Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Merry Christmas



Have a great holidays everyone!

(sorry, they haven't been more posts of late. But I'm digging through all the snowman entries for the next snowman contest and hope to post them between Christmas and New Year's. I still have not returned home from the start of the month due to working on the promotion of The History of the Snowman...Sunday I did a snowman editorial for The New York Post...Today I'm the cover story for Electric City...Christmas, I will be on Good Morning America...Today I did the Op-Ed for The Daily News...Sunday I have a big piece in The New York Times sports section.)

Friday, December 12, 2008

Please Come Out to Meet Me in Brattleboro, VT!


Special thanks to the Emmy-award winning producer Trevor Crafts, head of FullMind Creative

I'm be in Brattleboro, Vermont Friday giving a snowman presentation. Hope to see you there!
December 12th, Friday;

7 pm SNOWMAN PRESENTATION & SIGNING Brooks Memorial Library 224 Main Street Brattleboro, Vermont (802-251-8195)



Also, please check out the new People magazine. I'm on pg. 60!



As primer there's a cool interview I did with the Authoring Auctioneer.
Or listen to this fun radio spot on WKBK in New Hampshire.



For those interested in signed copies of The History of the Snowman please visit the great bookstore Morningside Books @ Broadway & 114th St.
In the Schenectady Area? The beautiful Open Door bookstore not only has signed copies but the snowman mugs. Click link for hours & directions.

Finally, I wanted to thank everyone writing me compliments on the book.
THANKS!
Plus I wanted to explain to those who wrote me and thought the reviews on the right and below here were funny and thought I was joking that actually the quotes are real;


"Very entertaining!"
– Monty Python's Michael Palin

"Brilliant!"
– Joe Jesselli, Smoking Gun.com

"Best Book of the Season"
– Amazon.com

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Snowman Cartoon Wrongly Accused of Nazi Propaganda


Hans was sent to Siberia for three years making this film accused of Nazi propaganda even though the Russians hadn't seen the film. The basis was that it was proving the Germans could do a better snowman cartoon than Walt Disney.

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Ask The Snowman Expert


Today's Snowman has received a few entries for the new snowman contest and some Ask The Snowman Expert questions. First a couple of questions;

Where exactly in St Paul was that giant snowman?
– Beth from Minneapolis, MN

Dear Beth,
The World's Largest Stucco snowman is located on Highway 36 and Margaret Street in North St. Paul, Minnesota. Built out of concrete stucco in 1974, the business The North St. Paul Jaycees used to build a snowman each winter to celebrate Sno-Daze. They were built on the northeast corner of the same intersection. Apparently after a couple of lean snowfall winters they decided to build a permanent icon for the city. The "Stucco man" used to stand it on the southeast corner of 7th Ave. and Margaret St., downtown area. It was later moved to the current site so more people would see the 54-ft. tall snowman.
– Snowman Expert

Do you know if there is a record for the most snowmen made at one time, or something similar to that? Some friends and I think it would be a fun one to try going after. Any help would be great! Thanks a bunch.
– Ty Patterson

The world record for most snowmen made at one time was 12,379 snowmen in 2003 in Sapporo, Japan. At the time the town had more snowmen than humans. Each snowman had a real candle planted it's in their tummies.
– Snowman Expert



There is no such thing as stupid answers, only stupid questions. Want to know who was the first snowman in space? What's a good name for snowmen? Boxers or briefs? So go ahead and ask the snowman expert.

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Talking Snowmen


Bob is going to be on the radio talking about snowmen on 810AM Sunday at 9:15am (News Talk Radio WGY) in the upstate New York area (I kid you not).

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Snowman Expert Interviwed by Mr. Media on Radio

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Well, here's the interview...it's all about snowmen and my new snowman book...I was dealing with a bad cold and cough so I may sound a bit funny...but, anyhoo, Mr. Media is very cool and I suggest you visit his site and check out his list of celebrity guests he's interviewed. I've been going through his archives all week listening to the Chris Farley story, getting to know Robert Schimmel and learning alot about the business.

