Three Day Weekend

Things I did over Labor Day weekend:

1. I did some housesitting for some friends who were out of town. Besides watching over the house, I took care of one cat, three dogs, six chickens, and assorted fish.

2. I did some work on my play, Two Guys and a Pearl. It will debut as part of the Halloween show, Chiller Thriller Theatre with Basil Q. Mylk-Bone, at the Farmland Center in October. I'm getting closer to the finish line with Two Guys and I'm very happy about that.

3. I broke my friends' futon.

4. I was attacked by a rooster.

5. After my friends came home (They were very understanding about the futon), we ate some pizza and watched some movies. One of the movies was Voyage to the Planet of Prehistoric Women which featured a robot named John, a few leaping lizard men, and narration by director Peter Bogdanovich. Lots of laughs!

6. I slept most of Labor Day away. Thankfully no nightmares about roosters.

7. Found out there's no word for "smile" in Latin.

8. I made a birthday card for my niece Madi who turned fourteen on Labor Day.

Who knows what new adventures will await me as I return to work on Tuesday!

Linky Dink

  I made this past week's "Five for Friday" at The Comics Reporter!   Proof I've been blogging since 2002!   Hey, I'm not the only one! Pam Bliss also likes to draw on placemats, too!
Keith O'Brien shares his process on creating Samurai Slate comics!   Dale Martin continues to impress every week with Watusi the Talking Dog!   Sadly Tony Reynolds is wrapping things up for Ryan's Dad.   Never heard of Doug Michel's Monkey Squad One? Check it out now!   My old pal John Oak Dalton is still blogging!   And so is my theatre chum, Todd Terrell!   Just a shout out to one of my favorite blogs, Ivan G. Shreve Jr's Thrilling Days of Yesteryear!  

12 for 12

1. Saturday is my birthday. I'll be turning 45.

2. My laptop appears to be on its last days. Tonight it took me over an hour to get the damn thing started for some reason. It is six years old so I guess that might be a good reason. I don't know how much longer it will be functional so I guess I need to start finding a replacement. Does anybody know a place that still sells laptops with phone modems?

3. Yes, I still use dial-up. The Amish are outpacing me.

4. My grandma just got me a birthday card with a twenty dollar bill tucked inside. She's a dear, sweet lady!

5. Of course, if I get a new laptop, I'll also probably need a new scanner/printer. Ugh.

6. I recently bought the complete series of The Bob Newhart Show because I love the show and I like to pretend I have more money than I do.
 
7. I'm currently writing a script about a corporate retreat. Never been to one so I'll be making it up as I go. Write what you know? Not on my watch!

8. So how many Star Wars movies is Disney planning on making? And why does the very thought make me queasy?

9. Our recent "prime time" run of Tom Cherry's Old Time Radio Show was a bust, but we did just get a paying gig in August. We'll be on the road again!

10. Sorry to hear about the passing of Ann B. Davis. My favorite Alice memory? Her dancing the hustle on that Brady Bunch variety show. Ann B. Davis could boogie!
 
11. At work, a voice comes over the P.A. to praise people for their positive attitudes. Apparently there is no love for us folks with a negative attitude, the people who hate their jobs and yet gets the damn job done.

12. Although I'm not Jewish, I'm having my bar mizvah on my birthday this Saturday in hopes of doubling my gifts. That and maybe I'll finally become a man!

Forty-One

In honor of my birthday, here’s 41 things about me:

1. I carry around my regrets the way Marley’s Ghost carries around his chains.

2. One of my biggest regrets is throwing away all my homemade comic books I made as a kid. I probably had thirty of them, usually drawn on ruled notebook paper with the pages tied together with bits of yarn (There was never a stapler around when I was growing up!). I don’t remember the exact reason I tossed them all in the trash when I was in middle school, but I would like to kick my younger self for doing so.

3. Buttercup is my favorite Powerpuff Girl.

4. I wish I was still working on my public access show. It was a lot of fun and I miss doing it.

5. I own two autographed photos of Dr. Demento.

6. I really need to organize my comic book collection. I used to have it indexed and alphabetized, but that was many, many moons ago.

