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"Some Sad News"
Posted 9 years agoLast month, I had posted a 'photo-op' of four dogs that belong to my sister Rhonda - https://www.furaffinity.net/view/19065358/ - consisting of three Papillon mixes and one Pomeranian. Well, it is with deepest regret and sorrow that I have to announce that the Pomeranian passed away today (3-10-16)...
I had learned from my niece Erica - via her "Facebook" wall - that 'Odie' the Pomeranian died from natural causes. She was 16 years young.
I am sure that anyone who'd lost a beloved pet (be it a dog, a cat, a fish, a bird, etc.) can easily sympathize with my sister and her two daughters, over this recent tragedy. Hopefully, the three surviving dogs, 'Zipper', 'Estrella', and 'Chewie', will give this family many additional years of love and affection...
I had learned from my niece Erica - via her "Facebook" wall - that 'Odie' the Pomeranian died from natural causes. She was 16 years young.
I am sure that anyone who'd lost a beloved pet (be it a dog, a cat, a fish, a bird, etc.) can easily sympathize with my sister and her two daughters, over this recent tragedy. Hopefully, the three surviving dogs, 'Zipper', 'Estrella', and 'Chewie', will give this family many additional years of love and affection...
"Coming Attractions" #31
Posted 9 years agoHere it is, March, 2016, and I'm already making all sorts of plans for various stuff to post here in "Fur Affinity" (not as much as in the recently ended 'sweeps month', but enough to keep all of you visitors satisfied)...
Among the artwork I hope to post are a few 'requests' made by some "FA" members (and you know who you are), as well as my own usual fare (e.g. "Front & Back" gags, "EFF" comic gags, "Zootopia" fan art, etc.). Upcoming 'photo-ops' include more pix of animals, celebrities, interesting locales I've been to in the past, and more. And I'll have some more unique 'journals' on a variety of different subjects...
And, in April, I hope to come up with some brand new "EFF" limericks and haikus - in anticipation for "National Poetry Month". All of the above takes time to produce and post, so please be patient for my latest material in the weeks ahead...
Among the artwork I hope to post are a few 'requests' made by some "FA" members (and you know who you are), as well as my own usual fare (e.g. "Front & Back" gags, "EFF" comic gags, "Zootopia" fan art, etc.). Upcoming 'photo-ops' include more pix of animals, celebrities, interesting locales I've been to in the past, and more. And I'll have some more unique 'journals' on a variety of different subjects...
And, in April, I hope to come up with some brand new "EFF" limericks and haikus - in anticipation for "National Poetry Month". All of the above takes time to produce and post, so please be patient for my latest material in the weeks ahead...
"Fur-One-One: 'FA' Edition" #8
Posted 9 years agoMOVIES: With Disney's "Zootopia" still more than a week away from its official American debut in theaters (many of them playing the CGI feature in 3-D and Real 3-D), its hype is starting to increase...
For instance, when ABC aired its recent special "Disneyland 60", stars Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman (the voices of 'Judy Hopps' and 'Nick Wilde') presented a segment from the film, where the character 'Mr. Big' (Maurice LaMarche) is first introduced. There will be more 'first looks' at "Zootopia" this coming weekend, when (1) Disney Channel will air a scene from it on Friday evening after 8:00 PM (during an episode of "Liv & Maddie"), and (2) Freeform (formerly ABC Family) will show more scenes on Sunday afternoon after 2:00 PM, during its own entertainment fare.
As part of its own self-promotion, participating Disney Stores across the USA will have an 'in-store event' on Saturday, February 27th and Saturday, March 5th (at 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, and 12:30 PM). Attendees will have the opportunity to become Junior Zootopia Officers, get to know some of the characters from the film, and help solve a case. For more information, go to www.disneystore.com
Naturally, many wares revolving around "Zootopia" are sold at Disney Stores, as well as at Target Stores (which has a advertising promotion in the film, during the 'chase scene' through Little Rodentia).
And, of course, there are several 'walls' in "Facebook" pertaining to the film that you could join (provided that your art submissions are no stronger than G- or PG-rated). These 'walls' include "Zootopians" (which holds a bi-weekly 'drawing challenge'), "Zootopia" (a fan-based spin-off of "Zootopians"), and the original Disney "Zootopia" (the movie) 'wall'.
IMPORTANT FOLLOW-UP: Anyone who belongs to the "Zootopians" and the "Zootopia" (movie) 'wall(s)' on "FB" now has the opportunity to enhance your comments with a series of animated emoji stickers with various "Zootopia" characters. When you get to the site, click on http://on.fb.me/1KWMp7g #facebookstickers #fbstickers and prepare to be amazed!
ADDITIONAL FOLLOW-UP: The film's executive producer John Lasseter gives a short interview (at the Hollywood debut of "Zootopia") for the "Cartoon Brew" website, explaining how this CGI comedy/adventure got made in the first place. He said it was like a film "...made for animals, by animals". Check out said interview at this link: http://www.cartoonbrew.com/feature-.....er-137306.html
In other movie news, new commercials for Disney's "The Jungle Book" began airing last week. Narrated by (the late) Alan Rickman, this live-action/CGI-enhanced version of the Rudyard Kipling stories features the voices of Bill Murray, Christopher Walken, Scarlett Johansson, and Idris Elba. Rated PG, "TJB" is scheduled to open on April 15th... And during the "Disneyland 60" special on ABC last weekend, viewers got to witness a 'first look' at the trailer for the reboot of another Disney motion picture from the 1970s: "Pete's Dragon"! This time, legendary actor Robert Redford is among the human cast members, and 'Elliott' the dragon is going to be computer-generated. Whether this new version is going to be played for laughs (like the original) or downright serious remains to be seen. Rated PG, "PD" will debut in the late Spring of 2016... A new trailer for Disney/Pixar's "Finding Dory" will debut on the Internet Wednesday, March 2nd, and can be seen in theaters as a 'coming attraction' to accompany "Zootopia" on Friday, March 4th. The CGI feature itself premieres in late May...
For instance, when ABC aired its recent special "Disneyland 60", stars Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman (the voices of 'Judy Hopps' and 'Nick Wilde') presented a segment from the film, where the character 'Mr. Big' (Maurice LaMarche) is first introduced. There will be more 'first looks' at "Zootopia" this coming weekend, when (1) Disney Channel will air a scene from it on Friday evening after 8:00 PM (during an episode of "Liv & Maddie"), and (2) Freeform (formerly ABC Family) will show more scenes on Sunday afternoon after 2:00 PM, during its own entertainment fare.
As part of its own self-promotion, participating Disney Stores across the USA will have an 'in-store event' on Saturday, February 27th and Saturday, March 5th (at 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, and 12:30 PM). Attendees will have the opportunity to become Junior Zootopia Officers, get to know some of the characters from the film, and help solve a case. For more information, go to www.disneystore.com
Naturally, many wares revolving around "Zootopia" are sold at Disney Stores, as well as at Target Stores (which has a advertising promotion in the film, during the 'chase scene' through Little Rodentia).
And, of course, there are several 'walls' in "Facebook" pertaining to the film that you could join (provided that your art submissions are no stronger than G- or PG-rated). These 'walls' include "Zootopians" (which holds a bi-weekly 'drawing challenge'), "Zootopia" (a fan-based spin-off of "Zootopians"), and the original Disney "Zootopia" (the movie) 'wall'.
IMPORTANT FOLLOW-UP: Anyone who belongs to the "Zootopians" and the "Zootopia" (movie) 'wall(s)' on "FB" now has the opportunity to enhance your comments with a series of animated emoji stickers with various "Zootopia" characters. When you get to the site, click on http://on.fb.me/1KWMp7g #facebookstickers #fbstickers and prepare to be amazed!
ADDITIONAL FOLLOW-UP: The film's executive producer John Lasseter gives a short interview (at the Hollywood debut of "Zootopia") for the "Cartoon Brew" website, explaining how this CGI comedy/adventure got made in the first place. He said it was like a film "...made for animals, by animals". Check out said interview at this link: http://www.cartoonbrew.com/feature-.....er-137306.html
In other movie news, new commercials for Disney's "The Jungle Book" began airing last week. Narrated by (the late) Alan Rickman, this live-action/CGI-enhanced version of the Rudyard Kipling stories features the voices of Bill Murray, Christopher Walken, Scarlett Johansson, and Idris Elba. Rated PG, "TJB" is scheduled to open on April 15th... And during the "Disneyland 60" special on ABC last weekend, viewers got to witness a 'first look' at the trailer for the reboot of another Disney motion picture from the 1970s: "Pete's Dragon"! This time, legendary actor Robert Redford is among the human cast members, and 'Elliott' the dragon is going to be computer-generated. Whether this new version is going to be played for laughs (like the original) or downright serious remains to be seen. Rated PG, "PD" will debut in the late Spring of 2016... A new trailer for Disney/Pixar's "Finding Dory" will debut on the Internet Wednesday, March 2nd, and can be seen in theaters as a 'coming attraction' to accompany "Zootopia" on Friday, March 4th. The CGI feature itself premieres in late May...
"More Animal Commercials For 2016"
Posted 9 years agoOnce again, yours truly visited "YouTube", to check out more new 2016 TV commercials with animal characters in them. Here are the newest ones (and the links to viewing them):
6. DAIRY PURE: "Bright Light": To help sell milk and other dairy products, Dairy Pure has enlisted the aid of real cows - dressed up in wigs and oversized eyeglasses - with dubbed voices for the bovine cast... ("Like, moo!")
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QGR458TxEM
5. LAUGHING COW: "Yoga/Harp": As an alternative to real cows, the CGI icon for Laughing Cow cheese (voiced by Cristina Milizia) joins some humans in a variety of creative activities - including 'yoga' and playing the harp - just to sell the product...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHumuphM2UQ
4. BIRDS-EYE: "Voila! Tap-Dancing": Last year, a pair of CGI doves became the new spokesmorphs for Birds-Eye frozen dinners and entrees. In one of their newest TV spots, one of the birds dons a pair of miniature tap-dancing shoes. (I'd hate to be the salesman who had to measure those tiny feet!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oC-cXjz8qZ0
3. CHEETOS: "Boy Scout Camp Takeover": The new CGI version of 'Chester Cheetah' takes a back seat to the insanity of the human actors in a series of new TV ads for the cheese-puffed snack food. In this spot, a band of boy scout counselors are caught in the act - like deer who freeze when the headlights are turned on to them!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gG8f0Nc4qSc
2. CHEETOS: "Grocery Store Battle": The newest Cheetos spot takes place in a supermarket, where two families compete for custody of the last bag on the shelf - with 'Chester Cheetah' officiating the event!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuSn3VJc6qo
1. TRUTH: "Catmegeddon": In their newest anti-smoking campaign ad (which debuted during the "Grammy Awards" telecast last week), Truth emphasized the fact that many cigarette smokers are cat owners - who risk the lives of their pets, every time they light up. Their logic is simply this: Smoke = No Cats = No Cat Videos. A montage of 'cat videos' (and the potential of their extinction) completes this PSA...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-A_L7W7o9U
As always, if I'd made any mistakes in the links to each (or all) of these spots), use the 'search' portion of the "YouTube" home page to type out the name of the sponsor and the subject matter of each commercial.
