Editorial Cartoons from Owen Sound

published Feb 11, 09: Wal-Mart wants to expand in Owen Sound

2009-02-24T10:35:00.004-05:00

The top one I did after local council deferred the vote. Apparently most council are opposed to it. But I bet it goes through anyway, sooner or later. The bottom two I did when I assumed it would go through right away. If the cart ain't leading the horse already when it comes to the relationship between big business and government, it soon will be...

published early Feb, 09

2009-02-24T10:31:00.003-05:00

CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE. All I can say is that I hope it doesn't snow in November or December this year.... and that's not just cause I hate the stuff anyway.

published Jan. 30, 2009: Wiarton Willie/Groundhog Day 09

2009-02-24T10:26:00.003-05:00

PLEASE CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO MAKE IT BIGGER IF YOU CAN'T READ THE CAPTION AT ABOVE SIZE. People have actually paid to spend the day with Willie in the past!!!???

published Jan. 27, 2009: Robbie Burns Day/09

2009-02-24T10:20:00.002-05:00

I've never eaten the stuff, nor do I plan to. Even they mostly consider it a kind of joke these days. But then I suppose there are some out there who actually like the stuff. Anyway, I don't think they'll be opening up a fast food franchise anytime soon.

published Jan. 23, 2009: Mayor Lovell-Stanners calls Obama

2009-02-24T10:11:00.002-05:00

It would be nice if this was they way it actually was. In fact, based on Obama's recent visit to Canada, it sounds like, "because of these troubled economic times blah blah blah," that Obama is going to be more like the real Harper than Harper is going to be like the hyped image of Obama.
I guess the Republican/Conservative plan is working nicely. Want more evidence? Hilary Clinton has apparently said that we can't be worrying about China's bad human rights at this time. So it's business as usual... the rich get richer and the poor get poorer, the oppressors get more powerful and the oppressed... well they just keep getting oppressed.

published Jan. 14, 2009: Festival of Lights

2009-01-16T11:32:00.002-05:00

published Jan. 7, 2009: Harper on Junior (and vice/versa)

2009-01-16T11:23:00.003-05:00

I couldn't help but notice Harper in attendance at the Junior World Championship tournament. He was trying to look all casual and normal. Never seems to be able to pull that one off. Anyway, I guess this is one of the ways you can kill some time while your government is Perogued or Perogied or whatever the hell they call it. Good P.R., too, I guess.
Anyway, I'm glad Canada won.... again. But I couldn't help thinking of the irony. We beat Sweden in the final.... on the other hand they are amongst the top countries in the world for taking care of its young.... Canada?... Well, we don't even come close to the medal round.... in fact we are in danger of being relegated to a lower level. So, Mr. Harper, I ask you, what's really important and where the hell are you when it comes to lending support for things that really matter?

published at the end of 2008

2009-01-16T11:16:00.003-05:00

This was fun to do. Mercifully, I left out Meaford, unless you count the Bognor Bridge stuff. Trust me when I tell you, I could have easily put Meaford in. It could have had 9 and 10, but
room was an issue, and it's Christmas time so I was in a giving mood.... except on the other stuff.

published Dec. 23, 2008

2009-01-16T11:12:00.003-05:00

When this appeared in the paper it got enlarged and cropped for some reason. the Headline disappeared. It wasn't really need so what the hey. Anyway, this is how the original looked.
By the way, as I get older, I hate winter all the more. I think on a scale of 1 to 10, my opinion of it is now minus 50.

published Dec.19/2008: Marketside

2008-12-23T07:10:00.003-05:00

Score one for the litte guys! In Owen Sound we have this wonderful little food shop on mani street. It's been around for awhile. It's name is Marketside. Seems like Wal-Mart (the giant) wants to get more into fresh, more locally grown produce... and I guess that's not a totally bad thing.... although, do they have to get into everything. Pretty soon they'll be selling cars, escort services, and weapons of mass destruction, too, I suppose. In any event they already have begun to use the name "Marketside" in the States, and they had plans to do the same in Canada. Well, it turns out that our local little shop contacted them and in a nutshell the whole matter was settled out of court and Wal-Mart backed down..... maybe they can call this department in their store "Market-Mart".... has a nice rap sound to it, don't you think?

published Dec.17/2008: Telemarketing blocking

2008-12-23T07:05:00.002-05:00

This one was actually drawn in Oct. when the story first happened, but I'm glad to see it surfaced eventually in the newspaper. Maybe it's better this way. Serves as a reminder for procastinators like myself to actually get on this "Do-Not-Call-And-Bug-The-Hell-Of-Me" list.

