Jim's MONTHLY MUSES

'tis the reason . . . 'tis the Season,

noreply@blogger.com (JimVtoons) — Thu, 05 Dec 2013 20:19:00 +0000

GOT RABBIT?

noreply@blogger.com (JimVtoons) — Sat, 24 Aug 2013 15:36:00 +0000

GOT RABBIT?

Remember the “Got Milk?” advertisements

of few years ago?

Now, I'm one of the many imitators;

coaxing folks to “Get Rabbit!”

A Rabbit Under the Hat, if you haven't heard, is a fun book about Magic ! And,

after ten years in the making, It's here!--

Though no secrets are revealed . . . it's no secret that the fun is here.A Rabbit Under the Hat is comprised of 145 pages consisting of more than 105 cartoons. Comments and observations by Ellen and Jim are sprinkled throughout the book; they add to what you might like to know about the ancient art of prestidigitation and legerdemain.

How did the Rabbit book come to be?

Well, for almost ten years, Ellen Friedman (Scientist/Writer) and Jim Whiting (Cartoonist/Magician) produced a “magitoon” monthly for San Diego's magic club newsletter, MagiCurrents. (Ring 76 of the International Brotherhood of Magicians) It was suggested: Gather a bunch of Jim's dexterous drawings, combine them with Ellen's pawky prose, insert everything into a canvas bag. A minute later, open the bag. Abracapresto! A book will magically appear. Something like that.

============================

Response by readers has been very gratifying . . . via email, snail mail and person to person. It's a perfect gift for any magician of course, but other folks seem to enjoy A Rabbit Under the Hat just as much. And even though it's not a children's book, there is no reason why kids won't get a kick out of it

Available NOW on

AMAZON.COM

(Last time I checked, Amazon had marked the price down from $11 to $9-something.)

******************************************************

Think Halloween gift time! Christmas, Hannakkah, Birthday . . . or just be kind to yourself and buy a bunch of the bunny book of the year: A Rabbit Under the Hat!

REMEMBER

Available NOW on

AMAZON.COM

and soon, at selected stores and Magic Shops

Another THANK YOU!

I hope you'll look in on Jim's Muses again next month.

WARM REGARDS . . . today we don't need them.

noreply@blogger.com (JimVtoons) — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 19:54:00 +0000

Family and Friends have kept us informed the past few days—weeks even---about the uncomfortable temperatures they've been subjected to. We can relate. Hot and Humid are not what can be called hospitable companions in a non-air conditioned auditorium. We remember a few such circumstances years ago. High school graduations, indoor band concerts summer theater. Makes one uncomfortable just to think about it.

So, the other night while watching TV—ubiquitous drawing board on m my lap---I began to scribble Santas. “That's cool,” I thought.

c In a compassionate mood for the aforementioned Family and Friends, I I decided to send out cold climate Karma These quick pencil sketches ststarted me in the right direction.

Naturally, thoughts of soothing snowflakes began to emerge; I hastened to the archives to retrieve some humor centered on the lovely little symbols of winter.

A cool drink always helps alleviate that oppressive heat.

It's quite a stretch, but on

the other side of the world water is also a hot topic.

Full circle--- back to Santa. I can't contrive a reason for using him in this blog; only to say that I like the drawing, done on my digital tablet some years ago and it never saw the light of day until this warm one.

Stay cool, friends.

'til soon,

Jim

Queen of the Quilts

noreply@blogger.com (JimVtoons) — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 00:12:00 +0000

I can't remember when my best friend and incidentally my wife didn't frequently have a needle in her hand. Or a crochet hook . . . or some implement with which to mend, fix, alter or create something of beauty out of scraps of fabric.

To me, and countless members of our family, as well as a few fortunate friends who have been warmed by her talent and generosity, Bernita is the Queen of Quilts.

If she had ever made a quilt before we moved from Watkins Glen, NY to CA in 1984, I am unaware of the fact. It seems, however, that once Solana Beach began to feel like home, Bernita kicked the sewing machine, scissors, thimble and needle into high gear. The results of her efforts we share with you here.

**********************

Beginning in 1987 I started to photo-document the fairly steady production of more than two dozen quilts, ranging from cute to quaint to crazy. Some quilts consumed but a few weeks. Others required more than a few months. However much time, it was comforting (pun intended) that I always knew where I might find my Queen.

>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<

With no more words than necessary, let's queue up for a quota of quilts.

Looks like it could be something

Did you know there are "stand-up quilters?" No joke.

Ole rockin' chair's got her.

Stringing along

Getting a little crazy here.

No, this isn't quilt wallpaper. Just an easier way to do some planning.

And here's the final result . . . almost.

Looks like Bernita has the blues.

Now the blues . . . they've got Bernita

Little quilts for little people

Granddaughter Herron relaxes on a Grandma Bert Quilt.

Bernita has stopped making quilts. Now she's into all things interesting on her iPad, including all out Scrabble battles with family, near and far.

'Til next time---and it won't be so long in coming!

Jim

noreply@blogger.com (JimVtoons) — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 20:57:00 +0000

noreply@blogger.com (JimVtoons) — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 20:56:00 +0000

BOOK BITS

noreply@blogger.com (JimVtoons) — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 20:56:00 +0000

HOW COME, you may ask . . . why so

long since the last Jim's Muses?

Or you might not have noticed at all. In any case, the reason (term it “excuse” if you like) is, I've been working . . . happily, with a couple of authors and a publisher.

