Saturday, August 30, 2008

published Aug. 29 /08: Labour Day '08

As I've said before, I come from a blue collar background. My father worked in factories on assembly lines most of his life. In high school I learned about what life was like for workers before there were unions. Child labour was common. For instance they would work in the tiny spaces in mining, as well as in factories. Workers who were injured due to unsafe working conditions were just dismissed, (fired), because they were suddenly useless to the owners. So if you want to say bad things about Unions, it's a debate I'll gladly undertake with you.
I know that Unions sometimes have done and will continue to do "bad" things. But then some teachers, politicians, doctors, policemen, and soldiers, to name a few categories, do some bad things, too... But then that's just human nature. There are bad apples and mistakes in every field. But it doesn't mean that the concept is bad. Anyway, if you want to go back to a time when there weren't any unions, just stick around for awhile, 'cause that's where we seem to be heading. And if you're impatient, then just move to a third world country. I'm sure you can get a job in some sweat shop pretty easily.... that is, if you're tough enough.

published Aug. 28/08: Owen Sound gets money for infastructure

published Aug. 21/08: salmon spectacular

This is how it might look in the year 2058 if water levels continue to go down. Is it just a natural cycle? Is it dredging in the St. Clair River? Is it global warming... and if it is, and the glaciers keep melting, then we'll have plenty... maybe too much, in the future? Anyway, studies and meetings continue about the low levels now, and it was in the news this week, as well as the 2008 Salmon Spectacular... and the two seemed to go hand in hand for this cartoon idea.

published Aug. 14/08: Summerfolk 08 Cartoon

I don't have anything to add about this cartoon or the rest of the August ones below... they pretty much speak for themselves and I have no "issues". But let me just add this one comment on this year's Summerfolk: It was great, once again, and Richard Knechtal did another wonderful job with the lineup in this his 2nd year as artistic director. The whole management team also deserve high praise for their efforts. It's near impossible to see all the performers on the various stages, so having said that, here is my favourite performer and also personal discovery from this year.... Toby Walker. Stephen Fearing and Harry Manx were great, as to be expected. Runner up goes to Little Miss Higgins and also The McDades. Who did you like? Add your opinion about this or any of my cartoons in the "comments" option, that you'll find below each cartoon

published Aug. 3/08: Suble Sandfest '08 Rained Out

published Aug. 12/08: Chi-Cheemaun fare increase

published Aug. 7/08: Billy Bishop Museum Ghosts

published Aug. 6/08: triathalon

Sunday, August 3, 2008

published Aug. 1/08: Drive-thru drugstores

I'm having a hard time getting my head around this concept. Drive thru coffee, I get (although not for people who order about 6 different meal combos)... Drive thru automated bank teller machines, I get... but this I don't get. Have we gotten this damn lazy? Although with the doctor shortage and the shorter amount of time you get to see one, if you're lucky enough to get to see one, maybe it's next: drive thru doctor..... then perhaps drive thru physician.... I think I just thought of a cartoon that I'll have to do... just for my own collection probably, cause it's a little dark. Anyway, one day I'll have to try it out, just out of curiosity. Maybe ask for some pills to help combat agoraphobia (fear of public places), and that's why I won't get out of my car, not 'cause I'm lazy. Or maybe for some laxatives, and then ask them if they've got washrooms inside for customers.

published Aug. 1/08: Soapy Sewer Sud Water in local rivers

I'm really pleased with the way this drawing turned out. O.K., I admit it... sometimes I put a little more effort into some drawings than others. It all depends on how I'm feeling, how much time I have, and of course, sometimes one just gets a little more inspired. I always try to make the words work to create a laugh, but I'm extra pleased when it all comes together like in this one.

published July 31/08: Summerfolk

It's a great music festival and I look forward to it every year... especially now that I'm retired. When I was still teaching I'm sure I had the same feeling that a lot of kids had. It's the feeling that is expressed above.

published July 30/08: Vasectomies and Gas Prices

What can I say? This is another one on how much "mileage" all this concern over gasoline prices is getting. I just saw a connection here... and who knows?

published July 29/08: Sauble Parking (again)

published July 25/08: Leash Free Dog Park


I submitted these two on the dog park. They published the top one. I was pleased. I like the bottom one, too. And no disrespect was intended to any dog.... this is just their nature.

published July 23/08: Tall Ships visit Owen Sound

Besides publicizing the arrival of a couple of tall ships to our harbor, this is just a silly exaggeration on the lengths people will go to in order to "save" money on gasoline... but then again, people will drive out of their way or line up for 10 or 15 minutes to save a few pennies or a couple of dollars...

published July 18/08: Sauble Beach Parking