Mixed Emotions

Over at the New York Times, there is an excellent blog post by Rutu Modan as part of their visual column series Sightlines. This is the first time I've ever seen something like this, and I'm so jealous that I hadn't thought of it first!

Rutu Modan created Exit Wounds, a graphic novel about Koby Franco, a 20-something cab driver working in Tel Aviv. It's a great read, and really dig her loose, simple drawing style, which I think is tremendously evocative and lends itself well to sequential storytelling.

Wilson's big stick

We're back and running on Wednesday, so go check out my latest cartoon over at PoliticsNJ.com. You can also sign up over there for a free wake-up call of New Jersey news, RSS feeds, and more!

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New Jersey's one-two real estate punch

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It's a sad day in New Jersey when...

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Wish my last name were Katz...or Riccio

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Can you hear me now Belichick?

Well, the NFL has ruled, and spy/cheater Bill Belichick has been fined $500,000 for spying on the Jet's defensive signals during their week 1 game in New Jersey. He will not be suspended.

In addition, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell ordered the Patriots to give up next year's first-round draft choice if it reaches the playoffs and second- and third-round picks if it doesn't (which isn't that really of a big deal since they have an extra one by way of a trade with the 49ers).

According to ESPN.com, the videotaping came to light after a camera was confiscated from Patriots video assistant Matt Estrella while he was on the New York Jets' sideline during New England's 38-14 win last Sunday at Giants Stadium. Goodell will not change the outcome of the game.

NFL fines Pats coach, team loses pick
The Boston Globe

NFL penalty for Belichick, Patriots is far too light
John Clayton, ESPN

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Who could it be now?

Hey everyone! I thought this might be fun. Here's a preview of tomorrow's cartoon. Take a stab and try to guess what the cartoon will be about. The finished cartoon will be up tomorrow morning for you to check out.

Oooohhhhhhhhhh Nooooooooooooooo

Don't tell me this is serious?!?!?

Of all the artists to take on a new Sgt. Rock mini-series (What's wrong with Joe Kubert?), according to Newsarama, DC Comics has accepted a pitch by Shi creator Billy Tucci. The 6-issue mini-series, titled Sgt. Rock: The Lost Battalion, will hit stores some time in spring 2008, according to DC Editor Mike Marts.

Now, I'll be the first to admit that Kubert's recent mini-series was sort of flat story-wise, but that has much more to do with the absence of Robert Kanigher that Kubert's art and storytelling. He's still one of the best storytellers around! Why you would replace him with someone with dramatically less storytelling ability I don't know.

It's the Greg Horn-ification of comics!

Hat tip to Fabio Redivo

Et tu Codey?

Well, it's Thursday, and that usually doesn't mean much. However, we're going to celebrate Thursday like it were Wednesday, so here's a link to my newest cartoon for PoliticsNJ.com.

Go check it out and let me know what you think.

Cash-flow problems

I was having a discussion with a friend of mine who's son is at a crossroads in his life, trying to figure out what to do with his career. My friend just upgraded and purchased a nice, comfortable and efficient new car. A friend of his son that just got hired showed up in his brand new BMW, leading the obvious questioning of both father and son; What am I doing wrong?!?!?

The obvious answer - not attempting to marry into the Katz family!

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Were you ready for some football?

It wasn't a good day for the teams from NJ/NY. The Jets lost (once again) to the Patriots in the Meadowlands, while the Giants fell in a high-scoring game to the Wade Philips' led Cowboys. And to add injury to insult, both Chad Pennington and Eli Manning were hurt.

My Buffalo Bills didn't fare any better, loosing on a last-second field goal by the Broncos. Now, I may be biased, but will the refs EVER call holding on the Broncos? It's ridiculious! There were at least 8 plays I saw where holding was blatant, right at the point of attack. I know the NFL backed the referees off the line of scrimmage this year as a precaution against injury, but com'on!!!