Friday, November 14, 2008

Snowman on Broadway (kind of)


ATLANTA, GA – There's no business like snow business. Playing now in the Center for Puppetry Art’s Downstairs Theater; Sam the Lovesick Snowman, the classic story of snowboy meets stove, snowboy falls in love with stove, stove kills him "...well, thankfully not!" (I'm told)

Actually, it's based on The Snow Man, by Hans Christian Andersen and it's hilarious, heartwarming and perfect for kids (I actually out Andersen in my book).
Showtimes are as follows:
Nov 18-26, 2008: Tues-Fri @ 10:30am & 12pm; Sat @ 11am, 1pm & 3pm; Sun @ 1pm & 3pm.
Nov 28-30, 2008: Fri & Sat @ 11am, 1pm & 3pm; Sun @ 1pm & 3pm.
Dec 2-7, 2008: Tues-Fri @ 10:30am & 12pm; Sat @ 11am, 1pm & 3pm; Sun @ 1pm & 3pm.
Dec 9-21, 2008: Tues-Fri @ 10am & 11:30am; Sat @ 11am, 1pm & 3pm; Sun @ 1pm & 3pm.
Dec 23, 2008 – Jan 4, 2009: Tues-Fri @ 10am, 12pm & 2pm; Sat @ 11am, 1pm & 3pm. Sun @ 1pm & 3pm.
Closed: Nov 27, 2008; December 25, 2008; January 1, 2009.


Tickets for patrons ages 2 and older are $14.82 + tax for the general public (the ticket price includes a performance, the Create-A-Puppet Workshop, and admission into the permanent Museum exhibit Puppets: The Power of Wonder and special exhibits including the brand new Jim Henson: Wonders from His Workshop). Order your tickets “FEE-FREE” online at www.puppet.org or call the Ticket Sales Office at 404.873.3391. The Ticket Sales Office is open Monday through Saturday from 9am – 5pm and Sunday 11am – 5pm, with extended hours during evening performances. The Center is located in Midtown Atlanta, across the bridge from Atlantic Station, is accessible from MARTA, and has limited free parking.

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Another Book Shipment Sighted!



PLOWVILLE, PA – Thanks to snowman fan Lester Freudlick of Collegeville, PA for sending Today's Snowman this snowman book delivery sighting on Route 463 in Plowville. Shipping of the new edition of The History of the Snowman to stores to most designations began this week.

Thursday, October 30, 2008

It's a Sign!



If you don't mind political slanted stuff then you may want to hop over to my Freelancer's Lament for a moment as there's been more activity there with the economy and election and all. Meanwhile here there will be an explosive of news in the next couple of days that I've returned from my trip and the snowman books are out and a book tour cemented.

Friday, October 17, 2008

Snowman Mugs Are Here!



Cooler History of the Snowman mugs you won't will find anywhere. Each ceramic mug lists the unique chapters of the book (in case you have nothing else to read) and the pictures of 27 colorful snowmen printed around the mug. The total cost of each mug, with shipping and handling, is $15 (Canada, $17) with payment by check or PayPal. The mugs will also be sold at upcoming book events (for $10) which begin in early December (dates & locations to be posted here soon). To order just email me here.

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Snowman Collection Continues


This 2" x 3" trading card from turn of the century is actually actually based on one of the earliest book illustrations of a snowman. Trading cards were (generally) in circulation before postcards and magazine ads and were on left counters of stores as sort of a business card. Collecting them atthe time was a popular pastime.

Friday, September 12, 2008

Brimfield Residue

That would be Brimfield, Massachusetts, home of the largest flea market.

A detail from a large 4-foot long painted saw.


Brimfield – my pretty goofy set-up where I signed copies of my book. (Can't complain. It went very well and I ran out of books very early.)


Special thanks to WorthPoint, a website for collectors and antique experts, who came and chatted with me and video-taped a brief discussion on my snowman collection and my insights. I'm sure I could learn alot from them but since we're on the subject I'll just touch on the subject before I go in-depth in a later post.