7. I prefer MTM-style sitcoms over the Norman Lear-type.

8. I haven’t had an appendix for the past twenty years.

9. At this point in my life, I’m not afraid of death. Just of dying.

10. In retrospect, I should have moved to Austin.

11. One of my proudest moments as a college student was performing a puppet show of The Lorax on the top floor of the parking garage by the old Student Center. I got an A for that.

12. I used to skin my knees a lot as a kid because I always seem to find a new way to fall off my bike.

13. I really need to put that syndication package together before all newspapers go the way of the dodo.

14. Living in The Group Home was probably the two of the best years of my life.

15. I was an extra for a day in Hoosiers. I remember Gene Hackman and Dennis Hopper passing a football back and forth in-between takes.

16. Mokey is my favorite Fraggle.

17. My imagination always impresses me. I just wish I did a better job turning all my ideas into reality.

18. Some of the best teachers in my life were people who believed in me when I was afraid to.

19. I need to write more.

20. I spent seven and a half years in college. I was there so long I was nearly given tenure.

21. Some of my comedy influences: Warner Brothers cartoons, Jim Henson and the Muppets, SCTV, Mystery Science Theater 3000, Peanuts (Charles Schulz is still a hero of mine), Jay Ward cartoons, Christopher Guest’s films, The Coen Brothers, Dr. Katz Professional Therapist, Home Movies, The Simpsons, and numerous classic sitcoms.

22. Ask me about my Connie Ray impression! And then stay for my Bob Dorough!

23. So I was in a staring contest with Eric Whetsel at the House of Yu (A Chinese restaurant that sadly no longer exists) during one of our two hour lunches back in the day. Christy Hiday and Karrie Cope were there as well. Anyway our waitress comes over just as I lost the battle and there was much laughter in my defeat. That’s when she utters my most favorite waitress line ever: “Are you laughing at my good service?”

24. So far I’ve been in eleven plays and musicals at the Muncie Civic Theatre. Acting (And I hope that’s what I’m really doing!) is a true joy for me. If you want to see the real me, come watch me play somebody else on stage.

25. It’s important to take risks in life. Take it from somebody who rarely takes any!

26. I would make a wonderful millionaire. Somebody give me a few million dollars and I will prove it!

27. I have always found women wearing headbands rather attractive.

28. At work, I usually eat my lunch out in my car, listening to When Radio Was on the radio. It’s a show that plays radio shows from the golden age of radio. I’ve become a big fan of Baby Snooks and slightly addicted to Mary Foster, Editor’s Daughter.

29. I need to draw more.

30. I have no piercings, but I did put a Christmas ornament on my tongue when I was three and I guess it took awhile to get the hook out.

31. If I could be any television character, I think I would be Jim Rockford. Just call me “Rockfish”!

32. I bought the following comic books Saturday: Doom Patrol #11,
Secret Six #22, Young Allies #1, Booster Gold #33, The Unwritten #14, and Muppet Show #6.

33. One of these days I want to drive across the United States. At least, the lower forty-eight.

34. I had a moped in my early teens. One day while I was riding about, David Hite’s sister saw me and thought I was a fat, old woman. David then said, “That’s not an old woman. That’s Tom Cherry.”

35. I really need to do a story about a haunted miniature golf course.

36. I don’t want any pets. I’m too selfish to have one. I rather spend my money on me.

37. I don’t wear jewelry. Or sandals. Or an athletic cup.

38. I’m happy that my little public access show once pissed off the mayor of Muncie. In your face, Danny Canan!

39. I gave away a box of Lucky Charms at a St. Patrick’s Day parade a few years ago. Or was it two boxes? I forget and Tim has the tapes.