As a result of of these elated labors you are invited to enjoy either hard copy or e-Book, an eclectic selection of material to which I had much fun contributing.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Available on amazon.com are both That Does Not Compute and That Does Not Compute Too! Gag cartoons---ideas hatched from the fertile brain of Jack Dunning, publisher of the popular on-line ComputorEdge. (sic)

Jack started that magazine in 1984. Its title then was The Byte Buyer. I've drawn his ideas for cartoons ever since the print version ceased. Jack now lives in Oregon.

You can get free Kindle software for any device, tablet or computer:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&docId=1000493771&link Code=ur2&tag=comput0b9-20

=========================

The Ten Commandments forTravelers is another of several books penned by San Diego resident Nancy Chappie.

She is certainly in her element; having traveled in more than 120 countries, her expertise in the field makes her a welcome guest on radio and TV. If you want to make the most of any trip, read Nancy's book to find tips for a hassle-free experience. I was elated when Nancy asked me to do the cover for her great little guide book. You might want to check her web page, Chappieconsulting.com

Have you noticed the extra large type, especially for folks like me who do not like putting our mugs to the monitor in order to read the message?

Jane Simon, a psychiatrist of New York City found me on the Internet almost a year ago and it was my pleasure to illustrate The Cabala of the Animals, a most unusual tretise about people and animals (pets, in particular) and how they relate one to another. Jane's fascination with animal psychology is contagious. Mostly drawings, with spot-on observations by the author. We are currently working on a second book: Paradoxes. Stay tooned

How to Prevent Falls: Better Balance, Independence and More Energy in 6 Simple Steps

There you have it. Betty Perkins-Carpenter, Ph.D., former Olympic diving coach, a member of the prestigious Healthy American Fitness Leaders, and author of two best-selling books, asked me to illustrate this great guide which is a life saver for seniors . . . and everyone. More than a hundred drawings make it easy to do what you can do!

NOW, reccommendations for two books I'm currently enjoying; the creator of each is a cartoonist---in my opinion top notch in his particular field.

Award winning sports cartoonist Murray Olderman never fails to hold your attention in any arena; this time football fans will rejoice as the true Al Davis is revealed. It's all there in the pages of Just Win, Baby; inside bits and pieces of AFL and NFL history, The Oakland Raiders, the coaches and players who influenced and were influenced by the enigmatic Davis. It's a terrific read even if one is not an avid football aficianado.

###################################

Drabble has long been one of my favorite comic strips. The deceptively simple characters who inhabit a town you're sure to recognize, have become like a second family to me, but distinctly more disfunctional. It's a consistanly humorously pleasing experience each time you visit.

Kevin Fagan, at the time of Drabble's debut in 1979 was one of the youngest cartoonists ever to be syndicated. He was 22 years old. I have to say, he writes as funny as he draws. Highly recommended is A Drabble Family Christmas Tale. A 130 page gem.

& & & & & & & & & & &

Another collection of cartoons is in the pipeline. This one, about one of my favorite topics: Magic.

From the Preface of The Magitoons of Friedman and Whiting:

Ellen Friedman, gag writer for the magic cartoons, or Magitoons, is a writer, scientist, artist and is married to a magician.

Jim Whiting, artist for the Magitoons, is a cartoonist, writer and a magician.

Together we have made a Magitoon almost every month for the past nine-plus years. The Magitoons appear monthly in MagiCurrents, the publication of Ring 76, the San Diego, California chapter of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, or IBM. Soon to be published!

Order any of the others on amazon.com

“til sooner, I hope.

Jim

? ? ? ?

noreply@blogger.com (JimVtoons) — Mon, 24 Dec 2012 23:12:00 +0000

I couldn't think of a really snazzy title for this LONG overdue Monthly Muse. The topic concerns magic and my fascination for it. Presto! Alakazam! .. . .and other incantations just didn't seem to fit. So-------we're stuck with ? ? ? ? !

No secrets will be revealed here; only reflections on a lifetime love of the art of legerdemain and prestidigitation. . . undoubtedly nurtured by a special Santa Clause gift. See it below. (That's the exact Mysto Magic Set by A.C. Gilbert. There were five sets in that particular series. Eventually, I owned them all.) And a career was born. Actually just an--on again--off again interest in magic which never completely abandoned me.

******************************

My cousin, Betty, who also gave me my first book about cartooning, Draw Comics! --Here's How-- A Complete Book on Cartooning by George Carlson, married Jack, a very professional amateur magician—forgive the oxymoron. Jack pointed me to the Abbott's Magic Manufacturing Company catalog. From that point on, there was no looking back. He also introduced me to a young magician in a nearby town, with whom I visited; we had fun practicing our tricks, sharing ideas. Here's Ted Blau.

During a two year hitch in the Navy, while stationed in New Orleans we visited the Rex Magic Shop; Bernita bought me Greater Magic. The tome of more than 1005 pages of text pulled back the shroud of mystery from cabalas, hundreds in number; from small pocket tricks to large scale illusions. Dr. HarlanTarbell--himself a polished magician--drew more than1150 illustrations! A dozen or so years later I met Tarbell. He autographed his own first volume of The Tarbell Course in Magic which I'd purchased.

#################################

High school years were the soil where the seeds of both magic and cartooning germinated, masking feelings of inferiority. Folks find that a condition, in me, difficult to entertain.

