The News-Herald - December 29
The Press & Guide - December 29
The arrival of the New Year this January 1 seems to be overshadowed by the anticipation of the start of new Michigan Governor Snyder's administration. Maybe having the attention - and pressure - elsewhere will make for an easier start for "Baby New Year!"
That's the Point!
The News-Herald - December 26
Children never really change, Santa - of course - never really changes, but maybe ... just maybe ... the way they communicate with each other HAS changed a little!
That's the Point!
The Press & Guide - December 22
The News-Herald - December 22
Once a year, at Christmastime, it's nice to simply send best holiday wishes to all the readers, in all the communities that I have the honor to draw for every week. For Press & Guide readers, this is the seventh time I've wished them a Merry Christmas; for News-Herald readers Downriver (where I grew up), this is the 26th Merry Christmas wish I've shared. To all of those readers, and to all the readers of this blog, where ever it is you are celebrating, Merry Christmas to All!
That's the Point!
Crain's Detroit Business - December 20
Wish lists directed toward Santa pale in comparison to those that Governor Elect Rick Snyder will be getting when he takes office. Santa only has to grant wishes one day a year. The Governor is on duty 365 days a year!
That's the Point!
The News-Herald - December 19
The Next Michigan Development Act, often referred to as the "Aerotropolis Act" because of the incentives it provides for development around Detroit Metropolitan Airport (and other major Michigan airports), was passed by the Michigan legislature. Here's hoping that means that the area's economy is cleared for an economic take-off in 2011.
That's the Point!
The Press & Guide - December 15
The News-Herald - December 15
I spent Sunday watching and listening to local TV weathercasters track the arrival of the latest "snow storm of the century." Yeah, it was cold; yeah, it was snowy; yeah it was icy ... but this is Michigan and we should be able to take this stuff in stride! Be careful, yes; take it slow ... even give the kids a couple of snow days off school, but don't act like it's the approach of the next Ice Age! And remember, folks ... it's still officially autumn!
That's the Point!
The Press & Guide - December 8
Journalist Helen Thomas made a stop in Dearborn last week for a book signing. The controversial veteran Washington journalist was fired, or retired, depending upon perspective, earlier this year after making anti-Semetic remarks that drew attention after they were picked up by the Drudge Report in May. This was a rare opportunity to take a national issue and give it a local spin.
That's the Point!
Crain's Detroit Business - December 6
University of Michigan Head Football Coach Rich Rodriguez has come under fire lately for his record, his NCAA violations and, most recently, his choice of theme music for the annual football banquet. Some people might flag me for piling on, or a personal foul, over this cartoon; but somehow, I think not.
That's the Point!
Off the Drawing Board: One of my alternative roughs for this week's Crain's Detroit Business cartoon had a seasonal theme, and a little more edge. I did manage to work the "Maize and Real Blue" message from this rough into the final, however.
The News-Herald - December 5
The holidays are when we most often think of giving, sharing and helping the less fortunate. Our services clubs Downriver, however, make that a year 'round mission. It's nice - during the holidays - to highlight those great works of community service.
That's the Point!
The News-Herald - December 1
"Black Friday" had Downriver retailers seeing green - the color of a successful holiday shopping season, and maybe a rebound in the economy overall.
The Press & Guide - December 1
For DPS teachers, the holiday season will be a little more stressful, but not because of shopping and other preparations; they're waiting for a January fact finder report on their contract issues. Here's hoping that report doesn't trigger a case of post-holiday blues.
That's the Point!
The News-Herald - November 28
Thanksgiving weekend, when shopping becomes an extreme, full-contact sport.
That's the Point!
The Press & Guide - November 24
The News-Herald - November 24
This time of year, I'm reminded just how much I have to be thankful for, career-wise. The staff members of both The Press & Guide and The News-Herald provide fine reporting year 'round from which I find cartoon inspiration. My readers in Dearborn, Dearborn Heights and throughout the Downriver area also give me inspiration and support. And I'm thankful, of course, for all the public officials, politicians and issues that arise, that I get to lampoon throughout the year!
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!
The News-Herald - November 21
The Detroit Lions took another beating in Dallas on Sunday, but more than just losing; it's how they're losing ... even the officials are against them. Bad calls, as much as the play of the Cowboys, had Lions fans crying "me-ouch!" instead of simply mocking the Leos with a "meow." It's one thing to lose, but the Lions just can't seem to win - anything.
That's the Point!
The Press & Guide - November 17
As a member of The Henry Ford, and a life-long Greenfield Village visitor and lover, it's one place that Christmas cannot possibly come too early!
The News-Herald - November 17
It may be crowded Up North; but - for a couple of weeks anyway - the freeways are clear!
That's the Point!
