CARTOON of the DAY: Stocking Stuffer!

Crain's Detroit Business - December 24

Peter Karmanos got an unexpected "stocking stuffer" this holiday season, as I highlighted in this week's Crain's Detroit Business digital edition. I want to wish all my colleagues at Crain's Detroit Business a Merry Christmas and happiness in the New Year ... and I want to thank all the readers of Crain's Detroit Business for generously allowing my cartoon comments into their offices for another year. I'm looking forward to a wonderful 2013. Happy New Year!
That's the Point!

Off the Drawing Board: Here are a couple of alternative, seasonally-themed editorial cartoon ideas that I proposed to my editor at Crain's Detroit Business for the December 24 edition. My personal favorite? Baby New Year 2013!
- Dan Saad

CARTOONS of the DAY: Santa's Rounds!

The News-Herald - Christmas 2012

The Press & Guide - Christmas 2012

Santa spread his cheer throughout Downriver, Dearborn and Dearborn Heights ... I'd like to add a little of my own. Merry Christmas to all my readers and friends who allow my News-Herald and Press & Guide cartoons into their homes every week! My best wishes to you and your families for health and happiness.
That's the Point!

CARTOON of the DAY: Santa's Calendar

The News-Herald - December 16

We think OUR schedules are busy this time of year? Imagine you're Santa - not only do you have to focus on getting ready for the "big night," when you have to make a 'round the world trip in just under 12 hours, but you also have to make time for every local tree lighting ceremony and community Christmas event. Now that, kiddies, is a real bit of "holiday magic!"
That's the Point!

CARTOON of the DAY: Post-Season Depression

The News-Herald - December 2

Here in Michigan, there's a season that thousands of people are just as passionate about as the Holiday Season ... Deer Season! To all those lamenting the November 30 close of Firearm Deer Season, remember - skunks, ground squirrels and feral swine can be hunted year-round with a valid hunting license!
That's the Point!

CARTOON of the DAY: Shop Til You Drop?

The News-Herald - November 25

The only shopping trips I made over the Thanksgiving weekend - including "Black Friday" were to the local drug store and the local hardware; and at both spots, it was just me and the salespeople! Today's cartoon is a tribute to all those who risked their well-being and their wallets over the weekend (including my wife and daughters), bravely stimulating the economy!
That's the Point!

Giving Thanks for All This and More!

The Dearborn Press & Guide - November 21

The News-Herald - November 21

Every Thanksgiving, I get to count my blessings visually and celebrate all the people and topics that have inspired my News-Herald and Press & Guide editorial cartoons throughout the year. This year was especially rich and exciting, as our communities begin to bounce back and grow. Thank you to all my editors, the staff writers who work so hard covering our communities, and my readers - you're the ones we do it all for ... God bless us all this holiday season!
That's the Point!

CARtoon of the DAY: Tax Break MPG

The Dearborn Press &Guide - November 14

Not all of the auto industry recovery is "fueled" by federal help. Local communities and governments do their share to support the remaking of the industry as well. Last week, the Dearborn City Council helped the Ford Dearborn Stamping Plant with an MPG (miles per growth!) boost, in the form of a tax exemption on a plant expansion project.
That's the Point!

CARTOON of the DAY: Veterans Honor, Respect

The News-Herald - November 11

Today, we formally and officially honor all the men and women who have served in our military throughout the generations, to selflessly protect our way of life. Honor them with your thoughts, prayers and personal thanks - today and every day. Also, honor them by being good stewards of the way of life that they have protected and preserved. Be vigilant citizens ... vote, participate in government at every level, take care of your community and your neighbors - contribute to build a better society. They've done their part, and generations of future veterans will do the same. Let's do our part as well.
That's the Point!

CARTOONS of the DAY: Assessing the (Post-Election) Damage

The News-Herald - November 7

The Press & Guide - November 7

It's time to assess the post-election damage. Not to our country, state or local communities; heck - our country has survived White House scandals, a presidential resignation and Congressional investigations, and is still (IMHO) the best place in the world to live. Our state and local communities have survived upset elections, bitter tax disputes and recalls, but we still call them home and that's where we raise our kids.