40. I’m always tempted to live life as Arlo Wazzo for a year, but I’m afraid my family would have me committed.

41. I probably won’t be doing a similar list like this for my 42nd birthday.

Gypsy Rose Me

Twenty years ago, a certain cowtown puppet show came to life on a little UHF TV station in Minneapolis and bad movies have never been the same. Happy anniversary, Mystery Science Theater 3000, and thanks for everything!…Well, they cancelled Pushing Daisies. Sigh. Now where am I going to get my Kristin Chenoweth fix?…Today at work, I talked to people about post-apocalyptic movies, oyster stuffing, 1979 Oscar nominees, famous physicists, and jellyfish…It looks like the Arrested Development movie is getting closer to reality though there appears to be one cast holdout. After reading his interview in Entertainment Weekly a few weeks ago, I’m guessing that would be Michael Cera. Speaking as a fan of both the show and the young Mister C, it would be a shame if George Michael was a no show…Okay, confession time: I got two speeding tickets this year and the BMV forced me to take a driver safety program. After some weeks of hemming and hawing, I finally took the class on-line and I passed the test! In lieu of congratulations, please send cash!

Moment by Moment

Cartoon of The Moment: The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack

Band of The Moment: The Decemberists

Sitcom of The Moment: The Big Bang Theory

Actress of The Moment: Amy Ryan (The Office)

Snack of The Moment: Townhouse Flipsides Pretzel Crackers

Needful Things

I need to find a way to fix my poor, neglected website.

I need to stop getting speeding tickets.

I need to thank everybody who came to see Assassins. Hope you had a blast! I know I did!

I need to organize my comic book collection, but that may take a decade or two.

I need to be more productive, cartooning and otherwise.

I need to mention how I enjoyed The Folk Song Cabaret, a folk music revue that I was able to catch in Farmland a few weeks ago. Besides featuring my friends, Judy and Jerry Cole, the talented cast also included Barry McMullen, Lysa Franklin, Barbara Brown, and Marty Zigler. They all put on a great show and I’m so happy I went. Only disappointment: I chickened out when Barry asked me to blow the jug during their jug band sequence. Emmet Otter would not be proud!

I need to buy a book to read. I haven’t read anything since I finished Last Night at the Lobster.

I need to wash my car and, oh, don’t forget about the oil change!

I need to set up my new scanner/printer. It’s still sitting in the box it came in.

I need to get a haircut.

I need to get some new markers. Colors needed: Yellow, purple, sky blue, gray, and that reddish-brown color I use for Amanda and Eric’s hair.

I need to wrap this up. It’s getting late.

Lister

1. I love you.

2. I'm thinking of you.

3. I'll never let you go.

4. I miss you.

5. I want to kiss you.

6. I won't leave you no more.

7. I need to get some light bulbs.

8. After watching Juno, I now have a hankering for Moldy Peaches.

9. I think I have a crush on Sutton Foster.


10. Watusi the Talking Dog #24 is proof it is never too late or too early for a good Halloween comic book.

11. Eric Whetsel is now a YouTube sensation.

13. I'm happy the writers' strike is over.

14. I'm also happy Lost is back on the air.

15. I don't know about you, but 2008 has proven to be sad and fairly unproductive so far.

16. Bret is The Boom King.

17. I'm currently reading Last Night at the Lobster by Stewart O'Nan.

18. I'm still pretty excited about getting cast in Assassins.

19. The comic book I'm looking forward to purchasing this week? Umbrella Academy #6


20. John Oak Dalton is a close friend to Santa Claus.

Be of Good Cheer

YAY!: I just found out I got cast in Assassins as wannabe Nixon assassin, Samuel Byck! I've been a fan of the show for years so I'm very happy at the moment. It should be a great production and I can't wait to get started!

YAY!: In movie news, it looks like Grove Lake is going to be screened on the IMAX screen at the Indiana State Museum on March 22nd! I don't know if I'll get a chance to see it, but the thought of a giant version of me terrorizing the state capital is oddly appealing.

YAY!:

It's always a treat to hear from small press legend Matt Feazell! Besides passing on some holiday greetings, Mr. Feazell was kind enough to give me the final chapter of The Death of Antisocialman which was a thrilling conclusion to the Antisocialman saga. Thanks, Matt!

