Cartoon of the Day: Roses are Green in '14!

The News-Herald - December 29

The Michigan State University Spartans will be kicking off against the Stanford Cardinal in the Rose Bowl on January 1. My Sunday, December 29 News-Herald editorial cartoon celebrated the trip to Pasadena, where I anticipate that the nation's number-one defense, and an inspired offense will prove that roses are green in 2014. Go Green! Go White!
That's the Point!

CARTOON of the DAY: Merry Christmas to All!

The News-Herald - December 25

It was 116 years ago that Francis Pharcellus Church, editor of The New York Sun newspaper assured eight-year-old Virginia O'Hanlon that there is, indeed, a Santa Claus. This year, I borrowed an excerpt from his 1897 column for my Christmas editorial cartoon in  The News-Herald, to wish my Downriver readers a Merry Christmas.

Off the Drawing Board:  I also drew a version of this cartoon for The Press & Guide, wishing my readers in Dearborn and Dearborn Heights a Merry Christmas.




Merry Christmas to all my readers throughout metro Detroit, and those who read over the Internet outside metro Detroit, may you enjoy and share peace, love and kindness. I hold you all in my heart!
That's the Point!

CARTOON of the DAY: Feeling Better Already!

Crain's Detroit Business - December 9

While some are getting heartburn and headaches over the Affordable Care Act, or "Obamacare," others - like Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan - are finding it a healthful alternative to what came before.
That's the Point!

Off the Drawing Board: This week's final cartoon was very much like the initial thumbnail idea-starter rough (number 1) with only a few dialogue edits and art refinements. Rough number 2 offered a different take on how the ACA affects Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, with a focus on its clients.

CARTOONS of the DAY: What I am Celebrating this Season ...

The News-Herald - November 27

The Press & Guide - November 27

Each Thanksgiving, I celebrate the things for which I'm thankful Downriver and in Dearborn and Dearborn Heights in The News-Herald and The Press & Guide, respectively. Here are my reflections this year ... and I want to add a special "thank you!" to all the writers and editors at both papers - their work is the inspiration for my weekly editorial cartoons.
That's the Point!

CARTOON of the DAY: Shopping Maul

The News-Herald - December 1

Friends who went ventured out shopping over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend reported to me that throughout area malls, the holiday spirit was so thick, you could cut it with a knife. Do you know the difference between a mob and a mass of holiday shoppers? Me neither.
That's the Point!

CARTOON(S) of the DAY: Detroit Lions Fans are 'SOL' on the Monday After

The News-Herald - November 24

Well, Detroit Lions fans are "SOL" today. The "Same Old Lions" showed up at Ford Field on Sunday, November 24 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, despite a completely new roster full of - on paper, anyway - Pro Bowl-caliber players. I inked this cautiously optimistic editorial cartoon for the Sunday News-Herald, but like on so many other Sundays over the decades, I had a helping of disappointment with Sunday dinner.

While mulling my disappointment (and joining friends ranting on Facebook!), I had the feeling I'd been through all this before - really, I mean cartoon topic and everything. I found this in my archive, from The News-Herald in December 2005. I have - WE have - been through all this before!
That's the Point!

The News-Herald - December 2005

CARTOON of the DAY: We Were Him That Day

The News-Herald - November 20

That tragic day in Dallas 50 years ago, we were him. Amid all the confusion, fear, uncertainty and general cultural turmoil in the aftermath of the assassination of his father - John F. Kennedy, our 35th President - we identified with John Jr. He was that little boy with the somewhat distant look in his eyes, as if he was trying to make sense of what was unfolding around him, but nonetheless trying to "be brave," as he was urged to do.

I selected this John F. Kennedy quote to accompany this image in memory of the 50th anniversary of his assassination because it reads like a personal message to all of us who were children when this tragedy struck. Do we get it? Are we living up to it?
That's the Point!

CARTOON of the DAY: Let the Holiday (Firearm Deer) Season Begin!

The News-Herald - November 17, 2010

A favorite of mine, from my cartoon storage vault ...
In Michigan, Firearm Deer Season is truly a holiday. Not just in time off work, but in the planning, the list-making, the travel, the spending and the festivities of annual deer camps throughout the state. So, if you see hunters dressed in their field orange, wish 'em a happy season, because for them, post-season depression sets in just about the time you're wrapping your Christmas presents!
That's the Point!