published Dec. 10 or 11/2008: Murdoch-McPherson beefs with Meaford

2008-12-23T06:52:00.002-05:00

Well, the newest mayor of Meaford is under attack. What else is new? Again, I don't really know what's going on in Meaford. I don't know if anyone does. But it seems like a never ending source of "issues" and it still is a pretty place. I have two wishes regarding Meaford: One is that I hope it gets everything straightened out soon and has a smoother ride... and two is that I wish I don't end up being its mayor. Now, in reality, there's no chance of the latter, but I do hope there is a chance for the former wish to happen. (Anyway, this cartoon also gets a little shot in at the recent Federal issues of P.M. Harper facing a coalition takeover... that I predict will not happen, just for the record.... cause it sounds too good to be true.

published Dec. 5/2008: Billy Bishop Museum: The Ghost Hunters Return

2008-12-23T06:42:00.003-05:00

I'm pleased with the ghost effect drawing here. I'm not convinced about ghosts. But maybe there are.... there's interesting "evidence" out there. But if there are ghosts I think we should just leave them alone. It seems that, outside Hollywood films, all they really do, IF they are there, is just make a few noises and knock a few things over. I don't see any so-called reality ghost shows where ghosts are actually hurting real people. Hey, I make noise and am clumsy too, and most of the time I just want to be left alone. Keep this in mind should I ever turn into a ghost.

published Dec. 3/2008: biowaste

2008-12-23T06:29:00.005-05:00

The one on the "Southgate Council Roundtable" got published. The other two are variations on the same topic. I don't know about you, but something strikes me as weird about this whole thing. Now I admit that I'm putting words into people's mouths just to poke fun at what is the main news story. Is 100% capacity a totally good thing? Should this be something private enterprise is involved in? Should we not, as a society, be trying to both reduce waste and recycle the waste we do produce? Or am I just wasting my breath? Oh well, Mother Nature recycles wasted breath... for free!

published Dec. 2/2008: Farm Smells

2008-12-23T06:21:00.002-05:00

Farms smell. Sometimes good, sometimes bad. Depends what your mind set is. But it's natural.... Unless they're using sludge which is more like industrial and/or human sewage which sounds a bit risky to me. Don't blame the cows and other livestock for that one. Hey, manure happens.
If you want to keep building your condos and dream homes etc. near farms, deal with it. Just like I do when I have to drive by a farm during fertilizer season. But hey, I just driving by, I'm not stupid enough to set up my tent next to a farm field. Let's show some zoning sense here, people.

published Nov.28, 08: Olympic torch relay for 2010 to spend night in O. S.

2008-12-01T13:37:00.002-05:00

O.K., I admit it. This is very silly. It was meant to be. I just wanted to have fun with a news story that was both significant and positive. Dear Mayor Ruth... I hope you or anyone else didn't interpret me saying your reading is boring. I wouldn't really know since I've never had you read a story to me, let alone a bedtime story. But the whole idea of such stories are to be relaxing and to get someone to go to sleep.

published Nov.26, 08: Dentist's perspective of Historical Heritage

2008-12-01T13:31:00.003-05:00

There was a big letter to the editor (with a picture!) in the paper that talked about how the city is erecting all these nice looking plaques in places where significantly historical buildings had been. I think the plaques are a nice gesture, and if a building has to go, or if it goes through accident or thoughtlessness, it's good to a least have one of these nice plaques as a public reminder of what we used to look like. But it would be nice to try to keep some of them if at all possible.... just like our teeth. Thus the silly, but hopefully effective, idea I came up with for this.

published Nov.21, 08: Peanut Butter Jam, '08

2008-12-01T13:25:00.003-05:00

There are many great musical events each year in Owen Sound and the area. This is definitely one of them. Great, great music by a variety of the area's best, headlined and hosted each year by that fabulous blues band, The Bearcats, and all for a worthy cause. I wanted to do a cartoon that helped promote it. So I came up with this image idea and the nicknames. The Bearcats seemed to get a kick out of it. When the bass player, Kevin Dandeno introduced the band members he used the nicknames. I later got them to sign a copy of the cartoon. I plan to frame it and treasure it. It will go up on the wall next to the one I got Mr. Dressup to sign when he was in town and I had a toon about some political party approaching him so they could better appeal to the youth.

published Nov.19, 08: Conservationist Blake Smith Tribute

2008-12-01T13:18:00.002-05:00

Another tribute cartoon. As I'm sure I've said before, I enjoy paying tribute to people who have made significant public contributions to our area. I can't do it for everyone, but I do pick out some from the news from time to time. My sincerest apologies to all those who seem to get overlooked. But hopefully anyone you have in mind was respected enough in life and appreciated in death. That's what really counts.

published Nov.12, 08: Pet animal ban in West Grey Mu

2008-12-01T13:04:00.003-05:00

It was my pleasure to spring this one on Warden Kevin Eccles when we were taping a show for a local cable t.v. station down that way. It was even more my pleasure when it got printed in the newspaper. When the paper ran it they cut out some writing i put just to our left of the guy in the first column. It said, "Dedicated to my favourite cartoonist, Gary Larson. Thanks for the goldfish." Larson inspires some of my drawing style. In this case I drew his type of goldfish.

