was a "Pancreatic Mass with a blockage in my bile duct". They would have to place a "stent" in there, but the procedure would have to be done at a Hospital in Boston, because they did not have the equipment for it there. On hearing of my behavior, I wonder if they really <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">did</span> have the equipment, but just wanted me outta there.<br />
<br />
Whatever, off to Boston I went, to a Hospital that was actually the setting for the TV series "St. Elsewhere"!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-coNTfx8ayiE/T9I_XIxiklI/AAAAAAAAA8g/WTHFfFHm8gw/s1600/IMG_20120528_191257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-coNTfx8ayiE/T9I_XIxiklI/AAAAAAAAA8g/WTHFfFHm8gw/s200/IMG_20120528_191257.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">"Commies?!"</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At this Hospital, they apparently didn't pay too much attention to the pain killer mix I had been given at the previous place, and gave me some of their own. My behavior got even worse. I was given a room that I shared with a very nice old man who was originally from Russia, along with his wife. I screamed my accusations that they were Communist Spies so loudly, I was finally given a room of my own.<br />
<br />
Eventually, I was given the surgery and began to come around to "normal". After hearing about how badly I behaved, I felt terrible, and spent the rest of my stay apologizing to the staff. The "Communist Couple" had left, so I couldn't apologize to them. PW says not to worry about it though, as they felt sorry for me being so sick.<br />
<br />
My adventures weren't completely over with, of course. In addition to the usual Hospital round-the-clock wake-ups to check my blood pressure, one morning I was woken at <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">4:30 AM</span> so I could have my weight checked. Why they needed that info at that hour is something I never did find out.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KGvUROV2828/T9JD3BiebmI/AAAAAAAAA8s/-4Z3jK4j4tc/s1600/IMG_20120603_105940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KGvUROV2828/T9JD3BiebmI/AAAAAAAAA8s/-4Z3jK4j4tc/s200/IMG_20120603_105940.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Me as Fatty McButterpants.<br />Don't lift that jonny, if you<br />know what's good for ya!</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I also almost got another room mate. I guess since I had started to behave myself, they decided to risk it. A crew was busily cleaning my room when a supervisor came in and told them to stop. They wouldn't need me to share my room after all, since <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">my prospective roomie had died from their gun shot wounds! <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Boston Hospitals-YIKES! At my home town Hospital, the only reason you lose a room mate is because they foolishly walk out of the Hospital because they get tired of waiting and they're idiots...</span></span><br />
<br />
Also, since I had been so out of it and restrained for so long, I was fed by an IV drip. As a result of all that "nourishment" and inactivity, I gained <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">35 pounds, </span>all in water weight, and all below the belt. I could barely move, and I guess it's gonna be a while until I am back to my "normal" weight and size. My legs and feet look like Fred Flintstone's. My slippers don't even fit!<br />
<br />
So, my adventures in the world of medicine will continue for a spell. Not only do I have to lose all this weight (it's swimsuit season after all, and I wouldn't wanna disappoint the "ladies"), it turns out I need one more surgery in August, so that they can put a "permanent" stent in. Why they didn't just put in a permanent stent to begin with I don't know. I'm just gonna do whatever they tell me to do and hope I recover ASAP!<br />
<br />
And wait patiently for the 3 Stooges to show up.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">UPDATE 7/3/2012- </span>I suppose some of you out there are wondering why there have been no more posts since I wrote the above. Well, a couple of days after posting, I awoke with a horrible burning pain in my left leg. It turns out I had developed an infection thanks to my previous "procedure", so it was back into the hospital for me.<br />
<br />
Fortunately, the hospital I stayed at this time was far better than the previous one. The staff at this hospital actually got to the bottom of what was truly wrong with me, and put me on a plan that will eventually restore me to my former glory.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i5w0JLoxum4/T_Lne6qvoHI/AAAAAAAAA84/wqdBnTzaBYw/s1600/IMG_20120625_160748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i5w0JLoxum4/T_Lne6qvoHI/AAAAAAAAA84/wqdBnTzaBYw/s320/IMG_20120625_160748.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">A strategically-placed giant cat insures the<br />patient won't roll off the couch.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Unfortunately, I had to stay in the hospital for <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">two weeks (!)</span> while they figured out my diagnosis. I also have to have another invasive procedure done on Thursday. I <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">am</span> home now though, and Riley and Rocco are just as attentive to my needs as any nurse at the hospital. Long story short: It may be awhile until you see any new posts from me. Fret not, though, I shall return, sooner or later with gobs of guffaws for your reading pleasure.<br />
<br />
Now I gotta run. I have to make sure I have a clean johnny to wear on Thursday...<br />
<br />
<br /></div>Bill Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00231144346597143968noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090354177947958136.post-38974706310133729722012-06-06T16:28:00.001-04:002012-06-06T16:28:35.582-04:00Jacquie<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sq4rGbjsvEI/T8-4Xst0tzI/AAAAAAAAA7w/_jlc0pOCfY0/s1600/jacmem.PIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sq4rGbjsvEI/T8-4Xst0tzI/AAAAAAAAA7w/_jlc0pOCfY0/s200/jacmem.PIC" width="118" /></a></div>
Sad times strike the White Family again. On May 20, 2012, we lost our sister Jacquie to that pernicious little bastard cancer. She was far, far too young.<br />
<br />
It's no secret in my family that my sister and I didn't see eye-to eye on many things, but she was my sister. I loved her and I'll miss her. Even though we didn't always get along, she was always there if I needed her. A fact that I am only beginning appreciate now. She was also an early fan of this blog, although she would, despite my requests, never recommend it to her friends (Gee, I wonder <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">why?</span>). I was touched at her Wake by the hundreds of people, total strangers to me, who told wonderful stories about what kindnesses Jacquie had done for them, and how much they loved her.<br />
<br />
Regular readers of this blog will remember that my Mother always hated it when you said "goodbye" to her. "It sounds so final", she would say, "like we'll never see each other again. Say, 'so long', instead".<br />
<br />
So long, Jac.<br />
<br />
What makes my sister's passing extra sad is that I never got to say a real farewell to her. I was at her Wake, but on the day of her Funeral, I myself was being rushed to the hospital with a life-threatening, surgery-requiring condition of my own! I'll save that tale for next time. Believe it or not, it's smile-packed tale of hilarity!</div>Bill Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00231144346597143968noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090354177947958136.post-86448423353170790252012-05-17T21:07:00.003-04:002012-05-20T09:43:15.724-04:00These ARE the Droids We Were Looking For!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PbNcB7Wp8s8/T7WQ7Yl66fI/AAAAAAAAA6w/ESpvw5SHzpY/s1600/B-3PO" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PbNcB7Wp8s8/T7WQ7Yl66fI/AAAAAAAAA6w/ESpvw5SHzpY/s200/B-3PO" width="173" /></a></div>
Last week, Perfect Wifey and I happened to find ourselves touring Disney's Hollywood Studios, at the magnificent Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. The DHS is a wonderful theme park, full of thrilling attractions, fun shows, marvelous decor and wonderfully themed restaurants that serve barely edible food. All of these elements make this a really great place to be (except for the food). <br />
<br />
The highlight for me, though, is the "Star Tours: The Adventure Continues" attraction. This 3-D simulator ride takes you to many of the various hang-outs seen in the Star Wars films, and includes appearances by familiar (and beloved!) characters from the films. For those of you Star Wars fans out there that haven't experienced this attraction, all I can say is, put it on your bucket list. The ride technology really makes it feel like you are soaring through space in a galaxy far, far away, and since there are 57 different scenarios you can experience, you can ride it again and again and never get tired of it (PW disagrees with this opinion). Believe me, when Boba Fett, flying his ship, Slave I, started talkin' trash and fired on our ship, my lil' heart leaped, and when we engaged AT-AT's on Hoth, I had tears of joy streaming down my face.<br />
