Jim's MONTHLY MUSES

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.

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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?

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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.

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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.

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

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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:

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This cartoon suggests a dog's misguided protective instinct.

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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.

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A natural response to an overpopulation of dogs

might be this poor man's.

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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?

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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

BACK ON THE JOB

noreply@blogger.com (JimVtoons) — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 00:18:00 +0000

Much has been going on with the Encinitas, CA Whitings. (That would be Bernita and yours truly, Jim.) It’s been difficult to tend to this blog; so much so that the entire month of July passed without a posting. I hope you noticed that. In any case, I endeavor to improve my track record.

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

VINCENT, at last report, was en route to the big magicians’ convention. Let’s see how he, his long suffering spouse Wanda and their domestic witch, Agnes are coping with the complexities of such an escapade.

I know . . . I've used that gag countless times, but maybe you haven't seen it before; besides, it fits in nicely here. I'll give it a rest now. Promise.

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

A Kid Remembers

Some years before our teens, my older brother, Dann and I were privileged to board southbound passenger trains in Watkins Glen, NY. Our destination--a journey of perhaps fifty miles--was Canton, PA, birthplace of both of us. Grandpa Sterling Dann worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad, so we probably enjoyed free rides on the old PRR. Or I could be imagining that. After all, 1936 or thereabouts was long ago. After a few carefree summer days spent at our grandfather’s “farm” (it wasn’t really that, but it was in sort of a rural area) we’d take the return trip to Watkins Glen; another two hours on board a noisy sometimes smoky, gritty day coach.

I remember how wonderful it was to be arrive home on the afternoon train and walk a few blocks to our home where Mom would always have something special for our evening meal. Often the day would conclude at the only movie house in town, the Glen Theatre. We walked to that magical bastion as well. And what ecstasy it was if Laurel and Hardy--a short--or feature film--happened to be on the program. Stanley and Oliver were favorites of our younger brother, Billy too.

I was thirty-six when I finally got around to writing a note of appreciation to Stan Laurel. I told him much the same as I’ve told you just now: How much delight he brought to the Whiting boys so many years prior.

Imagine, if possible----no, I don’t think you can----how thrilled I was to receive Mr. Laurel’s response to my long overdue fan letter.

It’s now in a special place in my file cabinet. The picture, framed, hangs on a wall near our kitchen; Uncle Laurel and Uncle Hardy right there among other revered family members.

Can you look at these gentlemen without smiling?

What a gift they gave to us all!

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Next time:

TARZAN!

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

Thanks for your comments. They help me feel connected.

Jim

Were we having fun yet?

noreply@blogger.com (JimVtoons) — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 00:32:00 +0000

There's no way of knowing if anyone noticed: it's been more than two weeks since the previous posting here. Vacation!

Bernita and I had a grand time in the fabulous Finger Lakes Region of upstate New York . . .enjoyed to the utmost amidst clan and cronies. Those moments were "the most" but other incidences must be indexed. For example--on the tennis court one morning, I spotted 4 pennies! Moments later, more money . . . 4 pennies. Wait----! within five minutes, two dimes, at different locations revealed themselves. Who cares that I lost the tennis match?

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

On the flip side, we had a long rather difficult flight home; over 19 hours from our son John, Mary and Jane's home in Odessa, NY to our home in Encinitas, CA! But we're recuperating nicely now . . . back into routine.

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

VINCENT, is headed to the magic convention. Before we join him en route, let's check with Pete, his assistant.

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Meanwhile at the airport:

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

Children, in one way or another, are the topics of these three syndicated panels of long ago. Probably the cartoons are as relevant today as back then.

Hope you're enjoying the summer which just got under way last week. I hope too that you'll continue to like what's offered here on a more or less regular basis---at least a couple times a month.

I'm having fun, yet. . . . . . . I mean, I'm still having fun

I'm not asking you to "friend me." I figure you're already mine.

