Blast from the Past: Sol and Radcliff (1997)

My favorite Othello comic strip doesn't even feature Othello. Instead, Sol Weatherton and his nephew, Radcliff, are the stars.

Blast from the Past: Othello (1997)

In 1997, I submitted a comic strip to the syndicates. It was called Othello. Here’s how I described the strip in my cover letter:

“Othello centers around a man named Sol Weatherton, his young nephew, Radcliff, and their “animal companion”, Othello. These three characters try to live in peace under the same roof, but that’s not an easy task. Sol’s orderly manner constantly clashes with Othello’s impulsive and chaotic nature. Sol struggles to raise his nephew right, but Othello’s influence on Radcliff is strong. This never-ending battle for Radcliff’s “soul” will play out in the suburban burg of Waffleville, a town where anything can happen and usually does.”

Of course, nobody snatched it up and I was rewarded with my first batch of rejection letters. More would soon follow.

This was one of the better strips.

Snail Male

Currently: Trying to update my blog on my increasingly sluggish computer while eating miniature Reese's Peanut Butter Pumpkins. I'm also toying around with the idea of getting a new computer. Would anybody be willing to depart with some capital in order to make this whim a reality?

Fourteen Dollars: The amount I received after selling a coffee table and an end table to a former neighbor. Said sum is currently in the bank.

Egg Noodles and Ketchup: Going from broadband to dial up is painfully noticeable. Now I understand how Henry Hill feels at the end of Goodfellas.

The Syndication Package: I really have dragged this out for too long, but I swear the end is near. The current goal is for the end of September.

Things I Recently Purchased: A three cheese omelet, a sketchbook, two Micron pens, two dips of vanilla frozen custard (My current addiction), an order of onion rings, six stamps, and a newspaper.

Ongoing Developments

The Final Countdown: One more week and The Group Home will be no more! Tears have yet to form in my eyes, but I'll probably get a little misty before everything is said and done. In related news, my soon-to-be ex-roomies have secured a place in Austin so there is a house waiting for them. Lucky bastards.

Good News: Two friends of mine have just become parents! Congratulations, Marty and Jen!

More Good News: I received my check for my voiceover debut this past Monday! I don't know if this makes me a professional voiceover artist or not, but, at least, it's a step in the right direction.

The Syndication Package: Do you hear that scuffling sound? It's me dragging my feet, I'm afraid. Though I have reached my goal for 36 strips, I'm going to replace two or three with other strips and that process is moving like a glacier. I think the upcoming move has slowed my momentum to a standstill and I probably won't get back into the grove until after I've moved out. On the plus side, the strips are basically done. I just have to erase them, reinforce some lines, and such. That won't take no time at all so by the end of September they should be on their way to the syndicates. Feets don't fail me now!

For Joe:

Good Advice from a TV Character

Office Space: My department at work was moved to a different location this past week. We're now in the back of the building, abbreviated and exposed. I'm still getting used to the change, but it hasn't been too bad the last couple of days. A lot warmer in the back though so sitting next to a fan is a must.

I am Yoko: I found a beetle in my hair yesterday. I guess that's better than lice.

The Syndication Package: I'm one strip away from the magic 36.

Deadwood Quote of the Day: "Pain or damage don't end the world. Or despair or fucking beatings. The world ends when you're dead. Until then you got more punishment in store. Stand it like a man and give some back."- Al Swearengen

Don't Need No Giant Samoan on My Ass

Those Bitches Tried To Cheat Me!: The company I work for screwed up my PTO (Paid Time Off) and took away some of the hours I was owed. Fortunately, I caught the inconsistencies (The amount is always listed on your check) and I took the matter up with Payroll. They're going to fix it, but I'm determined to remain vigilant!

Random Thought: If I had a director that directed my life, I would want it to be Wes Anderson.

Countdown: I currently live in The Group Home with Tim, Brad, and Eric, but times are a' changing. My Group Homies will soon be leaving to find their fortune in Austin, Texas. I'm happy for them and I wish I had the courage to uproot and go with them. Unfortunately, I can't at the moment so I'm stuck in America's Hometown for awhile. I know I rarely write about my experiences at The Group Home, but it has been a great two years and I'm sorry to see it end. The guys have been the type of roommates anyone would want to have and I'm fortunate we have had such a good time living with each other. I'm really going to miss them.

The Syndication Package: I have thirty-one strips inked. I'm still debating about a few that won't make the cut, but the end is sooner than later.

Neighborhood Watch: If a giant Samoan in a compact car is seen in your area, call the police immediately! Please do not attempt to confront him for he is extremely dangerous! Do not attempt to shoot him for he was shot before and survived so apparently firearms are of no use! This is your first and last warning!

Question:



Exactly how dated is this punchline?