<br />
Excuse me, I need a moment to pull myself together...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8m1_8wrHeh8/T7WVe7oDAaI/AAAAAAAAA68/qla2Na8Q3ZE/s1600/Droid+Factory+%231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8m1_8wrHeh8/T7WVe7oDAaI/AAAAAAAAA68/qla2Na8Q3ZE/s200/Droid+Factory+%231.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Okay, where was I? Oh yes! As thrilling as the Star Tours attraction was, I was even more excited to find out that the day of our visit, May 10th, was a special day. It was the day that the "Build-a-Droid Factory" was debuting at the "Tatooine Traders" gift shop, which is conveniently located at the exit of the ST attraction!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DG2Nu7Z4y6Q/T7WWSN38v1I/AAAAAAAAA7E/qFDaMuL8z7I/s1600/Droid+Factory+%232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DG2Nu7Z4y6Q/T7WWSN38v1I/AAAAAAAAA7E/qFDaMuL8z7I/s200/Droid+Factory+%232.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
At the B-A-D Factory, you can choose from a multitude of droid parts, and assemble your very own personalized action figure! Allegedly, there are 71 different parts, and the possibilities for building your own unique droid are endless! Each figure costs about $12 each, or you can put together a 2 pack for $19. A bargain! (Again, PW begs to differ.) You also get a clam shell package to store your bounty in, and a sheet of letter/number stickers that you can apply to the package to proclaim your droid's "name".<br />
<br />
I was thrilled to be able to be one of the first geeks on Earth to experience this, but of course, there were a few challenges to enjoying this experience to the fullest.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LBd-RXgme9M/T7WZbdKy2GI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/qkes_HVaqGM/s1600/Droid+Factory+%234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LBd-RXgme9M/T7WZbdKy2GI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/qkes_HVaqGM/s200/Droid+Factory+%234.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">A fat guy stands on the head of a child he cut in front of,<br />and builds himself yet another droid.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For one thing it's a very small space, and there is only room for two people to assemble a droid at a time. For another, a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">lot</span> of people want to build one. The kids are delightful to watch: the look on their little faces as they assemble their own personal droid is priceless. Less-than-priceless, however, is the behavior of the adult Star Wars geeks with their massive sense of self-entitlement and their OCD need to build hundreds of droids, oblivious to those patiently waiting behind them to build just one. As I was putting mine together, I asked one of the Cast Members if she had seen many adult geeks. She rolled her eyes and said, "You wouldn't believe it". Oh yes I would! Of course, she may have been including me in that group.<br />
<br />
When I finally got a chance to build my droid, I was aware of the crowd behind me semi-patiently awaiting their turn. Consequently, I made some hasty decisions, but the result is something that I'm sure even George Lucas is kicking himself over for not thinking of first. I present: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">R2-PW</span>:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1NUL97gxVrU/T7j0H9zurfI/AAAAAAAAA7k/YJMnYyXGnTE/s1600/Droid+Group.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1NUL97gxVrU/T7j0H9zurfI/AAAAAAAAA7k/YJMnYyXGnTE/s320/Droid+Group.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
All in all it was a great experience, and I can't wait to do go back and do it again.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"MAY THE FORCE (AND A FAT WALLET) BE WITH YOU!"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And geeks, if you go to this, give the kids a chance, and don't make a greedy ass of yourself!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0000ee; text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></div>
</div>Bill Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00231144346597143968noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090354177947958136.post-52350468198335062282012-05-06T22:45:00.000-04:002012-05-17T21:11:55.808-04:00The Avengers: Go to the Movie!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tZHqnwTZHL8/T6c022GANHI/AAAAAAAAA6k/Mr6tqLXJ3Wk/s1600/hulk.PIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tZHqnwTZHL8/T6c022GANHI/AAAAAAAAA6k/Mr6tqLXJ3Wk/s320/hulk.PIC" width="256" /></a></div>
I am off to Florida for a few days, so there will be no posts here for a week or so.<br />
<br />
Before I depart, though, I must urge all comic book geeks out there to see the new film, "Marvel: The Avengers". Not since "Superman: The Movie", have I experienced such a geek-gasim.<br />
<br />
This movie is a fantastic film, and even people who don't care about Superheroes will enjoy it. Perfect Wifey certainly did. Although I think she may have been a bit embarrassed by her husband weeping for joy during many moments in the film.<br />
<br />
BTW, if you take my advice, and go to see the film, stay through the credits. There is a reference to a character I recently mentioned on this blog!<br />
<br />
<br /></div>Bill Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00231144346597143968noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090354177947958136.post-33797783927164150242012-05-01T20:33:00.000-04:002012-05-01T23:38:53.953-04:00Blotted!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1SLRDLPghqk/T6B-KElyN9I/AAAAAAAAA6M/NwGJ8dkbP20/s1600/mickey.PIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1SLRDLPghqk/T6B-KElyN9I/AAAAAAAAA6M/NwGJ8dkbP20/s320/mickey.PIC" width="266" /></a></div>
Sorry for the paucity of posts lately, but, for the first time in quite a spell, I am up to my ankles in work!<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, I cannot share any of the details of what I am engaged in (Non-Disclosure agreements and what not). However, I <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">can</span> share the image you see at right. This is a rough sketch for one of the things I am currently working on.<br />
This should satisfy both those of you that enjoy classic comic books, and those that want to see more of my "Work in Progress".<br />
<br />
Note that this is a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">rough</span> sketch. All the proportions, tangents, negative spaces and such will be worked out before I finish the piece.<br />
<br />
For those of you who are eager to know what "tools" cartoonists use, this was scribbled hastily with a Blue Col-Erase© pencil, on 8.5" X 11" typing paper. And yes, that <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">is</span> The Phantom Blot!<br />
<br />
More, much more, next time. I promise!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wfPuV7ZUHOU/T6CRJr_zdkI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/SYmhVz7RvKg/s1600/beagle.PIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wfPuV7ZUHOU/T6CRJr_zdkI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/SYmhVz7RvKg/s320/beagle.PIC" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">UPDATE:</span> One more image to tease y'all. Is this the first time The Beagle Boys and Goofy have appeared in the same story? (Wait, maybe they did, in a Super Goof story. I await confirmation in the comments.) For those of you nit-pickers out there: Yes, these characters are way off-model, but it's only my first pass!<br />
<br />
<br /></div>Bill Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00231144346597143968noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090354177947958136.post-81516461324005728822012-04-16T18:01:00.000-04:002012-04-20T23:22:24.259-04:00Stoogered!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ob952oW0R40/T4yO_szKn4I/AAAAAAAAA50/CEq7UZN5nwE/s1600/stooge1.PIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ob952oW0R40/T4yO_szKn4I/AAAAAAAAA50/CEq7UZN5nwE/s320/stooge1.PIC" width="320" /></a></div>
Well, the new movie based on The Three Stooges is now playing at a theatre near you. I had grave reservations about this movie. I have been hearing about this project for years, and even though I enjoy the Farrelly Brothers' films, I didn't think this was something that needed to be made. I am a HUGE fan of Moe, Larry, Curly and even Shemp (not so much Joe Besser or Curly Joe), but I wasn't sure that new actors would be able to measure up to the originals.<br />
<br />