The News-Herald - November 14
With the record number of newly-elected officials from the Downriver area, getting them up to speed will be a challenge. They'll soon find out that winning the election may have been the easy part.
That's the Point!
Note to my readers: Today marks the 100th post I've made to "Pen Points" - a personal landmark, but I'm looking ahead to hundreds more. Thanks for reading!
The Press & Guide - November 10
When Dearborn City Council member George Darany won the 15th district seat in the House of Representatives in the November 2 election, David Bazzy, who finished just 548 votes short of winning a council seat in the last general election, will now join the council to fill the seat that Darany will vacate. See? Every vote does count ... eventually!
That's the Point!
The News-Herald - November 7
I met two groups of people today (divided by age) - young people who spent last night's "extra" hour having a good time; and old people (like me) who simply enjoyed an extra hour of sleep. When I was drawing this cartoon, I reflected on how late in the year we now "fall back," and wondered if our year is equally split between EST and EDT; which one really IS "standard time"?!
That's the Point!
Crain's Detroit Business - November 1
The nature of deadlines means that you often have to finish cartoons days before a significant event - like an election - takes place. Despite the dramatic outcome of the November 2 election, I'm not ready to concede that any real change has taken place. The winners will have to prove me wrong sometime after their January moves into their new offices - until then, I stand by my punchline.
That's the Point!
The News-Herald - October 31
It's a treat when a cartoon publication date falls exactly on a day like Halloween. And when a long, and sometimes acrimonious, election season is coming to an end a couple of days following, it provides a near-perfect convergence for a scary cartoon punchline. Happy Halloween!
That's the Point!
The Press & Guide - October 27
A jam-packed November ballot makes preparing to cast an intelligent vote similar to studying for a big test. Which, I guess, and election is, isn't it?
That's the Point! 
The News-Herald - October 27
After a sicko, bitter neighbor made national news with her harassment a terminally ill seven-year-old girl, the community rallied to the youngster's support and demonstrated that love - collectively - conquers all. That's worth celebrating and ...
That's the Point!
The News-Herald - October 24
Nothing adds to the "ghoultide" season like scary election season political attack ads. I've been listening to the radio spots and watching the TV ads, and you know what? It turns out EVERYBODY running for office is a dangerous maniac who wants to undermine our way of life and do something really bad to us (I'm not sure what) that's related to health care! ... And raise our taxes!!!
That's the Point!
The Press & Guide - October 20
When U.S. Senate candidate Sharron Angle (R) of Nevada started slinging political mud in the campaign, it might not have been news here, except her mucky barrage was aimed at Dearborn! Hopefully, Nevada voters will see that this candidate is not the "right Angle" to represent them in Washington.
That's the Point!
The Press & Guide - October 13
While U of M Dearborn students may be "fired up" about environmental responsibility and stewardship, there's one label that they simply won't wear!
The News-Herald - October 17
The Taylor Fire Department "Pizza Prevention" campaign, with firefighters showing up at neighborhood doorsteps with pizza and fire prevention tips, is a creative way to deliver their message about public safety.
That's the Point!
Crain's Detroit Business - October 11
Detroit pizza icon Mike Ilitch, already owner of the MLB Detroit Tigers and the NHL Detroit Red Wings, is in the process of purchasing the NBA Detroit Pistons; fueling speculation that he will eventually move the Pistons from their current home - The Palace of Auburn Hills - to a new (yet to be built) dual-purpose facility in Detroit to house both the Wings and the Pistons. That, however, will take a LOT of dough - and NOT the kind you use for pizza crust. In this economy he can't count on taxpayer help, so Mr. I may "knead" another source of funding.
That's the Point!
The News-Herald - October 10
Governor Granholm used a clip from "Saturday Night Live" referencing the current recession during an appearance in Taylor last week. When a political figure provides a set-up like that, what cartoonist can resist? Besides, in a few weeks, we won't have Governor Granholm to lampoon anymore.
That's the Point!
The News-Herald - September 29
While kids should count every day in school, in late September they REALLY count because that's when the official school system tally is taken that determines per-student state education funding. So, one ... two ... three ... (raise both hands ...)
That's the Point!
Crain's Detroit Business - September 27
The Parade Company, presenter of America's Thanksgiving Parade every Thanksgiving Day in Detroit, has had to find creative ways to fund the annual holiday tradition - including new sponsorships. So what if Santa arrives this year looking like a NASCAR driver? The important thing is that he arrives! Hellooooo, Santa!
That's the Point!
The News-Herald - September 26
The Detroit Lions, like the Tigers, Red Wings and Pistons, have all won championships in my lifetime. The Lions, however, won their last one when I was about three years old - I have no recollection of it. And I'm not alone. While the few remaining living Detroit football fans my age share my experience; there are generations - plural - of football fans who've never even seen the Lions come close. It seems the latest version of our Leos is no better than the teams of the past decade or two; but unlike those teams, these guys are likable. They try. We respond and get our hopes up. I guess we fans are as desperate as our team is bad.