But, many birthday parties, service club meetings, class reunions and family gatherings were subjected to the perspiring performances of VALDARO, the Magician. I chose the name Valdaro because the letter “V” was prominent on each of 52 cards in a deck someone had given me. Think I'm kidding about being shy? When elected president of my sophomore class I passed out cold.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Ultimately I joined IBM, the International Brotherhood of Magicians. During that time I was elected President of the Ithaca, NY Ring.

I didn't pass out.

It was a treat and a delight to meet a number of childhood magi-heroes; Blackstone, Sr., Gene Gordon (one of the founders of IBM) and Lou Tannen, proprietor of Tannen's Magic Shop in New York City to name a few. Got to chat with David Copperfield back stage . . . and Harry Blackstone Jr.

***************************

Some years before moving to San Diego from hometown Watkins Glen, NY,teacher/author Frank Steber and I posed for a library publicity shot. I think Frank is trying to show me how to do a trick.

What a privilege to be asked to design a logo for two IBM conventions held in San Diego.

Here is the most recent one.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The Rabbit Under the Hat, a book for which Ellen Friedman and I are responsible, is a collection of magic inspired cartoons. Most of them were originally published in the IBM Ring 76 newsletter MagiCurrents over the past nine years.

It should be available within a couple of months. It's been fun for us. I know you'll like the finished product.

wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

We're almost to this blog's vanishing point. I'm hoping that Jim Williamson's picture (shown as if he were contemplating a floating grapefruit) will be seen by someone who remembers him. Aka LEN, the Magician, Jim was a friend and member of the Ithaca magic club. Where ARE you, Jim??

? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?

^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^

The predicament depicted in our final picture could conceivably reflect my own confusion. Let's leave it at that til next time.

SIM SALA BIM!

Jim

A BOAT TO REMEMBER

noreply@blogger.com (JimVtoons) — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 03:51:00 +0000

Build Your Own Sailboat!

BLUEPRINTS

Only $15!

**************************

It was something like that, the small teaser in Family Circle magazine in the year 1973. David is the youngest of our five children, youngest of three boys. We sent for the plans and were soon embarked on an exciting adventure.

The pictures for the most part tell the story.

Checking over the blueprints.

Ready to set sail . . . . . . . . not quite.

Dad lends a hand.

Dave thinks things over.

Dave thinks some more.

===================

Working for the hull of it.

Making sure she's water tight.

We're getting there . . .

. . . Slowly.

Hey, it's beginning to look like a boat!

Sister Andi lends a hand.

OUT TO LAUNCH!

SPLASHED!

Bending the sails

Reeving the main halyard

Reeving (detail)

Prepare to raise the main!

And he's off!

All we need is wind.

Dad's doing his best.

It would be nice to think that my mentoring during this project is greatly responsible for the amazing talents that blossomed later in David's life. Seems as if he can fix most anything, build anything; much like his two older brothers Jim and John. However, those who are aware of my expertise in all but one or two* areas, would soon have great difficulty in suppressing giant guffaws and super size sniggles. (* better limit that to one.)

*********************

I only wish we had pictures showing Andi and me, sitting on the underside of the scuttled D&D, being towed to shore by the kindly skipper of a passing power boat. Talk about humiliation.

All hands involved in this caper had fun. Hey, we did, didn't we?

The Magic of Cartooning

noreply@blogger.com (JimVtoons) — Sun, 12 Aug 2012 00:04:00 +0000

By now, if you've been more than a casual visitor of Jim's Muses you're aware of my penchant for cartooning and magic. The former has allowed me to put bread on the table since the early 50s. The latter, a few crumbs, by virtue of doing many shows for children's birthday parties, service clubs and Farm Bureau dinners during approximately the same period. The Morris talent agency never called me.

Although a real job (twenty-nine years at a radio station) almost derailed me from my first love—cartooning-- I continued drawing and submitting my work to many of the major magazines of the day. There were occasional sales, enough to keep the passion at least warm if not red hot. It was not until Bernita and I moved to San Diego from Watkins Glen, NY that things began to click for me as a freelance cartoonist. What I'd wanted all along.

Enough background.

****************

During the past few years I've read two great autobiographical books by cartoonists whose work I admire. Coincidentally, both books commemorate twenty-five years in the careers of these talented artists.

First:

Isn't that a great cover? It's only a teaser to the captivating chapters within, beginning with the excitement of Borgman's winning of the Pulitzer Prize in 1991 for editorial cartooning. He was 37 years old, had been The Cincinnati Inquirer's cartoonist for 15 years.

The topics covered in 14 chapters touch upon Jim's early years—growing up, education, his early interest in . . . just about everything. Chapter 5 features his favorite Borgman cartoons; turns out, they pretty much mirror my choices in the book too.

There is so much to be enjoyed within the 208 pages of M25YATCE! Amazing art, revealing articles written by the author's co-workers, and through this book you'll meet one of America's best editorial cartoonists.

*********************

The other book celebrating 25 years is by Greg Evans whom I've had the pleasure of knowing--- and counting as friend--- a like number of years. In fact, it was Greg who introduced me to Jim Borgman at one of the National Cartoonists Society's annual conventions. How could I have been so lucky?

LUANN 25 YEARS is a treat, cover to cover; it covers not only the title character's genesis, but the life story of her creator as well. (Both narratives are “fascinating” beyond comprehension, as the word on the cover would indicate) We see the very first drawings of the some-day-to-be famous cartoonist and a photo of Evans when he was about the same age as Luann when the comic strip began in newspapers in 1985. There's no dearth of Luann comic strips, beginning with the initial Sunday page and daily strip. Those two entries portray her as a pre-teenager. By page 273--- a few hundred strips later--- Luann is totally grown up . . . and so is Greg.