I'm concerned about the inter-personal post-election damage ... the friends whose friendships couldn't survive a partisan election race, the members of opposite political parties (or special interest camps) who forget - or ignore - the fact that after the votes are counted, we're all still Americans, Michiganians and fellow residents of our local communities who have the same collective best interests in the place we live.

So, today, shake off the "post-election let-down," get past that feeling of "Deja Vote," and celebrate our political system, our country ... and everything we have in common!
That's the Point!

CARTOON of the DAY: Vote Like Your (Way of) Life Depends on It!

The News-Herald - November 4

Tuesday, November 6 is Election Day - learn about the candidates and the issues, make an informed choice and VOTE! Our way of life depends on it.
That's the Point!

CARTOONS of the NIGHT: Trick or Treat?!

The Press & Guide - October 31

The News-Herald - October 31

When Halloween coincides with a hotly contested election - especially in a Presidential Election year - it adds a who new scary dimension! And, in many ways, Halloween just isn't what it used to be. These cartoons celebrate all the craziness - Happy Halloween, everyone!
That's the Point!

CARTOON of the DAY: Tails (Not) Optional

The Press & Guide - October 24

Sometimes, with an editorial cartoon, it's just fun to be positive and support an important organization like the Dearborn Animal Shelter. (... and still reach for a cheap gag!)
That's the Point!

CARTOON of the DAY: Go Get 'em Tigers!

The News-Herald - October 17

Twice before in my career (1984 and 2006), I've had the opportunity to indulge my love of Baseball (and my Tigers) by weaving a World Series theme into my editorial cartoons. This time, I didn't even try "weaving!" Go Tigers! Beat the Giants (in five, because - selfishly - I'd like three home games)!
That's the Point!

CARTOON of the DAY: Change of Seasons?!

The News-Herald - October 21

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, everywhere I go (no, it's not a seasonal song lyric) ... the local drug store, the hardware store, heck - even my local warehouse club are decked for Christmas, while the Halloween items and candy are still on the shelves! Whatever happened to the change of seasons, and when did the start of the "Holiday Season" move to mid-October?!
That's the Point!

CARTOONS of the DAY: Play (More) Ball!

The News-Herald - October 10

The Press & Guide - October 10

Bring on the Yankees or the Orioles ... there's baseball in Detroit in mid-October!!!
That's the Point!

CARTOON of the DAY: Take My Job ... Please!

Crain's Detroit Business - October 8

When Mike Duggan announced his intent to explore a run for Mayor of the City of Detroit next year, I reflected on all the challenges facing the city, and thought "... who would WANT that job?!" I'm sure Mayor Bing has asked himself that very question - more than once!
That's the Point!

CARTOON of the DAY: Sports Injury

The News-Herald - September 16

So, you think the guys who lace it up and tape it up, and collide between the lines of the gridiron every week are the ONLY ones who face debilitating injury? Well, think again, pal ... there's plenty of danger to those who sacrifice their bodies on couches and recliners throughout America between now and February 2013! That's the Point!

CARTOON of the DAY: Constitutionally Speaking

Crain's Detroit Business - September 3

Every 16 years, the citizens of Michigan have the opportunity to hold a Constitutional Convention to review and update (if necessary) our state's foundational document - in accordance with the State Constitution itself. Two years ago, voters opted not to hold a Constitutional Convention, but here we are 24 months later, with four ballot proposals aimed at doing what? Amending the State Constitution! Without judging the validity of the individual proposals, it seems to me that if the State Constitution needs that much tweaking, let's hold a Constitutional Convention and bring the whole darn thing into the 21st Century.
That's the Point!

Off the Drawing Board: My roughs to my Crain's Detroit Business editor for September 3 focused on aspects of the upcoming election. As you can see, the rough we developed for this week's edition started a little differently. For the final, I thought it had more impact to show four "ballot proposal" characters (almost implying that the State Constitution is out numbered); but I switched the dialogue to the State Constitution character, to give it a stronger (somewhat defiant) tone to its challengers.