CARTOON of the DAY: Halloween Hangover?

The Press & Guide - October 30

The News-Herald - October 30

This is the time of year when the seasons blur ... Halloween into Thanksgiving, into Christmas and New Year's and, of course, the scary stuff continues next week as we - finally - bring to a close another Election Season!
That's the Point!

CARTOON of the DAY: No Debate On This!

Crain's Detroit Business - October 28

The final Detroit mayoral campaign debate is over and the two candidates - despite all their differences - have found one patch of common ground! Who says Kevyn Orr is divisive? Over the course of this campaign, he's proven to be quite a unifier.
That's the Point!

Off the Drawing Board: A couple of other takes under consideration for this week's Crain's Detroit Business editorial cartoon. In version two, I was going for a "Motor City" theme, with Duggan and Napoleon as mechanics vying to repair the city.

CARTOON of the DAY: This Can't be Healthy

Crain's Detroit Business - October 14

No matter which side of the ObamaCare debate you're on, the technology (that's supposed to be) enabling the program is creating plenty of headaches and pains-in-the-neck (and elsewhere); and that's not healthy for anybody!
That's the Point!

Off the Drawing Board: One of my other concepts this week focused on the plight of Belle Isle. Everybody has an idea about how to save this "jewel of the city," but while the debate goes on, the island park falls further into neglect. My take was a twist on the "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" TV classic, with the abandoned toys on the Island of Unwanted Toys realizing their fate could have been worse!

CARTOONS of the DAY: Detroit is 'Tiger Town'

The News-Herald - October 2

The Press & Guide - October 2

Detroit - at heart - was, is, always will be "Tiger Town" first. With the Tigers in the ALDS v. Oakland, signs of "playoff fever" are everywhere, including in two of my cartoons this week - one for The News-Herald, the other for The Press & Guide. Part of the magic, I believe, of a major league baseball playoff run is the virtual extension of summer. Even if we have to bundle up against autumn winds for the late games, our Tigers - our "boys of summer" - still warm our hearts!
That's the Point!

CARTOON of the DAY: Seasonal Stars!

The News-Herald - September 15

Apple cider, fresh-picked apples, apple spice doughnuts, cinnamon applesauce, caramel apples, candied apples, apple pancakes ... no question that, around here, apples are the autumn stars. Savor the season, my friends; winter's on its way!
That's the Point!

CARTOONS of the DAY: Seasonal Woes

The News-Herald - September 4

The Press & Guide - September 4

It's that time of year when certain seasonal woes just get us down. "Back to School" is a phrase that prompts sighs and frowns from just about anyone who's enjoyed a summer-long vacation. And "construction season," well that's pretty much year 'round here in southeast Michigan, isn't it?
That's the Point!

CARTOONS of the DAY: Celebrating Labor

The News-Herald

The Press & Guide

My Dad and my Uncle Bill were labor union guys. They were auto workers when factory workers faced the most hazardous conditions, had to conform to unreasonable "work rules," and did it all at a rate of pay that barely kept their families fed. They were a part of the early days of the UAW organizing. Their names, and the names of thousands of others like them who said "no" to the unfair demands of bosses and foremen and "yes" to union representation, are not recorded in archives or history texts; but the actions of their generation set in motion a movement that recognized the dignity of labor, and the right of laborers to participate in the American Dream.

I'm the proud holder of three union withdrawal cards - Retail Clerks International, the UAW, and The Newspaper Guild - and I'm proud to say "thank you" to the generations that came before us. And to the generations that follow - remember that those principles are now yours to uphold and protect. Happy Labor Day everyone!
That's the Point!

CARTOON of the DAY: Election or Spelling Bee?

Crain's Detroit Business - August 12

Detroit's mayoral primary election included a number of historic moments, but none as impressive as a write-in candidate finishing first - ahead of the current Wayne County Sheriff! Mike Duggan spent most of the primary election campaign teaching voters to spell his name correctly. Now, it's time to retool his campaign approach from spelling bee to civics lesson.
That's the Point!

Off the Drawing Board: This cartoon idea was the obvious one, as it was running immediately after the Detroit primary. The dialogue, however, took a fair amount of collaboration with my Crain's Detroit Business editor, Jennette Smith. We ended up with a simplified punch line that didn't compromise the gag (actually, I think it made it better). Thanks, Jennette!