My fears were groundless. The film is <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">hilarious</span>, the actors do a fabulous job and I laughed. A lot. Seriously, I haven't enjoyed a film this much in ages. I don't understand the negative reviews this film is getting. At the screening I attended, the audience laughed their a**es off, and at the end, gave the film a round of applause. When was the last time you heard an audience applaud at a movie?<br />
<br />
My one regret is that my parents didn't live to see this film. They would have have loved it, being HUGE fans of the boys. Actually, I think my Mum got a bit too involved with the films: She was very fond of Curly, and would get upset when Moe would hit him. "Doesn't he know Curly didn't mean to hit him with that axe?", she would say. God bless Mum and Dad! My hope is that they are watching the new film sitting next to Larry, Moe, Jerry and Sam, and having a swell time.<br />
<br />
So yes, the new film is great, and I urge all of you out there to go see it. In preparing this post though, I realized something: It is REALLY hard to do a good caricature of The Three Stooges!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4eV10pANrdU/T4yUQ_nWy8I/AAAAAAAAA58/FWESMba12_E/s1600/sharon+stooges.PIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4eV10pANrdU/T4yUQ_nWy8I/AAAAAAAAA58/FWESMba12_E/s320/sharon+stooges.PIC" width="320" /></a></div>
Sure, you can just do a doodle of three faces with their haircuts, and everyone will recognize that you have drawn the fellas, but a true, accurate caricature of these nit-wits is a tough job. In the illustration at the top of this post, I took the easy way out, and based my sketch on how the guys looked in their awful sixties' cartoon. Even Perfect Wifey, who is good at almost everything, did a drawing (above) that is easily identifiable, but really isn't a caricature. (It is interesting to me though, that even as a non-artist, PW managed to draw an expression on each Stooge that expressed their personality- Note Larry's half-lidded eyes, and Curly's wide-eyed, childlike expression. True, I don't know where their ears are, but...)<br />
<br />
So I put it to YOU, cartoonist readers of this blog: Can you do a caricature of The Three Stooges that really looks like them?! If so, send them to me via email, and if I get a really good one, I'll post it and send the winner a prize of some sort.*<br />
<br />
Even if you do a crappy drawing, send it in, and we'll all have some laughs at your expense!<br />
<br />
N'yuck, N'yuck, Nyuck!<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">*No prize will be awarded.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">UPDATE: 4/20/2012: The Results Are In!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Wjp_FMKzIw/T5Im3Y4cPoI/AAAAAAAAA6E/b7VnDzWRVpo/s1600/peter.PIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Wjp_FMKzIw/T5Im3Y4cPoI/AAAAAAAAA6E/b7VnDzWRVpo/s320/peter.PIC" width="320" /></a></div>
Of all the millions of readers of this blog, only <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Peter F. </span>dared to take the "Caricature the Stooges" challenge. His entry is above. Peter claims to have knocked this out in ten minutes. Pretty good, I think! As the only entrant, Peter wins the Grand Prize, which will be mailed to him soon.* Congrats, Peter!<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">*No prize will be mailed.</span></span><br />
<br /></div>Bill Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00231144346597143968noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090354177947958136.post-78649879898344526072012-04-12T11:58:00.000-04:002012-04-24T20:33:41.444-04:00Happy Grilled Cheese Day!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-na6SH9SGp5g/T4bvvMXKPkI/AAAAAAAAA48/Cy6GJlr0b94/s1600/cheese!.PIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-na6SH9SGp5g/T4bvvMXKPkI/AAAAAAAAA48/Cy6GJlr0b94/s320/cheese!.PIC" width="320" /></a></div>
Forget the more pedestrian holidays, such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, Mother's Day and the like. Today (apparently) is a truly important day to celebrate: It's NATIONAL GRILLED CHEESE DAY!<br />
<br />
To me, no member of the basic food group is more delicious than the grilled cheese. However, making a great grilled cheese requires more than simply slappin' a buttered cheese sandwich on the grill. A perfect grilled cheese sandwich is hot, crispy and crunchy on the outside, and full of chewy cheesy goodness on the inside.<br />
<br />
Over the years, I have finally mastered creating the "Perfect Grilled Cheese Sandwich". Creating this masterpiece involved years of trial and error. I ate many a limp, soggy and/or burnt sandwich until I came up with the perfect formula for this classic dish.<br />
<br />
In honor of this day, I would like to present my recipe for you, here. The great thing about this recipe is that it is highly adaptable to individual tastes. You can add or subtract any of the ingredients you wish. The most important thing to follow is the buttering and cooking instructions. These cannot be fiddled with. By following my instructions to the letter, you will soon be enjoying the perfect grilled cheese.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">INGREDIENTS:</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Bread. (Your choice. I like a sourdough, or thicker bread, but plain ol' Sunbeam is good too.)</li>
<li>Sliced Cheese (Again, your choice, although I prefer a combination of American AND Sharp Cheddar.)</li>
<li>Softened Butter (The butter has to be REALLY soft and spreadable. I like to use Land O' Lakes©' Spreadable butter.)</li>
<li>Softened Cream Cheese</li>
<li>Meat (This is optional. I like to put ham or bacon on mine. If you do use a meat, chop it up fine, so you're not sliding a huge slice of meat out of the sandwich each time you take a bite!)</li>
<li>Grated cheese (This makes a BIG difference!)</li>
</ul>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">TO COOK:</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Put a sturdy pan over <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">medium/high</span> heat, and allow it to preheat for at least five minutes. Meanwhile spread the cream cheese on two slices of bread, the sprinkle with the grated cheese. Assemble the sandwich adding the cheese, and meat, if you're swingin' that way. Then, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">LIGHTLY</span> butter both sides of the outside of the sandwich. Seriously, you want the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">THINNEST</span> layer of butter on the outside of the sandwich to facilitate cooking. Too much, and you'll have a soggy mess. Too little and you'll have a hockey puck.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Place the sandwich in the pan and heat for 1.5 minutes on each side. After each side is done to your liking, transfer the sandwich to a serving plate. Wait a minute or two before cutting the sandwich to let the cheese firm up a bit. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Serve with a bowl of tomato soup. If you screwed the recipe up, serve with a lot of liquor, so your guests won't know the difference, and if they do, they won't remember what a crappy grilled cheese you make.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I hope you and yours have a happy, healthy (well happy, anyway) Grilled Cheese Day.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I am off now, to put up the decorations for the White family Grilled Cheese Day Celebration.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>Bill Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00231144346597143968noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090354177947958136.post-57452678464434362652012-04-04T12:07:00.000-04:002012-04-06T09:27:04.157-04:00It's Official!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oAS9ajGZw_8/T3xsy7dTOdI/AAAAAAAAA4s/EeUsIxg_r1c/s1600/bwstarturn.PIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oAS9ajGZw_8/T3xsy7dTOdI/AAAAAAAAA4s/EeUsIxg_r1c/s320/bwstarturn.PIC" width="285" /></a></div>
I have always known I had a good sense of humor. I did not however, think I was "The Most Funniest Man Ever". Certainly, regular readers of this site are familiar with my puckish wit, but, "The Most Funniest Man Ever"?<br />
<br />
I admit I am a "funny guy", thanks mostly to my parents, who could always come up with a "zinger" at just the right moment (Honestly, it's a pity that none of you reading this ever had the opportunity to go to a bad movie with my Dad. His witty observations would put the crew of MST3K to shame!). Really though, could I ever really dare to consider myself, "The Most Funniest Man Ever"?!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O1ZOwVf7b38/T3xubiLCJkI/AAAAAAAAA40/SUFA6AXfsZU/s1600/brinote.PIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O1ZOwVf7b38/T3xubiLCJkI/AAAAAAAAA40/SUFA6AXfsZU/s320/brinote.PIC" width="320" /></a></div>