A Year in The Life

In 2007: I was in a comedy that featured me pulling down my pants every night (Don't worry! I was double bagged for safety), I attended S.P.A.C.E with the Dalton boys, I drove to Austin to see my friends and actually got a glimpse of the elusive Harry Knowles, I attended a high school reunion, I got a part in a student film, I threw worms at an old lady, I worked a lot of overtime at Touchy Feely Fotos, read some good books, actually went to the movies, and that's about it.

So far in 2008: I accidentally fried some pork chops covered in powdered sugar (I thought it was flour), I was yelled at by a complete stranger, and I reluctantly dropped out of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. Hopefully, the best is yet to come!

Aluminum Pole Not Included

Today's Holiday Greeting: Happy Festivus!

Grove Lake: The world premiere was a couple Saturdays ago and it was pretty well attended. I guess some 400 people showed up to see the big picture including some of my family and , friends (Thanks everybody for coming!). I was a little nervous to see myself on the screen, but squinting my eyes seemed to help. As for the film itself, I thought it was very entertaining. The acting was top shelf and it was professionally made. My friend Wanita Spence proved she has the stuff of a movie star, almost walking away with the film completely. A couple of my scenes got cut, but that's to be expected when you're playing a character not too central to the plot. I was disappointed the scene where I threw worms at an old lady ended up on the cutting room floor, but that's showbiz!

Christmas Party: Well, Touchy Feely Fotos' annual holiday get-together was fairly disappointing. The grub was actually tasty, but the gift they handed out was lame. We loyal, underpaid employees received a tote bag this year. A tote bag! I'm sorry, but that's not a quality gift, that's a public television pledge drive giveaway. As for the comedian they hired to entertain us, I vacated the premises before he got to perform. Since I never heard a peep about his performance afterwards, it's probably safe to say he sucked. However, my opinion may be clouded by my bitterness.

Fancy and Sluggo

ALL HAIL THERAPY DOG "FANCY"! ALL MUST HAIL HER!

Casting News: Well, it looks like all my years working at Touchy Feely Fotos has finally paid off because I just found out I was cast as one of the inmates in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. I think I'll be playing Cheswick.

Scoop: I guess Touchy Feely Fotos hired a comedian to perform at this year's Christmas party. Why does that fill me with an ominous sense of dread?

Weather: It snowed yesterday. It is not snowing now.

Friendly Reminder: Grove Lake debuts at Pruis Hall this Saturday at 8:00pm and I guess admission is free! If you ever wanted to see my mug splattered on the big screen, this is your chance!

ALL HAIL "FANCY"! ALL MUST HAIL HER!

Side Dish

Turkey Day: I hope everybody had a great Thanksgiving! I actually fixed a turkey's breast and it was a tiny success. At least, it didn't taste like salmonella! However, my attempt to replicate my Aunt Lee Ann's tasty cheesy corn dish was a disappointment. I'm afraid I used too much cream cheese and not enough corn. Guess you can't win them all.

Chips and Dip: I wasn't there to witness it, but I heard D-list celeb Erik Estrada visited Touchy Feely Fotos this past Monday. Apparently Estrada is in town to renew his status as a reserve police officer for the Muncie police department (Remember Armed and Famous? Don't worry, neither does America). I can only imagine the ruckus his appearance caused. I'm sure there was plenty of high-pitched shrieking and pawing from middle-aged women wearing pajama bottoms and Colts paraphernalia.

Question of the Day: Is it sad that I'm happy that Paige Davis is returning to Trading Spaces?

By The Numbers

1. It's been weeks since I last updated this space and, yes, I'm ashamed.

2. No, I didn't dress up for Halloween because I'm a bum. Sadly, I was planning on dressing up as one of my favorite TV characters, but bad planning and chronic procrastination (One of my old foes!) sabotaged that idea. Boo!

3. Despite only nine votes and a possible recount, it looks like Muncie has elected another fat, white guy for mayor. The more things change, the more they stay the same. If this trend continues, perhaps I should throw my hat into the ring!

4. It looks like Grove Lake is set to debut on December 8 at 8:00pm at Pruis Hall. No info concerning ticket prices as of yet. This past Monday, I had to rerecord some dialogue (I got to loop! I got to loop!) for the movie and, from the few scenes I saw, it looks pretty good. I'm looking forward to seeing the final product!

