Enveable Creativity

Happy Birthday to Lee Falk!

Today is the birthday of Lee Falk, creator of the Phantom and Mandrake the Magician.

Although Falk had two successful syndicated cartoons, his true love was the theater.  He worked with the likes of Marlon Brando, Paul Newman and Charlton Heston to name a few.  For a complete overview of his life and work, check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lee_Falk

A Woody Made Him Famous

Today is the birthday of Walter Lantz.  Born in 1899, Lantz is most famous for creating Woody Woodpecker, as well as Andy Panda, Chilly Willy and Oswald the Lucky Rabbit.

Lantz's wife Grace supplied the voice for the brash bird (although the laugh was Mel Blanc) as well as several other cartoon characters.

Here's a Woody cartoon from You Tube.  For a more comprehensive look at Lantz's life and career got to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_Lantz

Happy Birthday to Gil Kane

Sorry I've been offline - I was having some updates to the website and ran into a few obstacles.  Today is the birthday of Gil Kane.  Kane produced what is arguably the first graphic novel in 1971 called 'BlackMark.'  A comprehensive look at Kane's career can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gil_Kane.

I promise new cartoons on Wednesday.  Thank you for your patience.

Masterpieces In 3D!

Gasoline Alley

Today is the birthday of Frank King, the creator of the long running strip 'Gasoline Alley.'  Gasoline Alley is especially noteworthy because it was the first comic strip to have the characters age in real time.  The strip eventually was adapted to radio, then film, as well as comic books.

King turned the strip over to his assistant in 1959.  The current artist is Jim Scancarelli.

I've also included a video of Rod Stewart singing 'Gasoline Alley' a cappella.  The song was written by Stewart and Ronnie Wood, now of the Rolling Stones fame.

 

Have a great weekend!

A Purrrrrfect Cartoon

Check out this animated short.  If you like this, there's more on You Tube.

Toonful Tuesday!

I had a cool job back in the mid-nineties reviewing records.  At least it sounds cool - not everything I got in the mail warranted a listening.

One of my favorite submissions was Grant Lee Buffalo.  I'd never heard of them and their music was such a welcome relief from the Molly Hatchet wannabies I was hearing by the millions.  This live recording was a song off their second album, 'Mighty Joe Moon.'  I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Happy Birthday Joe Orlando!

Let's all wish a happy birthday to Joe Orlando!  Joe was a long-time vice president of DC comics, an illustrator and editor for Warren Publications (Creepy, Eerie) and MAD magazine.  Joe passed away in 1998, but his work lives on.  Check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Orlando for a detailed story outlining his accomplishments.

Take care,

Brad

I'd Be Perfect For This Job

There are hundreds of skits to chose from Monty Python, but I consider this my favorite.  The routine falls apart at the middle, but the first half is brilliant. 

One Of My Favorite 'Toons.'

One of my favorite tunes.  Ronnie Lane was born on April first and wrote this about his birthday.  The song was on the collaborative album 'Rough Mix' with Pete Townsend.

April Fools

I pulled this from the archives to celebrate April Fool's Day.

I got this idea from an old joke that is a bit ribald for my blog, so I'll leave it to your imaginations.

Speaking of old jokes, what is the origin of April Fools?  Go to http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1635223/20100331/story.jhtml for a clue, although it isn't entirely clear.

And for the top 100 April Fool's hoaxes of all time check out http://www.museumofhoaxes.com/hoax/aprilfool/.  My favorite was Burger King's left handed hamburger.  Beats the daylight out of the terrifying ceramic king they're currently using in their ads.

Enjoy yourselves and be safe!