There are times when my editor, wife and fans don't send me any news articles to work from. At times like that I will often use the first thing I see. Too often it's something I've seen on Facebook. I then spend the next hour researching to make sure that it's true. And by research I mean that I stay on Facebook and look at cat videos. Then I get distracted by the Internet. I have no idea if there ever was a study like this. But I do know that the set up made for a good gag and I didn't have to proofread too many of the words.

The Comic Critic's Review of "Bell, Book and Candle"

Bell, Book and Candle, like many other romance comedies, is set at Christmas. It’s a hilarious movie with witty dialog, terrific star power, and an enchanting story that appeals to the American audience. When I was growing up, it circulated on television as often as any other classic movie from that era. It has the magical power of pulling you onto the sofa—even if you didn’t see the beginning—and to remain on that channel. Sol Saks admits that he took inspiration from Bell, Book and Candle, as well as a 1942 film called I Married a Witch, when he created the highly successful television show Bewitched. And yet you will not see this movie on any Christmas movie line-up, a shame really. I have a theory about it. When Saks created Bewitched, he focused on magic as amusement, not social commentary. Bell, Book and Candle is rather sly about its social commentary. The story takes place in Greenwich Village, a prime location for beatnik counter-culture. The witches of the film are attributed as part of the colorful counter-culture. The setting of the film is during Christmas, a pagan holiday enveloped by Christians and even more decorated with trappings by American consumption. One of the first scenes occurs in a gallery exhibiting African art. Over the years, I believe it is this subtle irreverence about Christmas, along with the story ending after the holiday, which eased Bell, Book and Candle out of the holiday movie line-up. But it’s these same elements that make the movie intriguing and ripe for rediscovery with today’s audience.

The Return of Stickman #1581

There have been several times when I've questioned the use of a service animal. Maybe that makes me old fashion. Maybe I just like the idea that the only people who should be walking around with a parrot on their shoulder in public should either be selling photos of the parrot sitting on your shoulder or pirates. But it would be politically incorrect if I said the same thing about monkeys. And for the record, I think everyone should have monkeys.

The Return of Stickman #1580

Cartoonists are always looking to do poop jokes. Don't ask me why. But I've yet to met a cartoonist who hasn't done one. I'm surprised that there are not more poop related cartoons out there.

The Return of Stickman #1579

This really does happen to me. The first time I discovered a piece of art I created in the wild it was like a jolt. When it happens now I revel in those brief seconds where I don't recognize it as my work and I'm busy critiquing it in my head. It pleases me that most of those critiques are positive.

The Return of Stickman #1578

When I was sent this news article I immediately scribbled the first half of the dialog. But it's the last panel that really sells the gag.