Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Only the beginning

In Salem, the first weekend in December is Snow Ball, a girls' preference dance that includes all the high schools in the area. There is, of course, a lot of anxiety associated with this dance...on both the side of the girls and of the boys.

It reminds me of some of my less-than-spectacular dating experiences, some that I'll never forget -- although I wish I could!

So, in honor of Snow Ball and the whole dating dilemma, here's a short series from 121 about one of those memorable dates...

Monday, November 29, 2010

Monday sketchbook: Feel the heat...not so much

I had a few landlords who subscribed to this way of thinking. Nowadays they call it a sustainable environmental control system.

Sunday, November 28, 2010

We double dog dare it to snow!

Saturday, November 27, 2010

While you were away...

I always wondered what the other students did who weren't able to go home for the holidays.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Dress for success

Mom always said you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Don't make the kind of impression that will get you eaten!

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

With cranberries on the side

The alternate caption for this was, "A tree stump in the backyard isn't nearly as glamorous as a guillotine outside a palace in Paris, is it?"

Any other ideas?

Monday, November 22, 2010

Monday sketchbook: Party like it's 1621

While sketching out turkey cartoon ideas, this one sort of popped out. I'm sorry! At least I didn't include those honkin' glasses he wears!

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Every high councilman's dream

I've heard high council members say that they prepare three versions of their talks: short, medium and long (although to me it seems that a lot of them only use the extended versions).

Friday, November 19, 2010

Harry and friends

I was surprised to find that even in my archives I don't have any Harry Potter-themed cartoons. This is the closest one I have -- based on an actual conversation we had in our house -- to run in celebration of The Deathly Hallows, Part 1 release.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Good news, bad news

I'm not quite happy with the way this one turned out. For example, should it be skunk spray instead of skunk juice? Although skunk spray may be more familiar, I like the sound of skunk juice better. But I did like the idea of something so foul-smelling being a cure all for such a global problem -- think of the ramifications! I wonder if this one should have stayed in the sketchbook...

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Spaced jam

Yes, basketball season is under way. It brings back so many memories of coaching kids' teams!

Monday, November 15, 2010

Monday sketchbook: It's all in the timing

This may or may not be based on real-life experience. But I did come up with it one Sunday morning...when I was running a little late...

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Language arts

Actually, I think this is one of the first things they teach in the Missionary Training Center -- for good reason!

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Friday, November 12, 2010

Not-so-smooth sailing

Man, I HATE those sidewalk potholes!

By the way, in case you missed the logo on the side, my cartoons now also run in Meridian Magazine on Fridays. You can also see the work of fellow cartoonist Arie Van De Graaff on Tuesdays. What a deal!

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Veteran's Day

On Veteran's Day, I can't help but think of all those who have toiled to help preserve our freedoms here in the United States, many of whom gave the ultimate sacrifice defending a cause they believed in.

My dad, who served in the Korean War, told stories of amazing acts and brave deeds that went unsung. As company clerk, he wrote up letters of recommendation for many soldiers who were commended for their bravery. He told the story of two soldiers who dove on hand grenades in order to contain the blast and protect their comrades in arms. One soldier was killed, but his companions were saved through his sacrifice. The other soldier was denied a medal because the grenade didn't go off -- it was a dud, and he was uninjured. But, my dad said, did it take any less courage for him to dive on the grenade? He didn't know it wasn't going to go off, yet he was still willing to make that sacrifice.

As a missionary serving in Korea, many people expressed their love and thanks to me when I told them that my father served in Korea during the war. They were grateful for all that the U.S. armed forces did to protect their country. Can we do any less? Thank you to all who serve.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Let it fall, let it fall, let it fall!

As we drove through town the other day, my young apprentice and I noticed that the leaves were falling like snow. He helped me come up with this idea. Yuk!

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

The eyes have it!

Credit for this has to go to my apprentice once again. Somehow on the way home from football practice we got to talking about Don Quixote, and the conversation evolved into this.

Monday, November 8, 2010

Sunday, November 7, 2010

As the dews from heaven distilling

When I first moved to Oregon, it rained from October until the end of February every stinkin' day -- at least it seemed that way to me as a Utah boy. I'm more used to it now, but it still amazes me how much rain can fall here. The heavens are indeed open!

Saturday, November 6, 2010

The clock is ticking

Yes, tonight is the night of the time change. Be sure to change your clocks back an hour -- and set up your night light!

Friday, November 5, 2010

Ten-foot values

My boys read this and asked, "What's Standards Night?" I guess that's the price they pay for being brought up in a home with no sister siblings. Standards night is defined thusly:
"A standards event is a special program that emphasizes eternal goals and moral values. It should be based on the last part of the Young Women Theme: 'We believe as we come to accept and act upon these values, we will be prepared to make and keep sacred covenants, receive the ordinances of the temple, and enjoy the blessings of exaltation.' The standards event should encourage the young women to live the standards now that will bring them to the Savior."

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Over the line

Any coach will tell you that once you find a good center, you stick with him. One of the requirements, however, is that they can actually pass the ball back to the quarterback.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Election Day

Happy election day! If you haven't yet, get out there and vote!

This is one from Good Heavens that didn't make it in this year, but I thought it was worth running. And may the best candidate win!

Monday, November 1, 2010

Monday sketchbook: Rockin' it!

This one seemed a little too Far Side-ish and didn't have an outstanding visual. But it's still good for a grin.