The more the merrier

Remember when Disney was Disney?
 

Sketchbook: Another Monday

Comic strip characters can help us quickly describe someone. You know what I mean when I say, “I feel like Charlie Brown” or “It’s a Garfield Monday” or “My teenager is just like Jeremy.”

I think that’s kind of cool. 
 

Light the World: Fast Relief

I heard this statement in a lesson once, and it stuck with me. It helps explain why sometimes it's easier to fast than others. 

For today's Light the World, the suggestion is to "go without for a meal or two" and donate the cost of the meals to a charity that feeds people in need. 

Editor's note: Snicker Snacks and the jagged line on the cereal bowl are throwbacks to Peanuts — the jagged line was on Charlie Brown's shirt (a recurring motif you'll see in numerous comic strips for that exact reason), and Snicker Snacks was often the cereal of choice in the strip. Bonus points in your Comics History class if you got those references!
 

The missionary circuit

It's true that missionaries often say funny things. But they're not the only ones doing stand up!

Sketchbook: Camp Swampy

I was saddened to learn of the passing of Mort Walker, the cartoonist who drew Beetle Bailey (amongst many other comic strips). Many of us could relate to Beetle, and knew people similar to those who populated Camp Swampy. My dad said the strip reminded him of his time in the Army.

Walker was among the first to introduce an African-American character into his strip as a regular character, Lt. Fuzz.* And while Gen. Halftrack's ogling of Miss Buxley was insensitive, to say the least, Mr. Walker had the General attend sensitivity training.

Rumors say that the strip will carry on, but Mr. Walker, we'll miss you. Thank you for your contributions to the art of cartooning!

*The first was Charles Schulz, who brought in Franklin as a recurring character.

Throw your hand up in the air (all those in favor)

The main sessions of General Conference start tomorrow. There are many ways to watch, listen and participate both online and using traditional media. There's even a webpage on the Church site that gives you tips on how to prepare (but it's not nearly as crafty as what you'll find on Pinterest!). And in case you missed it, the General Women's Session is already archived.

On a related note, lds.net is running a story on "The General Conference Comics Mashup," featuring some of my cartoons as well as some from Mormon Cartoonist Arie Van De Graaff, Jon Clark and (relative) newcomer Scott Hales. Check it out!