201

The Syndication Package: I currently have thirty strips inked and lettered. The magic number is thirty-six. I have started to quibble a bit concerning which strips may or may not make the cut, but I'm happy overall with the results.

Words I Learned From Charles Schulz: Sigh, sarcastic, beagle, fussbudget, and blockhead.

Happy News: I received something interesting in the mail last Friday and I was going to write about it, but I think I need to wait a bit before I do. Ain't I a tease?

The Number of Ketchup Packets I Received at Lunch Yesterday: Seven

Subtle Insult: "You have such a distinguished personality! How fortunate it is not shared by others."

Question:


Is this cat really playing solitaire?

Rest in Pieces

When You Pay Peanuts Expect Monkeys: I found out yesterday at work that I will be receiving a 35¢ raise. Finally I'll have enough money to buy that pack of gum I've had my eye on.

Master of My Domain: I just renewed my domain name (www.thosefunkyidiots.com, of course!) for another year. For those interested, www.thosefunkyidiots.net and www.thosefunkyidiots.org are still available.

The Number of Ketchup Packets I Received at Lunch Tuesday: Eleven

The Syndication Package: Suffered some lettering woes yesterday and ruined two strips with excess ink. That was slightly frustrating, but I'm over it now. I did rebound with at least one strip successfully inked and lettered. I have 24 strips at the moment.

Currently Living in My DVD Player: The second season of Deadwood

It's Not Easy Being Green:



Here's some sad news concerning The Ceramic Tile and Carpet frog. From what I read at The Star Press, the giant frog fell apart as its new owners attempted to move it last Friday. Thus a little piece of local color is now history. Bummer.

Crabcakes and Kabobs (I Only Ate the Latter)

Midsummer Revisited: This past Thursday found me playing a wall again. All of us rustics (and Puck) performed at the Minnetrista Cultural Center for their Faeries, Sprites & Lights benefit and it went pretty smoothly. We did all of the rustics' scenes and our audiences were small, but enthusiastic. It was just fun to act around and be silly with a bunch of talented actors again. I had a good time and I got a couple of free chicken shish kabobs out of the deal, too!

The Syndication Package: Twenty strips are all set for the most part. I'll probably be sending them away at the end of July if I continue to ink at this rate.

Currently Living in My DVD Player: The fourth and sadly final season of Home Movies

The Number of Ketchup Packets I Received at Lunch Yesterday: Three

Deadwood Quote of the Day: "Every day takes figurin' out all over again how to fuckin' live."-Calamity Jane

Frogger

Independence Day: Spent my day for the most part inking strips. Tim and Brad bought some fireworks and they went boom. The shuttle went up and so did North Korea's missiles. Unlike last year, I did not back into someone's car and that is a good thing.

Workplace Discovery: While throwing stuff away at work on Monday, I saw a juice bottle full of urine in the dumpster. Of course, it could have been apple juice as well, but I wasn't in the mood for a taste test.

The Syndication Package: The inking continues with nineteen strips completed so far. I'm generally pleased with the results despite wanting to scream whenever I screw up a line. I want everything to look perfect and a minor flub can really be discouraging.

Local Landmark:



The frog statue that has stood guard in front of Ceramic Tile and Carpet for decades may soon be history. The carpet store has been out of business for a couple of years and the new owner of the building has no need for the deteriorating mascot. However, she did offer the frog to anyone willing to remove it at their own expense and I guess someone accepted the challenge. According to The Star Press, a middle-aged couple plans to take in the frog and place it in their backyard. However, the statue isn't in the best of shape and it may crumble apart once it is moved. I'm hoping the fates wouldn't be that cruel to a giant, cement frog and it will soon find a new life as a piece of lawn art. I know I'll be keeping my flippers crossed.

Move On

Good News: After weeks, months, and years of hemming and hawing, I have finally started to put the finishing touches to my syndication package. Yes, I'll be sending Those Funky Idiots back to the syndicates soon and I guess we'll see what happens. So far I have inked six strips. I'm aiming for thirty-six. More progress soon.

Shirts: It's not safe being one of my shirts. I stupidly tore one of my newest shirts today and then the cursing began. It's a small tear, but it's already ruined in my mind and I really loved that shirt! It was plaid and orange and I really looked good in it! Hopefully, I can get another one to replace it.

The Number of Ketchup Packets I Received at Lunch Yesterday: Ten

Geography: Audrea Quinton is in San Diego. For those who don't know, Audrea was one of the talented actors featured in a little public access show near to my heart called Those Funky Idiots. Audrea played Sara Euler and The Rummage Sale Lady. She and her beau recently headed out west to find their fortune and, according to all reports, they are settling in nicely. Good luck, Audrea, and keep in touch!

Deadwood Quote of the Day: "Change ain't lookin' for friends. Change calls the tune we dance to."- Al Swearengen

Finally: