CARTOON of the DAY: Play Ball!

The News-Herald - March 30
There's no one day so filled with hope and promise (except, perhaps, several religious holidays), as the first day of baseball season. Everything is new, everyone is optimistic, and there are scorecards to be filled. Play ball!
That's the Point!

CARTOON of the DAY: Oh My! Where to Find Work?

Crain's Detroit Business - March 28
Automation Alley, Tech Town, now Robot Town coming - possibly - by 2014; all examples of viable ways to diversify Michigan's economy - just like Michigan's FILM INDUSTRY! Keep Automation Alley, keep Tech Town, welcome Robot Town, and KEEP MICHIGAN'S FILM TAX CREDIT!
That's (still) the Point!

CARTOON of the DAY: Missing the Bus

The News-Herald - March 27
Woodhaven's senior citizen transportation problems have left its residents, quite literally, missing the bus. Time to make a decision on repair or replacement and get these folks back on board.
That's the Point!

CARTOONS of the DAY: That's (local) Entertainment!

The Press & Guide - March 23
After part of the season-ending episode of "Detroit 1-8-7" was filmed at the Henry Ford Museum, Dearborn was buzzing with excitement. Community pride, an improved image for the area, jobs ... all good reasons to save Michigan's emerging film industry by saving the Michigan Film Tax Credit!
The News-Herald - March 23
Lincoln Park High School students show off their musical talent in a live stage show for friends and family Downriver ... and I GLEE-fully celebrated it with this cartoon.
That's the Point!

CARTOON of the DAY: Signs of Spring!

The News-Herald - March 20
Monday was the first full day of spring 2011, so naturally we can expect some freezing rain, sleet and slushy snow sometime soon! The signs of spring around here are unmistakable, and no matter how unpleasant they may be, they tell us that summertime is not far away.
That's the Point!

CARTOON of the DAY: Off the Drawing Board

Off the Drawing Board: Last week's Crain's Detroit Business cartoon (March 14) about Governor Snyder's plan to tax the pensions of Michigan senior citizens was just one of a number of cartoon topics I offered to my colleagues on the CDB editorial team. Here are thumbnail sketches of two others.

The turnover on Detroit Mayor Dave Bing's senior staff inspire idea no. 1. I reached back to his NBA past to give the gag a hook relating those days to his current position.

Taking a local look at the NFL lockout inspired idea no. 2. The Detroit Lions have a $350 million debt load related to the construction of Ford Field that's ultimately not a problem, as long as they're filling Ford Field on game days. If the lockout extends to the regular season this fall, however, my guess is there's nothing in the Lions' playbook to pickup the debt blitz.
That's the Point (of these ideas that didn't see print)!

CARTOONS of the DAY: The Luck of the Irish

The News-Herald - March 16
The Press & Guide - March 16
Two takes on St. Patrick's Day ... the Dearborn High School Pioneers Marching Band had the honor of marching in the "official" St. Patrick's Day Parade - in Dublin! Back home, I reflected on the unlucky developments in the economy, with a St. Patrick's Day twist.
That's the Point!

CARTOON of the DAY: A Little More Than Their Share

Crain's Detroit Business - March 14
Michigan's new Governor, Rick Snyder, campaigned saying that the state needs to be run like a business , and that he would run it like a CEO - a role he was accustomed to filling. He's quickly learned, however, that unlike a CEO, whatever a governor says doesn't necessarily go; and while a company is full of employees, a state is full of voters with opinions of their own.
That's the Point!

CARTOON of the DAY: Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?

The News-Herald - March 13
It's one of the two times a year around here when nobody is sure what time it is, at least for a little while. I don't know why, but switching to Daylight Saving Time each spring, and back to Eastern Standard Time in the fall seems to leave Downriverites disoriented. If that's the case with you, don't worry about it - embrace it. You're not alone!
That's the Point!

CARTOON of the DAY: Girl Scout Cookies - the Ultimate Lenten Test

The News-Herald - March 9
The Lenten Season and Girl Scout Cookie season always seem to arrive at the same time ... for many of us, testing our self control.
That's the Point!

CARTOON of the DAY: The Madness is (almost) Upon Us

The News-Herald - March 6
It's time to get into training to view "March Madness" on TV later this month ... the field of teams is expanded and it could be a long run for viewers (unless, of course, you're a Spartans fan).
That's the Point!

CARTOONS of the DAY: The Best and the Worst

The News-Herald - March 2
The Press & Guide - March 2
Two communities, two opportunities to comment on the worst and the best cases in each. Downriver, in Allen Park, city officials addressed budget problems with layoffs. Unlike other communities, however, Allen Park started with its Fire Department! I offered a look at what might be the next steps. In Dearborn, on the other hand, I was able to celebrate the fact that the Dearborn Chamber of Commerce Foundation is "cooking up" a way for creative entrepreneurs to find commercial success.
That's the Point!


Off the Drawing Board: Earlier this week, my Crain's Detroit Business editorial cartoon took issue with Governor Snyder's proposal to eliminate Michigan's Film Tax Credit. Here's an alternative rough I offered to my editors at CDB. Maybe I was trying to be just a little too "punny" - playing off "gaffe" and "gaffeR" (a gaffer is a lighting technician on a movie set). Nonetheless, I got to highlight the Governor's gaffe in the version that was selected!

CARTOON of the DAY: Lights, Camera, Legislative Action!

Crain's Detroit Business - February 28
At a time when Michigan so desperately needs to diversify its business mix to rebuild its economy and retain its talent, Governor Synder is proposing the elimination of Michigan's Film Tax Credit; which would effectively "Cut!" the growth of this emerging industry. I believe we cannot let this happen ... it's time to tell our legislators to save this new industry, and make Michigan stronger and more diverse!
That's the Point!