Here is my latest Illustration--done today--for the National Law Journal. The story is about how the Republicans seem to be able to hold onto at least two out of three branches of government at any given time. It was a chance to fire a broadside at the GOP and their Nast created symbol, the elephant. I really do like working with Nast's symbols. The elephant is fun, you can design the space with his trunk and he's got all those curves made from his head, tusks and ears. I'm pretty happy with how the finish came out and look forward to the next time I revisit Nast's bestiary.

Here is the thumbnail.

Got a neat story to illustrate today. It was about corrupt politicians, without whom, we editorial illustrators would quickly run out of subject matter to excoriate. I went with a classic theme of the watch dog and the fat cat. It is meant to appear as a spot in next Monday's Newsday on the OpEd page. I had quite a bit of fun on the cats face. The idea--compositionally--is to create tension between the Lilliputian watchdog and the Brobdingnagian cat.

Here is the SJU 2008-09 Academic Calendar in ics format.->2008 SJU Academic

In the tradition of those shock newspapers who publish every headline in alliterative form, I give you the most recent spotting of Angela's spotted pony, slowly making his way up to the top of the leaning tower of Piza. Was the steed there for the pasta, vino or simply the sights. I guess only he knows for sure. When asked, locals where astonished at the glib galloping of this gelding. "Mama mia!" was the comment of more than one Piza resident. What will become of Angela's pony? Will it go on with it's tour of Europe or is to Asia, where sights such as the forbidden city and great wall reside. Recently, a travel agent found hay, hoof-prints and oats in close proximity to a display about the Taj mahal.


Stay tuned as we follow the exploits of this little fella as he trots the globe.

Here is a shot of Rex the 7th. Rex is Julia's pet hamster and our charge, while she is away in Texas. Today was a beautiful day in NYC. Tropical storm Hanna swept through yesterday, leaving sunny skies and clear air in it's wake. Val & I decided to barbecue. Boiled corn was also on the menu. All hamsters are a little different, but without a doubt, they all love corn. Just as Rex finished his serving, he looked up, as if to say, "Is there any more?" There was.

Following his heart, Angela's little Appaloosa was last seen in London on the Waterloo Bridge, taking in the Houses of Parliament on the Thames. Photos also place him a short distance away from the great pyramids in Egypt. With such a pronounced wanderlust and, apparently, a digital camera. There is no telling which city or site we'll see him at next. Ponies are big fans of the theater. My guess is that our little fella is too, perhaps he went to London to see Equus.

Considering my August blog started and ended at the finish of the month, I've added this note to my September blog in case there was any confusion as to where the photos I posted might be. For those who want to download and even upload images from Andrea & Brendan's wedding, go -> Here

I've been keeping a photo gallery of relatives and family members past, on my Mom's side. It seemed as if everyone in the family had a great old photo or two of old relatives, the idea was to share some of these great old photos with other relatives via the internet. So far, the gallery is at 54 pictures and counting. I recently got a treasure trove of old shots from cousin Greg, so that number will go up. If you want to take a peek go-> Here. I wouldn't mind starting one for the Kerr side of the equation. Perhaps soon.

As I blogged last week, it was quite a month. We got Julia off to college, Mom and Dad visited and we all hauled down to Michigan for a wedding. Mom being a considerate grandma, thought to pick up a number of trinkets to bring back to the grandchildren in Calgary. When she asked Angela, she requested a pony. Undeterred, mom dutifully looked for a suitable steed. As it turns out, your standard issue Appaloosa has a bit of a time fitting in a piece of standard carry on luggage, so she opted for something a little smaller, and plastic. The night before, mom carefully packed her bag in anicipation of the return flight home. When she arrived, the pony was gone. Angela wasn't too heartbroken, but there was the question: What did happen to the pony?

After a thorough search of the internet, I came across this shot of the willful maverick making it's way in front of the Eiffel Tower. In the tradition of the traveling gnome I'm sure this pony is going to get around, but worry not, in the end it should find itself in the rightful hands of it's owner--Angela.