CARTOON of the DAY: Vote Like Your (Community's) Life Depends on It!

The News-Herald - July 31

I penned this cartoon for The News-Herald, and all my readers Downriver, but the message is the same for every community - in Tuesday's primary election, vote like the life of your community depends on it, because it DOES!
That's the Point!

CARTOONS of the DAY: Celebrating Downriver

The News-Herald - July 14

The News-Herald - July 17

I grew up Downriver (a long time ago, back when it was down river - two words, lower case), but in my heart it remains my "hometown" and it's even more vibrant and exciting now than it was when I was getting around on my Evans Viscount. (... with chrome fenders!) In these two cartoons I had the chance to celebrate a couple of iconic Downriver summer events - last week's Wyandotte Street Art Fair (with some truly world class work), and the upcoming Roar on the River. If you're looking for summertime fun, you don't need to look any further than your own back yard!
That's the Point!

CARTOON of the DAY: 'Hey, Mac, Is That You?!'

Crain's Detroit Business - July 8

The new Microsoft Store at The Somerset Collection in Troy drew a lot of attention at its grand opening last week - celebrities, VIPs and scores of PC fans lined up outside to get the first look at this first-of-its-kind store in Michigan. My editors at Crain's Detroit Business let me get a little crazy this week and speculate, "What if one of those VIPs was incognito ...?"
That's the Point!

Off the Drawing Board: My original concept for this week's cartoon had a little different setting, and a more confrontational punch line. With input from Managing Editor Jennette Smith, we evolved the setting to the VIP check-in table, and rewrote the punchline to play directly to the incognito "VIP."

My second concept for this week focused on Mike Duggan's write-in campaign for Detroit Mayor. This idea, and variations, will stay in the idea hopper - still plenty of time before the primary election for this topic!

CARTOON of the DAY: Post-Holiday Depression

The News-Herald - July 7

I love summer and I want it to last, but so many people - from local radio announcers, to the lawn and garden department manager at my local hardware - keep reminding me that summer is half over! That's depressing ... don't tell me, OK? Besides, it's not about the calendar, it's a state of mind and I'd rather pay attention to the Beach Boys, "... we'll be havin' fun all summer long!"
That's the Point!

CARTOON of the DAY: Let's Go Cruisin' Now ...

The News-Herald - June 26

This one's for all my readers and friends who will be Cruisin' Downriver today! Thousands of classic cars, bumper-to-bumper at times, cruising along Fort St. We had a different term for those cars back in late ‘50s and early ‘60s, when I was growing up down river (two words, lower case decades ago) … they were called “traffic.” Today, when they gather, it’s more than just a celebration of “Detroit Iron,” it’s a celebration of a past era, and the people we all were back then. Have fun, be safe!

Today's News-Herald cartoon pays tribute to two special people - illustrator/cartoonist Ed Roth, creator of the "Rat Fink." I never met Ed, but I honed my cartooning skills copying his work. The other is my dear friend (from St. Cyprian School days), Kurt Andrews. Kurt and I sat side-by-side for hours with our colored pencils, drawing cars - real and imaginary - mostly Funny Cars and dragsters, though. I never achieved the level of technical skill that Kurt had, but that never stopped me. 
That's the Point!

CARTOON of the DAY: 'Dig' This Mash-Up

Crain's Detroit Business - June 24

Whenever the FBI digs up the latest Hoffa rumors, nothing ever turns up. However, whenever Kevyn Orr digs through Detroit's finances, it seems like another "body" always turns up. Thanks to my Crain's editor, Jennette Smith, for allowing me to go with this news mash-up for this week's Crain's Detroit Business editorial cartoon!
That's the Point!

CARTOONS of the DAY: Dad's Day!

The News-Herald - June 16

The Press & Guide - June 12

Father's Day is a day to honor dads, of course, but it's also a day that dads reflect on their roles as a parent. (... don't tell anybody, but dads can be reflective!) I've reflected on the lessons I learned from my own dad - Joseph John Saad, and I hope that my kids learn from what I do right with them, and forgive all my shortcomings; so that - when this best-ever job is done - they reflect, "he did a pretty good job."
That's the Point!

CARTOONS of the DAY: Cartoonists Just Wanna' Have Fun, Justa' Wanna' ... Justa' Wanna' ...