To our right of that same guy there's a little asterick * indicating that what I have the councillor saying is actually what he said, as quoted in the newspaper. I like that guy's sense of humour.
At this point I don't know if the ban went ahead... but while it has some merit in a few situations, it sounds like kind of a dumb idea to me, for what it's worth.

published Nov.11, 08: Historical Heritage tax breaks

2008-12-01T13:00:00.002-05:00

I'm glad the city is apparently going to help support heritage buildings lasting longer. Really, I am. We've lost enough already. I just thought it would be funny to have someone with a brand new house thinking about it. Just another way of drawing attention to a story. In this case a good story.

published Nov. 7, 08: Downtown Parking

2008-12-01T12:53:00.002-05:00

It seems like every campaign needs a good slogan. Obama had that "change" thing and the "Yes we can" phrase. Even if you're going to do something most people actually won't like you need
a catchy phrase. Were you around in the Premier Mike Harris Days??? Remember the so-called "Common Sense Revolution". How many people who later regretted it, swallowed that one?

published Nov.45/08: Red Leckie tribute

2008-11-05T17:06:00.002-05:00

I said on another post that I enjoy being able to celebrate the lives of some noteworthy area people. This was the 2nd member of the city's Sports Hall of Fame to die in the past several days. I wish I didn't feel the need to do this too often. To say I wish I didn't have to do it all would be unrealistic. That day comes for us all, sooner or later.... it's part of life. But enough reflection. From what I read, Red Leckie was a great guy, and it's my privilege to offer this tiny token of respect and appreciation for a life, apparently, well lived.

published Nov.4/08: City budget planning

2008-11-05T17:03:00.002-05:00

I know these are tough times, and I know the word taxes is a bad word in politics, just like "socialism".... whatever.... I just hope we don't keep cutting away all the good things that the average, middle or low income people can enjoy, or maybe even more importantly, need.

published Oct. 31/08: Peaceful Playgrounds

2008-11-05T16:55:00.002-05:00

Another example of how I like to take some local news item or issue and blend it with things that are happening on a provincial, national, or international level. This took the education story and then tagged it up with a city issue (downtown parking), a Grey/Bruce County issue (our M.P.),
and a national issue (the federal election we just needlessly went through).

published Oct. 28/08: Cy Lemon tribute

2008-11-05T16:50:00.003-05:00

I said to the Sun Times when I sent this one in, that I wish I could do something like this for everyone who dies. I think most people, and not just celebrities, deserve some kind thoughts and words directed their way, and not just when they die. But, having said that, it is nice to be able to do these type of cartoons for some of the people who were especially noteworthy and who made special contributions to this area. Like I said.... wish I could do it for them all, but that's not really possible for me.

published Oct. 22/08: New Spay and Neuter Operating Room

2008-11-05T16:45:00.002-05:00

I borrowed, all right, in the tradition of comedian Henny Youngman, I stole this punchline from some stand-up comedian I saw years ago on T. V. I can't remember who it was, but this is one of a handful jokes I can actually remember. I just adapted it to work with animals and not a human.

published Oct. 21/08: Williamsford Arena

2008-11-05T16:37:00.002-05:00

There had just been some sports news about this goon for the Maple Leafs who just came off a suspension and in first game back smashed someone from behind into the boards. Amazingly he only got a 3 day suspension. He's played about 2 minutes total time for the Leafs after 5 or 6 games and I'm sure he's making a lotta cash for this. Anyway, I just tied that into the situation at the Williamsford arena and came up with this joke idea.

published Oct. 18/08: Dundalk students meet with Southgate Council

2008-11-05T16:34:00.001-05:00

published Oct. 16/08: Post Election

2008-11-05T16:24:00.003-05:00

I still find it amazingly disgusting that Harper breaks his own rule for his opportunistic attempt to gain a majority. Thank God, he failed.... but that does mean another election, and probably sooner than later. Oh well, maybe he can go the way of Bush and McCain. I posted this cartoon the day after the American election.

published Oct. 10/08: Chatsworth's new bridge

2008-10-19T14:28:00.002-04:00

I often like to combine two different stories into one cartoon. Chatsworth is, in fact, getting a new bridge on one of its roads. And if you've followed the U.S. election I don't need to tell you about Palin and some of her wackiness. Now, I doubt she actually has or will call Chatsworth, although, to her credit, she does at least realise that Canada is a neighbour of Alaska.
I'm convinced that the Republicans are trying to throw this election. Hey, would you want to take over power after what Bush and the forces behind him have done? So, I bleieve they are quite content to just sit back and bide their time for 4 years and let the Democrats take the heat.
If the Republicans were to win again by actually putting up reasonable candidates, or if worse came to worse and fix the election like they did 8 years ago (remember Florida???), the public down there would NEVER forgive or forget them. So that's why we have two of the wackiest, weakest candidates ever to run for the White House. And if they seem to be getting too close to winning, they can always rig the election in reverse to see that the other side wins... or suddenly(???) have a financial crisis that focuses attention on their candidates weak suit.