Jim

Silence is golden

noreply@blogger.com (JimVtoons) — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 21:55:00 +0000

That's true in many cases: Silence IS Golden.

Doing some minor investigation we came
upon other perceptions regarding Silence.

Muhammad Ali is reputed to have said,
"Silence is golden . . . when you can't think of
a good answer."

"Silence is not only golden, it is seldom
misquoted." (Bob Monkhouse)

For this Monthly Missive blog we'll take our cue from
Robert Benchley's "Drawing on my fine command of the
English language, I said nothing."

So, after a quick peek at what VINCENT is up to this
time, we'll present a dozen captionless cartoons, with
minimal comments from me.

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

Starting off with some kid stuff.

Subsequently . . .sports of sorts.

Some street scenes.

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FINALLY:

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

I will make no sound . . . 'til next time around.

Please add a comment in the box below. I think it helps.
Thanks,
Jim

VINCENT and Miscellanea

noreply@blogger.com (JimVtoons) — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 23:54:00 +0000

Yes, VINCENT really does get to go

to the convention, after a few blunders

along the way. Next week we’ll see what

mess the magician can manage.

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Meanwhile, from the antediluvian photo albums of my mother we present one of the Super Heroes my day; circa 1937 or earlier. No pictures of me were taken during my Tarzan mania stage. Thank your stars for that

&&&&&&&&

The obligatory L’IL ONES and WEE WOMEN, courtesy of the Los Angeles Times

The syndicated AD Libs was distributed by General Features during the period I was illustrating Len Bruh’s gags. Larry Hurb was his nom de plume.

0000000000000000000000000000000

Below, one of the first covers for North County Pages, a short lived weekly, published--where else, but in North County, San Diego. It depicts the Best and the Worst of lotsa stuff around the area. If I ever locate the lower half of this effort, I’ll offer it also.

+++++++++++++++++

Finally, from the popular weekly online magazine ComputorEdge, here’s the current cartoon.

Incidentally, more than 150 cartoons which were published there have been compiled into two e-book formats, one for iPad, NOOK and most others, and another for Amazon Kindle. They are available at http://www.computoredge.com

There is a free download of a sample e-book on the same site for people to test with their e-readers. Name of the book:

That Does Not Compute! Jack Dunning did the hard work of coming up with the gags. I drew the pictures.

Hope you’ll check it out and let us know what you think.

Another post within a week. Promise!

Til then,

All best to you.

Jim

MISCELLANEA to the MAXIMUM

noreply@blogger.com (JimVtoons) — Mon, 23 May 2011 21:41:00 +0000

Honestly, one might say that this whole blog thing is an exercise in vanity. Indeed, you could even go so far as to say that folks who post these boasts exemplify narcissism to the most. If you do any surfing around the Internet you will discover untold numbers of blogs; their proprietors, the majority of them, earnestly offering their exciting lives and unquestioned wit and talent in a frenzy of self-absorption and egotism.

Other blogs display a low key, withdrawn, reserved--even introverted approach.
It’s a safe bet that you have the acuity to discern the rubies from the rubble. I recently had an email stating ---this is true--- “Jim, you’re a gem!” Or words quite similar. Take your cue from there.

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Let the magic begin with two fleeting looks at VINCENT, at home.

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From the Syndicated Folder: This round in the ongoing battle of the sexes is won by Cleo in yet another put down of Claude . . . poor soul

And can a mother be this unreasonable?

The classified ads never had a better friend than Len Bruh, AKA Larry Hurb. We collaborated on the newspaper panel AD LIBS for about thirteen years before the drawing chores were passed along to the able hand of Joe Daley.

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Back again to the magazine rack where one of the two pictured gag cartoons focuses on what is obviously one of our favorite topics: food. The other, targets more on drink.

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Finally, allow me to share a small pleasantry enjoyed at the CBS* Thursday night dinner. It happened to be my birthday and Millie Bobleter was responsible for creating the card you see here. It was signed by the five others in the group. How can one not love them?

