"The 40-Below Club"

I haven't done an editorial in quite some time, even though I have lots of ideas, and what with the state of the world right now, things piss me off on an hourly basis, especially if I spend any time online. Still there is something to be said about art therapy, and channeling my anger into more positive outcomes. 

Well, okay, maybe this isn't so positive, but like many folks in our neck of the woods, I am so done with winter this season. Fighting against depression, augmented by seasonal affective disorder, and compounded by existential despair, throw in a semester of stress, drama and imploding students, and topped off with record-breaking cold snaps and snowfall totals for the Interior, and you have a perfect recipe for inspiration for those of us with a decidedly dark sense of humor. Ha ha ha.

But seriously, the whole traditional "40 Below Club" as a rite of passage is only funny for the first few weeks, but now it's really really getting old. Or maybe it's just me...

Going to the outhouse

"Disappearing Ice" + "Kill 'Em All"

This one was perhaps a bit on the political side for a normal Nuggets, but some things need to be said. And in all honesty, climate change is inextricably linked with a web of other issues - any one of which spells doom for the human race. Take the recent flooding as an example: the sheer volume of toxic chemicals flushed out into the ocean and absorbed into groundwater is staggering. And like the wishful thinking behind hoping the atmosphere can just magically keep absorbing all the pollution we are pumping into it, the waters of the planet are as finite as the air.

The new jaw-dropping estimates are that 73% of all wildlife has been killed off since the 70's... but wait, then there's the silent Armageddon of microplatic poisoning, which is only attracting attention through the myopic effect it has upon our species - the consequences upon all remaining animals will be catastrophic. Anyways, ha ha, charismatic megafauna is funny.

Another one that was on the funny fence for a while was this one, "Kill 'Em All." I went back and forth on whether or not not was just too dark for the feature. Then again after reading all about the issues linked above, with an appropriate accompanying soundtrack, one might start to feel somewhat differently about the fate of the human race, at least the ones currently killing each other off first.   

Editorials: "Real ID" + "Wildfires"

Our neighborhood recently was placed on the "Ready" level of evacuation on account of the ring of wildfires in the Interior. As preparatory steps before issuing "Set" and "Go," we readied our bug-out bags and boxes, prepared the kitty cages, and the kind offers from friends on a place to stay. Definitely adding to the level of stress and anxiety, so a sad little smile can help hold back if not alleviate the doom and gloom. IYKYK and the rabid base of local foragers is every bit as intense as the annual blueberry season in this neck of the woods.

Also include here is an unpublished doodle done while sitting in purgatory at DMV. Prior to attending a workshop over on the East Coast, I had to join the lines of docile citizens and dutifully submit documentation for my travel papers. 

"No Kings"

Last weekend another full-color editorial cartoon of mine appeared on the Opinion page. For those of our viewers keeping score along with us at home, that's now the second one of the year so far into my supposed retirement.

Some things are worth stepping up for, and unfortunately, shit is getting serious in the formerly United States of America, with the ICE gestapo and other masked thugs terrorizing immigrant communities and escalation of dictator tactics. We already know how Republicans have cosplayed all this out before: from 187 minutes of dereliction of duty while watching our capitol get sacked, to his well-documented outspoken worship of authoritarian violence, their cult leader dictates their dishonor, and rewards criminality with weaponization of governmental institutions and the destruction of American society..

And lest anyone get any impression otherwise, the deeper meaning has absolutely nothing whatsoever to do at all with anything political: everyone up here knows the situation with our salmon. In Alaska, it's all about the fish.

"86 47"

"Cool nugget formation on my tundra walk"

In honor and advance of tomorrow's No Kings Day, here's a snapshot of an unusual arrangement found up in our neck of the woods. Aside from the fact that similar recent commentary like this has reaffirmed evidence of just how deep the disinformation siloing effect continues to divide our nation - with not just alternative facts anymore, but full-on competing realities. Exhibit A would be based on my own personal, extensive experience from over a dozen years in the food-service industry: from New York to Philly to AK; as a dishwasher, prep + line cook (hot & cold sides), host, bar-back, server and manager. The only context you ever heard “86” was either as a directive from the kitchen that a special or menu item was sold out, or, when cutting off a drunk at the bar. Both of which apply in this situation.

Sun Star: Cartoon & Comics Arts Course Article (+ Bonus Editorial Feedback)

A super article, penned by Nóra McIntyre, appeared in the last issue of the semester of the UAF student newspaper about the inaugural offering in the fall of 2023 of the Cartoon & Comics Arts course. It's not on-line at the moment, but if and when it does, it's rumored to perhaps contain many, many more of the sample works provided to the paper when they first wrote the piece, since the space constraints of the print media version logistically limited how many could appear in meatspace. My own humble idea to completely convert one entire issue to just comics (similar to what we did when I was the comics editor of The District at SCAD) still stands.

But in all seriousness, hopefully a couple more cartoonists will start submitting their work on a regular basis as a result of the course now occurring on a regular basis. As it was a handful of folks got to see print: strips by Renee Kurka, Karl Stevens, Jenae Matson, and an example of the collaborative page exercise.

Speaking of the student newspaper, while Googling my name and “Sun Star” to see if the online version had run, there was a post on Reddit about a recent editorial panel of mine that the paper had run. Of interest was a comment that highlit the death of irony. Specifically it's always a going concern, a fear that folks who are the target of satire are sometimes so dense that they might miss the point of a cartoon, and instead interpret the sentiment of it being in support of their position, ie too fucking stupid to get that it's at their expense. To be sure, one could charge the artist with being to witty for their own good, which I'm guilty of being convinced of my own greatness so it can't possibly be my fault someone doesn't get it.

UA BOR DEI WTF

Both the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner and the Sun Star ( reminder to please support local, independent journalism) published editorial panels of mine addressing the recent decision by the UA Board of Regents to remove all language and positions relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion. One cartoon depicts our mascot polar bear eclipsing the black and brown, and the other, a claw shredding these bedrock principles of academic freedom. With this edict, the University of Alaska Fairbanks joins the UA statewide in capitulating - abject surrender - to Republican's bigoted, pro-racist, white supremacist, Christian nationalist, fascist takeover and takedown of what makes the United States of America a champion of democratic values. Additionally this falls into line with with the big-picture/long game objectives of the billionaire class + oligarchy's wet dream known as Project 2025 in assaulting public education.

"Bears" editorial (aka "No Lives Matter")

Editorials: Roevember + Santa Palin

Unearthing another post about a few classic editorial panels that's languished on the proverbial back burners for a couple years now. Unfortunately still somewhat relevant, as one is about an evergreen issue that is continually under attack, and another that predictably does nothing else but attacking.

Reproductive rights and individual liberties are steadily being lost, as the pro-rape and pro-incest parties (and no I won't ever link to easily found examples of notorious Alaskan disinformation sites) rally with the support of corrupt politicians to erode our constitutional frameworks. 

Note: Despite my longstanding opposition to Murkowski, credit where credit's due on her stance on this isuue, a with Peltola's.  

And oh hey, who remembers Sarah Palin - or, more accurately, who the hell cares? After getting her political ass handed to her many times over, she faced off against another novelty candidate, Santa Claus himself. Hoe, hoe, hoe. 

Yet far from being just another annoying echo or zombie politician who won't stay down, Palin continues to try and remain relevant as an insurrectionist, continue broadcasting her lack of intelligence, fomenting civil war, playing roadie for another similarly psychopathic old loser Ted Nugent, and of course, supporting traitorous criminals.

A spawned-out Sarah Palin is as much of a novelty candidate as tRump and Santa, which ironically makes them exceptionally dangerous when they aren't taken seriously, because there's enough ignorant voters out there who would willingly elect them despite the clear + present danger that a couple of them represent to democracy itself. Unfortunately, that's no joke. So this November Roevember, vote like your civil rights are at stake, because they are.

"Woke"

An editorial panel that recently ran on the Opinion page of our local paper. Another term being flogged to death by right-wingers who largely have no idea what it actually means. It's supposed to be an insult when used by them, but unfortunately whenever you hear it, it's actually a handy red flag (similar to a red hat) which conveniently signifies the general morality of the speaker, like for example using "libtard" or sporting a rebel flag etc. In other words, just translate it immediately into the user preferring to remain asleep, which not only explains their worldview, it reflects our society's current sad state of affairs. But you have to appreciate it when folks go out of their way to wear a uniform and stereotype themselves with branding, and alert others to their politics, and frame any potential interactions, if not avoid them entirely.

"Moosezilla" Rises Again! (Versus Bonus "Mosquitora")

Gosh, now what could possibly ever go wrong? Besides the fact that the military industrial complex has it's own little it's own world on American soil, it can unilaterally deign to introduce a nuclear reactor onto sovereign Alaska territory. We'll just ignore their track record for cleaning up after themselves because the state is so big there's plenty of room to play with toxic toys. How'd that sound for an attempt at protesting the might of the military flexing its muscle on the us poor little ol' defenseless 3rd world citizens of the barren tundra? Waiting for all the staunch defenders of sovereignty to even muster a mumble of resistance... but there's an established record of Alaska rolling over without a whimper when it comes to those almighty federal dollars. Oh wait, nevermind.

I got to resurrect "Moosezilla" and create a bonus new kaiju "Mosquitora" based on another classic creature. I think I've been watching too many of those recently released golden oldies on YouTube from Shout Factory - Rodan was always a childhood favorite and the nostalgic trip down memory lane (okay more like stomping it to ruins and laying waste to it with atomic breath). And speaking of sourdough-caliber history, here's bonus archive pics of a famous former Air Force enlistee from this neck of the woods.

And I'd be remiss in not including the obligatory plea for supporting local journalism, and the peripheral talent too; thank you.

"Balto"

This was one of the very few panels I mulled over publishing for quite a while, as it was an upsetting image. Editorial cartooning is a great way to respond to contentious topic, as the old-fashioned method requires time, time to think something up, sketch it out, refine it, ink it up and color it then submit it to an editor. Not quite as quick as hitting "enter" on a comment thread. I have a minimum 24-hour delay on replying to any hot-button issue or comment in online forums. Or to clarify: every time I've ever broken that rule and not observed a cooling-off period, I've lost friends and family. Removing such toxicity was a good thing in the long run (they aren't missed), but still, it's a healthy way to retain sanity + perspective, which definitely are two things in short supply these days. Above and beyond he many problems with mushing, and controversy surrounding Balto himself, 

Anyways, dead dogs definitely are a triggering image, and even to those inured after constant inundation to such imagery and/or suffering from pandemic fatigue it would elicit a strong response. Unfortunately I sincerely believe that, were the conditions arise similar to those that necessitated the 1925 Serum Run (a legacy evoked with the more contemporary Yukon Quest and Iditarod races), alas, the dogs - and their mushers - would never have reached their destination. Given the rampant disinformation and inexcusable harassment and threats medical personnel suffered throughout this pandemic, there are those who would take matters into their own hands. living in a fantasy world and fancying themselves dispensers of frontier justice. 

Now, as of this posting, that the United States has passed the one million dead mark for the pandemic, we're supposed to believe in the sincerity of so many who are now claiming to defend the sanctity of life. These are the same who until recently wouldn't take the simplest steps and basic protections on behalf of the most vulnerable in our society. And taken in conjunction with the overarching lessons learned from the assault on institutions of democracy it comes as no surprise to see fellow former citizens display such a shocking level of ignorance and fear, abandon the rule of law, never mind basic respect and decency. Losing my confidence and trust in so many after seeing such a sad state of affairs when it comes to lack of empathy, I question the basic humanity of anyone who openly espouses such extremes. Yet in the face of all this undermining of confidence in our democratic institutions, I am proud to share the page with many journalists who represent one of the fundamental liberties under attack in these troubling times. 

"Overflow Morgue"

This editorial panel was never published. Not sure why, but I could hazard a guess that the content was a bit on the savage side, and maybe too brutal of a message to run in a family-friendly publication - which is why I still have this blog. Sadder to see how it's still timely, as the pandemic is still with us and people are still getting really sick and still dying. Maybe not in the sheer numbers anymore but now a host of other factors + variables are beginning to emerge, and a lot of folks still could use a visual slap. And personally I've long since run out of patience with denialists, even as there's still no shortage of patients. Honestly it was another cartoon that I initially had reservations on account of how grim it was, but gallows humor, while running the risk of pissing people off, is more often than not the coping mechanism for many in the trenches (it's worked for me), and after showing it to several people in the health care industry, and their reaction was all the permission I needed.

I had been tipped off about the overflow situation by a former student who was working as a nurse at the hospital while taking an art class for fun, in-between 60+ hours a week. Note: not the first time I'd only wished half of my students had such discipline + drive, especially under such extenuating circumstances. Another observation was since we'd all been wearing masks, the only part of faces that was ever visible was their eyes, and as with the adage about them being the proverbial window to the soul, one could tell how haggard things were getting. So that evening I took a drive downtown to see for myself, and it was sobering to say the least, and a stark reminder of the very real cost of continuing our epidemic of disinformation and fear. I posted my reference picture (above) on social media on October 22nd, and after garnering several hundred reactions + many comments + shares across the community, other media picked up on the story. The hospital was well into "crisis mode" and having to effectively triage incoming patients, and this was undeniable evidence of the situation.

Image: Iranian cartoonist Bozorgmehr Hosseinpour @Bozorgmehr_h

Not that it was anything near enough to assuage the doubts of those who have bought into the conspiracy theories. One of the more disquieting follow-ups to a sizable percentage of the electorate subscribing to the ugly lies and outright criminality of the previous administration, is the eerily similar demographic that rejects science. This isn't how society is supposed to work, and I've given up trying to understand how, much less convince or even reach around half of my erstwhile fellow citizens that they are now living on essentially a different world. Much of it can be laid at the feet of those who work to undermine trust in basic services while endangering public health, and exist in a closed-system media environment that feeds itself a hateful, toxic bubble of self-reinforcing viewpoints (the echo chamber), completely unmoored from consensus and utterly detached from reality. Also, when it comes to basic issues such as trust, character counts, as does trust: it's a question of human decency.

The stress, harassment, abuse, burnout and shortages facing the nation's health-care workers is dire, and symptomatic of a societal slide into existential anger from hopelessness and fear. As with the current resurgence in supposedly "pro-life" issues on the rise, the hypocrisy is revealing after our collective, cultural shrug about simple and effective measures to counter such national emergencies. America, your mask has slipped.

"Take the bloody shot" - Bond

"Herd Immunity"

A bit of a two-step shuffle off to the side and then back again with particular panel. The concept stayed pretty consistent, but the end result as far as placement in the newspaper changed, and since context means everything, that in turn slightly effected the intent. Or would have. Maybe.

Speaking of context, the inspiration was borne out of a sense of dull rage at the neverending COVID-19 cases here in Alaska which continue to spiral out of control. It's worse than it's ever been, hospitals are maxed out and everybody's got crisis fatigue and so is dropping their guard. The complete failure and abject lack of morality and ethical principles on the part of the state and local administration to exhibit any leadership with regards to public health mandates is astonishing.

While this is to be expected as standard operating procedure when it comes to Republican incompetence, it's especially disappointing with the University response, specifically not adopting mandatory vaccination as a prerequisite for attendance to face-to-face classes on campus. We're supposed to represent the best + brightest, or at informed but it appears the fuck-it-all for free-dumb "let 'em die" approach has been adopted. And the lack of empathy and intelligence on the part of the general populace isn't all that surprising, at least not if you drive anywhere in traffic.

So anyways, rant aside, I was pleasantly surprised at the page coverage of the panel - looked absolutely great (a third of the page, just like old-school journalism editorials from days of yore). I was also reminded of a pro-tip about never sending any files to an editor that isn't the absolute final print version. This one as it appeared was actually the low-res proposed version sans the "Nuggets" banner... which one can see in the paper as the faint "Nuggets" header is visible and the copyright info + tagline for the Instagram site was missing. Amazing quality for a 72dpi image file though, as opposed to the normal 300dpi print file that was sent after approval. Thing is, most editors have waaay too much to deal with to remember every little detail about every damn issue at hand (literally speaking), so the less they have to deal with petty diva stuff from all their freelancers the better. Come to think of it, this MO fits equally well with many a haggard educator...

Vote

Bears repeating. This is a recent editorial panel that ran in the paper which was slightly different in that it wasn't partisan nor personal - distinctly at odds with the usual political diatribes. This especially during an election cycle, and aggravated by the bitter, ugly and violent rhetoric that divides Americans even more.

Most cartoonists – excepting editorial - are pressured to just entertain, and not get political, partisan or personal, but we don’t have that luxury anymore. Hence the recent urgent opinion piece posted here a few weeks back.