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The Tom Cherry Experience

Wednesday, August 31, 2005

Pontoonist @ Large




Sunday was Pontoon Day! The ever gracious Theresa Keihn, a professional plumbing monkey and a super friend, invited Eric and me to go pontooning on the reservoir and we gladly accepted! Last Sunday was the perfect day to go cruising on Prairie Creek. It was sunny yet the temperature wasn't oppressively hot. Though we had to share the water with a number of sailboats, speedboats, and other pontoons, they didn't prevent us from having a good time. It was just great to speed across the water, feeling the breeze, and catching up with some good friends.

Thanks again, Theresa!

Saturday, August 27, 2005

Sneaking Out of River City: A Fat Cartoonist's Shame

I'm so ashamed. I went to the Civic for a call back for The Music Man earlier today, but I ended up sneaking out. It was the dancing that did it to me. I really can't dance and, for some reason, I forgot how much dancing there is in The Music Man. This realization came about as I stood among a group of potential River City citizens trying to learn the steps to the Shapoopi. Well, I pooped out quickly so I decided to cut my losses and took off. I tried to exit stealthily and I think I succeeded without being noticed.

Of course, I feel like a major league loser as I type this. I could have at least tried to fumble my way through the dancing portion of the audition, but I balked. Actually, I bawk bawked. Oh, well. It wasn't the first time and it probably won't be the last.

Shooting Idiots




After a few months of inactivity, the cast and crew of Those Funky Idiots came together this past Sunday to film a very short episode entitled "The Neighbor". The cast included Tim Richardson (Vinnie Tuscany), Brad Quinton (The Neighbor), and myself as the affable Arlo Wazzo. Chuck Williams and Carol Richardson also made a cameo as The Moochers. Behind the camera, Tim also directed while Eric Whetsel was our lovable boom. As with most of our Idiots productions, principal photography took place at Thornburg International Studios (a.k.a. Grandma's garage).

Despite a late start due to a slight scare (Grandma was missing! What do we do?! Who should we call?! Oh, she's with Aunt Linda and Uncle Jerry...Never mind), we quickly filmed the entire episode in record time. Of course, the script was only four pages long so there really wasn't a lot to film. However, we all felt slightly exhausted when we called it a wrap.

Filming our little public access show is always a joy to me. I wish we could do an episode every week! Sadly that isn't possible, but a fat cartoonist can dream.

Wednesday, August 17, 2005

Slowly, But Surely


I'm very slowly working on my next minicomic. I haven't worked on one since my 24 hour comic due to my bad work ethic (That's the excuse I'm sticking with at the moment, but it is subject to change!) so it's nice to get back into the small press groove. I don't know how long it's going to take me to actually complete it, but I'm hoping it is sooner than later.  

Friday, August 12, 2005

Mice Comics



I probably mentioned this before, but happiness is finding comics in your mailbox. While getting ready for work yesterday, I took the time to brave the flooded lobby (Don't ask!) to check the mail and found out cartoonist B. Winter sent me his latest jam comic, Izzy Challenge #3! I contributed a panel to one of the jams in this issue and B. rewarded me with a free copy! Izzy is filled to the brim with some fun comics from a talented and diverse crew of cartoonists. Thanks a lot, B!

Thursday, August 11, 2005

I Love Hetty!


I just found out the first two seasons of Hetty Wainthropp Investigates are now on dvd and I want them. I want them bad.

Must hide the credit cards now...

Bathroom Humor


Just recently Touchy Feely Fotos had the men's lavatory redone to better abide by OSHA's standards. In doing so they created a "hands off" environment. The urinals and toilet now flush for themselves, the faucet turns on by just placing your hands underneath it and the paper dispenser spews sheets automatically. The only thing you need to touch in the new restroom is just yourself, but management doesn't like it when you do.



I so rarely talk about cartooning in this space. I don't think I have ever provided any insight on how I create a comic strip. In order to correct this oversight, I'm about to reveal a little secret about my cartooning. If you ever see one of my strips with no backgrounds that usually means a) I'm short on time or b) I'm very lazy (and, when in doubt, it's definitely "b"!). I'll be sure to disclose more of my trade secrets in the near future so watch this space!

Thursday, August 04, 2005

Just the Facts, Ma'am!


FACT #1
I'm Out of the Woods


Well, the show is over. We had a great run and I'm sorry to see everything wrap up so quickly. One moment you're working in a creative environment on a fun project with some talented people and the next moment you find yourself scanning prints at Touchy Feely Fotos. As with past shows, I'm going to miss all the fine folks I had the privilege to work with during the last few weeks. I just hope our paths cross again and soon!

FACT #2
Yes, I'm Just Wild about Harry!


I just finished reading the latest Harry Potter book and I really enjoyed it. In my opinion, it's a stronger book than the last one. I know it's pretty obvious to say so, but J.K. Rowling is a damn, good storyteller. All of her books are complete page turners and I'm definitely looking forward to her next one.

 
However, did anybody else think it was strange for Brak to appear on the back cover? Huh, buddy buddy?

FACT #3
My Friends Went to the Big Lebowski Fest and All I Got Was This Lousy Photo!



Here's the honorable Eric Whetsel (The one with the pasty, white legs) as The Dude at Lebowski 2005. Unfortunately, none of his lady friends followed him home.