A note I received after a recent local theatrical piece I performed in, though, has informed me that I am, in fact, The Most Funniest Man Ever. A young girl named Brianna sent me the note you see here, after the performance. We must assume Brianna is a girl of discriminating tastes, so we'll accept her word as Gospel.<br />
<br />
So, move over Abbott & Costello, Laurel and Hardy, The 3 Stooges, and all you other hacks! I <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">AM</span> The Most Funniest Man EVER! Even funnier than Adam Sandler! I am Brianna's <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">IDOL</span> for cryin' out loud! Oh, with her perceptive, refined taste, this girl is gonna go far.<br />
<br />
I promise to use this power only for good.</div>Bill Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00231144346597143968noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090354177947958136.post-67565285292507242342012-04-02T22:47:00.002-04:002012-04-12T12:24:07.530-04:00Gauntleted!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_DKvTeQevY4/T3pcwFoLqMI/AAAAAAAAA4k/HnBAb9Fr-jM/s1600/thanos.PIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_DKvTeQevY4/T3pcwFoLqMI/AAAAAAAAA4k/HnBAb9Fr-jM/s320/thanos.PIC" width="245" /></a></div>
It's been quite a while since I've posted a Superhero-themed doodle here on the blog. Since I really have nothing of note to post at the moment (although I do have a few doozies up my sleeve), here's another one.<br />
<br />
The drawing you see here is of a Marvel comics character called Thanos. I know almost nothing about him, other than he seems to be obsessed with death, and to his credit, he helped Captain Marvel on his journey beyond the veil in one of the first mainstream graphic novels ever, "The Death of Captain Marvel".<br />
<br />
He's also obsessed with getting his hands on some accoutrement called the "Infinity Gauntlet". This magic glove supposedly has all kinds of benefits to the owner, but really, I couldn't care less about this character or his "bidness". The only reason I did this sketch is that I think that this guy looks cool. So cool in fact, that I bought an action figure of him. Said action figure sits on my desk, staring at me day after day, so I figured I'd draw him up and post him here. The image reflects only one of the possible uses I imagine the "Infinity Gauntlet" is good for.<br />
<br />
For the curious, read more about Thanos <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanos">here</a> , and the Infinity Gauntlet <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki?The_Infinity_Gauntlet">here</a> .<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Next time</span>: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Enough of this Superhero stuff, and back to more mainstream, reader-friendly jocularity! </span></div>Bill Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00231144346597143968noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090354177947958136.post-56941054260914991392012-03-26T23:13:00.000-04:002012-03-28T10:59:23.811-04:00An Idle Thought About Bedrock<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4EzsPKmO1wA/T3EtSsYyflI/AAAAAAAAA4c/YnCSphSrl6Y/s1600/flintstone.PIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4EzsPKmO1wA/T3EtSsYyflI/AAAAAAAAA4c/YnCSphSrl6Y/s320/flintstone.PIC" width="296" /></a></div>
Just wondering... What was the waste disposal situation in your average Bedrock household?<br />
<br />
Imagine, Fred has just enjoyed a car-tilting helping of ribs at his local drive-in. Now, the "Moment of Reckoning" is at hand. Who has to deal with Mr. Flintstone's "Business"? My humble sketch offers one possible theory.<br />
<br />
Feel free to leave your suggestions for an even more hilarious alternative to the "Toiletasaurus-Rex'" caption I have supplied in the comments section. I can't come up with all the "funny" myself!</div>Bill Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00231144346597143968noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090354177947958136.post-13319495556489245542012-03-23T12:22:00.001-04:002012-04-05T11:41:19.833-04:00Bazinga!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NiB4K9UncQE/T2yd6o9ksYI/AAAAAAAAA4U/uq74VOw8Ouw/s1600/billsmoke.PIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NiB4K9UncQE/T2yd6o9ksYI/AAAAAAAAA4U/uq74VOw8Ouw/s320/billsmoke.PIC" width="247" /></a></div>
We all have those little moments in life, when someone makes a detrimental comment. A comment that begs for a witty comeback. Most of the time though, we only think of the perfect, appropriate response hours later.<br />
<br />
Once and a while though, we come up with a zinger on the spot. It doesn't happen often, but when it does, it's a great feeling. I was lucky enough to have such a moment recently.<br />
<br />
I smoke cigarettes. I know smoking is bad for you, and that a burning cigarette smells nasty to non-smokers, but I still enjoy it. I realize though, that there are lots of folks out there that are really offended by cigarette smoke, so I try to be respectful: I smoke outdoors, and if I am in the proximity of others, I move down-wind, so my smoking won't bother them. Some people, however, will be bothered no matter what.<br />
<br />
Case in point: I was outside a local watering hole enjoying a smoke. As a couple approached, I moved out of the way, so my smoke wouldn't offend them. The woman glared at me with a look of contempt I would have previously assumed would only be reserved for the likes of A. Hitler, and said to her partner: "Ugh, look at that guy smoking! Disgusting! Doesn't he know how bad cigarettes are for you?!" I am used to this reaction, but since the lady made her comments loud enough for me (and everyone else in the vicinity) to hear, I felt I needed to make a response. Fortunately, my witty brain did not fail me: I made eye contact and said, "Yes, but they don't affect your hearing.". The look on her face was priceless. She muttered an embarrassed, "sorry", and kept on walking. I felt particularly clever. Hopefully, that woman will keep her self-righteous opinions to herself in the future.<br />
<br />
Actually though, she is right- Smoking is gross and bad for you. So are bad manners, though!<br />
<br />
Smoking issues aside:The point of this post is, I still got it!</div>Bill Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00231144346597143968noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090354177947958136.post-92221086750143775902012-03-05T12:48:00.000-05:002012-04-26T00:32:51.393-04:00Under the Influence!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WTcio54ySJI/T1TxZMnfMpI/AAAAAAAAA38/MDzNoa18GnY/s1600/billmartian.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WTcio54ySJI/T1TxZMnfMpI/AAAAAAAAA38/MDzNoa18GnY/s400/billmartian.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Lately, I have been thinking a lot about the things that influenced me as a cartoonist. A quick perusal of the body of my work shows that I was obviously influenced by "cartoony" comic art, and indeed I was. I much preferred animation and funny animal comics to Superhero stuff. There is one exception, though.<br />
<br />
Although I loved "funny" comics, I had a soft spot for the "Classics Illustrated" series of comics that were ubiquitous when I was a lad. Indeed many of my peers owe their passing grade in English to these easy-to-read "simplified" versions of classic literature. "Classics Illustrated" books were great! Instead of spending a week or two poring over a boring ol' book like "Moby Dick", in fifteen minutes you could get the gist of the book, with fabulous illustrations, no less. The adaptations were pretty good too. They hit all the major plot points, making it easy to turn in a passable book report, or ace a "Pop Quiz".<br />
<br />
I, of course, loved to read, so I really didn't need to substitute "CI" for my assignments. At least, for most of them. Some times, when I was overcommited (Like if there was a Godzilla Marathon on TV), I did rely on these comic book adaptations to help me make my homework deadlines.<br />
<br />
There was one "CI" adaptation, though, that I didn't need to read, but I'm glad I did. It was their version of H.G. Wells' classic, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_of_the_worlds">"The War of the Worlds"</a> . As a kid, this was my favorite book. I read it over and over. I <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">loved </span>the idea of uninvited guests dropping by our planet and behaving badly. As a young Catholic, I also enjoyed that God turned out to be the hero of the piece, leaving germs around, in His infinite wisdom, to kill the invaders.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WFbPwpXvH_k/T1T4KqZ20jI/AAAAAAAAA4E/LIfo46qymOs/s1600/wotw.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WFbPwpXvH_k/T1T4KqZ20jI/AAAAAAAAA4E/LIfo46qymOs/s400/wotw.JPG" width="273" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Dq9Krkdf-g/T1T9D2UMUeI/AAAAAAAAA4M/R2t_IO74W5A/s1600/martians.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Dq9Krkdf-g/T1T9D2UMUeI/AAAAAAAAA4M/R2t_IO74W5A/s400/martians.JPG" width="260" /></a></div>