- - - - - - - - - - 6. DAIRY PURE: "Bright Light": To help sell milk and other dairy products, Dairy Pure has enlisted the aid of real cows - dressed up in wigs and oversized eyeglasses - with dubbed voices for the bovine cast... ("Like, moo!")
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QGR458TxEM
5. LAUGHING COW: "Yoga/Harp": As an alternative to real cows, the CGI icon for Laughing Cow cheese (voiced by Cristina Milizia) joins some humans in a variety of creative activities - including 'yoga' and playing the harp - just to sell the product...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHumuphM2UQ
4. BIRDS-EYE: "Voila! Tap-Dancing": Last year, a pair of CGI doves became the new spokesmorphs for Birds-Eye frozen dinners and entrees. In one of their newest TV spots, one of the birds dons a pair of miniature tap-dancing shoes. (I'd hate to be the salesman who had to measure those tiny feet!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oC-cXjz8qZ0
3. CHEETOS: "Boy Scout Camp Takeover": The new CGI version of 'Chester Cheetah' takes a back seat to the insanity of the human actors in a series of new TV ads for the cheese-puffed snack food. In this spot, a band of boy scout counselors are caught in the act - like deer who freeze when the headlights are turned on to them!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gG8f0Nc4qSc
2. CHEETOS: "Grocery Store Battle": The newest Cheetos spot takes place in a supermarket, where two families compete for custody of the last bag on the shelf - with 'Chester Cheetah' officiating the event!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuSn3VJc6qo
1. TRUTH: "Catmegeddon": In their newest anti-smoking campaign ad (which debuted during the "Grammy Awards" telecast last week), Truth emphasized the fact that many cigarette smokers are cat owners - who risk the lives of their pets, every time they light up. Their logic is simply this: Smoke = No Cats = No Cat Videos. A montage of 'cat videos' (and the potential of their extinction) completes this PSA...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-A_L7W7o9U
- - - - - - - - - - As always, if I'd made any mistakes in the links to each (or all) of these spots), use the 'search' portion of the "YouTube" home page to type out the name of the sponsor and the subject matter of each commercial.
"My Favorite 'Super Bowl 50' Commercials"
Posted 10 years agoWith "Super Bowl 50" being the second-most watched edition of the annual football event on TV, sandwiched in between the game, the opening ceremony (with Lady Gaga singing "The National Anthem"), the halftime show (with Coldplay, Beyonce, and Bruno Mars), and the inevitable awards ceremony, there were a plethora of advertisements (which cost $5 million to air a 30-second spot alone). Having watched most of the TV coverage, I have chosen my five favorite commercials in two separate categories: 'Best Ads With Animals" and "Best Humorous Ads" (without animals), presented in descending order...
Surprisingly enough, the funniest ads this year had big name stars, including Alec Baldwin, Jason Schwartzman, Seth Rogen, Amy Poehler, and even Arnold Schwarzenegger. But here are my five personal favorites in this category...
5. KIA OPTIMA: "Sock Puppet": Actor Christopher Walken shows up unexpectedly in someone's walk-in closet, messing around with socks. You have to stick around until the end of the spot to discover that it's a car that's being promoted.
4. TURBO TAX: "I'm Not Selling Out": Oscar-winning actor Anthony ("The Silence of the Lambs") Hopkins explains that he is not risking his credibility by doing a commercial for a free tax service - even though he covers himself with a blanket with the company logo on it, and even has a pet dog named 'Turbo Tax'!
3. SKITTLES: "Portrait": Continuing the celebrity-themed offerings, singer Steven Tyler is presented with a work of art: his portrait made entirely out of the colorful candy treat... but is not satisfied with it, until the face talks and sings "Dream On"!
2. SNICKERS: "Dafoe/Monroe": As part of their annual "You're Not Yourself When You're Hungry" ad campaign, this year's Snickers ad reenacts the classic 'subway grating' scene from "The Seven Year Itch" - with legendary actor Willem Dafoe in a dress, before eating the candy bar and converting into Marilyn Monroe!
1. HYUNDAI: "My Little Girl": Kevin ("Ride Along") Hart play one hell of an overprotective father, when he not only lets his teenage daughter go out on a date, but allow her suitor to drive his Hyundai. From this point on, Hart manages to turn up everywhere (including a movie theater, a county fair, and even a scenic lookout point - where he shows up in a helicopter! ("You'll dealing with the wrong daddy!") Worthy of an LOL! :LMAO:
There were a number of commercials with animals, including movie promos for "The Jungle Book", "The Secret Life of Pets", "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows", and "Kung Fu Panda" (with a tie-in for WIX), and one really weird spot for Mountain Dew Kick Start - with a mixed-up hybrid called the 'PuppyMonkeyBaby' (which I'll probably still have nightmares about for the rest of this winter). Those aside, here are my five personal faves...
5. HYUNDAI: "Talking Bears": Two bears accidentally scare off a tourist - who hightails it in his vehicle. "I was just going to talk to him," says one bear. "I was going to eat him," says the other bear. "I thought you were a vegan!" said the first bear.
4. HEINZ KETCHUP: "Meet The Ketchups": Human beings, dressed up as large bottles of Heinz Ketchup anticipate the arrival of a stampede of 'wiener dogs' (literally dressed up in buns). Weird, but memorable!
3. HONDA: "Singing Sheep": A herd of sheep, delivered out in the field in the pick-up truck, belt out a rendition of Queen's "Somebody To Love", and that's not baa-a-a-ad!
2. MARMOT: "Marmot For Life": I was too busy paying attention to CGI animal, and his live-action human camper friend, to learn what this company is really all about. Still, you cannot deny that this Rocky Mountain critter is a real scene-stealer!
1. DORITOS: "No Dogs Allowed": One of the three finalists in an annual contest - sponsored by Frito-Lay - became the entry that earned its director $1 million... and it only cost him $1,000 to make this 30-second spot! A trio of canines, interested in getting some Doritos tortilla chips, pull off the ultimate scam, by dressing up as one tall human customer! (BTW, the white dog on top - with the hat - is a 'rescue dog' owned by said director.) Overwhelmingly, the best commercial of the entire "Super Bowl 50" broadcast!
Naturally, my personal choices will differ from yours, but everybody is entitled to his/her own opinion(s). And if you'd missed any of the aforementioned "Super Bowl 50" ads, go to "YouTube" and type out the sponsor and category in the 'Search Bar' on its home page.
- - - - - - - - - - "BEST HUMOROUS ADS" Surprisingly enough, the funniest ads this year had big name stars, including Alec Baldwin, Jason Schwartzman, Seth Rogen, Amy Poehler, and even Arnold Schwarzenegger. But here are my five personal favorites in this category...
5. KIA OPTIMA: "Sock Puppet": Actor Christopher Walken shows up unexpectedly in someone's walk-in closet, messing around with socks. You have to stick around until the end of the spot to discover that it's a car that's being promoted.
4. TURBO TAX: "I'm Not Selling Out": Oscar-winning actor Anthony ("The Silence of the Lambs") Hopkins explains that he is not risking his credibility by doing a commercial for a free tax service - even though he covers himself with a blanket with the company logo on it, and even has a pet dog named 'Turbo Tax'!
3. SKITTLES: "Portrait": Continuing the celebrity-themed offerings, singer Steven Tyler is presented with a work of art: his portrait made entirely out of the colorful candy treat... but is not satisfied with it, until the face talks and sings "Dream On"!
2. SNICKERS: "Dafoe/Monroe": As part of their annual "You're Not Yourself When You're Hungry" ad campaign, this year's Snickers ad reenacts the classic 'subway grating' scene from "The Seven Year Itch" - with legendary actor Willem Dafoe in a dress, before eating the candy bar and converting into Marilyn Monroe!
1. HYUNDAI: "My Little Girl": Kevin ("Ride Along") Hart play one hell of an overprotective father, when he not only lets his teenage daughter go out on a date, but allow her suitor to drive his Hyundai. From this point on, Hart manages to turn up everywhere (including a movie theater, a county fair, and even a scenic lookout point - where he shows up in a helicopter! ("You'll dealing with the wrong daddy!") Worthy of an LOL! :LMAO:
- - - - - - - - - - BEST ADS WITH ANIMALS There were a number of commercials with animals, including movie promos for "The Jungle Book", "The Secret Life of Pets", "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows", and "Kung Fu Panda" (with a tie-in for WIX), and one really weird spot for Mountain Dew Kick Start - with a mixed-up hybrid called the 'PuppyMonkeyBaby' (which I'll probably still have nightmares about for the rest of this winter). Those aside, here are my five personal faves...
5. HYUNDAI: "Talking Bears": Two bears accidentally scare off a tourist - who hightails it in his vehicle. "I was just going to talk to him," says one bear. "I was going to eat him," says the other bear. "I thought you were a vegan!" said the first bear.
4. HEINZ KETCHUP: "Meet The Ketchups": Human beings, dressed up as large bottles of Heinz Ketchup anticipate the arrival of a stampede of 'wiener dogs' (literally dressed up in buns). Weird, but memorable!
3. HONDA: "Singing Sheep": A herd of sheep, delivered out in the field in the pick-up truck, belt out a rendition of Queen's "Somebody To Love", and that's not baa-a-a-ad!
2. MARMOT: "Marmot For Life": I was too busy paying attention to CGI animal, and his live-action human camper friend, to learn what this company is really all about. Still, you cannot deny that this Rocky Mountain critter is a real scene-stealer!
1. DORITOS: "No Dogs Allowed": One of the three finalists in an annual contest - sponsored by Frito-Lay - became the entry that earned its director $1 million... and it only cost him $1,000 to make this 30-second spot! A trio of canines, interested in getting some Doritos tortilla chips, pull off the ultimate scam, by dressing up as one tall human customer! (BTW, the white dog on top - with the hat - is a 'rescue dog' owned by said director.) Overwhelmingly, the best commercial of the entire "Super Bowl 50" broadcast!
- - - - - - - - - - Naturally, my personal choices will differ from yours, but everybody is entitled to his/her own opinion(s). And if you'd missed any of the aforementioned "Super Bowl 50" ads, go to "YouTube" and type out the sponsor and category in the 'Search Bar' on its home page.