published Oct. 78/08: Pumpkin Chucking in Kemble

2008-10-19T14:25:00.001-04:00

And now for something lighter.

published Oct. 7/08: Attack ads

2008-10-19T14:13:00.002-04:00

Harper was actually running these ads. I pretty well just quoted him. I wondered, "When is the right time to try something new, since what we've been doing clearly hasn't been working?" So I did this cartoon and submitted it. Then the next day a story was in the paper about some of the concerns of teens... especially 18 yr. olds. So instantly this cartoon became even more relevant.
P.S..... Just after the election was completed I saw some news graphic that said that the majority of young people that had voted in mock trials at schools around the country had voted Conservative... (So much for hope in the future) ... but at least N. D. P. came 2nd.... but still.... what the hecks wrong with those kids? Are they brainwashed like many of their elders appear to be or what? .... or maybe the Conservatives used their "shock and awe" rhetoric on them too, and scared the bejesus out of them, just like they do to old people.

published Sept. 30/08: Wandering Predators

2008-10-19T14:06:00.003-04:00

Every once in a while we get a bear sighting in the city. With this latest one it occurred to me that they aren't the only ones who invade our neighbourhoods. At least when bears do it they are easy go get rid of, by either ignoring them, or getting the authorities to chase them away, or catch them (via tranquilizer gun) and hauling their asses back to their home turf. Not so easy, apparently with the door to door salesmen... especially those utility predators. I've got a note posted in our door that says "No Salespeople", but that doesn't always stop them.

published Sept. 27/08:PPG plant in Owen Sound closes

2008-10-19T13:34:00.003-04:00

The actual news item referred to how the employees were expecting to "kick off" negotiations, before they were dealt this bombshell.
Chalk another one up to free trade and Reaganomics (also known as Thatcherism and Mulroneyism). Ah, the new world order. When I submitted this one I didn't want to call it a cartoon, ('cause I don't think the situation here is funny), so I called it an "editorial image". But I guess the role of a satirist is to point out issues through humour and then, hopefully, you step back and say, "Hey, wait a minute, what am I laughing at here?"
If you go to the company's website, which is based in Pittsburgh, they'll tell you all the wonderful ways they treat their employees. I think you might get a different viewpoint from many of the actual employees both here and elsewhere around the world.
And between the time I drew this and when I got around to posting it on this website we've seen this financial meltdown starting in the U.S. and spreading around the world. How stupid do we have to be to keep believing that all this bunk about unregulated capitalism and the good ol' "trickle down" theory works? At this point I'm not even sure it's possible for the common man, and therefore the common good, to take back control. But I hope we try. I'm not all that confident about what politicians like Barack Obama can actually do, but he seems like a decent guy and at least he's saying more decent, logical things. And you've got to start with the spirit... the pocket book will, hopefully, follow.

published Sept. 25/08: Bill Murdoch is kicked out of Conservative Party.

2008-10-19T13:22:00.003-04:00

Was he kicked or did he jump? I think it was a bit of both. Clearly both sides have apparently grown tired of one another... and I suppose this will just perpetuate Bill's image as... dare I say it... a "maverick".... seems like that term has gotten a little out of hand in the election to the south of our border. (As the democrats have argued down there: If you vote along Party lines most of the time.... or just don't show up to vote one way or the other does this really make you a maverick?) Maybe they need to come up with another, more accurate catch phrase to describe the attitude of "I just couldn't be bothered." The other bit that's fascinating about this story is how little Tories in both the provincial and federal parties are allowed to think or speak for themselves. Both Stephen Harper and John Tory seem to really apply the clamps. They would have made great feudal lords..... I thought we had a democracy and free speech.

published Sept. 23/08: Military career advertising is Schools

2008-10-19T13:16:00.003-04:00

Someone actually said something like this. I just embellished it a bit to make a point. I think maybe the world would be better off if we started to see peace,(and the environment too) as sound financial investments, a good career, and a healthy life choice. Too much money has been made at war and pollution. Let's turn those suckers around.

published Sept. 19/08: Yet another Tim Hortons is coming to town

2008-10-19T13:05:00.002-04:00

published Sept. 18/08: Election Overdose

2008-10-19T13:02:00.001-04:00

published Sept. 16/08: Georgian College Navigation Simulator

2008-10-19T12:50:00.005-04:00

Please click on the image to make it bigger. I have no idea why this one appeared smaller than normal when I posted it. Technology's funny that way sometimes.

