News
June 23rd, 2007 | Posted in News
The iPhone hasn’t even come out yet before the copycat rip-offs start appearing. Here’s a YouTube video of one such device: There are several things about this video that I find hilarious. First, it’s very accurate in regards to the opening of the package, as the ‘owner’ briefly glances at each piece and tosses it aside, including the manual, before turning on the device and pressing buttons. Nobody ever reads the manual! Second, even though there is an Apple logo (sometimes backwards) and the OS X look to the interface, when the device is turned on you hear the Windows chimes! I still can’t call… READ MORE
June 23rd, 2007 | Posted in News
Image courtesy of www.editorialcartoonists.com The annual Association of American Editorial Cartoonists is having their 50th anniversary convention next month, and it looks to be quite an event as usual. It’s being held at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington D.C. on July 4th -7th. Like always, it’s chock full of speakers and panel discussions with titles like “What’s so Funny About War?” or “What Do You Mean You’re Not Animating Yet?”. They also usually con one of their targets into being the keynote speaker… this year is Democratic presidential candidate and veggie lover Dennis Kucinich. I don’t know how they do that. The convention was here… READ MORE
June 13th, 2007 | Posted in News
A few years ago Jeannie Schulz, widow of cartooning legend Charles Schulz, and the then curator of Charles Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa, CA, kindly invited me to speak there as part of a special show they were having. They were doing a “MAD About Peanuts” exhibit featuring original artwork from all the MAD Magazine parodies and goofs they had done of Peanuts over the years. There were a surprising number of them… Peanuts must have been well loved among the Usual Gang of Idiots as only that would garner such attention. I did a presentation in the auditorium and taught two workshops on caricature… READ MORE
June 11th, 2007 | Posted in MAD Magazine
Two years ago there were some rumors about an HBO biopic in the works about the life of MAD and EC Comics publisher Bill Gaines. There was even the following blurb via Reuters: LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) – Betty Thomas is attached to direct an original HBO film about William M. Gaines, the eccentric founder of Mad Magazine. Based on the book “Mad World of William M. Gaines” by Frank Jacobs, the project is in the early stages of development at the cable channel. Thomas (“I Spy”) worked with HBO on the 1996 film “The Late Shift.” Reuters/Hollywood Reporter ??á©Reuters 2004. All Rights Reserved Like… READ MORE
June 1st, 2007 | Posted in News
Deadlines conquered!! Due to my hectic summer schedule I will once again have to pass attending the San Diego Comic Con this year. I had a lot of fun going back in 2005, but the last two years have been impossible at that time of year. Maybe in 2008. Instead, I’m excited about attending the 2007 Festival of Cartoon Art in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State University manages a Cartoon Research Library that is truly a one-of-a-kind storehouse of cartoon history, original art and knowledge about the art form. Every three years they hold a festival full of speakers and event, and in October of this… READ MORE
May 29th, 2007 | Posted in News
I’m back from another terrific time at the NCS Reuben awards. The board members and officers really work hard to make this event fun, entertaining and relaxing every year. They secure the sponsorship of the major syndicates like United Media, King Features and others to pay for lavish dinners, parties and gatherings throughout the weekend, which also includes a number of guest speakers and plenty of time left over to hang out with friends and colleagues. Sleep is often an afterthought, with parties going until the wee hours every day. Festivities kicked off this year on Friday with two guest speakers, Jerry Van Amerongen and… READ MORE
May 28th, 2007 | Posted in News
MAD art director Sam Viviano can’t believe I actually won an award. No time to blog right now, as we are on our way back home from the NCS Reuben weekend. I will write a comprehensive synopsis of the event tomorrow. I just thought I’d say I am pleased to announce I did win one of the two divisional Reubens I was nominated for on Saturday night. I won for Advertising Illustration. It is a huge honor and it’s quite moving to be recognized by a group full of legends, inspirations and incredible talents such as the NCS. I am humbled and honored. READ MORE
May 26th, 2007 | Posted in News
After a very late arrival on Friday morning, The Lovely Anna, myself and three of my four kids are in Orlando for the NCS Rueben awards, which are being held at the swanky Ritz Carlton. Fridays festivities were quite laid back. Jerry Van Amerongen and Mort Walker spoke in the afternoon, and the traditional Friday evening welcome cocktail party was outside under the stars. Here are some pictures from Friday at the Ruebens: Animator Steve Silver and caricaturist/illustrator Keelan Parham Anna, Barbie Parham and Brady Parham Popeye was there! Here he is with my son Tommy.. (Popeye is the one on the left) Heidi Silver… READ MORE