The way I see it, there's really two divisions of snowman collecting; kitsch, which makes up 35% of all church sales and then there's collectibles like Christmas ornaments from the '50s and earlier and paper goods (like old book illustrations dating back to 1790's, postcards from turn of the century and trading cards from the 1880's and such). Of course there thousands of other materials to find a snowman on but it's case by case as to whether the item would enhance your collection. The world's largest collection is in Germany and made up of about 11,000 items. But my smaller collection of 800 is far more historical and interesting because of the much better kitsch-to-collectible ratio. Anyone can amass a large snowman collection strolling through any flea market on a given Sunday morning. More interesting is finding examples of the snowman in less common scenes (eg. a HTL, hold-to-light postcard of Santa Claus driving an automobile and running over a snowman) or depicted in a more serious way (no Frostys). In other words showing the snowman more as a form of folk-art and less a salesman for clothes or toys (unless the product is something unusual, like this asbestos ad). Some good examples from my own collection can be seen on top of my writing blog. Happy searching and please feel free to ask me any questions as I am a certified snowman expert.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

104 Shopping Days Left For Christmas


NEW YORK, NY – Well, it won't be long now. To hold us over until we start seeing some snow on the ground, I will begin posting my illustrious snowman collection! First up at the plate is a snowman soap from England (I have about 8 soap items in my snowman collection).

Bit of book news...The History of the Snowman will be re-released in November in a revised, updated version.

Saturday, August 30, 2008

The History of the Snowman Signing


It's been a slow month for snowman news– August often is, but it's now September and things will begin picking up. I will be appearing at the famous Brimfield Flea Market on September 5th & 6th (Friday & Saturday) at the New England Motel field (specifically, field # 102) to sell and sign books (The History of the Snowman)...

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Snowman Activist; Rick Goldschmidt

Original artwork by Paul Coker, Jr. © 2007 from The History of the Snowman. Frosty and Paul Coker, Jr. appear courtesy of Rick Goldschmidt and Rankin/Bass

Someone instrumental to recent snowman research has been Rick Goldschmidt, historian and biographer for Rankin Bass (responsible for Frosty and Randolph and other holiday staples). At that above site one can get collectibles from their favorite Christmas specials and other information. Rick was a big help to The History of the Snowman book's chapter The Hollywood Years and assuring the inclusion of cartoonist great Paul Coker, Jr. whose work everyone knows from Mad magazine and the Frosty specials.

Rick is also an accomplished musician and has a band called The Starving Artists. He's also just released a great CD called Rick Goldschmidt Sings with members of the Gin Blossoms. Thanks, Rick for all your help and keep us in touch with future projects.

Monday, August 11, 2008

Friday Is My World-Wide Global Warming Protest


REMINDER to all working on my world-wide demonstration against global warming, the big event takes place this Wednesday. No question this will be the largest of my personal protests (since July) with participants from all corners of the world including China, Jordan, Brussels and Canada—a total of 8 people in all and counting. Thank you to all!

We at W.E.E. welcome everyone Wednesday (noonish) to take part and wherever you are and whatever you are doing, to step outside, face the sun and hold out an ice cube as a symbol of solidarity. Whatever you do after that is your own business.

Be there, with a square.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Real Snowmen in Australia

Photo by Jean-Philippe Laroche. (Absolutely nothing to do with Australia.)

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – Snowmen are in the news again in Sydney but this time it's not the music band. For the first time since 1836, there's snow in these Australian suburbs and snowmen have been spotted.   



Thursday, July 31, 2008

Before Making a Snowman Consult a Dr.


August is always alittle slow on the snowman news blotter but truth be told the staff at Today's Snowman has been  working overtime on two new books plus giving a hand to the growing blog, Freelancer's Lament. If you need a silliness fix (and especially, if you're a writer, artist, illustrator, or photographer) please check it out. 

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Snowman Releases New Album


PERTH, AUSTRALIA – The second album for Perth band, Snowman has been released. The first single from the album The Horse, The Rat and The Swan is "We Are The Plague" and can be heard here.

