Smiles galore . . .

There is a lot to smile about today . . . . . .   

Today January 20th we celebrate Penguin Awareness Day, Roller Coaster Patent Day and the birthday of cartoonist, Harold Gray.

To begin our celebrations let's pay homage to Opus T. Penquin (from the comic strip Opus created by Berkeley Breathed) and Tux, the Linux mascot. I would surmise that Berkeley Breathed is amongst the Penguin Fans - they are so cute.

Two of our clients, Quassy Amusement Park and Lake Compounce Theme Park know how to help us celebrate Roller Coaster Patent Day. We need to wait for warmer days to ride; however, you can celebrate today by getting your season's passes.

Here is a birthday salute to Harold Lincoln Gray (January 20, 1894 - May 9, 1968). His 1924 comic strip idea Little Orphan Otto became the beloved Little Orphan Annie. Hmmm, come to think of it Daddy Warbucks always wore a tux - commonly referred to as a penguin suit.

It is A Friend Picks You Up Day . . .

If you are in the area to celebrate A Friend Picks You Up Day (January 17th) I suggest, you and your friend, dine at Bond Grill Asian Bistro, 250 Westport Ave. in Norwalk, CT.  The atmosphere is filled with high spirits and the menu is a unique blend of Japanese, Thai, Malaysian, Chinese cuisine, also known as Asian Fusion.  Yes, we are proud to say they are one of our clients.

Comic trivia for today:

Popeye the Sailor first appeared in the daily King Features comic strip Thimble Theatre on January 17, 1929.

A birthday salute to cartoonist Antonio Prohías (January 17, 1921 – February 24, 1998) creator of Spy vs. Spy for MAD magazine.

International Hot and Spicy Food Day . . .

We are so fortunate to have great clients in our publication.  Meera Taste of India at 227 Summer Street, here in Stamford, CT is one of them. Take the time to celebrate the International Hot & Spicy Food Day (January 16th) by trying the Lamb Vindaloo. The owner promises it will heat up your taste buds. If you lean towards vegetables, like I do, check out the "Vegetable Delight" menu section.  I love spicy foods, so I am always happy to participate, especially on cold winter days like today (it has been in the single digits).

And now, let's have some comic trivia. Today January 16, 1939 Superman made his first appearance in a daily newspaper comic strip (first appearance of Superman in a comic book was June 30, 1938).

On that note, let's give a high salute to the real life super hero Chesley B. "Sully" Sullenberger III, the U. S. Airways pilot, that safely crash-landed in the Hudson River, NY.  Capt. Sullenberger has been dubbed "The Hero of the Hudson" and we believe he certainly is a "Super Man".

Hope this brings a smile to you day.

Did you find your smile today?

Some people believe comics and cartoons are frivolous, yet history disputes that view.

Today we acclaim two stellar artists in our beloved métier by saluting their birthdays: Richard F. Outcault (January 14, 1863 - September 25, 1928) and Art Young (January 14, 1866 - December 29, 1943).

Richard F. Outcault created the Yellow Kid and Buster Brown.  There are many that consider him the inventor of the modern comic strip. For more info read Steven Lomazow's blog entry The Yellow Kid and Richard F. Outcault.  

Art Young is most famous for his socialist cartoons, especially those drawn for the radical magazine The Masses and his editorial work in a similar publication entitled Liberator. The Masses wrote about women's rights, sexual equality and the labor movement, subjects very close to Art Young.

Frivolous does not seem to apply to either of these two gentlemen.  They seem to have tackled some serious subjects in their day.

Now, let's move to a lighter note, since we are looking for those smiles.  Today is also National Dress Up Your Pet Day. We have called around locally and no pet store is celebrating.  Well maybe, they will celebrate next year. 

 Of course, our beloved Otto has always been a "keen" dresser.  If you dressed up your pet today, please let us know.  Send us the pic and we will post it.

I found my smile today, did you?

Looking for The Best of Times . . .

Everyday I look for reasons to smile. Here are some treasures for today. I highly recommend The Cuckoo Dance to take away any gloom. Try it for yourself.

Today, January 11, 2009, is International Thank You Day, Secret Pal Day and National Step in a Puddle and Splash Your Friend Day.

Be forewarned it is Cuckoo Dancing Week. 

 This week we are honoring the memory of  the Laurel and Hardy comedy team. "The Dancing Cuckoos" was their theme song.

I would suggest you practice in front of a mirror and then with a friend. If you are in Stamford, CT, you might call one of our clients, Maria Fiora. She recently moved to 201 Summer Street across from the Majestic Theatre. If you like to dance, check out her dance club parties.  

This is a fine mess I am in . . . and I luv it!

Oh yes, my dear, comics are art and historically significant . . .

Hear Mort and Greg talk about the International Cartoon Museum before giving it to Ohio State University.

Here is a little background on our cherished art form.

Comic History

History of Comic Books

Masters of American Comics by Brian Walker

Significance of Comics

The Art of Comics

The Comic Strip

This will help keep you up to date:

Comicology TV

Let's Celebrate the Comics . . .

We have a special place in our hearts for the comics and cartoonists.  Our founder Mort Walker created the International Museum of Cartoon Art which now resides at Ohio State University.

So here is some Cartoon/Comic trivia for today.  A birthday "shout out" for Murat Bernard "Chic" Young (January 9, 1901 - March 14, 1973), creator of Blondie.  His son Dean Young carries on the tradition.  Check out this online exhibition, Blondie Gets Married!