"Temporarily Indisposed"
Posted 10 years agoOn Saturday, February 6th, I was working on a new piece of furry art when my PC crashed. So until I get my PC replaced I won't be around for a while. Please be patient until my return...
"Fur-One-One: 'FA' Edition" #7
Posted 10 years agoTELEVISION: There are a lot of new animated shows all over the tube - from family-oriented series to adult fare - with anthropomorphic characters...
For youngsters, there are new episodes of half-hour shows on Disney Junior and Disney Channel including "Sheriff Callie's Wild West", "Goldie and Bear" (on Monday mornings), and "The Lion Guard" (on Friday mornings). Go to www.disneychannel.com or consult your local Cable TV listings for the exact time of airing... Then, on Cartoon Network, look for new episodes of "Wabbit", "Be Cool, Scooby-Doo", "The Amazing World of Gumball", and the brand new series "Bunnicula" (the adventures of a vampire rabbit - based on the story by James Howe) - the latter premiering on both Cartoon Network and Boomerang on Saturday, February 6th. Go to www.cartoonnetwork.com or consult your Cable TV listing for air times of these shows...
As for the adult fare, HBO will premiere its own new animated series entitled simply "Animals" - created by the Duplass Brothers - with situations revolving around the fauna of that 'great urban jungle' known as New York City. Celebrities providing guest voices on this show include Eric Andre, Marc Maron, A$AP Rocky, Molly Shannon, Wanda Sykes, et al. "Animals" premieres on Friday, February 5th at 11:30 PM, E.S.T. You can check out a two-minute-long Season One trailer for the series at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gO6akqWT3_g ... Meanwhile, MTV has more new episodes of "Greatest Party Story Ever", every Thursday night at 10:30 PM, E.S.T. In case you haven't seen it yet, one of my favorite segments is called "Animal House" - in which the narrator tells a story about visiting his girlfriend, in which it is fantasized in animation with all the characters being animals! (The narrator is a fox; his girlfriend is a gerbil with freckles; one of his friends is a penguin; and the girl's brother is a bear!) Go to www.mtv.com for additional days and times when "GPSE" airs...
ON THE INTERNET: In the wake of "Winter Storm Jonas" (which dumped nearly three feet of snow in Washington, D.C. alone), a lot of animal videos popped up on "YouTube", showing how these various critters managed to survive the elements. Here is a small sampling of links for you to check out:
"Tian Tian (the Giant Panda)": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bgyn8-aGIcw
"Wolfie (the GSD)": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkXHiDzdBE
"Deer Reclaim Streets of D.C.": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSepwHy-LTg
"Animals Playing In Snow in NYC, Baltimore, and D.C.": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfoRR-MCufs
And finally, I thought I'd throw in one more video with a very friendly fox named 'RonRon', that was recorded after a very light blizzard in 2015 in Arkansas. See if you don't fall in love with this vulpine character:
[b]"RonRon and the Great Blizzard of '05": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2iKdPosXvU
If there are any mistakes in any of the above links, use the "YouTube" 'search section' to locate each video.
For youngsters, there are new episodes of half-hour shows on Disney Junior and Disney Channel including "Sheriff Callie's Wild West", "Goldie and Bear" (on Monday mornings), and "The Lion Guard" (on Friday mornings). Go to www.disneychannel.com or consult your local Cable TV listings for the exact time of airing... Then, on Cartoon Network, look for new episodes of "Wabbit", "Be Cool, Scooby-Doo", "The Amazing World of Gumball", and the brand new series "Bunnicula" (the adventures of a vampire rabbit - based on the story by James Howe) - the latter premiering on both Cartoon Network and Boomerang on Saturday, February 6th. Go to www.cartoonnetwork.com or consult your Cable TV listing for air times of these shows...
As for the adult fare, HBO will premiere its own new animated series entitled simply "Animals" - created by the Duplass Brothers - with situations revolving around the fauna of that 'great urban jungle' known as New York City. Celebrities providing guest voices on this show include Eric Andre, Marc Maron, A$AP Rocky, Molly Shannon, Wanda Sykes, et al. "Animals" premieres on Friday, February 5th at 11:30 PM, E.S.T. You can check out a two-minute-long Season One trailer for the series at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gO6akqWT3_g ... Meanwhile, MTV has more new episodes of "Greatest Party Story Ever", every Thursday night at 10:30 PM, E.S.T. In case you haven't seen it yet, one of my favorite segments is called "Animal House" - in which the narrator tells a story about visiting his girlfriend, in which it is fantasized in animation with all the characters being animals! (The narrator is a fox; his girlfriend is a gerbil with freckles; one of his friends is a penguin; and the girl's brother is a bear!) Go to www.mtv.com for additional days and times when "GPSE" airs...
ON THE INTERNET: In the wake of "Winter Storm Jonas" (which dumped nearly three feet of snow in Washington, D.C. alone), a lot of animal videos popped up on "YouTube", showing how these various critters managed to survive the elements. Here is a small sampling of links for you to check out:
"Tian Tian (the Giant Panda)": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bgyn8-aGIcw
"Wolfie (the GSD)": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkXHiDzdBE
"Deer Reclaim Streets of D.C.": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSepwHy-LTg
"Animals Playing In Snow in NYC, Baltimore, and D.C.": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfoRR-MCufs
And finally, I thought I'd throw in one more video with a very friendly fox named 'RonRon', that was recorded after a very light blizzard in 2015 in Arkansas. See if you don't fall in love with this vulpine character:
[b]"RonRon and the Great Blizzard of '05": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2iKdPosXvU
- - - - - - - - - - If there are any mistakes in any of the above links, use the "YouTube" 'search section' to locate each video.
"Coming Attractions" #30
Posted 10 years agoFebruary, 2016 is a major 'sweeps month' for television - between events such as "Super Bowl 50", the "Iowa Caucus", the annual "Grammy Awards" and "Academy Awards" telecasts and numerous made-for-TV movies and miniseries...
February is also my 'sweeps month', as I'll attempt to post a whole bunch of new drawings and 'photo-ops' in my 'Gallery' (more than I usually do in other months of the year). Among the offerings, I'll have my annual Groundhog Day comic gag with 'Pennsyltucky Paul' (the world's worst predictor of precipitation), a new "Front & Back: Fat Furry Edition" image with 'Bor-Bor Bear', another "Extraordinarily Fat Furries" comic gag with other "FA" members' corpulent characters in the guise of 'bobblebellies' (which turned out to be quite popular last month), and, of course, a few more "Zootopia Fan Art" pieces (as the Disney CGI feature's American debut in March approaches). And the 'photo-ops' I'll be posting (on "Throwback Thursdays") will include additional animal-related snapshots, as well as more pix of yours truly (and family members) from my past...
Upcoming 'Journals' will include another "Fur-One-One: 'FA' Edition", "More Animal Commercials For 2016", my top ten choices for "The Best Commercials On Super Bowl 50", and a few other surprises.
As always, your 'comments', 'shouts' and (especially) 'faves' are welcome!
February is also my 'sweeps month', as I'll attempt to post a whole bunch of new drawings and 'photo-ops' in my 'Gallery' (more than I usually do in other months of the year). Among the offerings, I'll have my annual Groundhog Day comic gag with 'Pennsyltucky Paul' (the world's worst predictor of precipitation), a new "Front & Back: Fat Furry Edition" image with 'Bor-Bor Bear', another "Extraordinarily Fat Furries" comic gag with other "FA" members' corpulent characters in the guise of 'bobblebellies' (which turned out to be quite popular last month), and, of course, a few more "Zootopia Fan Art" pieces (as the Disney CGI feature's American debut in March approaches). And the 'photo-ops' I'll be posting (on "Throwback Thursdays") will include additional animal-related snapshots, as well as more pix of yours truly (and family members) from my past...
Upcoming 'Journals' will include another "Fur-One-One: 'FA' Edition", "More Animal Commercials For 2016", my top ten choices for "The Best Commercials On Super Bowl 50", and a few other surprises.
As always, your 'comments', 'shouts' and (especially) 'faves' are welcome!
"First Animal Commercials For 2016"
Posted 10 years agoI've seen a lot of unusual commercials with animals (both on TV and in "YouTube") during 2015. As the New Year begins, a whole bunch of other adverts with critters (both real and anthropomorphic) have already emerged on the scene, and it's my pleasure to introduce some of them to you, via capsulized reviews (followed by the "YouTube" link), Check these out...
7. GEICO: "Tiny Car Valet": In the wake of the previous spot for the insurance company - in which its signature spokesanimal, the gecko, has a small apartment proportionately his size - our scaly hero now drives around town in a car that is also his size. Not only is this an obligatory promotion for auto insurance, it's an easy set-up for a visual gag, when the gecko leaves said vehicle with a human-sized valet...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XS7-18kubUU
6. TOYOTA RAV4 HYBRID: "Wolf Pack": A motorist in the woods (played by James Marsden), befriends a pack of wolves - who accepts him as one of their own. He follows them in his trusty Toyota Rav4 Hybrid in this unique forty-second spot...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttvHDYgEs94
5. KELLOGG'S FROSTED FLAKES: "Pregame Ritual": After all these years of seeing a cel-animated 'Tony the Tiger' superimposed among live-action human characters, Kellogg's finally went in the right direction with its long-time spokesmorph, by making him CGI for this ad from last year...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0-zVt9Uvrc
4. VOYA FINANCIAL: During 2015, a series of ads for Voya Financial featured some computer-generated origami animals, including one with squirrels and another with rabbits. Well, this year, the paper-folded animals not only move around, but they also talk to live-action human subjects about the benefits of using their service. Here are the links to two such spots - the first one with a squirrel and the second one with a rabbit...
"Val from Voya": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNZAsh9zsfw
"Vern from Voya": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5j0_7EsFzMg
3. KELLOGG'S POP-TARTS: "Pop The Vote": In a fifteen-second parody of last year's Presidential Debates, some of the (22 different) Pop-Tart flavors are questioned by a canine interviewer, only to have each one end up dropping through a trap door, and into a toaster. The big question is: "Which Pop-Tart flavor is the closest to resembling Donald Trump?!"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WiBJL9fx_Ac
2. BOSCH AUTO PARTS: "Stop The Roadkill": I recently saw on TV a thirty-second spot for Bosch in which a bunch of anthropomorphic dead animals (including a deer and a fox) complain to motorists about how they ended up this way. What I didn't know was this advert began as a two minute and forty second promotional film from the auto parts people - spoofing Michael Jackson's "Thriller" music video. So, I thought I'd give you the link to the full-length version of this actual commercial (which has already been seen by over one million viewers)...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jaq251c7kiY
1. ARGENTINE INSTITUTE OF LIVER TRANSPLANTATION: "The Man and His Dog": When I was watching CBS News' "Sunday Morning" last weekend, host Charles Osgood introduced a very unique PSA from South America, emphasizing on the importance of donating an organ. The main characters in this ad were an elderly gentleman and his loyal pet. When the former suffers (what turns out to be) a fatal attack, his dog is forced to wait outside the hospital for what seems like an eternity... until a woman in a wheelchair emerges with the old man's liver transplanted into her body. The dog reacts as only a loyal pet would react. (To further tug at our heartstrings, this ad uses part of the score from "Up", composed by Michael Giacchino - who has also written the score for the upcoming animated feature "Zootopia")...