I enjoyed this book so much and recommend it wholeheartedly to anyone; aspiring cartoonists especially, will find it inspirational and motivating.

Final word about these two excellent artists: Each is the recipient of the Reuben, which is the Oscar of the National Cartoonists Society, signifying Cartoonist of the Year. Jim in 1993; Greg in 2004.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Originally, the plan was to chat some about the second of my passions: magic. But I'll have to save that for next time. You see, all the material I had put aside for that posting-----suddenly vanished!

I'll wait right here 'til I remember the magic word to bring it all back.

Thanks for looking in and I appreciate your sharing the link.

monthlymissive-jimvtoons.blogspot.com

Jim

LISTEN UP, BELLA !

noreply@blogger.com (JimVtoons) — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 23:29:00 +0000

“I say, Bella . . .”

“Yes, Jim?”

“I've been meaning to talk with you about something.”

“Yes, Jim?”

“Let's talk a walk. We'll talk outdoors.”

“YES, Jim.”

“The agapantha blossoms are a bit past prime, but they're still pretty, aren't they?

“Mmm-hmm.”

“And you have to love that jacaranda color!

“Right.”

“OK, let's cut to the chase. No, wait! Wrong metaphor. Let's talk about your difficulty when you meet people—-and other animals, if you'll pardon the expression. You get so excited! You want to jump up to greet them--- lick their faces.”

“Well, don't YOU, Jim?”

“I'll ignore that remark, Bella.

“It was long before your time, but years ago, Bernita and I lived with another dog; Frankie was his name—short for frankfurter, or wiener dog. One of his best friends (and ours) was Dishes, a CAT, Bella. A CAT! Dishes and Frankie got along together exceptionally well. Imagine that.

“I just want you to consider how much more pleasant it would be if you would aspire to emulate the Dishes and Frankie relationship as you go about your daily routine. Think about it Bella.”

“I'm thinking.”

“All right. Shall we go home now, enjoy a snack on the balcony?”

“Sounds like a winner to me, Jim.”

“I'm glad we had this little talk. Good to get things straightened out, eh? There won't be any more scenes when folks come to visit, or when you see a cat, a crow or creature of any sort, will there, Bella?”

“I'm thinking. I'm thinking.”
**************************************

Next time: Boat building in the garage.

Thanks for stopping by.
Jim

Potpourri . . . for sure.

noreply@blogger.com (JimVtoons) — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 23:27:00 +0000

This edition of Jim's Muses was to have related to--in ole fren Paul Gringle's words-- “This, that, and other thing.”

So, let's relate.

This: a picture of me when I was Tom Mix (circa 1936)

That: The song I sang when Tom Mix was on the radio.

When it's Ralston time at breakfast, then it surely is a treat to have some rich full flavored Ralston
made of golden western wheat! Wrangler says it is deeeeelicious, and you'll find so 'fore you're through;
with a lot of cream, it sure tastes keen.
It's tops for breakfast too!
Ask your mother in the morning,serve you up a steaming plate. It's a grand hot whole-wheat cereal
And the cowboys think it's great.
Once you try it, you stay by it, Tom Mix says its swell to eat. Jane and Jimmy, too, say it's best for you
Ralston cereal can't be beat.

***************

The other thing(s): This great picture from my mother's photo album. Uncle Arthur (we called him Bucky), Aunt Margaret, and my cousin Marjorie—who used to baby sit my brother Dann and me. They sure look like the hardy homesteaders don't they? Love that

image

***************

Three outstanding men died within the past few weeks. One, Jim Unger, a cartoonist possessing unusual style and humor. He drew the unique newspaper panel Herman.

Ray Bradbury, he took science fiction aficionados to depths and heights never before experienced between the covers of a book or a magazine, a TV or movie screen,or-- back to radio—prophesying, as he often did in a scary manner. I think of Fahrenheit 451

Finally, Dick Beals, whose voice was Speedy Alka-Seltzer's. (Plop, plop, fizz, fizz –oh, what a relief it is) Dick was 4' 6”, but a giant talent. I bought his book Think BIG in 1992; we became friends, I had him talk to our cartoonists' club twice.

Nothing seemed beyond his capabilities. He was an instrument rated pilot, coached high school baseball/football, partnered in an ad agency. I'm happy to have had Dick as a friend. Raise a glass to all three for how they each enriched our lives!

&&&&&&&&&&&&&

The prerequisite VINCENT strip reveals that one of his problems is similar to mine: his hearing gives him grief.

Hope you'll stop by again soon. And Thanks.

JIM

PS: Large type, at no extra cost - - - for those of us who appreciate nice niceties.

Ole Fren

noreply@blogger.com (JimVtoons) — Fri, 04 May 2012 22:31:00 +0000

Often, Paul Gringle used that phrase. Ole Fren.

He scribbled it on notes, letters, his wonderful
personalized birthday cards; he used it sometimes
to sign off the column he wrote for A Slice of Wry,
the newsletter for ourSouthern California Cartoonists Society.

Those of us in this business, especially the old timers, remember Paul's work on Out Our Way, one of the most popular newspaper features in the late 40's and 50's.