The News-Herald - June 2

The News-Herald - June 5

Sometimes, you just gotta' have fun with some cartoon topics. Maybe even edge toward silly. Lord knows there's are plenty of scandal, political intrigue and social injustice from D.C. to City Hall; and plenty of time to take pen in hand and give 'em a good scolding. For the last couple of days, I just felt like making readers smile. I hope they did!
That's the Point!

CARTOON of the DAY: Dating Game Gone Wrong

Crain's Detroit Business - June 3

After a courtship that rivals any TV relationship reality show for duration and drama, Henry Ford Hospital and Beaumont Hospital won't be joining after all. Cancel the shower, return the gifts.
That's the Point!

CARTOONS of the DAY: Memorial Day Tributes

The Press & Guide

The News-Herald

Memorial Day 2013 - Tributes to the service men and women, and veterans, in Dearborn, Dearborn Heights and throughout Downriver in The Press & Guide and The News-Herald. The sentiment is applicable to everyone, everywhere, who sacrificed to secure our freedom and liberty.
That's the Point!

CARTOON of the WEEK: Career Change?

Crain's Detroit Business - May 20

Detroit Mayor Dave Bing made news when he announced that he would not seek reelection to the top post in the economically challenged city, but he made even more news when he immediately added that he was exploring the possibility of running for the post of Wayne County Executive - currently held by (somewhat) embattled Robert Ficano. Does the idiom "Out of the frying pan into the fire" sound familiar?
That's the Point!

Off the Drawing Board: This week, there were two major news stories to consider for my Crain's Detroit Business editorial cartoon - Mayor Bing's announcement and the 45-day report on the City of Detroit issued by Emergency Manager Kevin Orr. Here are a couple of ideas that my editors and I considered on that topic:

CARTOON of the DAY: Saluting All Those Who Serve and Protect

The News-Herald - May 15

This week is National Police Week, when we pay tribute to - and thank - all the law enforcement officers who tirelessly keep our communities, and our families, safe. Additionally, Wednesday, May 15 was National Peace Officers Memorial Day; when we remember those heroes in our midst who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our safety. This tribute ran in The News-Herald, and saluted, in particular, Downriver law enforcement officers; however, the sentiment extends to all law enforcement officers who serve and protect each and every day - thank you, and God be with you.
That's the Point!

CARTOON of the DAY: Just for Mom!

The News-Herald - May 12

Today is mom's day ... she's our caregiver, our first teacher, our mentor, and the glue that holds our families together day-to-day. Tell her she's appreciated ... do something special for her today, even if it's simply giving her a little peace and quiet.
That's the Point!

CARTOON of the DAY: Weather or Not - Spring Forecasts are On the Way!

The Press & Guide - May 1

When we were kids, you knew it was raining when you heard raindrops on the roof, or - if you were outside - when you got wet. You knew it was getting windy and stormy when the wind blew and you saw lightening and heard thunder. How did we ever survive with only Sonny Eliot's funny weather forecasts? As the TV forecasters shift from their "Winter Storm Watches" to "Spring Storm Watches" and promise to keep us safe, my advice is just carry an umbrella and enjoy the surprises spring weather has in store for us.
That's the Point!

CARTOONS of the DAY: Rough Cuts Part 1

For every editorial cartoon that's published, I do at least one (often more, with refinements and edits) pencil "rough." However, I do a lot of roughs for consideration by my editors that never get the go-ahead to completion - they're cut at that first stage. Today and tomorrow I'll share some of my favorite "rough cuts" (ideas that never made it to publication) from the past couple of weeks. Over the past 25 years, I figure I've completed more than 12,000 editorial cartoons ... I'm afraid to calculate how many roughs have been done - and cut - in those 25 years!
That's the Point!

CARTOON of the DAY: Big (Retail) Bang!

Crain's Detroit Business - April 1

As I have Sheldon saying in this week's Crain's Detroit Business editorial cartoon - we can count on Dan Gilbert to shed light in the darkness. A vibrant retail district downtown is particularly exciting to me and members of my generation. I grew up "hanging out" at Hudson's (there weren't any malls yet), devouring "Big Sandy" burgers at the downtown Sander's lunch counter (then enjoying a cream puff hot fudge for dessert), and riding the wooden escalator at Crowley's. I'm not fondly wishing for a "return" of anything - just cheering for what's to come.
That's the Point!