Not since another PSA about a dog (who packs his bone in a suitcase and leaves home, when his juvenile owner ignores him, and would rather be watching movies on TV and playing video games) has there been a spot that had moved me (nearly to tears) so much. The original version of this spot went virtual on "YouTube", with close to ten million views!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nySUhtaf2QQ
As always, if I'd made any mistakes in the links, simply go to "YouTube" and type out the name of the sponsor and its subject matter in the 'search section' of the website, in order to bring up each commercial.
Next month, I will make my personal choices for the "Top Ten Best Commercials of Super Bowl 50". Your favorites may differ from mine, but all of them will be unique, one way or another!
- - - - - - - - - - 7. GEICO: "Tiny Car Valet": In the wake of the previous spot for the insurance company - in which its signature spokesanimal, the gecko, has a small apartment proportionately his size - our scaly hero now drives around town in a car that is also his size. Not only is this an obligatory promotion for auto insurance, it's an easy set-up for a visual gag, when the gecko leaves said vehicle with a human-sized valet...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XS7-18kubUU
6. TOYOTA RAV4 HYBRID: "Wolf Pack": A motorist in the woods (played by James Marsden), befriends a pack of wolves - who accepts him as one of their own. He follows them in his trusty Toyota Rav4 Hybrid in this unique forty-second spot...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttvHDYgEs94
5. KELLOGG'S FROSTED FLAKES: "Pregame Ritual": After all these years of seeing a cel-animated 'Tony the Tiger' superimposed among live-action human characters, Kellogg's finally went in the right direction with its long-time spokesmorph, by making him CGI for this ad from last year...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0-zVt9Uvrc
4. VOYA FINANCIAL: During 2015, a series of ads for Voya Financial featured some computer-generated origami animals, including one with squirrels and another with rabbits. Well, this year, the paper-folded animals not only move around, but they also talk to live-action human subjects about the benefits of using their service. Here are the links to two such spots - the first one with a squirrel and the second one with a rabbit...
"Val from Voya": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNZAsh9zsfw
"Vern from Voya": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5j0_7EsFzMg
3. KELLOGG'S POP-TARTS: "Pop The Vote": In a fifteen-second parody of last year's Presidential Debates, some of the (22 different) Pop-Tart flavors are questioned by a canine interviewer, only to have each one end up dropping through a trap door, and into a toaster. The big question is: "Which Pop-Tart flavor is the closest to resembling Donald Trump?!"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WiBJL9fx_Ac
2. BOSCH AUTO PARTS: "Stop The Roadkill": I recently saw on TV a thirty-second spot for Bosch in which a bunch of anthropomorphic dead animals (including a deer and a fox) complain to motorists about how they ended up this way. What I didn't know was this advert began as a two minute and forty second promotional film from the auto parts people - spoofing Michael Jackson's "Thriller" music video. So, I thought I'd give you the link to the full-length version of this actual commercial (which has already been seen by over one million viewers)...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jaq251c7kiY
1. ARGENTINE INSTITUTE OF LIVER TRANSPLANTATION: "The Man and His Dog": When I was watching CBS News' "Sunday Morning" last weekend, host Charles Osgood introduced a very unique PSA from South America, emphasizing on the importance of donating an organ. The main characters in this ad were an elderly gentleman and his loyal pet. When the former suffers (what turns out to be) a fatal attack, his dog is forced to wait outside the hospital for what seems like an eternity... until a woman in a wheelchair emerges with the old man's liver transplanted into her body. The dog reacts as only a loyal pet would react. (To further tug at our heartstrings, this ad uses part of the score from "Up", composed by Michael Giacchino - who has also written the score for the upcoming animated feature "Zootopia")...
Not since another PSA about a dog (who packs his bone in a suitcase and leaves home, when his juvenile owner ignores him, and would rather be watching movies on TV and playing video games) has there been a spot that had moved me (nearly to tears) so much. The original version of this spot went virtual on "YouTube", with close to ten million views!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nySUhtaf2QQ
- - - - - - - - - - As always, if I'd made any mistakes in the links, simply go to "YouTube" and type out the name of the sponsor and its subject matter in the 'search section' of the website, in order to bring up each commercial.
Next month, I will make my personal choices for the "Top Ten Best Commercials of Super Bowl 50". Your favorites may differ from mine, but all of them will be unique, one way or another!
"Fur-One-One: 'FA' Edition" #6
Posted 10 years agoMOVIES: 2016, the 'year of the animal movie' begins today, with the release of "Norm of the North", a CGI feature (from Lionsgate) - the story of a freewheeling polar bear (voiced by Rob Schneider) and his little lemming buddies, who venture to New York City to stop a greedy real estate developer (Ken Jeong) from building a condominium complex in his part of the Arctic. (Additional voices in this film include Heather Graham and Colm Meaney.)
Then, in two weeks (on January 29th) "Kung Fu Panda 3" (20th Century Fox/DreamWorks Animation) premieres, with Jack Black returning as 'Po', as well as other members of the original cast: Dustin Hoffman as 'Master Shifu', Angelina Jolie Pitt as 'Tigress', Jackie Chan as 'Monkey', Lucy Liu as 'Snake', David Cross as 'Crane', Seth Rogen as 'Mantis', and James Hong as 'Mr. Ping'. Among the newer voices in this highly-anticipated sequel are (Oscar-nominated actor) Bryan Cranston as 'Li' (the biological father of 'Po'), Kate Hudson as 'Mei-Mei' (a love interest for our hero), and (Oscar winner) J.K. Simmons as 'Kai' (a bully of a bull, who threatens all of China). Check out all the awesomeness of this third film in the series...
And, of course, on Friday, March 4th "Zootopia" makes its American debut (following its world premiere in France during February). I'll wait until later this Winter to give you more insight into this CGI feature with its all-anthropomorphic-mammal cast. Meanwhile, you can check out "First Looks" specials on Disney Channel, Sunday nights at 8:00 PM, E.S.T....
Additional 2016 movies with animals of all kinds include (a live-action version of) Disney's "The Jungle Book", "The Secret Life of Pets" (Universal/Illumination Entertainment), "Storks" (Warner Bros.), "Finding Dory" (Disney/Pixar), "The Angry Birds Movie" (Columbia/Sony Animation), "Sly Cooper" (Cinema Management Group), "Ice Age: Collision Course" (20th Century Fox/Blue Sky studios), and sequels to "Open Season" (Columbia/Sony Animation), and "The Nut Job" (Open Road Films).
What can I say? It's going to be a regular jungle out in the cinemas!
Then, in two weeks (on January 29th) "Kung Fu Panda 3" (20th Century Fox/DreamWorks Animation) premieres, with Jack Black returning as 'Po', as well as other members of the original cast: Dustin Hoffman as 'Master Shifu', Angelina Jolie Pitt as 'Tigress', Jackie Chan as 'Monkey', Lucy Liu as 'Snake', David Cross as 'Crane', Seth Rogen as 'Mantis', and James Hong as 'Mr. Ping'. Among the newer voices in this highly-anticipated sequel are (Oscar-nominated actor) Bryan Cranston as 'Li' (the biological father of 'Po'), Kate Hudson as 'Mei-Mei' (a love interest for our hero), and (Oscar winner) J.K. Simmons as 'Kai' (a bully of a bull, who threatens all of China). Check out all the awesomeness of this third film in the series...
And, of course, on Friday, March 4th "Zootopia" makes its American debut (following its world premiere in France during February). I'll wait until later this Winter to give you more insight into this CGI feature with its all-anthropomorphic-mammal cast. Meanwhile, you can check out "First Looks" specials on Disney Channel, Sunday nights at 8:00 PM, E.S.T....
Additional 2016 movies with animals of all kinds include (a live-action version of) Disney's "The Jungle Book", "The Secret Life of Pets" (Universal/Illumination Entertainment), "Storks" (Warner Bros.), "Finding Dory" (Disney/Pixar), "The Angry Birds Movie" (Columbia/Sony Animation), "Sly Cooper" (Cinema Management Group), "Ice Age: Collision Course" (20th Century Fox/Blue Sky studios), and sequels to "Open Season" (Columbia/Sony Animation), and "The Nut Job" (Open Road Films).
What can I say? It's going to be a regular jungle out in the cinemas!
"The Best Of 2015 In My 'FA' Site"
Posted 10 years agoWell, it's time for my annual rundown of individual lists of the best of the stuff I'd posted in my "Fur Affinity" site. I've selected specific categories of posted material (artwork and 'photo-ops'), including the one with the most 'faves' and the most 'views' - each one followed by the link you can find each item at.
(NOTE: There's a six-way tie for fifth place, so I'd abandoned those 'photo-ops')
3. "Me With Fat Halloween Cat", taken by Funimal (two way-tie)
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/18105393/
3. "Horsie Close-Up", taken by Glenn (two-way tie)
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/16052627/
2. "Jaguar Statue #1/Jacksonville, FL"
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/15994320/
1. "Pepe & Penelope Statue/Miami, FL"
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/16369870/
5. "Spot The Error" #4
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/17319341/
4. "Spot The Error" #6
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/17319487/
3. "ConFurence East/Jack Salem, Et Al"
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/17915258/
2. "Me And Fat Halloween Cat"
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/18105393/
1. "Pepe & Penelope Statue/Miami, FL"
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/16369870/
4. "Attitude"
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/17611909/
3. "Tolstoy's Denial" (two-way tie)
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/15456452/
3. ""Occupy Buffet: Roocan" (two-way tie)
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/18479948/
2. "Water Conservation"
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/17488552/
1. "Soft Serve" (by Raccoon Drew; color by Rob Cat)
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/17203291/
5. "Occupy Buffet: Roocan"
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/18479948/
4. "Attitude"
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/17611909/
3. "Soft Serve" (by Raccoon Drew; color by Rob Cat)
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/17203291/
2. "Water Conservation"
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/17488552/
1. "Tolstoy's Denial"
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/15456452/
2. #13 (four-way tie)
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/15948143/
2. #15 (four-way tie)
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/16447525/
2. #19 (four-way tie)
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/18040096/
2. #21 (four-way tie)
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/18309150/
1. #16
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/16719573/
5. #17
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/17073440/
4. #21
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/18309150/
3. #14
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/16090429/
2. #16
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/16719573/
1. #13
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/15948143/
4. "Straight Outta Food"
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/17394970/
3. "The Other Largest Corporation" (two-way tie)
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/16187748/
3. "A T-Shirt For Vincent" (two-way tie)
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/17328843/
2. "Fat Furry Doodle: Full Buck Moon"
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/17355452/
1. "Zootopia Fan Art: Santa Clawhauser"
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/18581185/
5. "A T-Shirt For Vincent"
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/17328843/
4. ""Scaling Mount Cupric"
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/16909790/
3. "Zootopia Fan Art: Santa Clawhauser"
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/18581185/
2. "Jelli And Rob"
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/18391206/
1. ""The Other Largest Corporation"
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/16187748/
Results of these lists are subject to change without notice. I hope to see you one year from now for "The Best Of 2016 In My 'FA' Site"!