Families in small towns and rural America, their various activities and regular routines; that was the stuff of Out Our Way, and it introduced a cast of characters, including The Willetts, The Worry Wart and myriad popular themes so well portrayed that clippings of the cartoon were posted on more refrigerators than Carter had Little Liver Pills. (Again, you have to be an old timer to get the analogy.) Why Mothers Get Gray, Born Thirty Years Too Soon and Heroes Are Made, Not Born were classics that mirrored many of our insecurities, aspirations and frustrations.

When J.R. Williams, who created the panel died in1957 Paul was one of the artists to pick up the pen and carry on. Out Our Way continued another twenty years. They done good.

*********************************

For the better part of 26 years I've been happy to have been one of “derGringle's” Ole Frens. On the SCCS web page enumerable emails have used the word “upbeat” to describe Paul's perennial attitude. I can't remember a time when he didn't have a project in mind: a new comic strip, a class he'd be teaching (teaching, he loved), a book about some aspect of cartooning. Always optimist--always enthusiastic.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

One event Paul enthused about was the Annual SCCS day at the SDBB (San Diego Blood Bank.) Blood donors were caricatured by a host of cartoonists, resulting in much fun, many laughs and nary a libel suit. Frequent rewards for their efforts involved food - - - yet another favorite of our pal Paul.

Here, fellow artist John Wismont and he partake.

&&&&&&&&&&&

A little background on our man:

A School of Visual Arts reunion

Jim, Bernie Lansky, Harry Lampert, (Cartooning Instructor) Paul

! ! ! !

Paul looks over another classic comic.

"To m'FREN, Jim, with Best Fishes." This fun-gem might have been doodled on a napkin by Paul.

Farewell, ole fren.

A LIFE LIVED

noreply@blogger.com (JimVtoons) — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 23:16:00 +0000

This blog hints at the story of one soldier, a pilot: Lt. Colonel Robert E. Barney. This edition salutes him; it also commemorates all people who have worn uniforms in our country's service.

When I was a kid, Memorial Day was called Decoration Day. It started as an event in the South to honor Union soldiers who had died in the Civil War. After World War II the name was changed; Memorial Day now pays tribute to all American men women who have died in any war or military action. It seems to me however that we should also recognize thousands . . . nay, millions of those who served and were fortunate enough to return from the scourge of wars. That would certainly include those currently being deployed.

That concept is what I had planned to feature in a May blog, closer to May 28—the date for this year's Memorial Day. But last week an unexpected email changed my mind: Patty gave me the sad news that her dad, my friend Bob Barney had died. He is one of the millions we will be thanking for their service.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Bob and I met nearly six years ago at a book fair in Escondido, California. We each had a book to sell. His, titled Bulletproof--- I bought immediately--- and soon found myself engrossed in a saga which had all the makings of a cliff hanging motion picture.

In fewer than 240 pages--- almost read in one sitting--- we relive Bob's life from his teenage years in Parma, Missouri to his brief career as a semi-pro baseball player--- a shoulder injury cut that short-- to his 20 month stint in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), time spent as a guide at the New York World's Fair in 1939, and eventually his enlistment in the army. As he tells it, “ . . . with nary a buck in my pocket, I passed the post office. A U. S. Armed Forces recruiting sign in the window caught my eye. . . . The first door read U. S. Army; if the Navy or Marine Corp. had occupied the first office, one of them would have been my selection.” The recruiter told him that signing up at that moment would assure an assignment in Hawaii. Bob asked as to the requirements necessary. The officer placed a paper before him and muttered, “Sign here.”

Bob Barney got the assignment to Hawaii. He was there December 7, 1941. His story from that date to his retirement from professional life in 1984 chronicles the military life—from basic training, flight school, combat missions as pilot of a B-17 Flying Fortress, being shot down over enemy territory; his time as a POW, escape, and being harbored by a compassionate German farm family until he was repatriated by making contact with the Third Army. (General Patton)

Following the tremendous highs and lows of his Army time, we further vicariously experience Bob's life post war. Much flying for many supervisors. Flights to, as they say “the four corners” transporting people and products, typhoon chasing, flying a B-29 through the fallout of an H-bomb dropped on Eniwetok. Civilian jobs included: Account Executive for a firm of the New York Stock Exchange and Marketing rep for Brunswick Corporation. Pocket billiards. He called it “A perfect fit.”

Bob loved magic . . . as I do. Unfortunately we had but few lunch sessions in noisy restaurants (hearing aids are something else we had in common) where we shared tricks and stories about people we knew in the pursuit. They were delicious times.

Finally, if you read Bulletproof--I hope you will-- something else will impress you. The book is dedicated to Donna, his wife of almost 65 years. Their love for each other shows, in Bob's writing and it was evident the only time Bernita and I got to meet her.

I so fortunate to have had Bob Barney for a friend.

Money Matters

noreply@blogger.com (JimVtoons) — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 02:09:00 +0000

Potpourri perhaps would be the more appropriate title for this blog post; but I'll save it for next time.

* * * * * * * * *

Let's first, tidy up the loose ends of Tiny Tim's visit. Some people may have doubted that I did indeed, hand over more than $16,000,000 to the unique entertainer. To back up my claim, here's one of the bills . . .

. . . and a sketch I made the night of the Fantasy Day Party and Show at Clute Community Center in Watkins Glen, NY

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

Still on the money trail, we have a good statement for the year so far: We're talking about coins picked up while strolling around town, mostly in company of Bella, our canine buddy. $1.61 as of February 29. (four quarters, two dimes, some nickles and several pennies) Make that, $1.63; I found two pennies today! (March1)

SO, with cash, coin and currency at the core of this chapter, the following items should fall--loosely into that category. Even VINCENT is aware of how important the dollar is in our everyday life.

