Illustration for the New York Observer

Here's an illustration I did for the latest issue of the New York Observer, promoting their newest Politicker website, PolitickerNY.com.

In the illustration (from left to right) are New York Governor David Paterson, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, State Senator Malcolm Smith and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

Here's the sketch:

Zapiro: The Mandela Files

The cartoonist Jonathan Shapiro, better known as Zapiro (seen above with Nelson Mandela), launched his latest coffee-table collection of Mandela cartoons last night, along with an annual of his most recent work.

He spoke to Sunday Times books editor Tymon Smith about his satirical depiction of and commentary on Madiba’s life (an honorary title adopted by elders of Mandela's clan). In this audio slide show Zapiro explains the significance that this experience has had on his own career and personal growth.

Separate but Equal

A 13-member Civil Union Review Commission convened by the New Jersey legislature tasked with "evaluating the implementation, operation and effectiveness" of the civil union law passed nearly two years ago released its final report on Wednesday.

They unanimously recommended that "The Legislature and Governor amend the law to allow same-sex couples to marry" and that it be "enacted expeditiously because any delay in marriage equality will harm all the people of New Jersey."

So now state legislators have a shield to hid behind so they can safely pass a gay marriage law without being stoned by their constituents.



The cartoon is based on a photograph by Elliott Erwitt that Juan Melli over at PolitickerNJ.com sent me. Erwitt is known for his black and white candid shots of ironic and absurd situations within everyday settings -- the master of the "indecisive moment".

At least according to Wikipedia.

Morland Wins British Cartooning Award

Across the pond, they have political cartoonists too, and one of England's best, Morten Morland, won the Political Cartoon Society's cartoonist of the year award last night in London.

"It’s a fantastic compliment be recognized like that by a jury who’s gone through a whole year’s worth of work, and although I could probably name a handful of people that I’d rather give the award to than myself, it’s a brilliant inspiration, and a much appreciated pat on the back," Morland said on his blog.

"It's great that Morten has won this," said fellow cartoonist Andy Davey, "The judges commended his immediately recognizable style and use of unusual perspective - I'd second that. "

Morland's cartoons appear every Monday in The Times newspaper.

In addition, Steve Bell, the political cartoonist at The Guardian, picked up the 'Gillray Goblet' for the best single image of the year. Peter Shrank of The Independent on Sunday came in second to pick up the 'Tenniel Tankard.'

Christian Adams, the political cartoonist for The Daily Telegraph, commented on his blog about the awards, including some cartoonist chatter that occurred in the pub afterwards.

"The general discussion was the cluelessness of editors and backbenchers about cartoons," Adams said. "Don't they realize that the readers actually LIKE cartoons! Most newspaper people really don't 'get' what cartoons are for and about."

Today's State Cartoon - 12/11/08

CALIFORNIA


Saying California is "headed toward a financial Armageddon," Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is trying to force the Legislature to do something to fix California's huge budget deficit, which has climbed to $14.8 billion. Officials said the deficit will balloon to the $40 billion neighborhood by mid-2010 unless corrective action is taken.

The Legislature responded by asking for a refill on their Margarita.

MARYLAND


In Baltimore, Mayor Sheila Dixon, City Comptroller Joan Pratt and City Council President Stephanie Rawlings-Blake all received pay increases amid city hiring freezes and ongoing budget concerns, not to mention potential furloughs for city and state employees.

Nice work if you can get it.

NEW YORK


So was New York Senate Democratic leader Malcolm Smith a sucker for thinking he could make a deal with the senate dissidents knows as the 'Gang of Three' which would have secured his party's hold on the chamber majority?

Seems that way.

Yes, There is a Joe Biden Commemorative Plate

Working from home, I am blessed with stupid Obama Commemorative Plate commercials every break.

Well now, Delaware's own Joe Biden has his own plate! It comes with an authentic Acela schedule, and is a fine way to commemorate the second Caucasian vice president in this century.

Laid-off Des Moines Register Cartoonist Strikes Back

Brian Duffy, the former editorial cartoonist at the Des Moines Register who was escorted out along with 40 other employees as part of a nation-wide lay-off program at Gannett, has had the chance to get back at his former bosses.

After the news broke that he was laid-off from his staff cartooning job of more than 25 years, Cityview publisher Shane Goodman got in touch with Duffy and offered him a full page to publish whatever he wanted.

Duffy took him up on his offer and penned the cartoon above for the December 10 issue of the central Iowa weekly newspaper.

Goodman spoke positively of the award winning cartoonist, telling WHOtv 13 that "The Register's loss is our gain."

Blagojevich's 'golden' moment in history

NEW JERSERY

Layoffs hit 'The Daily Planet' in Metropolis

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