- DS

CARTOONS of the DAY: Labor-ing Through the Last Holiday of Summer

The Press & Guide - August 29

The News-Herald - September 2

If you're like me, Labor Day weekend is a tumultuous mix of emotions - desperately trying to wring the last fun (and relaxation) out of summer, while realizing that the long weekend is our best chance to get a head start on fall chores that will begin piling up sooner than we care to think. Oh well ... fire up the grill and the power washer - it's gonna' be a short long weekend!
That's the Point!

CARTOON of the DAY: Tranquility Base

The News-Herald - August 29

They traveled to the Moon in make-shift rocket ships constructed of discarded appliance cartons and equipped with old bike parts and transistor walkie-talkies. The Moonscape looked very much like the backyard of 18022 Hinton (my boyhood home in Riverview). They were us - the Downriver boys of the 1960s, inspired by Neil Armstrong and all the members of the NASA Astronaut Corps.

We never made it to the Moon. Heck, we never made it into space. But we made it - in various vocations and avocations - successful because real American heroes like Neil Armstrong made us believe that we could accomplish great things. We'll miss Neil Armstrong, and all his fellow Astronauts as they age and pass. But we have the ability to pass along the self-confidence and inspiration that they gave our generation to the next one.

There's a full Moon on Friday night. I encourage all the aging Downriver boys of the 60s to take their kids and grandkids out to look at it. And tell them about Neil Armstrong, and all the Americans who reached and walked upon the Moon, and convince them that they too can reach for the stars.
That's the Point!

CARTOON of the DAY: Back to Sch ... NO!!!

The News-Herald - August 8

Where are all the happy, dancing kids I see in the Back-to-School TV and Internet advertisements who are so excited about their new clothes, shoes and school supplies? Not at my house, that's for sure!
That's the Point!

CARTOON of the DAY: Paying (and Paying) to Park

Crain's Detroit Business - August 6

Detroit has returned to being a wonderful destination for dinner and entertainment of all sorts. Just be prepared to have the cost of your outing significantly increase if need to park. If only we had that regional light rail - many of us could leave our cars home, and that transportation option would drive down the cost of parking for those who still choose to motor into the Motor City!
That's the Point!

CARTOON of the DAY: Serious About a World Series Option

The News-Herald - August 12

Two losses in Texas over the weekend and a two game lead for the White Sox over our Tigers in the division means we Tiger fans may have to make alternate post-season plans. Maybe Downriver?
That's the Point!

CARTOON of the DAY: Primary Concern

The News-Herald - August 5

I have a primary concern ... it's about the August Primary Election. I've heard many neighbors and friends (too many!) say, "... it's just a primary," or "I'm waiting for November ..." There's no such thing as "just" a primary; and voters who wait until November already have their choices limited by those (few) who voted in August. This August 7, get out and vote in the Primary - it's your right and, more importantly, it's your responsibility!
That's the Point!

CARTOON of the DAY: Summer 'Safety'

The News-Herald

I wasn't really making fun of efforts like those listed in this cartoon for The News-Herald. As a parent of three, I understand the importance of keeping all our kids safe. That said, as a Baby Boomer who never wore a bike helmet (despite more than a few daredevil rides Downriver!), and went through the annual burn-then-tan cycle every summer - I kind have to ask myself (and all of you) ... "How did we survive to adulthood?!"
That's the Point!

CARTOON of the DAY: Health Care Makes Me Feel a Little Sick

Crain's Detroit Business - July 9

Metro Detroit employers are probably feeling a little ill over the upcoming deadlines associated with health care reform. It's probably just a touch of the 24-month bureaucratic flu that's going around.
That's the Point!

Off the Drawing Board: An alternative idea that I had for this topic, that I shared with the Crain's editorial team was in the form of a tribute to one of the greats - Charles Schulz, and borrowed his "Peanuts" characters for the gag.

CARTOONS of the DAY: Wow ... Independence is a Lot of Work

The News-Herald - July 4

The Press & Guide - July 4

July 4 ... Independence Day - we celebrate it with parades, fly-overs, fireworks, backyard parties and sometimes a beer or two. But what are we really celebrating? The usual, well-intended answers are "freedom" or "patriotism" and often "the sacrifices made by those who've kept us free." Well, none of those answers are wrong, but I would argue that what we are celebrating is the vision of a few men who drafted a blueprint for a democratic republic (the finest the world has ever had!) and set about making it work. And that work is ongoing - today, it's ours. So celebrate, be thankful and have fun as you mark Independence Day, but don't think the work is done - each generation must make its own contribution to secure the future of this great nation.
That's the Point!