In 1988, for the Price Club (now CostCo) Journal I was commissioned to depict the scary financial situation of that time. The same drawing was subsequently used to hi-light a similar period in the nation's history; and I guess it would be just as appropriate were it to be published today. Just change the years.

Continuing to follow the money trail, here are some cartoons from different venues, different years, which seem to fit.

I shouldn't even mention Income Tax,
should I?

But this drawing, done about 20 years ago reminded me of how much more difficult filing would be if it had to be done "the old fashioned way."
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Time out. If you knew how difficult it is for me to do this, you'd appreciate it a lot more, for sure. But I like digging through the dusty files and finding things I'd forgotten I'd done. It is fun.
Happy March 1!
Jim

Tiny Tim Comes to Visit

noreply@blogger.com (JimVtoons) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 18:15:00 +0000

1981. I was Jim Whiting, broadcasting on WFLR, a 5000 watt station in upstate New York. A contest had been held to give my 6 to 9 a.m. program a title. The Early Worm--not an entirely complimentary, but certainly appropriate title--won out. My duties included reading the news torn from our AP teletype machine, reporting school closings (snow, or an occasional stray cow which might be causing traffic problems on Route 14) and once in a while, spinning a 45 rpm record or two.

* * * * * * * * * *

It was fortuitous one morning that I noticed a new release from Solid Brass Records; Tiny Tim, the ukulele plunking falsetto voiced singer whose Tiptoe Through The Tulips best selling record of several years ago is the artist featured. Is he attempting a comeback? In any case, Tell Me That You Love Me is a bouncy little tune and hey, I always got a kick out of Tiny's (or should I say, Tim's?) slightly weird approach to music.

& & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & &

What intrigued me more was the flip side of this 45 rpm record: Comic Strip Man. The lyric had Tiny Tim fantasizing about leaping over tall buildings and rescuing fair damsels. I immediately began to fantasize! “It's a perfect theme song for the Third Annual Fantasy Day in Watkins Glen!" Fantasy Day allows anyone to be, for one day: a fireman, policeman, restaurant owner, radio announcer, doctor, lawyer, cab driver. It would take another blog to tell how Fantasy Day came about. But for now, let's look at how Tiny Tim accepted my invitation to join us on a magical day for all!

It was surprisingly simple getting to talk with someone at Solid Brass Records. Words to Comic Strip Man were written by Henry Scarpelli, an old friend of mine; Henry ran interference for me and surprisingly simple again---“Tiny Tim will arrive by car the morning of May 19 . . . to participate in Watkins Glen's Fantasy Day.” That was the wonderful message I received within hours. My home town was in for a charming disarming fabulous Fantasy Day!

<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

Once he's arrived in our town, Tiny's transportation includes an ambulance, a firetruck and a limousine.

Fantasies flourish, as Nixon gets arrested, Bobo gets interviewed and Tiny gets his tulips.

============================================== A Watkins Glen fire truck arrives.

Wonder Woman alights --

Tiny belts one out for the crowd--and WW.

A surprise birthday cake is wheeled out for me; out pops my best friend, Bernita.

Tiny joins the Senior Citizens' Parade down Franklin Street.

Tiny meets the school bus, signs autographs and entertains at the high school gym where more than a hundred students donate blood.

Yet another autograph
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *The limo takes Tiny Tim to Clute Park Community Center where the Evening Show takes place with added local talent.

It was worth the sixteen and a half million dollars I paid Tiny Tim for him to share his time and talent to make this edition of Fantasy Day one of the best.

You can see that I'm happy.

$ $ $ $ $

Thanks to Lauren Lodge for most of the photos you see here.

We'll get back to VINCENT, Li'l Ones, Wee Women and maybe Bella next time.

Thanks for hanging in with us. Spread the word.

Jim

Another Eclectic Collection

noreply@blogger.com (JimVtoons) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 19:14:00 +0000

Question is . . . or rather, questions are: “Why the skateboarding turtles?” And, “How come you take such a long hiatus between posting to this here blog?”

No simple answers. On the other hand, it's not too complicated either.

Question #2: Been too busy, or at least trying to look too busy.

Question #1: Well, the rapid reptiles are sort of a metaphor; indicating the Encinitas Whiting lifestyle.

You do believe that, don't you?

?????????????????????????????

Bella has another three weeks to complete her Dog Obedience Course. She'll be so smart we'll soon be doing the obeying. Probably have to get a larger mortarboard for her swelled canine cranium too.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Speaking of time left, this VINCENT strip is the next to last one which views the waning days of the magic convention. After such a great adventure what can possibly compare for our short sorcerer?

**************************

Next up, the syndicated LI'L ONES and WEE WOMEN. Which is your favorite?

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

The fact that you've come back to see what's happening in Jim's Muses makes me glad

and

I hope this final muse will amuse.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Looking forward to a connection with you in February . . . if not sooner.

Jim

Oh, by the way, I know that older eyes need all the help they can get ... so I hope you appreciate the larger type here. No extra charge.

To Each and Every One

noreply@blogger.com (JimVtoons) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 19:48:00 +0000

We--being Bernita, Jim (that's me) and Bella (yes, she is our recently acquired canine over whom we get more than a bit silly at times) wish you the very best during this multi holiday season. Please pick one that suits you perfectly.