- - - - - - - - - TOP FOUR MOST FAVED 'PHOTO-OPS' OF 2015" (NOTE: There's a six-way tie for fifth place, so I'd abandoned those 'photo-ops')
3. "Me With Fat Halloween Cat", taken by Funimal (two way-tie)
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/18105393/
3. "Horsie Close-Up", taken by Glenn (two-way tie)
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/16052627/
2. "Jaguar Statue #1/Jacksonville, FL"
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/15994320/
1. "Pepe & Penelope Statue/Miami, FL"
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/16369870/
TOP FIVE MOST VIEWED 'PHOTO-OPS' OF 2015" 5. "Spot The Error" #4
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/17319341/
4. "Spot The Error" #6
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/17319487/
3. "ConFurence East/Jack Salem, Et Al"
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/17915258/
2. "Me And Fat Halloween Cat"
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/18105393/
1. "Pepe & Penelope Statue/Miami, FL"
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/16369870/
TOP FIVE MOST FAVED 'COLORIZED ENCORES' OF 20154. "Attitude"
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/17611909/
3. "Tolstoy's Denial" (two-way tie)
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/15456452/
3. ""Occupy Buffet: Roocan" (two-way tie)
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/18479948/
2. "Water Conservation"
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/17488552/
1. "Soft Serve" (by Raccoon Drew; color by Rob Cat)
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/17203291/
TOP FIVE MOST VIEWED 'COLORIZED ENCORES OF 2015 5. "Occupy Buffet: Roocan"
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/18479948/
4. "Attitude"
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/17611909/
3. "Soft Serve" (by Raccoon Drew; color by Rob Cat)
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/17203291/
2. "Water Conservation"
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/17488552/
1. "Tolstoy's Denial"
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/15456452/
TOP FIVE MOST FAVED 'FRONT 7 BACK: FFE' GAGS OF 2015 2. #13 (four-way tie)
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/15948143/
2. #15 (four-way tie)
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/16447525/
2. #19 (four-way tie)
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/18040096/
2. #21 (four-way tie)
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/18309150/
1. #16
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/16719573/
TOP FIVE MOST VIEWED 'FRONT & BACK: FFE' GAGS OF 2015 5. #17
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/17073440/
4. #21
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/18309150/
3. #14
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/16090429/
2. #16
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/16719573/
1. #13
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/15948143/
TOP FIVE MOST FAVED ROB CAT ORIGINAL SUBMISSIONS OF 2015 4. "Straight Outta Food"
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/17394970/
3. "The Other Largest Corporation" (two-way tie)
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/16187748/
3. "A T-Shirt For Vincent" (two-way tie)
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/17328843/
2. "Fat Furry Doodle: Full Buck Moon"
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/17355452/
1. "Zootopia Fan Art: Santa Clawhauser"
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/18581185/
TOP FIVE MOST VIEWED ROB CAT ORIGINAL SUBMISSIONS OF 2015 5. "A T-Shirt For Vincent"
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/17328843/
4. ""Scaling Mount Cupric"
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/16909790/
3. "Zootopia Fan Art: Santa Clawhauser"
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/18581185/
2. "Jelli And Rob"
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/18391206/
1. ""The Other Largest Corporation"
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/16187748/
- - - - - - - - - - Results of these lists are subject to change without notice. I hope to see you one year from now for "The Best Of 2016 In My 'FA' Site"!
"Last Animal Commercials For 2015"
Posted 10 years agoAs 2015 comes to an end, I thought I'd let you check out these five last TV commercials of the year - you can view on "YouTube". The link to each spot follows my commentary...
5. Geico: "The Wedding": The 'Geico Gecko' attends an outdoor wedding at the beach - where he is rejoined by the 'crab' (who first appeared with him in the "Nude Beach" spot, not too long ago). This commercial is a rarity as it has a tie-in with Helzberg Diamonds.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iitViaskF8I
4. Geico: "Small Apartment": To show that Geico is more than just auto, motorcycle, and RV insurance, the 'Geico Gecko' (now in New York City) talks about renter's insurance - from the comfort of his own apartment (with a great view of Manhattan). His spiel, however, is interrupted by a Chinese take-out delivery boy - who fills up said apartment with the hapless lizard's order!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKtMe8nFFq8
3. America's Best (Contacts & Eyeglasses): "Owl Ad/Woman": A CGI owl with eyeglasses on (well, duh!) talks about the bargains and benefits at America's Best to a young woman - whose dialogue is reduced to "Who?" (and variations thereof).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YY8wyIcl88
2. America's Best (Contacts & Eyeglasses): "Owl Ad/Man": The same CGI owl now gives the same pitch about America's Best special deals to a male skeptic, who also replies with nothing but "Who?", too. It's like a 21st century Abbott & Costello routine!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IYmkT2Mh-s
1. Amazon Prime: ":Lonely Little Horse": From the same people who'd brought you that wonderful TV spot about the injured dog, whose owner buys a belted carry-on pouch for the pooch, now comes another tale of an animal who works on our sympathies. In this case, it's a small pony-sized horse,, who is shunned by his larger size equine brethren. Its human owner takes pity, and contacts Amazon Prime to remedy this situation. Call it corny; call it hokey; call it anything you want... It will still touch your heart!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aU_c8aabw2Y
As usual, if I'd made any mistakes in any (or all) of the above links, just go to the search area of "YouTube" and type out the brand name and subject matter of each commercial to locate it in the website.
Here's to 2016! May there be more Madison Avenue mammal activity to sell us whatever they're pushing... or, at least, entertain us (even if we can't use the product or service)!
- - - - - - - - - - 5. Geico: "The Wedding": The 'Geico Gecko' attends an outdoor wedding at the beach - where he is rejoined by the 'crab' (who first appeared with him in the "Nude Beach" spot, not too long ago). This commercial is a rarity as it has a tie-in with Helzberg Diamonds.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iitViaskF8I
4. Geico: "Small Apartment": To show that Geico is more than just auto, motorcycle, and RV insurance, the 'Geico Gecko' (now in New York City) talks about renter's insurance - from the comfort of his own apartment (with a great view of Manhattan). His spiel, however, is interrupted by a Chinese take-out delivery boy - who fills up said apartment with the hapless lizard's order!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKtMe8nFFq8
3. America's Best (Contacts & Eyeglasses): "Owl Ad/Woman": A CGI owl with eyeglasses on (well, duh!) talks about the bargains and benefits at America's Best to a young woman - whose dialogue is reduced to "Who?" (and variations thereof).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YY8wyIcl88
2. America's Best (Contacts & Eyeglasses): "Owl Ad/Man": The same CGI owl now gives the same pitch about America's Best special deals to a male skeptic, who also replies with nothing but "Who?", too. It's like a 21st century Abbott & Costello routine!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IYmkT2Mh-s
1. Amazon Prime: ":Lonely Little Horse": From the same people who'd brought you that wonderful TV spot about the injured dog, whose owner buys a belted carry-on pouch for the pooch, now comes another tale of an animal who works on our sympathies. In this case, it's a small pony-sized horse,, who is shunned by his larger size equine brethren. Its human owner takes pity, and contacts Amazon Prime to remedy this situation. Call it corny; call it hokey; call it anything you want... It will still touch your heart!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aU_c8aabw2Y
- - - - - - - - - - As usual, if I'd made any mistakes in any (or all) of the above links, just go to the search area of "YouTube" and type out the brand name and subject matter of each commercial to locate it in the website.
Here's to 2016! May there be more Madison Avenue mammal activity to sell us whatever they're pushing... or, at least, entertain us (even if we can't use the product or service)!
"Bicycle Moments"
Posted 10 years agoFor a change-of-pace, unrelated to 'furry fandom', I thought I'd tell you about my obsession with riding bicycles...
Said obsession goes all the way back to the late 1950s - back when I was living in the Bronx - when my parents gave me my first set of wheels (a tricycle, which I was confined to riding inside our fifth-story apartment). A few years later, they give me a two-wheeler, but with 'training wheels' (for safety's sake). Eventually, when I got used to balancing on the two tires, the 'training wheels' came off... but there were other unsafe incidents I hadn't counted on...
Such as the time I was leaning against my bike - totally forgetting that it didn't have a kickstand - falling over backwards, and banging my head against a wrought iron fence! (I still have the scar, to this very day.)
And I remember my first long distance bike trip, which took place during the summer of 1964 - shortly after the family moved from Ozone Park to Elmont (NY) - when I rode my bicycle from my new home, all the way back to my old home. By the time I got there, it was already too dark to ride back. (My father had to take me and my bike back home with the station wagon.)
In later years, having a bike turned out to be beneficial, when I used it to commute to and from work (but only during the summer months). First, during the late 1970s, when I had a job in East Meadow; and again, during the 1980s, when I had another job in Westbury.
When I'd moved down to south Florida in 1994, there were very few places to ride a bicycle (and riding out in the streets was just outright dangerous), so my bike sat on the back porch for months, where it rusted to pieces. And I had to rely on driving a car to and from the various gigs I had held, over the course of time...
During the next two decades, the infrastructure of south Florida roadways had improved, with the inclusion of 'bike lanes' (on certain major thoroughfares) and individual paths for non-motorists (such as the Cypress Creek Greenway). Even 'mass transit' made accommodations for cyclists, by adding bike racks on their buses and allowing bikes on Tri-Rail and Metrorail trains.
It was inevitable that I'd return to bike-riding... when I became a janitor at the Palm-Aire condo community in Pompano Beach, and I got demoted to working part-time hours for 'Minimum Wage' (which, in my area, is currently $8.05 an hour). I subsequently had to sell my car, when I could no longer afford auto insurance, and was reduced to taking a bus to and from work...