<<<<<<<<<<INSIDE>>>>>>>>>>>

IT'S AN OLD OLD SENTIMENT

BUT A SINCERE ONE!

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The large type used in the MM blog is for the benefit of those who have difficulty reading the smaller type type. Including myself.

Coming attractions: Cartoons that are, for SOME reason, Out of Date.

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

Til soon!

Jim

Oh . . . .* Creative Breakfast Club

VA-VOOM! Here’s the vigorous, versatile, and venerated VINCENT

noreply@blogger.com (JimVtoons) — Thu, 12 May 2011 03:24:00 +0000

In pursuit of knowledge, Wanda and VINCENT are inventive if nothing more.

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Gag cartoons, syndicated, and from magazines

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At one point, the New Yorker magazine was where I fervently wished to see my cartoons published. I was not alone in that hope. Passing through the portal to this revered publication is an extremely difficult task. For years I submitted pencil sketches--they’re called roughs in the business; occasionally I would sell one . . . but only the gag, the idea, the joke. Then it would be assigned to a staff artist. Richard Taylor and George Price each did a finished drawing based on an idea for which I was paid. Sam Cobean, to whom I owe so much, did one also.

In due course the door opened slightly. Jim Geraghty, at the time, New Yorker Cartoon Editor suggested that I try drawing one of the gags I’d submitted instead of selling it. I did my best . . . three times, striving to create a masterpiece worthy of a page in the magazine. Ultimately the effort came to an end without the goal achieved.

The New Yorker did not buy the drawing. I took it to Park East, virtually across the street, where I was paid the princely sum of $15. (Not big bucks, even in 1952)

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This MM blog would appear to include everything but the kitchen sink. Wrong. This spot I did for a garage sale many years ago. See----there it is: The Kitchen Sink.

Hope you’ll see us again next week.
Jim

A PUREE

noreply@blogger.com (JimVtoons) — Sun, 01 May 2011 01:58:00 +0000

I can’t seem to remove my thinking too far from the subject of FOOD. As gags drip down through the cartoon colander, they repeatedly relate to one of mankind’s (and womankind’s . . . and kid-kind’s) favorite pastimes: cooking, ordering, serving, or eating chow. So, a quartet of drawings, three of them obviously allied to the subject at hand will be our lead-offs this time.

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This Indian couple is
heading out to a tribal feast

Next, two waiters, one of them obviously has the diner’s welfare at heart more than the other server.

ComputorEdge illustration

There’s always the aftermath to a lovely, romantic repast.

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Seldom do I remove anything from my file cabinets to stay removed. Consequently it’s a pleasant surprise always, to find an item that once gladdened my heart and now repeats. I spent twenty-nine years behind a microphone at WFLR AM-FM in upstate New York. Woofler was a small market radio station; the staff often became involved in community activities. Consequently, I was privileged to meet a large number of the station’s listeners and I still have mementos of those happy encounters.

Unfortunately, I was not as thoughtful as a listener was when she gifted me with this unique crocheted cat. I failed to note its giver on the back of the card on which the cat is glued. It’s about 4 inches wide; I framed it and it has been hanging beneath our kitchen clock for about thirteen years. If someone recognizes it and wants to claim responsibility for such generosity, that would please me no end.
VINCENT is next!

++++++++++++++++++++

Along about the time that Child in Car cards were a fad, furry Garfield dolls were ubiquitous. (I have the feeling that I posted this cartoon a few weeks ago; if so, with apologies to Jim Davis, here’s the lasagna aficionado . . . in charge.)

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An early promotional piece for Li’l Ones.

And proof that I really don’t ever throw anything away, this is a spot drawing I did for the New York Times Book Review in 1950. Sixty-one years ago! How can that be, when I’m not much older than that myself?

That's my thumb print nailing the crook in flight.

