You're a Good Man Sparky Schulz

Tonight we happened across American Masters on PBS and it featured Charles Schulz. I'd recommend watching it, though, I'm really depressed after viewing it and wish that Charlie Brown could have kicked the football -- as well as Charles.

Personally, he's one cartoonist I've always looked up to from childhood on and think of as an inspiration. I was very touched by, I'm guessing, his last interview where he had announced his retirement -- due to his stroke and battle with cancer. Oh, heck, my eyes got watery, it was that moving a segment. I always figured he died more from a broken heart than from cancer ... having to quit the strip. He's one cartoonist I wish I could have met and I eat up Sparky stories from other cartoonists who did meet him. They ALL speak very favorably, he was always encouraging to them and shared insight.... I do hope he realized how truly loved and worthwhile he was.

If you missed it, it'll run again on Oct. 31st on PBS at 1:00 p.m. and again on Nov. 1st at 11:00 a.m. Here's the schedule link.

Tim Benson (extended) Spotlight III

While admiring Tim's work or venturing elsewhere on the Internet, feel free to listen to Tim's Blend Playlist!

Believe -- OT, but neat story

Not a cartooning subject, but it was a Sioux Falls/SD happening!

Elton John, last night in Sioux Falls, seemed downright impressed and astonished that he was able to meet Sen. George McGovern. He dedicated this song to him.


This was certainly right up there as one of the best concerts I've gone to. He started at 8:00 p.m. and went non-stop -- all Elton, no costume changes, etc. until 10:40. Elton was simply outstanding. He seemed personable, making connections to the audience, at his call back signing several autographs -- much like Willie Nelson did at the Washington Pavilion -- except then Elton came back to treat us to two more songs. Willie went back to his bus! ;-)

I'd sure like to know more about EJ's dog, Arthur, which is I guess from SD! He said he carries a little piece from SD everywhere he goes. :-)

Scott and Tim's Excellent Adventure, er, blog

First, my apologies to Tim -- I'll continue the spotlight that got put on the back burner a bit longer than should have been. Please forgive me and my poor blogging habits.
(Tim -- I owe you probably two or three lattes or beverages of your choice for not completing the series in a timely fashion and for your picking up my work at the Horsebarn!)

Anyway, back to the topic at hand. Scott has a new blog and is featuring Tim's cartoons on it as well. He's also been experimenting with color with Tim's work.

It's featured here:

Goodbye Lisa

Personally, I have mixed emotions about Funky Winkerbean. I used to love it, especially with all the education humor, then it got just downright, wrist-splitting depressing.

This last arc really hit me though, it reminded me of the untimely deaths of two friends of mine. Both diagnosed with breast cancer in their thirties. I guess Lisa's death happening in October with breast cancer awareness is right and appropriate. With that in mind, ladies, get those annual mammos and look at research -- some saying limiting your red meat and alcohol intake.

It's interesting in FW that Les and the strip has now aged four years. Let's hope Wally is back safe and sound from his service in Afghanistan.