Friday, July 18, 2008

Snowman on the Lam


SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – Authorities asked the public to keep an eye out for mentally unstable Jimmy "Snowman" Roberts who allegedly handed a demand note to a teller at the Wells Fargo branch office. The Snowman flashed a revolver during the holdup, fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash and has stated he will not go back to prison. He is white, 5 feet, 11 inches tall and roughly 160 pounds. He generally sports a mustache and has several tattoos, including one reading "Snowman" on his left forearm. Officials asked anyone with information on the suspect's whereabouts to call San Diego County Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Snowmen Spotted in Brimfield


Snowman sheet music for the piano from 1944 ($10)

NEW YORK CITY – So just returned from a week at Brimfield and even though when asked what I was looking for during my guest spot on WCAP, I replied, "a clean bathroom," I was and am on my continual lifelong search for all things snowman. In Brimfield I met my friend Gary Sohmers of the Antiques Roadshow who gave me two snowmen gifts, one a fluffy snowman puppet sure to provide me endless hours of amusement in the future. For details of this week please click here.


Snowman stocking holder. The guy wanted $15 and went down to $5. He said it was one of a kind but was ready to let it go. When I returned the next day there was an identical one in the same place.

Friday, July 11, 2008

Summertime Snowman Treat

A delicious cooling summertime treat called Watermelon Snowman.

1. Using one round seedless watermelon and two personal sized watermelons (one larger and one smaller), cut a ¼ i nch slice off the bottom of each melon to provide a stable base. Use the smallest melon for the head, the next largest for the torso and the largest for the lower body.
2. Cut the tops off of the large and medium watermelons, as shown, to create bowls. Scoop out flesh.
3. Taking the smallest watermelon that has not yet been cut, scoop out eyes using a melon baller. Invert melon balls and reinsert.
4. Using a mini melon baller or a paring knife, scoop out holes for the nose and mouth. Carve a piece of watermelon into a triangle for the nose, and fill mouth holes with blueberries.
5. Connect all three watermelons on a platter, using large wooden skewers.
6. Insert y-shaped sticks into middle watermelon for arms.
7. Fill bottom sections with fruit salad of melon balls and blueberries. Decorate with scarf and hat.

Special thanks to haiku genius, David A. Giacalone at f/k/a and Chef Harry for the wonderful recipe.

Monday, July 7, 2008

Snowman Proposes Marriage


EVERETT, WASHINGTON – A man in love made a snowman kneeling on one knee to propose to his high school sweetheart, Katie, while on leave from duty as a USMC Cpl.

Christina Harper, of The Herald, reported the tale and more of the love story can be enjoyed at the link. The above picture is NOT of sweethearts Katie or Jason – Christina informed me, unfortunately, that no photo exists of the proposing snowman (photo from The History of the Snowman.).

Thursday, July 3, 2008

OFFICIAL World Record Snowman

BETHEL, MAINE – It's official. The Guinness Book of World's Records has declared Olympia, the world's tallest snowman (and/or woman) at 122 feet and one inch high. The snow sculpture was built by the town back in February – to see it in it's current state, there is a live webcam at the Bethel snowman blog. Congratulations Bethel and The Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce!

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Snowman Withdrawal


From the movie Encounters at the End of the World

As some of you know, I've been going through serious snowman-making withdrawal. That said I went to see Werner Herzog's brilliant and surprisingly hilarious snow movie, Encounters at the End of the World. All is right in the world again.

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Snowman Supports Obama


Young Jeezy, Usher and Kanye West at a recent birthday party. Photo by Moses Robinson

ATLANTA – Young Jeezy aka The Snowman has annouced at Hot 107.9's annual monster concert in Atlanta his official endorsement to Barack Obama for the 2008 election. Young Jeezy has a new album coming out in July called appropriately, The Recession and includes a song called My President's Black, which is most likely referring to Obama. Today's Snowman is keeping it real and has sent the Snowman a signed copy of The History of the Snowman; From the Ice Age to Gangsta Rap. (Editor's Note; Really.)