Next week, I’ll try to find something more from the tombs.
Maybe one of your friends would like to check out the weakly . . . I mean weekly adventures contained in the Monthly Missive blog.
Thanks for spreading the word.
Jim

FOOD for THOUGHT

noreply@blogger.com (JimVtoons) — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 00:35:00 +0000

Why is it that most of us are food fanatics? We seem to be fond of
fodder, gripped by grub, charmed by chow. The devotion to dining may be explained several ways, but the simplest, most compelling reason is: Food--- We can’t live without it.

Because food--- how it’s prepared, who does the preparing, where it’s consumed, which types are most popular--or not, and how much it costs, are topics we’re apt to think about daily, I thought Food would be a good theme for this week’s MM blog.

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Logically, we begin with highlighting the preparation of our indulgences; and that master of gastronomic magic is none other than VINCENT.

Well then, let’s check in with a cluster of real chefs . . . and a two semi-professionals

Moving outdoors for a breath of fresh air . . .

Perhaps at this point it’s best to forget the home dinner and go to a more practical location.

Concerning the topic (over)eating, if it’s true that folks must occasionally “Pay the piper,” shouldn’t a more apt metaphor be “Do Penance for the padding?”

Time out. Snack time.

Thanks for the emails with good remarks about the MMblog. I appreciate your spreading the word too, that there will be new cartoons and comments, diverse at least every ten days, more often each week.

Til soon,

Jim

”

A blog is a blog.

noreply@blogger.com (JimVtoons) — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 18:40:00 +0000

I went to the Internet to fix in my mind just what a “blog” is . . . or what it is supposed to be.

First, blog is a blend of the term web log. It’s a web site of sorts, kind of like a personal diary which is updated maybe not every day but certainly with spasmodic regularity. (There’s that pesky oxymoron again!) A blog can be political in nature. The Monthly Missive blog is not.

Being a cartoonist, I might be expected to parade samples of my work; so I do that. Most all the cartoons posted on the MM blog have been published somewhere: in magazines, books, advertising pamphlets, posters, T-shirts or online. (as in the case of www.computoredge.com) Once in a while you’ll see a sketch that may never see a legitimate page anywhere, but it’s just something that pleases me and I want to share it.

Saturday is the self-imposed deadline for the Mm blog; I’m on the fast track today to meet that goal. It’s not too difficult when there’s a stockpile of several thousand pictures to draw from. Sorry.

Leading off with our star, VINCENT

Now, back to 1967 for a reunion with with our adopted kids:

Finally . . . remember when it seemed as if almost every automobile on the highway had one of those signs in the rear window: Child in Car ? Well, here are a couple variations on the theme that begged for a cartoonist's pen.

Nice being with you, friends.

Jim

THE MASTERS

noreply@blogger.com (JimVtoons) — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 01:23:00 +0000

   One might say that The Masters IS golf. Again, one might say that Wimbledon IS tennis. And stretching the metaphor beyond silliness, might one say that The Super Bowl IS football?
   If all goes well, this Missive will be posted on the opening day of the 75th Masters--which will be played, as usual, in Augusta, Georgia. A bit of history, something that escaped my radar: For three years during the second World War The Masters was not played. To assist the war effort, cattle and turkeys were raised on the Augusta National grounds.

   All the above is offered as justification for the cartoons to follow here. Though not quite as old as The Masters, they do, in my view, qualify as Vintage. The mid-50’s. So please excuse the somewhat sexist nature which three gags depict. Of course I wouldn’t make such observations in this day. Two cartoons are from The Saturday Evening Post; two are from the General Motors publication, News & Views.
But first------VINCENT tees off, mentioning players whose names are familiar only to the older generation . . . or golf aficionados.

And now, the ladies, bless them

.
Yeah, we have to hit on the guys too.

   ******************************************
I hope you’ll tell your friends about the Monthly Missive blog. The numbers are growing, with almost 1000 viewers as of today, 40 this week so far. You old time bloggers are no doubt laughing into your teacups, but hey, it’s a start. My wish is that you have as much fun looking as I have cooking the blog.