published Sept. 12/08: Prognosticator Phone Calls

2008-10-19T12:43:00.005-04:00

The bottom one is the one I did for the newspaper, but then I had the other idea, so I just used the same illustration and changed the wording.

published cartoons: Sept. 10/08: Branningham Grove faces deomolition

2008-09-19T14:24:00.010-04:00

I ate there once when it was in one of its restaurant incarnations. It was beautiful... the food was o.k., too. It seems a shame that it's going to be plowed under, likely.
Having said that, let me share a personal anecdote about this cartoon. I went over to my neighbourhood friend's porch where a bundle of papers are dropped off for his son to deliver. I
took my copy, and as I was walking home I turned to page "A4" to see if I had a cartoon in that day. I did. It was the "Contractor Tales" one you will see posted below. I set the paper aside to do some housework. In the afternoon that neighbour asked me what I did to get two cartoons in the paper in one day. I said, "What?" (I thought he was pulling my leg). He said he was serious, so I immediately thought I must be blind. I asked him where it was? He said right beside the other one on the opposite page, (A5), accompanied by a letter from some reader. So I went and checked it out and sure enough there it was.
So I'm not blind, just unobservant... but I already knew that. Anyway, I was really glad this one got printed because I spent some time at it and consider it more a work of "fine" art than a cartoon. (Does that make cartoons "not-so-fine art"??? Apologies to my cartoonist soldiers in arms... ) Maybe what i mean to say is that I was just shooting for more visual realism than caricature or visual jokes.

published cartoons: Sept. 10/08: Contractor tales

2008-09-19T14:24:00.006-04:00

When I read the story about the contractor fraud I just made the connection to politics. To be fair to contractors in general, I think a much higher percentage of them do what they say they will and what they get paid to do than politicians.

published cartoons: Sept. 6/08: Hockey Moms

2008-09-19T14:24:00.002-04:00

I like hockey moms! Not personally, just theoretically. But I think this Palin circus in the States is giving hockey moms a bad name. And it doesn't matter who the next President is because I don't think they care too much about what we think.... Heck, some of their presidents probably couldn't even spell "Canada", let alone tell you much about it. Although some Canadian Prime Ministers don't want to tell them anything; they just want to suck up to them to get whatever it is they must be getting... And that's how I feel about that.

published cartoons

2008-09-10T22:55:00.003-04:00

Maybe it's the best thing to do to tear it down and build new, maybe it's not. Seems like the money they're getting to build new could be used to restore the old part. It just seems a shame that so much of what makes this city unique is being lost lately. If the goal is to look like every other city around our size then I'd say we're well on our way. But once this stuff is gone, it's pretty well gone.... the same as aspects of the environment... like endangered animals, clean air, clean water and all that kind of cost prohibitive stuff that, without imagination, is hard to make a buck on. All I know is that if and when the world ever ends there's going to be a whole whack of rich people with sheepish grins on their faces praying to reverse everything they and others had done. And so it goes.

published Aug. 29 /08: Labour Day '08

2008-08-30T10:38:00.003-04:00

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

2008-08-30T10:36:00.001-04:00

published Aug. 21/08: salmon spectacular

2008-08-30T09:16:00.003-04:00

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

2008-08-30T08:18:00.005-04:00

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

2008-08-30T08:15:00.001-04:00

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

2008-08-30T08:13:00.002-04:00

published Aug. 7/08: Billy Bishop Museum Ghosts

2008-08-30T08:10:00.002-04:00

published Aug. 6/08: triathalon

2008-08-30T08:07:00.001-04:00

published Aug. 1/08: Drive-thru drugstores

2008-08-03T20:38:00.003-04:00

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

2008-08-03T20:34:00.002-04:00

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

2008-08-03T20:30:00.002-04:00

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

2008-08-03T20:26:00.003-04:00

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)

2008-08-03T20:24:00.002-04:00

published July 25/08: Leash Free Dog Park

2008-08-03T20:18:00.003-04:00

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

2008-08-03T20:12:00.003-04:00

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

2008-08-03T20:05:00.002-04:00

published July 17)/08

2008-07-17T20:51:00.003-04:00

If they end up cramming 60 housing units onto that lot where O.S.C.V.I. used to be, there will be no green area for the occupants to go and sit in and enjoy some semblance of nature. Their backyards will be very tiny and bare. A commons area with some sort of garden or at least trees and sitting area would be nice. Some actually said this is not necessary because of all the "parks" in the immediate area. This cartoon addresses this issue.

published July 9, (I think)/08

2008-07-17T20:47:00.003-04:00

Congestion has been happening on 10th St. for as long as I've been in the area, and that's over 15 years... and I suspect it was a problem before that, too... and it will continue to be a problem until someone builds another bridge connecting east and west... maybe somewhere around 11th or 12th street... but since that's not likely to happen anytime soon, I'm not sure a whole lot will change.