As I said, I loved this book, so a comic book adaptation had a LOT to live up to. It did. Not only was the script a fairly tight adaptation of the book, but the artwork was FANTASTIC! All the images of the Martians and their machines and the destruction they caused, were <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">BRILLIANTLY</span> realized by artist<a href="http://lambiek.net/artists/c/cameron_lou.htm"> Lou Cameron</a> . "TWotW", has been adapted a few times for movies and TV and such, but none of the designers working on those projects has ever realized the Martians and their technology as well as Cameron. The Fifties' futuristic aesthetic works beautifully against the Victorian setting. The design of the Martians themselves is great, too. So familiar, yet so creepy and nasty: They are here to chew bubble gum and kick ass, and they are all out of bubble gum!<br />
<br />
So, since I don't draw "realistic" science fiction comics, how was this an influence on me? I dunno. All I know is that these designs raised the bar for me in terms of what your imagination could do if you just let go and explore any possibility when you draw.<br />
<br />
So kudos to Lou Cameron! Lou, if you are still with us, I'd <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">LOVE</span> to hear from you. If not, rest well, and thanks for the memories.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">UPDATE 3/16/12: </span>After posting this, I was inspired to go back and read the original novel again. You know, the one without all the great Lou Cameron illustrations. When I did, I realized that the person who wrote the Classics Illustrated adaptation eliminated a few major plot points in their version. First, there is no mention of the Martians' black gas or red weeds. Since these weapons play a major role in the fall of London, I wonder why they were omitted. Space restrictions, maybe? The other omissions are a bit easier to understand. The Martians' use of human beings as their own personal "sippy cups", and the Narrator's murder of the Curate may have been a bit too much for a wholesome family-friendly comic.<br />
<br />
I pity the lazy student who tried to do a book report based on this comic!<br />
<br />
Still, it is a fantabulous adaptation, and since you can buy it on Amazon "used" for under seven cents, all of you reading this should check it out!<br />
<br />
Also, if this post has you jonesing for more of Lou Cameron's work, go and check out my buddy <a href="http://www.bigblogofcomics.com/">Mykal's blog!</a><br />
<br />
<br /></div>Bill Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00231144346597143968noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090354177947958136.post-1776769914930787272012-02-10T14:23:00.000-05:002012-02-13T09:46:17.227-05:00Feel the Love!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wKfGoX7PZdA/TzVorCjuIhI/AAAAAAAAA30/cE4M92GnRa0/s1600/vd.PIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wKfGoX7PZdA/TzVorCjuIhI/AAAAAAAAA30/cE4M92GnRa0/s320/vd.PIC" width="320" /></a></div>
It seems that all the Bloggers out there, even those that don't post regularly, feel the need to post "Holiday Greetings" for every Holiday that comes along. Arbor Day? St. Swithin's Day? They will have something to say about it. I have to take exception to this.<br />
<br />
I am happy to post blogs about <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">real</span> holidays like Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc. However, there is one "Holiday" that I dislike mentioning. It is the one that is upon us: VALENTINE'S DAY.<br />
<br />
I have quite a few problems with this Holiday. Instead of reiterating my gripes with this alleged Holiday, please go to the post <a href="http://bwhitecartoons.blogspot.com/2010/02/this-is-ti-all-lonely-people.html">here</a> , and the other one <a href="http://bwhitecartoons.blogspot.com/2011/02/gotta-love-today.html">here</a> , for my feelings on this "celebration". In my humble opinion, these posts are chock full of helpful reflections on the true meaning and presumed importance of this Holiday.<br />
<br />
For those of you in a happy relationship, good for you! Celebrate this day if you like, but I'm sure you <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">already</span> never let a day go by without letting your loved one know how special he/she/it is to you. Good for you! That's how it should be.<br />
<br />
As for all you "lonely" people, fret not: There IS someone out there for everyone! The thing is though, you have to make an effort to meet them. That means you'll have to actually leave the house, and have interactions with other members of the human race. Oh, and you should bathe regularly and not act like a jerk (Unless of course, your true love is attracted to jerks. In that case, jerk away! Hmm... That came out wrong.). Also, don't hold others up to impossible standards, and don't think romance happens the way it does in the movies. It doesn't.<br />
<br />
I hope you enjoyed today's post and cartoon. This is the last time (barring the unforeseen!) I will ever mention this day on my blog.<br />
<br />
Happy Valentine's Day, all!</div>Bill Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00231144346597143968noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090354177947958136.post-83770236645361359032012-01-22T21:09:00.000-05:002012-01-24T22:01:44.234-05:00Krizzle-Kroo and Forcucci, Too!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FVJiLJqNEi8/Txy7nT_iajI/AAAAAAAAA3k/xEVlKtGfPx8/s1600/woozy.PIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FVJiLJqNEi8/Txy7nT_iajI/AAAAAAAAA3k/xEVlKtGfPx8/s320/woozy.PIC" width="280" /></a></div>
Thanks to my new Nook reader, I've been re-reading all of L. Frank Baum's Oz books. I haven't read them in years, but I still enjoy them just as much as I did when I was a young geek-in training.<br />
<br />
Those of you who are only aware of the Land of Oz from the famous MGM film, and have never read the books are really missing something. Baum wrote fourteen books, give or take, about Oz and its inhabitants. One of my favorite characters is (the) Woozy, who makes his debut in the book, "The Patchwork Girl of Oz". Instead of boring you with (the) Woozy's history, I'll just direct you to <a href="http://www.halcyon.com/piglet/ozites/oz0554.htm">this link</a> , and you can read all about him. Of course, you could also read the book, but that might take away too much valuable TV-watchin' time!<br />
<br />
Why do I like Woozy? I dunno. I think because I love the randomness of his personal idiosyncrasies, as well as his awesome visual design. Kudos to illustrator J.R. Neill for that!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p3sQVdcworc/Tx4Djw1LOTI/AAAAAAAAA3s/Srw7lq0_YaE/s1600/woozy2.PIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="157" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p3sQVdcworc/Tx4Djw1LOTI/AAAAAAAAA3s/Srw7lq0_YaE/s200/woozy2.PIC" width="200" /></a></div>
I like ol' Woozy so much, I whipped up these images of him. I can tell you that he is as much fun to draw as he is to read about. These may not be examples of my best work, but I enjoyed drawing them so much, I was almost going to do a whole "Woozy Week" here on the blog, with pictures of Woozy in various situations.<br />
<br />
Don't worry though, I came to my senses, and this shall be my only Woozy-centric post.<br />
<br />
_________________________________________________________________________________<br />
<br />
IN OTHER NEWS: My pal David, over on his must-read-regularly blog, "David Wasting Paper", has a new cartoonist survey up. This time, he's interviewed another pal o' mine, the lovely and talented <a href="http://johnsartstuff.blogspot.com/">John Forcucci</a> . Go <a href="http://david-wasting-paper.blogspot.com/2012/01/john-forcucci-cartoonist-survey-254.html">here</a> to read it!<br />
<br />
Next time, more jocularity. In the meantime, go read John's interview, eat a honeybee, and Krizzle-Kroo to you!</div>Bill Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00231144346597143968noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090354177947958136.post-6529011319135210182012-01-17T11:11:00.000-05:002012-01-23T20:50:58.947-05:00The Hoff!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gzqv_mNa_Yo/TxWPxtzGTFI/AAAAAAAAA28/wCIP4GnHPEo/s1600/hoff.PIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gzqv_mNa_Yo/TxWPxtzGTFI/AAAAAAAAA28/wCIP4GnHPEo/s320/hoff.PIC" width="239" /></a></div>
When I was a lad, I loved to draw cartoons. I dreamed of someday being a "FAMOUS CARTOONIST", with my own comic strip, beloved by millions. I did not, however, have any idea of how to go about becoming one.<br />
<br />
In the small town I lived in (and sadly, still do), there wasn't a lot of encouragement, or even information, about how professional artists went about their work. Occasionally, there would be a newspaper profile of a famous cartoonist, and there were a few Walter Foster© books on cartooning, but being a cartoonist really seemed to be an unobtainable goal.<br />