   With friendship,
   Jim

Now this is a mystery!

noreply@blogger.com (JimVtoons) — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 00:59:00 +0000

This morning as I was checking this MM blog back to the beginning, which was started in February, I noticed that one of my favorite photos had suddenly disappeared! No idea how it happened.

I found it and have added it to this week’s post. Can’t remember what text accompanied the picture; doesn’t matter. It’s just sort of nice to be able to look at three happy people as they were many years ago. The little guy here is now a bigger guy. David, Deb and their son, Brenton have been visiting us here in California a couple days. By the time you read this, they will be on their circuitous way home in the restored VW bus acquired here, to upstate NY. For Dave and Deb it’ll be back to work at Red Newt Cellars & Bistro in Hector; Brenton, back to wind up his sophomore year at Watkins Glen Central School.
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While we’re at it, how about another picture of happy people? Here’s John Wismont, (left) caricaturist extraordinaire handing over his drawing of Captain Mike, Channel 10's Toys for Tots Chairman.The Southern California Cartoonists Society donated each year at its holiday party. And every year, Captain Mike was the recipient of a fine piece of work by one of our members. The guy on the right is yours truly.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Here's VINCENT !

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

From ComputorEdge (sic) online magazine:

ComputorEdge is a great help to computer users, pros and novices.
www.computoredge.com

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And with those words . . . I'm far gone.'til next week. Please tell your friends about the

Monthly Missive blog.

Thanks.

Jim

Mostly cartoons, if you don’t mind.

noreply@blogger.com (JimVtoons) — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 04:10:00 +0000

Last week I signed off with, “Does that guy (me) ever throw anything away? Bernita’s answer would probably be, “I doubt it.” She’s entitled to her opinion of course, but I tend to disagree. Just this morning I purged the studio of several too-small-to-hold- comfortably pencils. Without a trace of guilt.

Also I mentioned that there would be one more Telegram Telescope . . . As you will see when you scroll down. But first, here’s a cartoon which appeared in www.computoredge.com

I do one every week for the popular online computer help magazine.

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From the Sunday Telegram of Elmira, NY

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

I’m almost a week past cataract surgery. So far, no problems at all; Later this week a follow-up visit will confirm that the decision to have the job done was a good one. Left eye operation will take place in a couple weeks. There is a slight down side of this deal: No tennis for an extended length of time. Well, anyway, that’s why there are more cartoons this week. Easier to post. As Jimmy Durante used to say, ”I got a million of them!”

Ellen Friedman writes the gags for MagicCurrents, the newsletter

for our San Diego magic club. I just draw the pictures.

He's no relation to the character above; just happens to be in the same line of business. (monkey) Our favorite magician, VINCENT!

So, until we magically appear again sometime soon --right here. . . Believe in what you can do.

Jim

Mark Twain and Elmira, NY

noreply@blogger.com (JimVtoons) — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 19:14:00 +0000

VINCENT has his fans; and they anticipate seeing him in each weekly Monthly Missive. (Is that an oxymoron?)
So Presto! Here he is, sans top hat, on a quiet spring day at home.

I didn't know, really, until recently, that you can enlarge this page by clicking on Control key and the "+" key at the same time. Magic.

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

You’re probably aware that the Autobiography of Mark Twain Volume 1 was published recently and resided briefly on the best seller lists. Being an admirer of one of America’s greatest literary treasures, I bought two copies of the 736 page tome; one to be presented to someone I knew would enjoy Mr. Clemens’s unique gifts as much as I do. The recipient surprised me with the same book!
One of the stipulations made by Twain when he finally decided he had the ‘right’ way to write his autobiography (“talk only about the thing which interests you for the moment”) was that much of what he wrote for it remain unpublished for 100 years. He said, “By then, I’d be dead, and unaware, and indifferent.” From what I’ve read so far, it’s obvious that some of the comments about his contemporaries just might embarrass Mr. Twain were he to meet up with his colleagues . . . Somewhere . . . Somehow.
The author did not write the Introduction, which by itself is 58 pages. I plowed through it; There’s much interesting back story stuff, at times redundant to the point of boring. But what I’ve encountered since then-- I’m on page 288-- has rewarded me with some choice observations by the master observer of his fellow man . . . and woman.