In snowman book news, we at TS just got an air-mailed note from the Python great Michael Palin who found it "very entertaining" and said he really enjoyed reading the book to his grandson. He said he is currently editing volume two of his diaries for release next year. Volume One is really great and a must read for any fan.

The History of the Snowman; From the Ice Age to the Flea Market is officially going to reprint. For reasons hard to comprehend, the book has been still selling even though as Matthew Broderick once said, "it's like Brooklyn hot outside." Thank you so much to all who continue to support the book.

Friday, June 13, 2008

A Today's Snowman Exclusive!



Today's Snowman
has been contacted regarding the breaking story of Bostonians upset over using the snowman in bonfires. A Tom Giarrosso has explained; "There's a bit more to this story - WCVB-TV and The Gloucester Times missed the mark in the fact Frosty was consumed in 2004 - and made an appearance in 2007 - but was 'rescued' by the fire department in a scripted segment before the bonfire was started."

The Boston Channel.com reports that this blow-up began when two volunteers, Tim Giarrosso and Rickard York [sic], helped with the Fire Association's annual bonfires. But many questions are still unanswered; Why is the Boston Channel.com calling Richard York, Rickard York? Is Tom Giarrosso related to Tim Giarrosso or is this an amazing coincidence? Can this get more frustrating?

Today's Snowman got to the bottom of all of this; Yes, Tim and Tom are brothers. It's Richard and not Rickard York unless you are in Lichtenstein. Yes, this story gets more frustrating.

Tom Giarrosso continues; "Some oversensitive residents decided they didn't like the presentation, and have created the controversy. While it's been good for T-shirt sales (Giarrosso and York donate all revenue to the Fire Association) it has caused enough of a stink that the Fire Association relieved them of volunteer duties on this year's presentation, for the first time since 2000...The Fire Association is just trying to appease everyone and make it less controversial...but the controversy is a few residents upset because they have to explain that an inflatable snowman isn't a living thing to their children."


Jonathan L’Ecuyer/Staff photo - The Gloucester Times

Tim Giarrosso is a restaurant owner and local artist (and we all know how weird and creative those artist types can be) and little is known of this mystery man of two names, Rickard York/Richard York. Many would think Today's Snowman would be upset hearing of the snowman bonfires. Nothing could be further from the truth. We believe that as long as no one (meaning real humans) are getting hurt that this is all in good fun and even a good safety announcement teaching children first-hand the horrors of getting burned alive. We say put two or three snowmen on top. The more the merrier. Burning snowmen has a wonderful world tradition (more than be learned here) and anything that calls attention to the snowman is good by our books. We think it's ridiculous that anyone would have mistaken a plywood snowman as real and want to thank Tim Giarrosso and Richard York for their previous efforts to raise money for firefighters. We guess this is the thanks they get for trying to entertain their neighbors and have some fun during the difficult non-snow months of summer. We officially filed a plea of the authorities that be of the great city of Boston to reinstate both these fine gentlemen. It's our hopes that both of them will once again be putting snowmen on top of highly flammable piles of wood sometime soon!

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Boston Tries to Burn Frosty at the Stake


From the Picturetown Collection 2008 ©

BOSTON –– Residents of a small town north of Boston are upset seeing Frosty the Snowman get torched every year during a Fourth of July celebration. According to the Gloucester Times, The Firemen's Association volunteers were told not to use any snowmen on top of the annual Fourth of July bonfire in Rockport, Mass. This flap started four years ago after residents became upset when a 12-foot inflatable snowman went up in flames in the city's 2004 holiday bonfire.

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

More Snowman Research


Photo by Keystone, SwissInfo.ch

LUCERNE, SWITZERLAND – The science magazine Geophysical Research Letters has been tracking snow days since 1988 and has presented the rest of the world with more evidence of global warming and sad news for the snowman. This story, called Snowmen Dying Out in Town Gardens can be read at the Swiss News and also covered in a more humorous vein at Eco Worldly; Snowmen To Become The Next Endangered Species? (We at Today's Snowman couldn't get through the whole story without a good cry.)