Shown here is a card, a sequel to the English version which I did at least fifteen years ago. I believe many a parent will relate to the scene depicted.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

VINCENT continues his adventures at the International Brotherhood of Magicians convention in Portland, where, to my knowledge the IBM convention never actually took place. But hey, this is only a comic strip; anything can happen.

Dogs have been on my mind of late so I dug out another oldie from the AD LIBS file written by Len Bruh (AKA Larry Hurb) and illiustrated by yours truly.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Not everyone looks upon snow with a negative eye.Here's proof positive (at least 90%)

*******************************

In parting-- would you say that my picking up ten pennies while walking with Bella this morning is a sign that the economy is improving?

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

WAIT! I almost forgot: The publisher of ComptorEdge.com informed me yesterday that the price of That Does Not Compute! has been reduced just in time for gift giving! 99 cents, fer gosh sakes! More than 150 cartoons about computers and computors . . . oh the trials and tribulations. Please take a look anyway. Jack Dunning wrote most all the gags. I did all the cartoons. Want a sample?

Click here to see the sweet deal: www.computoredgebooks.com Or Copy and Paste if need be.

Thanks for stopping by.

Talk to you next year.

Jim

Jim's MONTHLY MUSES

noreply@blogger.com (JimVtoons) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 19:51:00 +0000

Well, sometimes the muses are fewer than the pictures--which may be be
photographic or cartoonish. Either of the two latter categories will be
easier for you. And maybe for me too.

DID WE LEARN ANYTHING YET?

noreply@blogger.com (JimVtoons) — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 01:55:00 +0000

Yes, we did learn something at the PetSmart Pet

Training Program. We learned that teaching a dog

is not easy. But it's rewarding. And we do believe

Bella is making progress. We are also.

That's the little lady craming for the final exam

which took place Sunday, November 6. Note the look of intense concentration on her face.

Shortly after the ordeal: the Reward.

Now see the proud look of acheivment on her face. Or is it boredom?

############################

Moving on ---- to Portland, of all places, we catch up with the VINCENT aggregation as they finally enter the hallowed halls

of the magic convention.

Next, LI'L ONES, WEE WOMEN AND something for the cat lovers watching.

That's it for this time. Bella just requested a walk.

Til soon, Jim

Meanwhile

noreply@blogger.com (JimVtoons) — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 03:00:00 +0000

Vincent, the Magician realizes that he and his

entourage, consisting of his long suffering wife

Wanda and sometimes insufferable maid Agnes,

have arrived at the wrong city. There is no Magic

Society Convention here!

Not to worry. A quick trip cross country to New England and Presto!

We'll be staying on target with our friends as they enjoy the next few days in their magical Nirvana.

Meanwhile-----again----it's almost seven weeks since the adoption of our youngster. The three of us are getting along fairly well. Fifth week of Obedience School (for Bella) coming up Sunday. The opportunity to capture a family portrait hasn't happened yet. But we have plenty pictures of our teenager.

We've not seen a LI'L ONES or WEE WOMEN cartoon in a while, so let's take care of that right now.

And with that, it's time for me to go as well.

Til soon, friends,

Jim

Gone to the dogs . . . or vice versa

noreply@blogger.com (JimVtoons) — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 01:37:00 +0000

It was just this morning, as we walked toward the court, that my tennis nemesis---when informed that Bernita and I had adopted a dog from the animal shelter in Carlsbad---asked: “Why would you want to do something like that at this stage of your lives?” Thankfully, he didn’t say “ . . . at your age.” More than once, I’ve mulled that question around in my own skull and finally come to the reasonable answer, “Why not?”

Bella, our two, or three year old---both ages were on the documents we received from the shelter---is obviously happy to have had the invitation to be part of the Whiting household. We don’t know her former owner(s) but I’ll speak well for what training was given our little lady. Bella knows when it’s necessary to “take a walk outdoors” and looks us straight in the eye and vocalizes a most plaintive plea when it‘s time to pee. It was her idea to sleep in our bed, but we nixed that quickly and she’s apparently just as happy on a nice mat at the foot of the bed. She has another pad downstairs which is convenient for daytime naps. There’s no begging at the table either. Well, most of the time. She either sits a few feet away with a rather despondent dog look on her face or she retreats, defeated, to the under-the-stairway daytime pad. As mentioned, most of the time. Still not comfortable about meeting other canines, Bella will, we hope, become more sociable in that area after some sessions in Sunday School, (dog obedience) which starts at PetSmart in a few days.

Enough with the words. Allow us to introduce you to Senorita Bella.

We looked at dozens of dogs before two of them made the cut. As we passed the cages the animals seemed to be saying “Pick me! Pick me!” My thoughts went back to the mid 50s and a cartoon spread which Collier’s published.

Life---in our case--- has just imitated art, and my mind recalls myriad moments when mammals (dogs, this time) have held center stage. The following examples were taken from files older than you; some of you, anyway.

My favorite . . . though not totally reflecting my sentiments:

*******************************************

This cartoon suggests a dog's misguided protective instinct.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

And this one shows a dog's complete devotion to his master.

Someone once said ---or might have said, if they were not completely sane--- "One can't have too many dogs." This might be proof.

