Back to Normal - Whatever That Is!

 

The News-Herald - January 2, 2022

Monday, January 3, after celebrating the holiday season, we all resume our normal lives - whatever that is. We're starting another year under the cloud of COVID-19, with a new variant (omicron) as a bonus. Whatever "normal" you're returning to, add a little courtesy, caring and understanding as your deal with other people - this new normal is still stressful on all of us.

That's the Point!

A (Cautiously) Happy New Year to All!

 

The News-Herald - December 29, 2021

As we welcome another New Year, along with a new - and apparently more contagious - COVID-19 variant (Omicron), we must approach 2022 with both hope and caution. Happy New Year everyone - let's make it a healthy one!

That's the Point!

The Groundhog is Afraid of More than His Shadow

The News-Herald, January 31

 It's 2021 and the Groundhog reminds us there's more to be concerned about than six more weeks of winter weather. I did this for my Downriver readers, but it's true everywhere. Can't get the COVID-19 vaccine? Stay in your burrow as much as you can!

That's the Point!

Something to Look Forward To

The News-Herald, January 17

Usually, in these grey days of January, we lift our spirits by looking forward to spring. But this year, instead of counting down to March 20, many of us are counting the days until we can get some information about receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. If all our levels of government can get distribution sorted out, come spring we'll all be able to - literally - breathe easier!

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!  

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!