5. Nibble #4 recently got reviewed by Optical Sloth!

6. It looks like I'll be auditioning for One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest this Saturday.

7. I still haven't written about my trip to Austin. I'm such an ass.

8. Still undecided about renewing Jughead.

9. Could someone please buy me the Flight of the Conchords dvd? It would make me ever-so happy!

10. I'm still ashamed and I'm still an ass. Typical.

Today's Briefing

Question of the Day: Should I renew my subscription to Jughead?

Reading: The Boy Detective Fails by Joe Meno

Album of the Moment: Moonswept, The Roches

Link of the Day: One of the students working on Grove Lake (Also known as "That movie I participated in over the summer"!) just set up a page on MySpace concerning the production of that particular film. If you're curious, I suggest you check it out!

Good News: My friends, Gina and Sean, recently tied the knot! Congratulations!

Bad News: I have yet to receive the two Gumby comics I won on eBay. Somebody is going to get some negative feedback!

Finally:

I just finished my latest minicomic, Nibble #4! This issue deals with Halloween and the creatures that roam the night in search of fun-sized candy bars. If you're interested in a copy, just let me know!

Lingering Thoughts

It is too hot for October. I don't know why that annoys me, but it does...The majority of the new hires at Touchy Feely Fotos either look like high school dropouts or barflys. I, on the other hand, still resemble a doofus...The Roches just released a new album! Yay!...I'm almost on the verge of finishing Triggerfish Twist which has been a loony, over-the top romp through the grid neighborhoods of Tampa. Author Tim Dorsey certainly packs his pages with plot and characters (Usually sleazy and mentally unstable) worth reading about. I will definitely be picking up more of Dorsey's novels in the future...Hey, I just won two Gumby comic books on eBay! Aren't you excited for me?...One of my favorite local actors, Joe Skeen, is currently starring in Frankenstein at the Muncie Civic which received a great review in The Star Press. Continue to break those legs, Joe!...It's early Wednesday morning and it's finally cooling down outside after some heated up days, Maybe we'll actually experience a true Autumn after all...I just found out Mom (Mine, not yours!) broke her wrist after falling into a ditch (Don't ask! It's a long story). This wrist is on the same hand that she injured in a car accident earlier this year. Man, when it rains, it pours and Mom's left hand keeps getting wet.

The Days of The Week

Sunday: Since I had to film some stuff for Grove Lake, I get up early. While getting ready, I listened to Weekend Edition. One of my favorite singers, Emmylou Harris, was on the show, singing some songs from her new Songbird box set. As she sang, I actually tear up. God, I love that woman!...For the reshoot, I had to dig around some garbage for an establishing shot. I picked up soda cans, plastic bottles, and a corn husk out of a working trash can. I was only there for a few minutes and then we were done. The film crew got the footage they needed and I got garbage hands...I then went to the post office downtown to mail some bills. After grabbing a grilled cheese sandwich for lunch, I drove home. Out of the blue, I came up with a good idea for a comic strip. I decide to use the idea for this week's strip for All Access...I watched some of North by Northwest while I ate my grilled cheese. Cary Grant discovers George Caplin has dandruff...I took a nap. I wanted to go to Bob's Comic Castle so it had to be a short nap. It lasted five hours...Fully rested and newly hungered, I get up and order a pizza. I eat while watching the season premiere of The Simpsons. Despite an opening that featured a glimpse of Springfield after the big movie, the episode wasn't that great. Sorry, Spider-Pig! The new episode of King of The Hill seemed a little off for some reason though I liked it better than The Simpsons...I go online for some photo reference for the new strip. No e-mail. No new content at my favorite sites. Must you disappoint me, Interwebs?...Time to stop writing. Metalocalypse is on.

Monday: Got up around 2:30pm to start the new day. It's time to go back to work...I spent nine hours at Touchy Feely Fotos and nothing I did is worth mentioning. Typical...I did find time to buy three Prismacolor markers. When it comes to markers, Prismacolor isn't my first choice (That would be Tria, of course!), but they are cheap and they get the job done...Got to work on a strip!