That's the Point!
Crain's Detroit Business - September 20
As challenging as it can be navigating our roads, sometimes it's just as challenging to navigate the route to funding our roads. In this case, the roads themselves were the most appropriate illustration for this editorial statement.
That's the Point!
Off the Drawing Board: The original concept for this cartoon was more simple than the final version. I changed the angle of the composition to allow for the additional signs and for the split dialogue balloons that - I think - deliver the set-up and punchline more effectively. Similar to road funding, from rough to finish, you can get there with a cartoon. There's just no direct route!
The News-Herald - September 19
Pause to remember PAWS all year long ... that's the message of these canine characters, who often appear in my cartoons to promote similar causes. Kids and dogs - always good for attention.
That's the Point!
The News-Herald - September 12
Everyone knows that Downriver - and everywhere in SE Michigan, really - there are only two significant seasons that have an impact on our daily lives: Construction season, and football season. While the former drags on, it's time to celebrate the start of the latter. Are you ready for some football? I am!!!
That's the Point!
The News-Herald - September 8
The Press & Guide - September 8
Seems to be unanimous - the only people universally happy to see school begin again are parents! Well, and maybe clothing and office supply retailers ... Welcome back, kids!
That's the Point!
Crain's Detroit Business - September 6
Medical marijuana is "legal" now in Michigan, right? Yeah, except it's not clear exactly how it can be sold (... did you read about the raids in Oakland County last week?), and how - and where - it can be grown. We should have just stayed with baking it into brownies ...!
That's the Point!
The News-Herald - September 5
All my adult life, I've seen that Labor Day weekend seems to be more about weekend labor than a holiday celebrating the importance of the American laborer. Three days to pack in the last of the summer recreation AND get as many of the pre-autumn outdoor chores done as possible. Thank goodness for Tuesday after Labor Day - it's a chance for us to go back to work and catch up on our rest!
That's the Point!
The News-Herald - August 29
Three little words that seem to strike panic in the hearts of all kids - including my own ranging from junior high through college - "back to school!" One of my favorite (harmless!) tortures to inflict upon them is to begin showing them the back to school sale inserts in the Sunday paper as soon as they begin to appear - sometimes as early as August 1. For the enjoyment of all you parents, I thought I'd celebrate that today.
That's the Point!
The Press & Guide - August 25
The News-Herald - August 25
There were dog-related good news stories in both Dearborn and Downriver this week, perfect for this local editorial cartoonist who likes to celebrate positive things in the community, and loves to draw dogs! (Note I said "... loves to draw dogs" not "... draws dogs well!")
That's the Point!
Crain's Detroit Business - August 23
With the Tigers' all-too-familiar annual post-All Star Game collapse, Mr. Ilitch has to be worried about meeting his team's payroll. After all, the more games they are out of playoff contention, the fewer fans will be filling Comerica Park seats!
That's the Point!
The News-Herald - August 18
Sometimes a bad pun (or two) can make for a pretty good cartoon.
The Press & Guide - August 18... And when you can get away with a third one in the same week, it's a pun-derful thing.That's the Point!
Posts
The News-Herald - December 29
The Press & Guide - December 29
The News-Herald - December 26
The Press & Guide - December 22
The News-Herald - December 22
Crain's Detroit Business - December 20
The News-Herald - December 19
The Press & Guide - December 15
The News-Herald - December 15
The Press & Guide - December 8
Crain's Detroit Business - December 6
The News-Herald - December 5
The News-Herald - December 1
The Press & Guide - December 1
The News-Herald - November 28
The Press & Guide - November 24
The News-Herald - November 24
The News-Herald - November 21
The Press & Guide - November 17
The News-Herald - November 17
The News-Herald - November 14
The Press & Guide - November 10
The News-Herald - November 7
Crain's Detroit Business - November 1
The News-Herald - October 31
The Press & Guide - October 27
The News-Herald - October 27
The News-Herald - October 24
The Press & Guide - October 20
The Press & Guide - October 13
The News-Herald - October 17
Crain's Detroit Business - October 11
The News-Herald - October 10
The News-Herald - September 29
Crain's Detroit Business - September 27
The News-Herald - September 26
Crain's Detroit Business - September 20
The News-Herald - September 19
The News-Herald - September 12
The News-Herald - September 8
The Press & Guide - September 8
Crain's Detroit Business - September 6
The News-Herald - September 5
The News-Herald - August 29
The Press & Guide - August 25
The News-Herald - August 25
Crain's Detroit Business - August 23
The News-Herald - August 18
The Press & Guide - August 18
