OK, 2021 - No Pressure!

Crain's Detroit Business - December 14

After the painful disaster that was 2020, we all have great expectations of the New Year. Better health - including several COVID-19 vaccines, an economic recovery that puts families back on stable financial ground, and a return to some kind of recognizable "normalcy" (whatever that will look like) in how we work and go to school. Let's not set ourselves up for disappointment, OK? This disaster wasn't wrought in a day, or a week, or even a month; so fixing it all will take some time. Let the new kid get his footing before we start railing about what he's NOT getting done.
That's the Point! 

 

Today's Cartoon: 'Connection Refused by Ho-Ho-Host'

The News-Herald, December 6

During this pandemic, almost everything takes place "virtually" online. That makes us all - even Santa - even more dependent on our software. I wonder how the internet connection is at the North Pole?

That's the Point!

 

Cartoon of the Week: Dining Out(side)

Crain's Detroit Business - November 30

The COVID-19 pandemic has redefined "dining out," especially during periods like now, when indoor dining is not an option. Add winter weather, and "dining out" becomes a completely different  experience. Before deciding on appetizers and drinks, you need to decide on how many layers are necessary for comfort.

That's the Point!

Cartoon of the Week: Sick of Personal Freedom?

Crain's Detroit Business - November 16

 I value personal freedom. I really do. But I also value my health, and the health of my family and friends, and the health of my community, and the health of ... well, you get it - I value health. And I think protecting everyone's health during this pandemic doesn't mean a surrender of personal freedom. Wear a mask. Participate in contact tracing if necessary. Abide by the measures in place to keep us all safe and healthy. Let's focus on a common goal: Living through this damned pandemic! Then, when it's over, we can get back to normal - fighting over everything, but doing it without the risk of spreading a potentially deadly virus.
That's the Point!  

The COVID-19 Era - Redefining 'Travel Size'

Crain's Detroit Business - July 27

In this era of COVID-19, the very few places I go, I always carry my 2 oz. bottle of hand sanitizer. Consider the challenge to business travelers today - the personal size containers allowed in carryon luggage are hardly sufficient for a business trip. As we manage our lives through this pandemic, it's time to redefine "travel size!"

That's the Point!

Can't Mask the Truth

Crain's Detroit Business - July 13

Why, as we're knee-deep in a pandemic, has mask wearing become a socio-political issue, instead of a health issue? Arguing will not persuade deniers - I've tried. It just makes them more agitated and - in some cases - boarder line violent. So, I simply offer this (medical science-based) advice: Wear a mask in public to protect yourself and others. When you are confronted with a denier, protect yourself and others by avoiding them, and maybe shopping or dining somewhere else. Remember, survival is our goal. Be safe, be well! #maskup
That's the Point!

Cartoon of the Week: COVID-19 and Our New (Ab)Normal

Crain's Detroit Business, May 18

This is the 24th COVID-19 focused cartoon that I've done since mid-March (combined, for both Crain's Detroit Business and The News-Herald). I've looked at closed schools, closed businesses, economic uncertainty, local health care heroes, work-from-home challenges, and the "new," or "next" normal for our society. All pretty serious. This time, I was able to take a light-hearted look. Not at COVID-19, there's still nothing to smile about in that regard. I celebrated an iconic Detroit springtime event that is NOT being canceled, and has found a way, albeit a different way, to provide us some bit of normalcy in a time that's anything but. Thanks to my CDB editor, Michael Lee, for going along with this. I needed the spiritual lift!
That's the Point!

Off the Drawing Board: An alternative, and also light-hearted take, that I thought of for this week. As colleges and universities across the state consider how to reopen in the fall, I wondered how the COVID-19 factor might change college logo wear designs!

Cartoon of the Day: Hometown Pandemic Heroes

The News-Herald, April 8

This cartoon is traditionally my Wednesday-before-Thanksgiving cartoon, highlighting all the people and things for which I'm thankful over the previous months. Well, these previous weeks FEEL like months, but there's still much for which we can be thankful. People who go above and beyond in all the professions and jobs that sustain us, neighbors who - through kindness and compassion - look after each other and their neighborhoods, and simple things and activities that are often overlooked. While we navigate this unprecedented time in our lives, it's OK - important, really - to celebrate the good around us!
That's the Point!

It's April - No Fooling

The News-Herald, April 1

I think everybody feels like this today. April Fool's Day was always one of my favorite not-a-holiday days of the year. I always enjoyed being a prankster - as a kid, and then later as a parent. Ask my kids about some of the elaborate pranks they suffered on this day growing up. Actually, it's better if you don't.

As we enter a new month of what we know will be 30 days of "Stay Home. Stay Safe." and Social Distancing, I'm trying to look forward to when we've been through the worst of COVID-19 and we can return to just being "Social." Then, we'll be able to catch up on all the celebrations we've missed together. And please forgive me if you're a victim of a harmless prank in mid-August and I shout, "April Fool!"
That's the Point!

Coronavirus and Us

Crain's Detroit Business, March 23

The News-Herald, March 22

The News-Herald, March 25

Cartoons are certainly not an "essential service," but I'm fortunate to be able to continue my work for Crain's Detroit Business and The News-Herald during the crisis we're all living through. The underlying message in the stuff I've done so far, and will do in the weeks to come, is simple - be safe, be well, be kind and care for one another. Policies, bailouts and executive orders notwithstanding - that's what will save us.
That's the Point!

Cartoon of the Week: You Bet!

Crain's Detroit Business, February 10

MLB, for decades, has prohibited team owners from operating a casino business. That's why the Motorcity Casino is owned by Marian Ilitch, but she doesn't have any official ownership stake in the Detroit Tigers. After the May 2018 Supreme Court decision that ended the federal ban on sports betting, and the growth of legal sports betting, MLB is considering a rules change. Will it really matter in Detroit? Will there be thousands of bettors lining up to place money on the Ilitch-owned home team to win?
That's the Point!

Cartoon of the Week: You Gotta' Have Art!

Crain's Detroit Business - January 27

Celebrity endorsements are an important component of fund raising campaigns. As the Detroit Institute of Arts millage renewal vote approaches on March 10, the DIA has recruited its "A Team" to appeal to voters in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb Counties.
That's the Point!

Missing January's 'Car Prom'

Crain's Detroit Business, December 23

With the move of Detroit's North American International Auto Show to June, the Charity Preview is being reimagined, including a more casual component to take place outdoors on the riverfront. Personally, I'm missing the traditional January "Car Prom." It was our chance, in the darkness of Detroit winter, to dress up in formalwear and shine for an evening.
That's the Point!

Off the Drawing Board: I shared these two concepts with my editor and my final cartoon evolved from a little of each. I wish I could have included the secondary punch line, "... trading my parka and hand sanitizer for shades and sunscreen!"