This and all snowman news of the past few months have been included in an updated edition of The History of the Snowman. The revised reprint will also include some additional artwork and will become available in stores everywhere in October 2008.

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Journal Science Report: Snowmen Are Dirty


Photo by Pentti Impiö 2007

In today's Men's Health and USA Today is the story that snowmen, according to the new journal [sic] Science, are a landmine of germs, noting that bacteria called Pseudomonas syringae are waiting to attack in many earthbound snowflakes. Is nothing safe anymore?

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Snowman Legal


Nothing can prepare you for a fascinating, ingenious product called Method and apparatus for facilitating the construction of a snow man/woman. I warn all readers of Today's Snowman that it is literally impossible to get through the excruciatingly dull and endless explanation but I provide you with a couple of excerpts (the above drawing is NOT related to the patent to protect the originator) for the first ever patent for making a snowman.

If your like me, you enjoy building snow men . . . big. The bigger the better...It is said that the most ingenious ideas are the most simple in design. The Wheel. The Toaster oven. And, yes, now the ultimate Snow Man. Of course, in hindsight the wheel is not so inventive, but at the time it was an earth-shattering innovation. I do not pretend that the ultimate Snow Man will be as revolutionary to the advancement of mankind, but I do contend that as far as I know no one has ever conceived and reduced to practice such an apparatus. I do contend, however, that my innovation is a heck more fun, err than a plain old wheel, and will inspire tons of enjoyment and play for hopefully a long time...The fundamental building "block", or component, of the invention is the creation, for the first time, of a snow sphere that is much lighter in weight than a snow ball or boulder of the same size made out of snow. The snow sphere is made of a material that is rigid enough to support a layer of snow, yet made of a material or construction that causes the snow sphere to be much lighter in weight than a snow boulder of similar size... If you actually want to read more, US Patent 7264531.

(For all you freelancers out there, there is a current bill which will change the rights artists have on their work. For more details and how you can help please visit Freelancer's Lament.)

Sunday, May 11, 2008

Snowden Snowman Winner


Congratulations to the winning snowman, Tirehead in this month's snowman contest, the last of 2008 made by Alicia, Jeremy, Jesse, & Matty and photo by Jaci! They have won a signed copy of The History of the Snowman book and a year supply of snow. Alicia's acceptance speech; "Thanks to all our snowman fans!"

Today's Snowman's monthly snowman contest will resume in January 2009. Prizes next year will include official snowman calendar and mugs.

Saturday, May 3, 2008

Things Are Heating Up For the Snowman


Unfortunately, this is a family blog so we'll have to leave these snowman girlie playing cards to the imagination. But trust me, things heat up and it's not only the snowman that is naked.

Speaking of voyeurism and heating up, here's an intimate glimpse of my financial woes. When one is a freelancer he or she will undoubtedly experience more than their share of career crossroads. I'm at one myself as the realities of making ends meet as a cartoonist are forcing me to explore some options, although I better do it quick. The past few weeks I've been busy 1) drafting a possible children's version of the snowman book. 2) working on a snowman calendar 3) starting up again a project I began 7 years, a graphic novel comedy on 19th arctic exploration and 4) working on a script for a film studio interested in pitching a snowman special to cable. It goes without saying, all of these ventures are on spec. Meantime, I'm illustrating (my work can be seen in this month's Consumer Reports, Money Adviser and this Monday's sports section in the NY Times) and trying, unsuccessfully, to sell cartoons to the New Yorker (I'm in this month's Prospect – the second cartoon on the site).

Special thanks to fellow freelancer and talented writer Mary "PaperGirl" Fons for writing up the snowman for a few publications and mentioning my book.

My brush with fame moment of the week? A couple of days ago I met renown chef Gordon Ramsay at his book signing in Manhattan. I'm a huge fan (of his BBC shows, not the cheesy American reality shows) and I gave him my book. The hothead TV star was extremely nice, taking the time to chat with me.