And don't let me just blame it on the Broncos. J.P. Losman took a step back to say...2005!!!! He had less than 100 yards passing, and after Elam missed from 43 yards with a little over 3 minutes in the game, the Bills only ran 1:19 off the clock thanks to a bone-headed incomplete J.P. Losman pass on an attempted deep route to Lee Evans. Hmmmm, Marshawn Lynch was averaging over 5 yards a carry, and we need to run time off the clock. LETS PASS IT! Thanks 'I don't know DICK...Jauron.' From that point, Denver took possession with 2:13 to go, and it used literally every last second to win the game.

What about Edwards, Obama, Dodd, Biden, Richardson, etc.

Thanks for moving up the primary date New Jersey!

At a luncheon today as part of the state democrat's annual conference in Atlantic City, Hillary Clinton was the only democratic presidential candidate to bother showing up. She hit all the usual talking points, ranging from providing affordable universal health care to bringing home the troops from Iraq, but it was her line about replacing current government officials with "competent people" that evoked the most laughter. Oh, and about her line that she considers herself an honorary New Jerseyan, but that she doesn't want New Jersey to, "...charge any more property taxes than what I pay across the river in New York." Yeah, uncomfortable reaction by state Dems at best.

But where were the other mainstream democratic candidates? Hillary was undoubtedly there due to not only her friendship with Corzine, but the fact that the majority of state politicians support her (the notable exceptions continue to be Codey's support of Edwards, and Obama's support from Newark Mayor Cory A. Booker and Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah Healy).

Clinton property tax joke a prickly one for New Jersey Dems (Video from The Press of Atlantic City)

Another 11 bite the dust

In case you were on the far side of the moon yesterday:

11 NJ officials arrested on bribery charges

Apologies, but I've got no time to expand on this cartoon. I'm getting ready to go to Atlantic City to cover the NJ Democratic State Committee conference. I'll be sketching whatever is interesting, so if you're around, stop by and say hello.

Unless you hate me.

And make sure you check out Saturday's Press of Atlantic City for a cartoon I did on the convention.

Total Recall

Well, my old punching bag Mayor Levy is in hot water again. According to a story by Derek Harper at The Press of Atlantic City, six of the nine Atlantic City councilmembers have signed the petition seeking Levy's recall.

Part of the support for a recall is the continued push of the Levy-Callaway-Baldwin salary hike scheme, which voters overwhelmingly opposed, and whose opposition was upheld in both the Superior and Appellate Court level. Levy is appealing the decision to the Supreme Court.

The best quote has to come from Councilman Robinson, who said that he signed the recall because Levy "has turned the city administration over to (Business Administrator) Domenic Cappella, who is letting evil rule his life."

Recall group: Majority of council have signed petition

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Hold me accountable

Well, it's Wednesday and everything's back to normal at the good'ole PoliticsNJ.com.

Go check out my newest cartoon, and let me know what you think. Hope you all had a great Labor Day!

Happy Labor Day

Why do these two look surprised? Maybe it's because I have a special Labor Day cartoon up at PoliticsNJ.com.

So go check it out, and let me know what you think. And get those grills heated up already! The long weekend's almost half over.

Thanks for the rebate check, but...

Here is today's cartoon. I hope you all have plans out there to enjoy this beautiful Labor Day weekend. I know I do.

Because after that, it's back to the grind. The politicians will all be back in town, and we will really be getting in knees-deep with all the races for office this year.

So enjoy!

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Romney shows a little leg

The creative team behind the creation 'Mitt Romney' is at it again. He has a new ad out that showcases his experience running in the Olympics and in Massachusetts"

Is there any part of this guy that is genuine? A blogger on the New York Times described Romney as "the genetically-engineered test-tube politician for God-blessed America."

I think I agree with him.

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Hey, Miss South Carolina is SMARTER than you

Well, she is according to People magazine. They have a geography quiz for the masses, so be prepared to hear it from "Ms The Iraq" when you don't know where the Queen Maud Mountains is located.

Hat tip to New Jersey: Politics Unusual

A video game I definately want to get...