published June 25/08: Cornelius Vlielander's Antique Gas Pumps

2008-06-25T15:06:00.003-04:00

While researching info for this cartoon, I found a number of references to the apparent fact that gasoline costs have gone up at about, or even in some cases less than other products, implying that all this fuss about gasoline prices is a little misguided.... Speaking of misguided... I guess the pretense becomes extra motivation for some countries to go to certain wars... or is this just me being pessimistic? Anyway this made good subject matter for a cartoon... I just hope I haven't contributed too much to what may be the myth of outrageously high gasoline prices.

published June 20/08: Health Unit Strike

2008-06-23T08:03:00.002-04:00

This has gone on long enough, don't you think. It seems like a gross joke that a fancy new building gets erected with a lot of "frills", maybe necessary... maybe not.... and that these 17 or so mainly clerical staff don't appear to be getting fair offers based on provincial averages.... One would have to think that part of the method of paying for the fancy new building is on the backs of these workers.... but that's the way this whole country was built, back in the day... At least that's the way I see it.

published June 18/08: Legislative Beers

2008-06-23T07:53:00.003-04:00

I've watched some coverage of the legislative assembly in "action", although I must admit it's become a lot less funny (and infuriating) since Harris and Eaves were running things. Hey, it was my guilty pleasure. Now, I won't stoop so low as to watch Jerry Springer, but I guess this kinda came close. Nevertheless, back to the main topic. Have you ever noticed the backbenchers? Other than to ask questions written out by the P.R. department that flatter their own party, and to stand up whenever their party wants some vote to go its way, they don't have much to do there... other than to heckle on cue... so when this story about the beers came up, I thought I'd spice up their lives a little.... well, in the cartoon universe anyway... I doubt they'll have any such luck in real life.... although, who knows what happens in the backrooms of Parliament... maybe some informal voting is going on as I speak????

published June 13/08: Heritage "Kiss of Death"

2008-06-23T07:48:00.002-04:00

All I can say is that I'm hoping I don't get labeled as part of the heritage around here, any time soon.

published June 11/08: Rocky Raccoon

2008-06-23T07:42:00.009-04:00

Congrats to the Rocky Raccoon. Never eaten there but it sounds like a fine place. Anyway, reading about it made me think of what it might be like at the other end of the restaurant rainbow... I had the most fun with this one while thinking up some menu items and the buffet special.

published June 3/08: Millionaire's Drive Reconstruction

2008-06-21T10:28:00.003-04:00

Maybe there were no alternatives... although it seems that a number of citizens thought of ways that it could have been done differently. Nevertheless, it seems truly unfortunate when grand old trees, that are perfectly healthy, are chopped down. (As I wrote this it reminded me of something else, that goes back to when the Federal and provincial Conservatives were chopping down many of our social services, including health and education: it only takes a few days to destroy what took many years to grow.

published May 30/08: South Bruce Peninsula: Coucil and Firefighters negotiations

2008-06-21T10:22:00.002-04:00

This takes no sides... I hope they work it out so that everyone is a little happier and content and can get on with their important jobs.

published May 28/08: Meaford O.P.P.

2008-06-21T10:12:00.002-04:00

The Mike Harris Legacy keeps on a-rollin', doesn't it? Sing a-long with me if you will ..."Cut, Cut, Cut... Download, Download, Download... Tax cuts for the Rich, Tax cuts for the Rich... You can't always get what you want, But you can give the wealthy what they need.

published May 23/08: Little Shop(s) of Horrors

2008-06-21T09:56:00.002-04:00

These two stories were happening at the same time, so it seemed like a good idea to connect them into one cartoon. I really like high school play productions. They put in a lot of hard work and have youthful energy. Saw two great ones this year... OSCVI's Little Shop of Horrors and West Hill's Seussical, the Musical. Both had great sets, great music and some outstanding acting performances. Last year I saw OSCVI's Fiddler on The Roof and that was great too. These productions are just as enjoyable as some professionally done plays and musicals ... and sometimes better. Last year I went to Stratford to see a play version of a favourite book of mine... To Kill a Mockingbird... and it really wasn't that good... merely O.K. and it was way more expensive. So I say, why not go to the high school plays if you're looking for some quality entertainment. ... On the other topic, The Downtown Petro Can was my favourite and most convenient gas bar and there was a really nice lady that worked many of the shifts. I miss that.
I guess Petro Can. is too busy making record profits to bother coming to little old Owen Sound to clean up their mess. Maybe if they raise the price of gas to $1.50 a litre the company will have enough to spare to drop by. Hey, they seem to be into price fixing.... why not do a little bit of abandoned gas bar fixing... I think I just thought of a couple more cartoon ideas.

published May 21/08: Lego Exhibit at Grey Roots Museum

2008-06-20T15:16:00.002-04:00

They've been talking about an extra bridge downtown, to ease congestion, for years now. I imagine it will be years until it will get done, given the state of the economy at the moment.