Then, one day, my brother Glenn got me a used bicycle (one of the older models that run on just one speed, that you have to back-pedal in order to apply the brakes). Well, you know the old saying, "It like getting back on a bicycle again!" The big difference, of course, was I can go to work all year long here in south Florida (compared to riding during the summer months back in the Northeast).
Needless to say, I had to deal with my share of flat tires, or even getting my shoelaces tangled with the pedals, but these setbacks were few and far in between...
Then, in early July, 2015, I was riding my bike to a Baskin-Robbins, when I'd found myself 'free-pedaling' (or moving fast, but not going anywhere). At first, I'd thought the chain had slipped off the gear, but (upon close examination) it hadn't. Instead, the gear on the rear axle had completely broken off (and could not be repaired). I eventually had to walk the bike all the way home...
When I'd told Glenn what had happened, he said "Let's get you a new bike."
"But I can't afford one on my salary," I said to him.
"Don't worry, Jed. I'll pay for it." Glenn replied.
We went to a nearby Walmart, which had several new two-wheelers on sale. Glenn found one on sale, and bought it, along with a heavy duty lock (to replace a chain and padlock I had been using). Unfortunately, when my brother tried to readjust the handlebars (to a comfortable position for me), he nearly damaged the bike. Eventually, he had to return it; but he kept the new lock for me.
In retrospect, it's a good thing that I didn't get the new bike; because one week later, I'd lost my job. I would've had a set of wheels and no place to go with them.
Now, 'fast forward' to December, 2015. With the help of Glenn, my sister Rhonda, and my counselor Mr. Cedeno, I became eligible for Social Security, and began receiving large checks - with were deposited in a new bank account (shared by Glenn and myself). In fact, I was collecting more money now, that what I was earning, if I still had my part-time janitor's gig!
Eventually, I was able to afford a new bicycle, using my own money. And, with Glenn's help, we'd found another two-wheeler at a Target store in Lauderhill. It was on sale for $99.99, but Glenn spotted a dent in the rear fender, and brought it to the attention of the Customer Service section of the store. The man behind the counter took an additional 10% off its price, and I got the vehicle for just $90.00 (+ tax). Of course, I had to ride the bike all the way back to my Margate condo (a forty-minute sprint) - because my brother's car (a Mini-Cooper) had no bike rack - but it was still worth the trip.
The next day, Glenn installed the bracket for the heavy duty lock (he'd bought for me months ago), and I began to officially take the first of a new series of long treks all over Broward County. (And I'd already learned about a new series of greenways, opening throughout the county, and I was looking forward to trying them out in the New Year...)
Finally, on Christmas Day (or, actually December 26th, since my bro and I are both natural-born procrastinators), Glenn gave me some appropriate presents to go with my new bike - including a pair of reflective ankle straps (to keep the legs of my denim jeans from getting shredded by the pedaling gear), a set of detachable lights (a white one for the front and a red one for the rear), and a brand new backpack (to carry my supplies and snacks on long trips).
So, if you don't see any new posted material in my "FA" site during 2016, don't worry. I'm just taking the occasional bike ride - getting exercise and fresh air (on the greenways), seeing nature (which you can't really experience, driving 65 MPH in a car), and (most of all) enjoying my new lease on life!
(I'll have new art and 'photo-ops' when I get back home.)
Said obsession goes all the way back to the late 1950s - back when I was living in the Bronx - when my parents gave me my first set of wheels (a tricycle, which I was confined to riding inside our fifth-story apartment). A few years later, they give me a two-wheeler, but with 'training wheels' (for safety's sake). Eventually, when I got used to balancing on the two tires, the 'training wheels' came off... but there were other unsafe incidents I hadn't counted on...
Such as the time I was leaning against my bike - totally forgetting that it didn't have a kickstand - falling over backwards, and banging my head against a wrought iron fence! (I still have the scar, to this very day.)
And I remember my first long distance bike trip, which took place during the summer of 1964 - shortly after the family moved from Ozone Park to Elmont (NY) - when I rode my bicycle from my new home, all the way back to my old home. By the time I got there, it was already too dark to ride back. (My father had to take me and my bike back home with the station wagon.)
In later years, having a bike turned out to be beneficial, when I used it to commute to and from work (but only during the summer months). First, during the late 1970s, when I had a job in East Meadow; and again, during the 1980s, when I had another job in Westbury.
When I'd moved down to south Florida in 1994, there were very few places to ride a bicycle (and riding out in the streets was just outright dangerous), so my bike sat on the back porch for months, where it rusted to pieces. And I had to rely on driving a car to and from the various gigs I had held, over the course of time...
During the next two decades, the infrastructure of south Florida roadways had improved, with the inclusion of 'bike lanes' (on certain major thoroughfares) and individual paths for non-motorists (such as the Cypress Creek Greenway). Even 'mass transit' made accommodations for cyclists, by adding bike racks on their buses and allowing bikes on Tri-Rail and Metrorail trains.
It was inevitable that I'd return to bike-riding... when I became a janitor at the Palm-Aire condo community in Pompano Beach, and I got demoted to working part-time hours for 'Minimum Wage' (which, in my area, is currently $8.05 an hour). I subsequently had to sell my car, when I could no longer afford auto insurance, and was reduced to taking a bus to and from work...
Then, one day, my brother Glenn got me a used bicycle (one of the older models that run on just one speed, that you have to back-pedal in order to apply the brakes). Well, you know the old saying, "It like getting back on a bicycle again!" The big difference, of course, was I can go to work all year long here in south Florida (compared to riding during the summer months back in the Northeast).
Needless to say, I had to deal with my share of flat tires, or even getting my shoelaces tangled with the pedals, but these setbacks were few and far in between...
Then, in early July, 2015, I was riding my bike to a Baskin-Robbins, when I'd found myself 'free-pedaling' (or moving fast, but not going anywhere). At first, I'd thought the chain had slipped off the gear, but (upon close examination) it hadn't. Instead, the gear on the rear axle had completely broken off (and could not be repaired). I eventually had to walk the bike all the way home...
When I'd told Glenn what had happened, he said "Let's get you a new bike."
"But I can't afford one on my salary," I said to him.
"Don't worry, Jed. I'll pay for it." Glenn replied.
We went to a nearby Walmart, which had several new two-wheelers on sale. Glenn found one on sale, and bought it, along with a heavy duty lock (to replace a chain and padlock I had been using). Unfortunately, when my brother tried to readjust the handlebars (to a comfortable position for me), he nearly damaged the bike. Eventually, he had to return it; but he kept the new lock for me.
In retrospect, it's a good thing that I didn't get the new bike; because one week later, I'd lost my job. I would've had a set of wheels and no place to go with them.
Now, 'fast forward' to December, 2015. With the help of Glenn, my sister Rhonda, and my counselor Mr. Cedeno, I became eligible for Social Security, and began receiving large checks - with were deposited in a new bank account (shared by Glenn and myself). In fact, I was collecting more money now, that what I was earning, if I still had my part-time janitor's gig!
Eventually, I was able to afford a new bicycle, using my own money. And, with Glenn's help, we'd found another two-wheeler at a Target store in Lauderhill. It was on sale for $99.99, but Glenn spotted a dent in the rear fender, and brought it to the attention of the Customer Service section of the store. The man behind the counter took an additional 10% off its price, and I got the vehicle for just $90.00 (+ tax). Of course, I had to ride the bike all the way back to my Margate condo (a forty-minute sprint) - because my brother's car (a Mini-Cooper) had no bike rack - but it was still worth the trip.
The next day, Glenn installed the bracket for the heavy duty lock (he'd bought for me months ago), and I began to officially take the first of a new series of long treks all over Broward County. (And I'd already learned about a new series of greenways, opening throughout the county, and I was looking forward to trying them out in the New Year...)
Finally, on Christmas Day (or, actually December 26th, since my bro and I are both natural-born procrastinators), Glenn gave me some appropriate presents to go with my new bike - including a pair of reflective ankle straps (to keep the legs of my denim jeans from getting shredded by the pedaling gear), a set of detachable lights (a white one for the front and a red one for the rear), and a brand new backpack (to carry my supplies and snacks on long trips).
So, if you don't see any new posted material in my "FA" site during 2016, don't worry. I'm just taking the occasional bike ride - getting exercise and fresh air (on the greenways), seeing nature (which you can't really experience, driving 65 MPH in a car), and (most of all) enjoying my new lease on life!
(I'll have new art and 'photo-ops' when I get back home.)
"Eight Years, And Still Counting!"
Posted 10 years agoIt's hard to believe it was eight years ago today (December 22, 2007), when I'd first joined "Fur Affinity".. Since then, I added over 3,000 other "FA" members to my 'watch list' (and thousands of art pieces into my 'favorites' section)...
I hope to create and post a commemorative illo for this latest milestone of mine (even though I still haven't worked on another image to commemorate a separate milestone - reaching my 100,000th 'pageview' in November, 2015).
At least, posting my first piece of "Zootopia" fan art today was an even better way to celebrate eight years of posting over 1,000 other illustrations, doodles, sketches, etc.
"Zootopia Fan Art: Santa Clawhauser": http://www.furaffinity.net/view/18581185/
And, as the saying goes, "the best is yet to come" (in 2016)!
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for the moral support (not to mention the countless number of comments and 'shouts') , and in return, I'd like to wish you all a very "Merry Christmas" (a "Happy Kwanzaa" to some of you), and a very "Happy New Year"!
I hope to create and post a commemorative illo for this latest milestone of mine (even though I still haven't worked on another image to commemorate a separate milestone - reaching my 100,000th 'pageview' in November, 2015).
At least, posting my first piece of "Zootopia" fan art today was an even better way to celebrate eight years of posting over 1,000 other illustrations, doodles, sketches, etc.
"Zootopia Fan Art: Santa Clawhauser": http://www.furaffinity.net/view/18581185/
And, as the saying goes, "the best is yet to come" (in 2016)!
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for the moral support (not to mention the countless number of comments and 'shouts') , and in return, I'd like to wish you all a very "Merry Christmas" (a "Happy Kwanzaa" to some of you), and a very "Happy New Year"!