CARTOON of the DAY: Cruisin' Afterglow

The News-Herald - June 27

*sigh* I was out of town (on business) for this year's annual Cruisin' Downriver; but I inked this pre-Cruise comment before I left for last Wednesday's edition of The News-Herald. I'm sure that today, there's plenty of Cruisin' afterglow Downriver.
That's the Point!

CARTOON of the DAY: Pushmepullyou Politics

Crain's Detroit Business - June 25

A charming character and concept for a children's story, certainly. The way to solve the many problems facing the City of Detroit? I think not. How about a completely different character concept - Allpullinginthesamedirection?
That's the Point!

CARTOON of the DAY: School Daze

The News-Herald - June 3

The News-Herald - June 13

Summers here, but the lessons continue for kids, even though school is out. Some, of course, more serious than others. To all the kids - enjoy your summer and make the most of it. To all the parents - take time to enjoy the summer yourselves ... the time you spend with the kids will make memories to last a lifetime.
That's the Point!

Off the Drawing Board: To all my readers Downriver, in Dearborn, Dearborn Heights, throughout the metro Detroit area and worldwide on the Internet - I'll be away from the drawing board for a couple of weeks on an international trip. I promise to be back by July 1 with a sharp pencil - if not a sharp wit! My best to you all!

CARTOONS of the DAY: To Dad(s) With Love

The Press & Guide - June 13

The News-Herald - June 17

My daughters treated me to my annual Father's Day trip to Greenfield Village for the Motor Muster. For hours they pretend to be interested in classic cars and they pretend to find my "When I was a kid ..." stories fascinating. What better gift could a dad get? I wish all the dads in my reader audience a Happy Father's Day!
That's the Point!

CARTOON of the DAY: Weather Or Not ...

The News-Herald - May 9

No matter the season, our local weather forecasters have a gift for turning routine seasonal weather into the storm-flood-blizzard-of-the-century (depending upon the time of year) ... day after day, week after week. The summer forecasts on the way - weather or not you're ready!
That's the Point!

CARTOON of the DAY: Shame on You, Whoever You Are!

Crain's Detroit Business - May 28

Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano has had his struggles with issues within his administration and there have been calls for an investigation of him, and even some suggestions that he resign. Amid all this, the Wayne County Commission recently took the courageous step of censure - uh, but without actually naming the County Executive who is the target of the censure! Maybe questionable leadership isn't limited to the Executive's office?
That's the Point!

Off the Drawing Board: In addition to the idea above, I offered this take on the situation in Wayne County to my editors at Crain's Detroit Business - including a mention of everyone's favorite former Detroit Mayor! Additionally, I offered an idea tying together the Detroit Consent Agreement and the recently revised Michigan fireworks law.

CARTOONS of the DAY: Their Last Full Measure

The Press & Guide - May 23

The News-Herald - May 27

Memorial Day 2012 ... today, amid your barbeques, ball games, cottage visits, and even spring yard chores, stop and remember - and say a prayer for - those who gave "... their last full measure of devotion" to their country; so that we can live in the security and safety we enjoy. Their sacrifices are the payment for our freedom.
That's the Point!

CARTOON of the DAY: Spring (Sports) Fever!

The News-Herald - May 20

While "March Madness" is an undeniable cultural phenomenon, but there's really nothing like "Spring Fever" when it comes to Downriver high school sports playoffs, is there? Baseball, softball, soccer, golf, lacrosse, tennis, track and field ... all the championships decided within a feverish few weeks. Nobody's immune, gotta' just let it run it's course!
That's the Point!

CARTOONS of the DAY: History and Historic

The News-Herald - May 16

The Press & Guide - May 16

I was a History co-major in college (Wayne State University), and history has remained a life-long interest of mine. This week, I had the opportunity to celebrate local history in both The News-Herald and The Press & Guide with the opening of the Gibraltar Historical Museum Downriver, and the celebration of of 50 historic years for the Islamic Center of America in Dearborn. Best wishes to both communities - let's keep making history!
That's the Point!