Monday, April 28, 2008

Meet the Snowman; Jeff Monson


Jeff Monson is one of the world's top submission grapplers and is coming into his own at the highest level of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). The main event of Global Fighting's GODZ OF WAR on June 21st pits Jeff "The Snowman" Monson vs. Kevin "The Monster" Randleman. (Oh, you gotta click on that site, believe me.) Tickets for the Snowman's fight are going for upward of $500.

Monson got the nickname, The Snowman, in 1999 at the Abu Dhabi Combat Club Submission Grappling Tournament. The Brazilian Fighters said he was like a snowball: white, compact, and rolling downhill, getting bigger and stronger as the tournament went on. Snowball was translated into Snowman and Snowman stuck. "Snowball or Snowman, in a fight he is an avalanche headed straight for you."

Jeff is from Olympia, Washington, a Brown Belt in BJJ and studied psychology, Pankration, Jiu Jitsu and wrestling (I won't be saying anything smart-alecky for fear of Jeff breaking both my legs). Go to the official website of Jeff "The Snowman" Monson to see Jeff's schedule of speaking engagements and personal blog which gets inside Jeff's mind.

Thursday, April 24, 2008

White Stuff People Like


Photo by friend Ben Wolf (his new movie) © 2008

Not to be confused with Stuff White People Like, a popular blog which I think is much to do about nothing (ugh, book deals, Kurt Andersen stamp of approval, blah, blah, blah) and borderline racist. Conversely, I present White Stuff People Like.

1. Snowmen. (In a South Florida mall, Gary Hume from The History of the Snowman is one of the featured artists displaying his Back of a Snowman, a 10-foot tall enamel on bronze, installed outdoors amid tropical palm trees.
2. Cool-Whip. If my family is any indication (they put it on everything three meals a day), this dessert topping is the bomb.
3. White powder. Most every American is addicted to some form of unhealthy white powder whether it be, white flour, sugar, cocaine or some other drug.
4. Snowmen, yes, again. Free range, free standing, Up-standing, Upright, but not up tight, snowmen!
5. Ice Cream. One of the world's most popular foods, the most popular flavor is, you guessed it, vanilla.
6. Milk. In all it's variations, cow, goat, almond, soy, rice, coconut, mother's...white beverage is one of the most popular things in the world, not to mention cheese, which I think is made from milk.
7. White balls. Golf balls, baseballs, soccer balls, snowballs...all make the world go round.
8. Paper. The world changed when paper was invented and white paper has been by far the most popular color. Pink is the least.
9. Moon. Who doesn't like the moon? I think without it we wouldn't have gravity or something. Don't hold me to that.
10. Polar bears. Our generation's endangered Duck-billed Platypus.

Monday, April 21, 2008

Bear in Mind...


Thanks to friend of a friend, I received this amazing image of a Frank Verbeck illustration of bears making a snowman courtesy of Fred Taraba of Taraba Illustration Art, LLC. I am grateful to Fred for sending this piece (sold years ago by The Illustration House). Fred's collection of fine illustrations include all the artists who persuaded me when I was a kid into the field of illustration...Bob Peak, Bernie Fuchs, etc...and Taraba Illustration sells their originals to the public. Frank Verbeck (1858-1933) was known for themes with bears. Below is my two cents (a cartoon I pitched to The New Yorker) and maybe the start of my own bear period.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Last of the 2008 Snowmen


Suicide snowmen in Atlanta after the forecast of a warm week. After a three hour stand-off, police successfully talked the jumpers down.

ALASKA – This is the saddest part of the year as the snowman officially becomes an endangered species. Today's Snowman has received reports across the country of horrific measures of snowmen taking matters into their own hands. These include a fluffy snowman in Montreal using a tanning bed and in Vancover comes the story of a snowman eating soup.


Janet Gattenby sent in this snowman from what looks like the last big snow fall in her hometown of Kenai, Alaska. Stay strong everyone.

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