"Fur-One-One: 'FA' Edition" #5
Posted 10 years agoCOMIC BOOKS: Over thirty years ago, I was reintroduced to the world of anthropomorphic characters via a series of independent comic book titles (including "Albedo", "Critters", and "Omaha the Cat Dancer", to name but a few). Today, there are a lot more independent titles to choose from. They include "Elephantmen", "The Mice Templar" (both from Image), "Mouse Guard (Archaia), "Kung Fu Panda) (Titan Publishing), and - the perennial favorite - "Usagi Yojimbo" (Dark Horse)... One of the newer titles worth looking into is "Wild's End: The Enemy Within" (Boom Studios, 3.99 US), a six-part miniseries set in wartime Europe. An alien invasion is involved in the plot, but not necessarily the sort of aliens in war uniforms. The menagerie in the cast include a pair of sci-fi authors - 'Runciman' (a fat cat) and 'Cornfelt' (a foppish canine) - who get caught up in this unusual fracas. Check it out...
WEBCOMICS: Here's a list of my ten favorite anthropomorphic webcomics (along with the frequency they each appear on the Internet, and the link you can visit each one at):
"Kevin & Kell" (daily, including Sundays): www.kevinandkell.com
"Doc Rat" (Monday thru Friday): www.docrat.com.au
"Housepets!" (M-W-F): www.housepetscomic.com
"Faux Pas" (M-W-F): www.ozfoxes.com/fauxpas.htm
"Freefall" (M-W-F): http://freefall.pursia.com
"Bridgette's Belly" (weekly): http://www.tigerthighs.com
"The Whiteboard" (M-W-F): http://www.the-whiteboard.com/index.html
"Sabrina Online" (monthly): http://www.sabrina-online.com/thismonth.html
"Boomer Express (infrequently): www.boomerexpress.com
"Gene Catlow" (M-W-F, plus a Saturday bonus): http://www.genecatlow.com
Needless to say, I'm sure that some of you "FA" members might have other favorite webcomics that might differ from the ones on my list. Feel free to point them out (and their respective links) in the 'Comment' section...
WEBCOMICS: Here's a list of my ten favorite anthropomorphic webcomics (along with the frequency they each appear on the Internet, and the link you can visit each one at):
"Kevin & Kell" (daily, including Sundays): www.kevinandkell.com
"Doc Rat" (Monday thru Friday): www.docrat.com.au
"Housepets!" (M-W-F): www.housepetscomic.com
"Faux Pas" (M-W-F): www.ozfoxes.com/fauxpas.htm
"Freefall" (M-W-F): http://freefall.pursia.com
"Bridgette's Belly" (weekly): http://www.tigerthighs.com
"The Whiteboard" (M-W-F): http://www.the-whiteboard.com/index.html
"Sabrina Online" (monthly): http://www.sabrina-online.com/thismonth.html
"Boomer Express (infrequently): www.boomerexpress.com
"Gene Catlow" (M-W-F, plus a Saturday bonus): http://www.genecatlow.com
Needless to say, I'm sure that some of you "FA" members might have other favorite webcomics that might differ from the ones on my list. Feel free to point them out (and their respective links) in the 'Comment' section...
"Fur-One-One: 'FA' Edition" #4
Posted 10 years agoTELEVISION: The Adult Swim block (of Cartoon Network) is going to debut a five-part daily miniseries at 12 Midnight, E.S.T. on Monday, December 7th. And even though it's live-action (instead of animated), it's subject matter should interest a fair number of you "FA" members. It's entitled "Neon Joe: Werewolf Hunter", and the series features a number of lycanthropes our title hero goes after. - in spite of the fact that (according to the origin story in DC Comics) as a child he was raised by a family of werewolves! Crank up your recording devices for this one!
MOVIES: Having visited "YouTube" recently, I had viewed more original bumpers and one complete scene from the CGI feature from Disney, "Zootopia" - including a 'selfie' scene with 'Nick Wilde' and 'Judy Hopps', an 'I'm Watching You' scene with 'Chief Bogo', and a 'Happy Zoo Year' group shot scene with most of the anthropomorphic cast of the film. However, if you want to get more insight on the film, three "YouTube" links - with Grace Randolph - has some commentary about the animal characters (and the voice actors who portray each one), the settings of some of the scenes (such as 'The Burrows', when 'Judy' comes from), and much, much more...
"Zootopia" Teaser Trailer comments: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWkchVa-lNA
"Zootopia" Concept Art comments: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RC1j17owjDI
"Zootopia": Meet The Cast - Beyond The Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oH7kkS3Q4vA
(NOTE: If you can't stand Ms. Randolph's voice, 'mute' your PC or tablet, and simply enjoy the visual images.)
MOVIES: Having visited "YouTube" recently, I had viewed more original bumpers and one complete scene from the CGI feature from Disney, "Zootopia" - including a 'selfie' scene with 'Nick Wilde' and 'Judy Hopps', an 'I'm Watching You' scene with 'Chief Bogo', and a 'Happy Zoo Year' group shot scene with most of the anthropomorphic cast of the film. However, if you want to get more insight on the film, three "YouTube" links - with Grace Randolph - has some commentary about the animal characters (and the voice actors who portray each one), the settings of some of the scenes (such as 'The Burrows', when 'Judy' comes from), and much, much more...
"Zootopia" Teaser Trailer comments: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWkchVa-lNA
"Zootopia" Concept Art comments: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RC1j17owjDI
"Zootopia": Meet The Cast - Beyond The Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oH7kkS3Q4vA
(NOTE: If you can't stand Ms. Randolph's voice, 'mute' your PC or tablet, and simply enjoy the visual images.)
"Coming Attractions" #29
Posted 10 years agoAs 2015 winds down, I'll try to provide a whole bunch of interesting stuff in my "Fur Affinity" site...
Besides the regular postings (of "EFF" and "Front & Back" comic gags, and new 'photo-ops'), I hope to draw a special tribute to my reaching the milestone of 100,000 'pageviews' (achieved in late November).
As for newer journals, I'll have one more assortment of animal-related TV commercials (you can view on "YouTube"), updated fauna info from my "Fur-One-One: 'FA' Edition" column, and my annual year-end review of the best of my postings (and which ones got the most 'viewings' and the most 'faves').
And December wouldn't be complete without my usual array of holiday imagery (with a different one posted every day in the 'Featured Submission' section), and a brand spanking new holiday gag, later this month.
If some of you are unavailable to visit my "FA" site, let me take this opportunity to wish all of you a "Happy Chanukah", a "Merry Christmas", a "Happy Kwanzaa", and an extremely "Happy New Year"!
Besides the regular postings (of "EFF" and "Front & Back" comic gags, and new 'photo-ops'), I hope to draw a special tribute to my reaching the milestone of 100,000 'pageviews' (achieved in late November).
As for newer journals, I'll have one more assortment of animal-related TV commercials (you can view on "YouTube"), updated fauna info from my "Fur-One-One: 'FA' Edition" column, and my annual year-end review of the best of my postings (and which ones got the most 'viewings' and the most 'faves').
And December wouldn't be complete without my usual array of holiday imagery (with a different one posted every day in the 'Featured Submission' section), and a brand spanking new holiday gag, later this month.
If some of you are unavailable to visit my "FA" site, let me take this opportunity to wish all of you a "Happy Chanukah", a "Merry Christmas", a "Happy Kwanzaa", and an extremely "Happy New Year"!
"Fur-One-One: 'FA' Edition" #3
Posted 10 years agoMOVIES: A new trailer for Disney's "Zootopia" had just debuted on the "Cartoon Brew" website. This time, a complete scene from the CGI animated movie is featured - set at an all-animal version of the Department of Motor Vehicles... run mostly by sloths! (You can probably guess what's going to happen there!) If you wish to see the trailer there go to www.cartoonbrew.com . While there, you can also check out the trailers for other cartoon features with animals (e.g. "Kung Fu Panda 3", The Secret Lives of Pets", etc.), coming out in theaters in 2016... Other future releases (mentioned in "Cartoon Brew) include "Blazing Samurais" - a comedic amalgam of both "Kung Fu Panda" and "Blazing Saddles" (especially since Mel Brooks will be providing one of the voices). I know that 'fat furry' fanatics will love some of the 'sumo' characters that will be quite prominent (figuratively and visually) in the film. (Check out the preview poster for "Blazing Samurais", with the rear view of a sumo cat.)... And, just a friendly reminder that Disney/Pixar's "The Good Dinosaur" premieres in theaters across the country on 11-25-15...
TELEVISION: The creator of the "Sleepy Hollow" TV series Phillip Iscove is currently developing a new sci-fi series for CBS, based on the classic H.G. Wells novel "The Island of Doctor Moreau". For the uninitiated, it's the strange story of a reclusive scientist who creates a variety of half-human/half-animal creatures. The major twist in this new made-for-TV version is that 'Dr. Moreau' will be portrayed by a woman. This show will either debut next summer, or will be a new Fall '16 series... Meanwhile, as far as animated TV fare is concerned, my latest recommendation for Thanksgiving is "Regular Show: The Movie" - a feature-length version of the hit Cartoon Network series, as 'Mordicai' and 'Rigby' have the ultimate time-travel adventure (encountering past and future versions of themselves). It debuts on CN, Wednesday, November 25th at 7:00 PM, E.S.T. (6:00 PM, C.S.T.)... And, of course, what would the holidays be without the annual tradition of watching "The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade"? This year, several new balloons will take to the skies over Manhattan (only if it's just up to 45 feet in the air). Among the animal characters being introduced in the parade are 'Red' (from the video game "Angry Birds"), 'Dino the Dinosaur' (not the one from "The Flintstones", but the one associated with Sinclair Oil), and 'Scrat' (from the "Ice Age" CGI film series). Parade coverage runs from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon, E.S.T. on NBC.
- - - - - - - - - TELEVISION: The creator of the "Sleepy Hollow" TV series Phillip Iscove is currently developing a new sci-fi series for CBS, based on the classic H.G. Wells novel "The Island of Doctor Moreau". For the uninitiated, it's the strange story of a reclusive scientist who creates a variety of half-human/half-animal creatures. The major twist in this new made-for-TV version is that 'Dr. Moreau' will be portrayed by a woman. This show will either debut next summer, or will be a new Fall '16 series... Meanwhile, as far as animated TV fare is concerned, my latest recommendation for Thanksgiving is "Regular Show: The Movie" - a feature-length version of the hit Cartoon Network series, as 'Mordicai' and 'Rigby' have the ultimate time-travel adventure (encountering past and future versions of themselves). It debuts on CN, Wednesday, November 25th at 7:00 PM, E.S.T. (6:00 PM, C.S.T.)... And, of course, what would the holidays be without the annual tradition of watching "The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade"? This year, several new balloons will take to the skies over Manhattan (only if it's just up to 45 feet in the air). Among the animal characters being introduced in the parade are 'Red' (from the video game "Angry Birds"), 'Dino the Dinosaur' (not the one from "The Flintstones", but the one associated with Sinclair Oil), and 'Scrat' (from the "Ice Age" CGI film series). Parade coverage runs from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon, E.S.T. on NBC.