<br />
That is, until I entered junior high.<br />
<br />
Academically, I was a very poor student. I simply wasn't interested in the things I was forced to study in public school. I just wanted to draw cartoons and live in my own little fantasy world. My teachers would tell my parents that I appeared (!) to be intelligent, but that I lacked "focus". If they only knew!<br />
<br />
Fortunately, there was one person working at my junior high who was actually interested in kids beyond what their grade point average was. She cared about the children and actually supported them in finding their way through the emotional mine fields of adolescence. She was the school guidance counselor. Her name was Ms. Krause, and she was really cool!<br />
<br />
Since I was such a poor student, I was in Ms. Krause's office a lot. She did everything she could to encourage me to do better in my studies, but she obviously knew my head was elsewhere. One day she told me she knew I was interested in becoming a cartoonist and she had a book she thought I might like.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">"Might like?!"</span> That was the understatement of the year! The book was "The Art of Cartooning", by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syd_Hoff">Syd Hoff</a> . It was the first "How-to" book on cartooning I had ever seen. Written by the legendary gag cartoonist and illustrator Syd Hoff, it was the perfect introduction to the realities of being a cartoonist for twelve-year-old me.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ULupaLF4n98/TxWrZd7OjyI/AAAAAAAAA3U/lJjzdphr7VQ/s1600/hoff4.PIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ULupaLF4n98/TxWrZd7OjyI/AAAAAAAAA3U/lJjzdphr7VQ/s200/hoff4.PIC" width="156" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 10px;">Syd Hoff shows you how to draw a face. Simple, no?</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I4aUkcZQo8E/TxWr2LrwFNI/AAAAAAAAA3c/WMt_zsAhfG0/s1600/hoff3.PIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I4aUkcZQo8E/TxWr2LrwFNI/AAAAAAAAA3c/WMt_zsAhfG0/s320/hoff3.PIC" width="262" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Finishing a page, by The Hoff!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Syd Hoff, for those of you unfamiliar with his work, was a popular gag cartoonist and children's book author/illustrator. In this book on cartooning, he takes the reader through the basics of drawing and rendering cartoon characters, then moves on to such topics as creating gags and selling your work. Although there had, of course, been other books on the "how-to's" of cartooning, this was the first one I had ever seen. The genius of the book was that Hoff didn't make the act of drawing seem too daunting. Too many books on cartooning feature such spectacular examples of art that the young cartoonist can get easily discouraged when their work doesn't compare to the examples in the book. Not so Hoff. Hoff's simple style and his laid-back prose made it easy for the reader to believe that, with a lot of hard work, it WAS possible to become a professional cartoonist!<br />
<br />
As I said, this book had a HUGE impact on me. I really began to study cartoons and comic strips, and worked much harder on my drawing. In gratitude to Ms. Krause, I even tried doing better in school (without much success, but hey, I tried!). Even though I never did become a "famous" cartoonist, with a comic strip beloved by millions, I have earned my living (such as it is) as a cartoonist. That's good enough for me. I wonder, though, where I would be now if not for this book.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sbOV35lc_6k/TxWYezcegJI/AAAAAAAAA3E/9Huv8VEXCTU/s1600/hoff2.PIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sbOV35lc_6k/TxWYezcegJI/AAAAAAAAA3E/9Huv8VEXCTU/s200/hoff2.PIC" width="144" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Me, by Syd Hoff*</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I lost track of my copy of this book a long time ago, but was thrilled to find a used copy on Amazon recently for only a penny (plus shipping)! As I flip through the pages, powerful memories keep coming back. I don't think it would be of much help to a young cartoonist today, as a lot of the information is dated. For those of you who'd like to remember "the good ol' days", though, I highly recommend hunting down a copy.<br />
<br />
MY big regret, of course, is that I never wrote to Syd Hoff to tell him what his book meant to me. He passed away only a few years ago, so I had plenty of time to do it. I just never did. At least I can go to the website <a href="http://sydhoff.org/">here, </a>that celebrates him and his work.<br />
<br />
Come to think of it, I've never thanked Ms. Krause for showing me this book, either.<br />
<br />
THAT I will do!<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">* No, Syd Hoff did not draw this. I did. It was fun to try a drawing in his style. I'm sure though, that Syd would have done a better job!</span></span><br />
<br />
</div>Bill Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00231144346597143968noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090354177947958136.post-39487532770895511782012-01-08T15:10:00.001-05:002012-02-22T12:05:20.457-05:00Post Holiday Wrap-Up, and Happy New Year!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xBV7n0muEDY/TwnujrZSLqI/AAAAAAAAA20/H1r-IhbZx-0/s1600/santa.PIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xBV7n0muEDY/TwnujrZSLqI/AAAAAAAAA20/H1r-IhbZx-0/s400/santa.PIC" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Happiest of New Years to you all!<br />
<br />
I hope that the faithful, and even the not-so-faithful, readers of this blog had a happy Holiday season, no matter what wacky Holiday rituals your local culture chooses to follow.<br />
<br />
We here at Casa de Blanco had a wonderful Christmas, as usual. Perfect Wifey and I had a nice, quiet day, pretty much all to ourselves. The day started with the traditional opening of Christmas swag. Once again, I made out pretty well (Again, I must wonder if Santa is even bothering to check his "Naughty or Nice" list anymore). I won't bore you with a detailed list of of the assorted items I received, but I do want to mention a "Gift of the Magi", experience: Perfect Wifey and I both got each other the same gift!<br />
<br />
A few weeks before the Holiday, PW and I were in a toy store, and we spotted action figures based on the film "Gremlins 2". We both were tickled by the figure of the character "George", a sort of cranky Mogwai, based on Edward G. Robinson. I was having trouble deciding what to get PW for Christmas anyway, and, since I feel her collection of action figures is somewhat underwhelming, I decided to get it for her. Imagine our surprise on Christmas morn, when we discovered we had both bought each other "George the Mogwai"! I know, it was a moment that would make O. Henry proud: Two adults buying each other a toy based on a crappy movie. Still, it was a reminder to the both of us that truly, we were meant for each other. A frightening thought, I know. (BTW, if you are a fan of such things, I highly recommend getting one of these figures. They are really great!)<br />
<br />
One disturbing note: For the first time in recent memory, I did not receive even <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">one </span>Doctor Who action figure! A glaring omission, one that makes me feel that perhaps Santa <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">is</span> keeping tabs on that whole naughty/nice thing. Or that maybe PW is getting sick of all the Doctor Who stuff "cluttering up the house". All was not Who-less, though, as Fabulous Sis #2 gifted me with a really cool TARDIS tee shirt. This was a gift that was all the more meaningful, because FS2 really isn't in to the whole Doctor Who thang.<br />
<br />
Later in the day I prepared a dinner of Roast Beef for PW and I. I have never attempted to make a roast before, but thanks to the assistance of several cookbooks and the advice of my Perfect Sis #1, it turned out pretty good. I also made Yorkshire Pudding, which, to the surprise of all, also turned out pretty tasty. After this heavy meal, PW and I were stuffed to the gills, and rolled around groaning like Chewbacca after a Kessel Run. The rest of the day is kind of a blur.<br />
<br />
For the New Year Holiday, we went to visit Newport, RI, a place I had never been. Newport is a beautiful town full of wonderful architecture and history, but the highlight of the visit for me was winning big at a slot club off the highway. Truly a magical start to the New Year!<br />
<br />
Ah, yes, but what will the Bill White Cartoon Blog have in store for its readers in the New Year? I'm glad you asked! I don't know. Blogger <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">does</span> has a new format that makes posting images easier, so at least the site will look better. Also, I have recently picked up a few books on cartooning that I will talk about soon. Other than that, I am open to suggestions: If there is something you'd like to see from me, just let me know in the comments section (Speaking of comments, please leave one, even if you have nothing to say. It makes me feel like people actually read the blog. Unlikely, I know, but often illusion is all we have). One thing is for certain, hilarity and insight will ensue. Well, not "for certain", but at least "somewhat likely".<br />