published May 14/08: Downtown Leak

2008-06-20T15:12:00.003-04:00

The top one was a variation on the same topic. It's the bottom one that got published. I like them both.

published May 9/08 .... Stats Can. report on Rich and Poor

2008-05-11T13:37:00.002-04:00

I think we all kind of knew this. Maybe Stats Can could spend our money more wisely by doing some thorough investigating and then reporting on all the ways the rich find dubious tax shelters and ways they buy favourtism; and then maybe we could put some pressure into shutting some of this down. You know, just close the gap a tiny bit. Not too much mind you... we wouldn't want to tick them off too much.

published May 7/08 .... Brownfields

2008-05-11T13:33:00.002-04:00

Yeah, I know... it's kind of a gross-out image. But that's half the fun of this cartoon. Just a silly joke using the recent issue of what to do with "brownfields" left over from departed factories and such.

Published May 2nd , 2008: Yard Sales

2008-05-04T10:03:00.004-04:00

The top one was the first one I submitted, at an earlier date, when there were still traces of snow to be found in heavily shaded areas or in mounds in some parking lots. So, when all the snow had, thankfully, gone, I drew up another one, and it's the one that made the paper.

Published Apr. 30 , 2008: Wiarton Water Experiment

2008-05-04T09:57:00.002-04:00

I think the government and business should be at least as accountable as high school students, and if they aren't, they should fail. What do you think?

Published Apr. 25 , 2008:

2008-05-04T09:42:00.004-04:00

I have nothing against the idea of Chinese students coming into our area. I tried to convey this in this cartoon by having one character say that "I'm sure they are good kids." On a personal note, one of the finest students I taught, a little bit before I retired, was a teenage girl from China. In fact she showed me how to write the word "music" in Chinese. I incorporated the letter "K" into it. That's the initial of my first wife, Kate, who had recently died from breast cancer. This became the tattoo that is on my upper right arm.

The problem I have with the China is similar to the one I have with the U.S.A.: While the individual citizens may be fine, the governments are a little bullish. China is obviously non-democratic, but then again, the form of democracy that the U.S. presents (and Canada, too, alas) is not always the purest form that was visualized by the founding fathers. It seems to me that "power" and capitalism often gets in the way of what's best for all the citizens of both their own country and the world. ... So, if your Chinese, American, or Canadian, please do not be personally offended... this is not about you as an individual, and it's not even about most of "your people", it's about your country and its way of doing things... often times beyond your control.

Published Apr. 24 , 2008:

2008-05-04T09:35:00.004-04:00

I'm not a big fan of how governments in particular encourage gambling with all their lottery and casino activities... and especially the way they swamp us with advertising, trying to get us hooked. But their concern over small time community "gambling" in the form of bingoes and other petty carnival activity seems both hypocritcal and over the top. Thus this cartoon.

Published Apr. 17 , 2008: Meaford's New Mayor and Deputy

2008-04-21T09:29:00.002-04:00

I wish them all the best of luck. If there's any place in Grey County that deserves some better fortune, it's Meaford. It's a lovely looking community and if they can get all their political mess it will be a great thing.

Published Apr. 15 , 2008: 4 stories... 3 good, one not so good

2008-04-21T09:26:00.001-04:00

Published Apr. 11 , 2008: John Baird, Nat'l Environment minister visits Local M.P. Miller and Owen Sound

2008-04-14T07:59:00.005-04:00

This was a fun one to draw because of the characters involved. The subject matter is not fun... but hey, my job is to find the satire in what's available. I based the John Baird drawing on a cartoon image of Frankenstein. He does have a really big head, and I remember Baird from his days in the Provincial scene when he competed with several others of his party on who could be the most smug and condescending, while terrorizing many of the "villagers". Unlike the real Frankenstein, who had a good heart, but was just stupid, and was in the wrong place at the wrong time, most of the Harris government, I gotta believe, knew exactly what they were doing and who they were doing it for, and who they were doing it to. ... And even though I didn't really think of this at the time, Dr. Frankenstein had a funny little, lab assistant who ran around doing his biding while he created his "monster". Hello, Larry.

Published Apr. 10 , 2008:

2008-04-14T07:52:00.003-04:00

As far as I know this actual meeting did not take place. I know local golf season approaches fast, and while I'm not a golfer, (except on video games... much faster and cheaper), "some of my best friends are", and it seemed like a good time to rub more salt into the wounds of the Leafs.

Published Apr.4, 2008: Old Tires and T.V. recycling issue

2008-04-10T08:36:00.003-04:00

There's some talk about a tax on tires and t.v.'s that supposedly would go towards funding the set up of proper facilities to recycle these things in Ontario. As far as I know, this is still just talk. And as usual, a lot of people don't like the word "tax".... but then again, a lot of people want everything for nothing. To take an old George Bush Sr. phrase and twist it a bit so that it actually makes sense... "Read my lips. Taxes are a democracies way of paying for things we should all have. Duh."