*****************************************

A natural response to an overpopulation of dogs

might be this poor man's.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

We'll catch up with VINCENT the Magician next time.as he enjoys the great Magic Convention

Remember:

A dog has lots of friends because he wags his tail and not his tongue
Til soon,
Jim

noreply@blogger.com (JimVtoons) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 23:24:00 +0000

ME TARZAN . . . YOU JANE.

noreply@blogger.com (JimVtoons) — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 04:44:00 +0000

Way long before Superman, Batman and others of their breed were saving girl reporters or police commissioners’ daughters, Tarzan was rescuing one particular damsel from myriad menaces in the steaming African jungle. The Ape-man, as his creator Edgar Rice Burroughs had christened him, had a twenty year head start over the modern day comic book heroes. And Tarzan was the man I admired most in my pre-teen years.
I was fifteen years old before I stopped clipping the Sunday comic strip Tarzan from the Elmira Sunday Telegram and pasting it into what would eventually become a four-scrapbook series. It constituted part of the Jimmy Whiting Tarzan Collection. You might say I was a true Tarzan aficionado. That weekly full page, full color dosage, the work of writer/artist Burne Hogarth not only transported me to places both exciting and vicariously dangerous; the drawings were spellbinding. Hogarth was in his prime in the early 40s and I worshiped his artwork. Many years later, it was such a treat to meet this comic art icon and to be on the staff of Cartoonists & Illustrators School in New York City with him.

Each Christmas I received a Tarzan book to add to the Collection. I joined the Tarzan Clans of America; my Official Guide is #90. In it I learned how to form a Tarzan Clan; what the Duties of Officers --including the Medicine Man, Scribe, and High Priest are. I even learned, by virtue of the guide’s English-Ape Dictionary, how to use words just as Tarzan did in talking with apes from the tribe of Kerchak. How’s this? Tand-ramba! po! Popo ut! That means: Get up! Hungry! Eat corn!

By the way, several years ago I saw this booklet listed in a price guide. 1939, Mint condition: $1000. Mine could be described more accurately, Tattered and Torn

********************

Never, ever missed a Tarzan movie starring Johnny Weissmuller, the champion Olympic swimmer who is still the most identified player of the jungle man. I wrote to him--Weissmuller--not Tarzan, and received a nice picture.

A lesser known celluloid Tarzan sent an autographed picture AND a nice hand written letter which encouraged me to work hard in school and keep physically fit. The letter almost made up for the disappointment I felt upon seeing Glenn Morris’s leopard slippers. Look at this. Can you imagine?!

Every once in a while I’m pleased to see a magazine article or watch a special TV program devoted to some aspect of the Tarzan phenomenon; we’re only five years from his 100th anniversary.
One last thing: I really think that--in my youth--I did a terrific Tarzan yell. (More correctly, I should say “victory cry of the bull ape.”) Yes, I’m confident it was even better than Carol Burnett’s rendition.

But the pipes are old now and the cry is more like that of a baby’s than an ape-man.

Swing by on your vine to my wala (house) next time, OK?

Jimmy Whiting

You’re such a card!

noreply@blogger.com (JimVtoons) — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 23:07:00 +0000

After a three weeks hiatus I’m back with new resolve; there shall not be such a protracted interval before our next visit. So there!

Should someone comment, “You’re such a card!” don’t be offended. I googled the phrase and truly, more than anything else, it’s meant to be a compliment. If you accept the definition: A witty or eccentric person as complimentary . . . Be glad.

Neatly segueing from that sort of card to another, while running through a whole bunch of business cards-- accumulated over many years, I was amused to note that more than a few are amusing, or novel in some manner beyond their primary purpose. “Hey,” I thought, “Maybe some of the MM blog readers would be as amused as I!” Or not.
In any case it won’t take long to peruse a pack of personal cards.
I’ll start off with a card used by a friend I’ve known for at least twenty-six years. It introduces us to maXwel, the Robot, available for birthday parties, reunions, stock holders’ meetings, weddings, and other gatherings which might be happier events if for the presence of maXwel. Some of you know the owner of this card. (circa 1985 or ’86)

I’ll let you in on the secret before we sign off today

? ? ? ? ?

But first, the latest of VINCENT’S adventure at the big Magic Convention. He had just realized that IBM stands for a rather large company which is holding ITS convention at the same time as the International Brotherhood of Magicians. Wha’ hoppened? See here.

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

I did mention that Tarzan would be a feature next time here on the MM blog, didn't I? Will you forgive me if I take another Next time?

*************************

This card I made for our son, David . . . years before he became an award winning wine maker in Hector, NY. Red Newt Cellars and Bistro is only eleven miles north of Watkins Glen, where David, back then, was probably the only chimney sweep in town.

In 2001, the same winery mentioned above hosted a cartoon art exhibit; thirty-two artists were represented. A hundred and twenty-three cartoons were displayed to the delight of the many attendees, who also enjoyed the generous offerings of food and wine. Happy to be among that favored group were Rosemary and Wally Littman. Here are their delicious and humorous cards.

Our final (almost) business card reminds us that Schuyler County historian Barbara Bell wrote a fascinating book in 2008 which captures the many attractive attributes of the county I called home for more than half a century. Schuyler County Days Bygone is the book; it's a treasure and I treasure my autographed copy. (Schuyler, by the way is pronounced Sky-ler.)

The book's cover art is the work of Wendy Lee Black. It displays much of what old time Schuyler was known for. A much smaller version graces the flip side of Barbara's business card.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

And now, the last wurd . . . From one of our Li’l Ones.

I don’t do much better if I don’t have Spell-Check.

Oh . . . The owner of maXwell is cartoonist Greg Evans, creator of the Luann comic strip.

Another Oh: My updated business card: You may not have known that I'm using g-mail now. The MM blog URL is noted.

Catch you later this month.

Jim