Tuesday: Spent the wee small hours of the morning working on this week's strip for All Access. It turns out to be pretty good and I'm pleased with it. I think it's going into the syndication package (You know the one I've been dragging out for the last decade?)...I'm on the road after seven to make a color copy of the strip (Reduced 64% from the original) for the paper. While I'm out, I also get some chocolate milk and a couple donuts I don't really need. I was almost tempted to grab a bagel, but I passed...Dropped off the comic strip at the newspaper and soon I'm in bed. It's a little after nine and I need to get some sleep!...The alarm goes off at 2:30pm, but I don't get up until three. Lousy job!...By the way, my dad is on strike...At work, I talk to Jenny and the Sesame Street movie, Follow That Bird, pops up in our conversation which reminds me you got to say yes when life says no.

Wednesday: I don't want to get up, but I do. I don't want to shave so I don't. Today should be Thursday...Driving into work, I do a halfway decent Dr. Phil. I don't know if that's an accomplishment or not...Somebody leaves Touchy Feely Fotos in an ambulance. I'm leaving the building when I notice a small crowd gathering to watch an unidentified person hop onto a stretcher. When stuff likes this happens, people come out of the woodworks to gawk...That's all I got.

It's Time to Match the Stars

Emmys: I don't know how it happened, but I ended up watching the big TV award show and it wasn't a bad way to kill ten hours (Seriously, it merely lasted six and a half). It was rather clunky in execution in some spots and, as to be expected, Ryan Seacrest was a banal host, but this year's winners were a fairly decent crop. Despite some disappointments (Sorry, Jenna! I was pulling for you!) and typical wrong-headedness (James Spader? Why?), I was pleased with most of the results. Any year that has Terry O'Quinn and Ricky Gervais winning a winged statuette is a pretty good year for the Emmys.

Mark Your Calendar: It looks like I'll be filming a reshoot this Sunday for the student film, Grove Lake. Better go press my overalls!

Reading: Triggerfish Twist by Tim Dorsey

End Game:


2007 continues to be a sad year for us Match Game fans. Earlier this summer, Charles Nelson Reilly signed off and now his partner-in-crime, Brett Somers, has followed suit. Part of Match Game's appeal for me was the bantering, battling relationship between those two panelists, sitting together on the top perch of that kitschy game show alter. They had good chemistry together. In fact, as a kid, I thought they were a married couple (Oh, the innocence of youth!). If there is a great Television City in the sky, I hope Chuck and Brett are sharing a good BLANK.

Putting On The Dog

Homecoming: David Letterman was in town Friday for the dedication of a building that shares his name at Ball State. Thousands showed up to hear him speak. I was at work.

Comic Book Confidential:

Cartoonist extraordinaire Dale Martin recently sent me a bundle of Watusi the Talking Dog comics which feature some of my scribblings! In issue # 23, Dale gave me the opportunity to complete the final panels for a handful of his fun jam comics and I did my best to fulfill his challenge! It was a lot of fun and I'm still honored Dale offered me a chance to finish some of Watusi's misadventures. Thanks again, Dale!

Album of the Moment: Under the Blacklight, Rilo Kiley

My Favorite Panel:

Momentary Distraction

Time to get my ramble on...Why does Maryland's state flag resemble a lottery scratch-off ticket?...Do you know what I wish? I wish I could be a real blogger and update daily and write interesting essays about whatever tickles my fancy. That's what I wish...Beware, Gina! The Ball State students are back in town!...I'm currently reading Fluke by Christopher Moore and I'm enjoying it. How can you not like a book that features a whale that has "Bite Me" written on its tail?...It looks like I'm going to see Superbad this weekend with my pal, Nick...I just ate six Reese cups and, yes, I feel guilty. Okay, maybe not, but I should!...Touchy Feely Fotos recently hired a few thousand new employees. Suckers!...I really need to write about my misadventures in Texas...I have two autographed pictures of Dr. Demento...Rear Window is my favorite Hitchcock film. Thelma Ritter rocks!...Do you know why Larry King writes like this? Because it is so damn easy!