Seque now, if you will, to Elmira, NY; a city where Mark Twain is revered to this day. Major parts of Huckleberry Finn, Tom Sawyer, and numerous short stories were written in an octagonal study which was given to him by the his sister-in-law Susan Crane and her husband Theodore. That was in 1874; in 1952 that study was moved from Quarry Farm, outside Elmira, to the campus of Elmira College. About that time I was doing a weekly cartoon feature for the Elmira Sunday Telegram: It was termed Telegram Telescope. One September version featured the study. I dug a copy of the Telescope out of the file cabinet.

I know, folks are asking, “Does that guy ever throw anything away?”
Next week, just one more Telescope.

The Best Laid Plans . . .

noreply@blogger.com (JimVtoons) — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 23:08:00 +0000

Comparing today’s date with that of the most recent Monthly Missive blog posting . . . ten days have elapsed! How can that be? I’ve discovered that maintaining this project requires more than a modicum of discipline. And that’s a commodity of which I’m in short supply. Somewhat like this little one.

The easy way out, of course, is to include more graphics--either cartoons or photographs, both of which I’m in long supply. Somewhat like these wee woman.

Writing, I love doing, but it’s a greedy pursuit, devouring much more time than scanning pictures to enhance the blog. Consequently, the big file cabinets will sharing a plethora of “funnies” and “memories.” VINCENT will be a regular on these pages---as will cartoons which appeared in magazines too long ago for some of you to remember their names. On the other hand, perhaps you'll recall seeing a drawing dated half a century ago. Hope so.

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The newly found time will be well utilized; work continues on transcribing Monthly Missives, 2004--2011 and providing an illustration for each. That will total somewhere around seventy-five missives. Could be chapters for a book. Could maybe not be. My brother Bill suggested such a project.

We shall return.
Jim

Interesting, Jim . . . But what is it?

noreply@blogger.com (JimVtoons) — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 02:53:00 +0000

You’ve probably decided, all by your lonesome, that this is a Food Wheel. It could be nothing else, you tell me.
True, and it’s the salvation of those individuals who aspire to be a Refreshment Chairperson or find themselves in that exalted office because they winked at the wrong time and were railroaded into the job.
The RC in any organization is responsible for guaranteeing that there will be a variety of delicacies available at all meetings. The Southern California Cartoonists Society used this device for years and neatly avoided our repasts consisting of nothing but bags and bags of chips and soda pop.
Here’s how the Food Wheel works: Its outer circle is divided into five sections; each section contains letters of the alphabet, scientifically allotted to each section. The inner wheel, you’ll note also has five sections; four of them feature food groups. The fifth, Raffle Stuff. Not usually edible.
Imagine that you can turn the inner circle clockwise so that each of its sections will line up with a section of the outer wheel. (Roughly) At this point each group of letters is related to a new group of food . . . Or Raffle Stuff. Everyone knows what to bring to the table because she/he saw the Wheel in the emailed newsletter.
In this example, my name being Whiting, I have to bring a stuffed pig. Well, that’s only a symbol. I’d probably bring a can of Spam.
Feel free to use this Food Wheel for your own functions. You might even want to add another category: “Wash and dry the dishes and put the cat out.”
The SCCS Food Wheel was created by Terry Van Kirk and me.

* * * * * * * * * *

The guy behind this Monthly Missive blog tends to be overly loquacious at times so we’ll move right along to another episode in the exciting life of VINCENT.

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Please check in next week, bring your friends and Click on the orange thing at the top of this posting.
Jim