<br />
To all of you out there, I wish you a happy and prosperous year!</div>Bill Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00231144346597143968noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090354177947958136.post-7032289326321120552011-12-23T19:12:00.020-05:002012-01-09T19:40:25.220-05:00"A Merry Christmas, Ah DO Theenk!"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hwkHDGvJgHs/TvUZTzx8-JI/AAAAAAAAA2s/d9TJOuUHnhQ/s1600/Christmas%253APrune.PIC"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689481532360423570" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hwkHDGvJgHs/TvUZTzx8-JI/AAAAAAAAA2s/d9TJOuUHnhQ/s320/Christmas%253APrune.PIC" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 320px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 259px;" /></a>Well after much <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">sterm</span></span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">drang</span></span>, and after almost a month and a half of Christmas songs on the radio, the Holidays are finally upon us.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I love Christmas celebrations, but after all the gift-opening, eating, drinking and recollections of your past failings by your family, enough is enough. It is time for the celebrating to end, and for you to get everyone to go home.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This can be a hard thing to do. Especially if you make the mistake of throwing a beloved Holiday movie into the DVD player. Showing a classic like, "It's a Wonderful Life", "Miracle on 34<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span></span> Street" or even "Elf", can have stray guests hanging about forever. Long after all "tidings of comfort and joy" have disappeared.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As my Christmas gift to you, dear readers, I offer up two Holiday-themed films to pop into your DVD player, that all but guarantee your guests will flee your home in no time flat. Be warned: The two films I am about to describe are not for the faint of heart, the easily <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">traumatized</span>, or anyone who enjoys the Magic of Christmas. Please do not send me any of your therapy bills.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The first film is a Christmas "classic" I have mentioned here before: "The Christmas That Almost Wasn't". This film features Italian actor <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Rossano</span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Brazzi</span></span> in the heartwarming tale of a villain who attempts to destroy Christmas by buying the North Pole and evicting Santa. Although I'm sure that there are some children out there who enjoy all the drama and thrills of high finance and the various legalities of real estate, this movie is one of the worst films ever made. While I enjoy the sheer awfulness of the film, and treasure the horrible, scene-chewing performance of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Brazzi</span></span> (His ultimate moment in the film, when his character "Phineas T. Prune", celebrates his apparent "victory" over Santa I have illustrated above. It is such a wonderful, and almost indecipherable delivery of a line, it never fails to make me smile.), I can all but guarantee that a showing of this film will clear your house of any and all Holiday hangers-on. In no time.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You can read more about this film <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Christmas_That_Almost_Wasn%27t">here</a>, and check out the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUhVvEFMnsM">trailer</a> (which includes the golden moment I mentioned above) here.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If that film doesn't make every last stray guest flee your home, it's time to pull out the big gun. The "big gun" in this instance, is the creepiest Holiday-themed film ever made. It's the Mexican-produced 1959 production titled, "Santa Claus". Instead of trying to describe this film in my own words, I'll just quote the official description from the makers of the film: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">"Santa works in outer space and does battle with a demon sent to Earth by Lucifer to ruin Christmas by killing Santa and making all the children of the Earth do evil." </span>Believe me, this gentle description does not do justice to just how creepy this film is. I saw it as a child at a "kiddie matinee", and it has left scars that I still feel to this day. In preparation for writing this post, I watched a few scenes on YouTube, and it still unnerved me. Go look for it on YouTube yourself, or just read the full description of the film <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Claus_(film)">here</a>. Again, screen this film only in the event you <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">really</span> want everyone out of the house pronto. I hereby absolve myself of any lingering trauma that the film leaves you with.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As absolutely awful as these movies are, though, they still carry a message that I think is important: Don't ruin Christmas. For anyone. No matter how annoying your relatives are, and no matter what happens, even if you have to kiss Aunt Gin, remember what this Holiday symbolizes and make it a happy time for all.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That said, thanks to all the loyal readers of this blog. Especially those of you that take a moment to post a comment. I am very grateful for your continued support.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">A Merry Christmas to one and all!</span></span></div>
</div>Bill Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00231144346597143968noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090354177947958136.post-57485912065062371742011-12-12T09:13:00.009-05:002011-12-12T10:46:16.853-05:00"The Night Before Christmas" Wrap-up!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4VHKpxtRLsM/TuYMRKycIYI/AAAAAAAAA2I/k30ihnffpmc/s1600/nbc%25239.PIC" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 308px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4VHKpxtRLsM/TuYMRKycIYI/AAAAAAAAA2I/k30ihnffpmc/s320/nbc%25239.PIC" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685245068695052674" /></a>Regular followers of this blog have just finished reading my take on Clement Moore's immortal tale, "The Night Before Christmas". I hope you all enjoyed it. New readers can check it out by scrolling down or (if you wanna read it in the correct sequence) by clicking the links to the right.<div><br /></div><div>I was inspired to do this series of posts after I looked through a version of the story Perfect <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Wifey</span> had dug up that really had horrible illustrations. "I can do better than this!", thought I. No one, though, really <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">needs</span> to see another traditional version of this tale. So, I thought maybe a parody version might be in order. Yes, I know, there are too many of those too, but this would be <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">my</span> version.</div><div><br /></div><div>Since it was doubtful I would ever find a publisher for such an effort, I decided to post it on this blog. Since illustrating an entire book in time for Christmas was a daunting prospect, I decided to take it page-by-page. That way, I could squeeze out a verse or two every day, and still make the Christmas deadline.</div><div><br /></div><div>I planned nothing. I wrote and drew each post in about a half an hour, with no plan as to where I was going with the story. I didn't even know how the whole storyline was going to turn out, but I thought that this "seat-of-my-pants" approach might produce some interesting results. It did. What I originally planned as a hilarious parody of the original poem, with all kinds of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Un</span>-Christmas-y shenanigans, instead became the somewhat saccharine, very preachy piece you've just read. I did learn a thing or two in producing it, though. I learned:</div><div><br /></div><div>• I am a lousy poet.</div><div><br /></div><div>• Santa's sleigh and his reindeer team are a pain in the eggnog to draw.</div><div><br /></div><div>• I should take a bit more time with my drawings. Even if they are "only" for this blog. Some of the drawings really make me cringe, even now, after "just" drawing them. Too late. "They belong to the ages, now."