Published Apr. 2, 2008: Children set up curbside emergency care stands

2008-04-10T08:29:00.004-04:00

As far as I know, no kids are actually planning to do this... but, it's not that stupid an idea, considering the news that keeps coming out about the state of our health care. And yes, the child psychiatrist does bear a resemblance to Lucy of "Peanuts" fame. I could have made this one look different, but I thought it would look funnier to have a "Lucy-look-a-like" in the middle and I did it out of homage to Mr. Charles Schultz, the creator of Peanuts.

April 1st cartoon

2008-04-10T08:24:00.003-04:00

If you want to see the way the cartoon looks after you follow the instructions and fold it, you have two options. You could print this cartoon and cut it out and fold it so that "B" meets "A", or you can clink on the link to my other site to see the final effect. You'll find this link somewhere in the upper right corner area on this Sun Times site.

March, 2008

2008-04-10T08:19:00.003-04:00

Apparently the levels of this stuff in the water is not supposed to be high enough to cause any effect.... either bad or good, but I've got a feeling this is a standard response. Anyway, the fact that there are levels that were worth noting is enough to cause some concern. ... Excuse me, Ive got a stuffy nose, so I'm going to go have another glass of water.

published Mar. 19, '08: First Day of Spring

2008-03-26T10:42:00.001-04:00

published Mar. 26, '08: Bill Murdoch Answering Machine

2008-03-26T10:35:00.001-04:00

published March 12/08: Curling Street Sweepers

2008-03-12T14:07:00.004-04:00

I did these two on the same topic. I like the images in both, so I submitted both and let the paper decide which one to print. They chose the top one, (which is the one I'd probably pick, too, if I had to), and I thought I'd post the other one as well, just for the fun of it.

published March 7/08: Parking Meters

2008-03-10T09:18:00.004-04:00

This is more or less based on personal experience. I like parking there when I play pool at Riverside Billiards in the winter. Other than that, I hate winter: the Ice, the Snow, the COLD!
I once got a ticket in that area, during a non-snowy season, parking at a meter that was broken (!!!). I had even left a note. I got out of paying the fine, but really!!! I figure the free parking due to snow covered meters is pay back time.

published March 5/08: Ontarion Beef Subsidy

2008-03-10T09:11:00.004-04:00

The image is based on the famous painting "American Gothic". I thought it would be a good image to represent the feelings of some beef farmers who are getting (probably) too little, too late. I just changed it to "Ontario" Gothic.

published in Feb. 29/08: Coliseum Hockey Fight

2008-03-04T15:59:00.002-05:00

published in Feb. 27/08: Mayoral Snow Nightmares

2008-03-04T15:54:00.003-05:00

Since this is not the paper copy, it's a bit hard to look at this upside down, unless you're a contortionist, so I'll just add that the book on the bed is titled "Chicken Soup for Mayors".
Such a book doesn't exist, (I think), but might not be a bad idea for someone to write. How many mayors are there out there in North America? Enough to have a best seller????

Published in Feb. 08: Primmer Place

2008-02-26T18:55:00.003-05:00

Some of the words on the sign in the lower left hand corner got cut off when this was printed in the paper. I think the whole idea of the cartoon was clear, anyway. Nevertheless, this is what the whole cartoon looked like.

published in Feb. 08: Murdoch backs Tory

2008-02-16T08:26:00.002-05:00

published in Feb. 08: Liz Zetlin, area Poet Laureate

2008-02-16T08:12:00.003-05:00

Liz is a terrific poet and she's doing a lot for poets and poetry in Grey-Bruce. This cartoon isn't making fun of her in any harsh way. First of all, it's meant to recognize her honour of being named our poet laureate for another year, and secondly it's just poking fun at how Americans tend to say, "huh" and Canadians say "eh". Of course Liz's poetry is much better than this . That's because I wrote this one. The key to this cartoon is the pronunciation of "laureate". According to my dictionary, it can be be said two different ways. Americans probably tend to say lor-eee- et 'cause they like to simple it down. The other thing is Liz was originally an American, so her first instinct might be to write "duh" but then it wouldn't rhyme. Anyway it's really great to have Liz calling this area "home" for the past number of years. Eh?

published Jan.31/08 : Harrison Park Makeover

2008-02-02T16:22:00.000-05:00

published Jan.29/08 : Wiarton - Keppel Airport Dispute

2008-02-02T16:15:00.000-05:00

I don't think you need a genius to figure this one out.... do you??? Come on folks, unless I'm missing something here, the solution seems REAL obvious. Footnote: I've been dying to put "Well, Duh!" in a cartoon.