</div><div><br /></div><div>• I was also toying with the idea, if the results were any good, of collecting the whole thing into a POD book. Unfortunately, it turned out far too short for that. Do they publish POD Leaflets? </div><div><br /></div><div>One other thing I learned is that, all cynicism aside, I really believe in the message of my story. Especially the part about continuing the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Spirit</span> of Giving throughout the year. It's easy to give at this time of year (Again, I will direct you to <a href="http://www.infinitehollywood.com/2011/11/infinite-toys-for-tots-returns.html">Infinite Hollywood's Toys for Tots Drive</a>, but there are lots of opportunities for extending your generosity out there), however it's not so easy to keep doing it all the year long. I'm gonna try, maybe some of you will too.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, I hope you enjoyed all of this. Thanks for at least tolerating it, and sharing your comments. If you didn't enjoy it, and just wish I'd get back to ranting and raving about various bits o' nonsense, no worries! The posts to follow should take care of that!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Merry Christmas!</span></div>Bill Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00231144346597143968noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090354177947958136.post-7618484638467138052011-12-10T17:16:00.010-05:002011-12-10T21:16:40.606-05:00"The Night Before Christmas" Part 8/The End!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IWL6YZVNL34/TuPacCZ3R_I/AAAAAAAAA18/EggT9Pk_4mA/s1600/nbc%25238.PIC" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 290px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IWL6YZVNL34/TuPacCZ3R_I/AAAAAAAAA18/EggT9Pk_4mA/s320/nbc%25238.PIC" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684627329888241650" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">"As St. Nick flew off, he said, 'Be of good cheer!</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">'And do something for someone who </span>needs it <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">this year!'</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">His advice was the best gift ever given to me.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Well, not quite: He left a toy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Boba</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Fett,</span> under the tree!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">So help </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="">someone</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> this season. Do whatever feels right.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Next time:</span> No "Next time"! We're done! Well, maybe I'll add a post-game wrap-up to this series.</div>Bill Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00231144346597143968noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090354177947958136.post-38301619517539200352011-12-09T20:37:00.012-05:002012-01-17T12:46:27.473-05:00"The Night Before Christmas" Part 7<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HOKYT4LX8bQ/TuK4F6agKlI/AAAAAAAAA1w/UOGbApW8mzE/s1600/nbc%25237.PIC"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684308091414260306" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HOKYT4LX8bQ/TuK4F6agKlI/AAAAAAAAA1w/UOGbApW8mzE/s320/nbc%25237.PIC" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 245px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 320px;" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">"So try to be grateful, your life is so grand!</span><br />
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">You should take time this year,</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">to give OTHERS a hand!''</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">I knew Santa was right, I needed no toy.</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">I </span><span class="Apple-style-span">should</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> count my blessings, and be <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">full of</span> joy!</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">''And why just stick to Christmas?', Santa said with a wink,</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">'Do it all the year long, it's not as hard as you think!</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">'Donate food, money and clothes, and give of your time,</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">When you give to help others, EVERY DAY'S Christmastime!''</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Then he was gone. Up the chimney, away!</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Out into the night, in his noisy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ole</span> sleigh!"</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Next time:</span> Our thrilling, preachy conclusion!</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div>
</div>Bill Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00231144346597143968noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090354177947958136.post-12662286413721442092011-12-08T21:50:00.012-05:002012-01-09T19:33:21.326-05:00"The Night Before Christmas" Part 6<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ftDmsqrqbSc/TuF3n7blaDI/AAAAAAAAA1k/pyzCyVjVHX4/s1600/nbc%25236.PIC"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683955732570269746" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ftDmsqrqbSc/TuF3n7blaDI/AAAAAAAAA1k/pyzCyVjVHX4/s320/nbc%25236.PIC" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 296px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 320px;" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">"As if reading my mind Santa said,</span><br />
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">'NO gifts this year!</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">YOU should count all your blessings, </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">and be of good cheer!</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">'You have LOTS to be thankful for,</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">while others do not:</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">like Riley and Rocco, and your WIFE! Man, she's HOT!</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">'I do what can, to help people out there,</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">those who are struggling, who don't have a prayer.</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">'I DO deliver some gifts, to good girls and boys,</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">but you should think of the people that need MORE than toys!</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">'YOU should think of all those that don't have what you do,</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">and do what you can, to make THEIR dreams come true!'"</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Next time:</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">What</span> is this guy's point?</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div>
</div>Bill Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00231144346597143968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090354177947958136.post-79966760588181582072011-12-08T12:20:00.007-05:002011-12-09T21:40:42.425-05:00"The Night Before Christmas" Part 5<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1LfHWgbKe18/TuDyXcs-uwI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/1SIcUmgobGM/s1600/nbc%25235.PIC" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 259px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1LfHWgbKe18/TuDyXcs-uwI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/1SIcUmgobGM/s320/nbc%25235.PIC" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683809214397332226" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">"And then in an instant, I heard on the roof,</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">the clomping and stomping of each giant hoof.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">As I pulled in my head and was turning around,</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">down the chimney O<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">le</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Santy</span> Claus came with a bound!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">He was wearing the suit that all of us know,</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">and he flicked off some bits of ashes and snow.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">One thing that I noticed: Santa carried no bag!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Where oh where, were our presents?! Our sweet Christmas swag?!"</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Next time:</span> The big guy explains.</div>Bill Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00231144346597143968noreply@blogger.com2