"T Y 4 100K 'FA' Pageviews!"
Posted 10 years agoOn Sunday, November 22, 2015 - at approximately 7:30 AM, E.S.T. - my "Fur Affinity" site officially rolled over at 100,000 'pageviews'!
And, since this is the week of Thanksgiving, it only seems apropos to bestow my thanks to everyone at "FA" (from the staff that allowed me to post most of my material, to the countless members [artists, writers, and alike] who provided their 'shouts', 'comments', 'faves', and [especially] inclusions in their respective 'watch lists') for helping me achieve this personal milestone.
Since I am currently pressed for time - between my ongoing job hunt and preparing for Thanksgiving Day itself - there will be a slight delay in the presentation of my special art piece commemorating 100,000 'pageviews'; but I promise that I will work on it, and eventually display it in my site shortly.
Once again, my sincerest thanks to each and every one of you... and here's wishing a majority of you a very "Happy Thanksgiving"!
And, since this is the week of Thanksgiving, it only seems apropos to bestow my thanks to everyone at "FA" (from the staff that allowed me to post most of my material, to the countless members [artists, writers, and alike] who provided their 'shouts', 'comments', 'faves', and [especially] inclusions in their respective 'watch lists') for helping me achieve this personal milestone.
Since I am currently pressed for time - between my ongoing job hunt and preparing for Thanksgiving Day itself - there will be a slight delay in the presentation of my special art piece commemorating 100,000 'pageviews'; but I promise that I will work on it, and eventually display it in my site shortly.
Once again, my sincerest thanks to each and every one of you... and here's wishing a majority of you a very "Happy Thanksgiving"!
"Fur-One-One: 'FA' Edition" #2
Posted 10 years agoContinuing my presentation of animal news (which originally appears in the 'funny animal' APAzine "Rowrbrazzle"), here's the latest edition of "Fur-One-One"...
BOOKS: Right now, the "Miami Book Fair" is taking place (until November 22nd) at the Miami-Dade College/Wolfson Campus. Regrettably, I won't be able to go this year - due to my current unemployment status and low funds. But there's no reason why some of you can't go to this annual event, where thousands of books are sold, and numerous guest authors will be in attendance. Here's a small selection of guests:
On Saturday, November 21st at 12:30 PM, underground cartoonist Bill Griffith (of "Zippy the Pinhead" fame) will be putting in an appearance at the 'Magic Screening Room' (Bldg. 8, Floor 1), as he debuts his first graphic novel "Invisible Ink: My Mother's Love Affair With A Famous Cartoonist"...
Also, that same day (at 6:00 PM), Jackson Galaxy (the star of Animal Planet's "My Cat From Hell") and Kate Benjamin of the popular www.Hauspanther.com website) will be in Building 2 (1st Floor, Room 2106)) to promote the book "Catification: Designing a Happy and Stylish Home for Your Cat (And You!)"...
On Sunday, November 22nd, Oscar-nominated actor Jesse Eisenberg (whose film credits include "The Social Network", "Now You See Me", and [of course] "Rio" and "Rio 2" - as the voice of 'Blu') will put in an appearance at the 'Chapman Room' (Bldg. 3, 2nd Floor) at 12:30 PM, to discuss his first collection of stories "Bream Gives Me Hiccups"...
At 2:00 PM that same day in the same 'Chapman Room', patrons can get to meet Tracey Stewart - the wife of Jon ("The Daily Show") Stewart, and the author of "Do Unto Animals: A Friendly Guide to How Animals Live, and How We Can Make Their Lives Better"...
And at 6:30 PM, that same day, in the same 'Chapman Room', actor/comedian John Leguizamo (the voice of 'Sid the Sloth' in the "Ice Age" CGI film franchise, and the narrator of the HBO Documentary "The Latin Experience...") will be joined by fellow Latino performer Rosie Perez, for a special lecture entitled "American Lives: Two Memoirs".
Other noteworthy authors/speakers include former ABC newsanchor Ted Koppel, writers P.J. ("National Lampoon") O'Rourke, Alan ("Saturday Night Live"/"Curb Your Enthusiasm") Zweibel, and Dave Barry, and actor Eric ("Law & Order: Criminal Intent") Bogosian.
For more information, go to www.miamibookfair.com , or go to Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram #MiamiBookFair2015 #miamiREADS
- - - - - - - - - - BOOKS: Right now, the "Miami Book Fair" is taking place (until November 22nd) at the Miami-Dade College/Wolfson Campus. Regrettably, I won't be able to go this year - due to my current unemployment status and low funds. But there's no reason why some of you can't go to this annual event, where thousands of books are sold, and numerous guest authors will be in attendance. Here's a small selection of guests:
On Saturday, November 21st at 12:30 PM, underground cartoonist Bill Griffith (of "Zippy the Pinhead" fame) will be putting in an appearance at the 'Magic Screening Room' (Bldg. 8, Floor 1), as he debuts his first graphic novel "Invisible Ink: My Mother's Love Affair With A Famous Cartoonist"...
Also, that same day (at 6:00 PM), Jackson Galaxy (the star of Animal Planet's "My Cat From Hell") and Kate Benjamin of the popular www.Hauspanther.com website) will be in Building 2 (1st Floor, Room 2106)) to promote the book "Catification: Designing a Happy and Stylish Home for Your Cat (And You!)"...
On Sunday, November 22nd, Oscar-nominated actor Jesse Eisenberg (whose film credits include "The Social Network", "Now You See Me", and [of course] "Rio" and "Rio 2" - as the voice of 'Blu') will put in an appearance at the 'Chapman Room' (Bldg. 3, 2nd Floor) at 12:30 PM, to discuss his first collection of stories "Bream Gives Me Hiccups"...
At 2:00 PM that same day in the same 'Chapman Room', patrons can get to meet Tracey Stewart - the wife of Jon ("The Daily Show") Stewart, and the author of "Do Unto Animals: A Friendly Guide to How Animals Live, and How We Can Make Their Lives Better"...
And at 6:30 PM, that same day, in the same 'Chapman Room', actor/comedian John Leguizamo (the voice of 'Sid the Sloth' in the "Ice Age" CGI film franchise, and the narrator of the HBO Documentary "The Latin Experience...") will be joined by fellow Latino performer Rosie Perez, for a special lecture entitled "American Lives: Two Memoirs".
Other noteworthy authors/speakers include former ABC newsanchor Ted Koppel, writers P.J. ("National Lampoon") O'Rourke, Alan ("Saturday Night Live"/"Curb Your Enthusiasm") Zweibel, and Dave Barry, and actor Eric ("Law & Order: Criminal Intent") Bogosian.
- - - - - - - - - - For more information, go to www.miamibookfair.com , or go to Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram #MiamiBookFair2015 #miamiREADS
"Fur-One-One: 'FA' Edition" #1
Posted 10 years agoOver the years, I'd been collecting lots of information about animals - both real and anthropomorphic - which I'd specifically compiled for a special column in my"Rowr-Puzzle!" section (in the 'funny animal' APAzine "Rowrbrazzle"). This column was entitled "Fur-One-One", as readers would get data on upcoming stuff in a variety of categories (Television, Movies, Comic Books, Webcomics, Video Games, etc.).
Lately, I haven't found the time to assemble newer editions of "Fur-One-One" for the 'hard copy' publication (partially due to my current unemployment situation); but I still wanted to pass along this info to someone. So, I'd decided to bring my column here to "Fur Affinity"...
Periodically, I'll have all sorts of news about all kinds of fauna from various media. For this initial edition, I've chosen TV as my main topic...
TELEVISION: When I'd first watched the Disney Channel over twenty years ago, there were a number of live and animated shows - from classics (like "Mickey Mouse Club") to new, experimental fare (like "DTV" music videos) - that entertained young and old alike. Then, during the last decade, many of the shows were just live-action programs (from "Hannah Montana" to "The Wizards of Waverly Place"), with hardly any cartoons (the staple of Disney entertainment from the get-go)...
But this decade, new animated shows with animal characteras on Disney Channel (and its spin-off networks Disney Junior and Disney XD) are bringing things around full circle. The programs on DC (and DJ) include juvenile shows like "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse", "Doc McStuffins", "Sofia the First", "Sheriff Callie's Wild West", and "Miles from Tomorrowland" (with new episodes coming up shortly)), and newer shows like "Goldie and Bear" (where characters from fairy tales and nursery rhymes try to solve learning situations). And, of course, there are also new episodes of "Wander Over Yonder" on Disney XD...
As Walt Disney so aptly put it, "We must never lose sight of the fact that it all began with a mouse" And Wednesday, November 18th is a very special day; namely the 87th birthday of his greatest creation: 'Mickey Mouse'. And, to celebrate the occasion, brand new cartoons with 'Mickey', 'Minnie' (his girlfriend), 'Donald Duck' and 'Goofy' will be playing all-day on Disney Channel (in between some of the other popular shows).
Finally, on Sunday, November 22nd at 7:00 PM, E.S.T. the Disney Channel will debut an original made-for-TV animated feature: "The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar". This sequel to the 1994 theatrical feature "The Lion King", follows the adventures of 'Kion' the newest male cub of 'Simba' (who will be voiced by Rob Lowe, instead of Matthew Broderick). Not interested in being the successor to his father, 'Kion' is given the assignment of being the official Lion Guard of the Pridelands. Aiding the cub is an unorthodox crew, consisting of a cheetah, a hippo, an egret, and a honey badger (instead of other lions). And look for cameo appearances by other "Lion King" characters (e.g. 'Rifiki', 'Pumbaa', et al). If the ratings for this DC premiere top the charts this weekend, you can be sure that an animated TV series based on "The Lion Guard..." won't be far behind!
I'll have more "Fur-One-One" news in the weeks ahead. Meanwhile, your 'comments' on this new column/journal are more than welcome...
Lately, I haven't found the time to assemble newer editions of "Fur-One-One" for the 'hard copy' publication (partially due to my current unemployment situation); but I still wanted to pass along this info to someone. So, I'd decided to bring my column here to "Fur Affinity"...
Periodically, I'll have all sorts of news about all kinds of fauna from various media. For this initial edition, I've chosen TV as my main topic...
- - - - - - - - - - TELEVISION: When I'd first watched the Disney Channel over twenty years ago, there were a number of live and animated shows - from classics (like "Mickey Mouse Club") to new, experimental fare (like "DTV" music videos) - that entertained young and old alike. Then, during the last decade, many of the shows were just live-action programs (from "Hannah Montana" to "The Wizards of Waverly Place"), with hardly any cartoons (the staple of Disney entertainment from the get-go)...
But this decade, new animated shows with animal characteras on Disney Channel (and its spin-off networks Disney Junior and Disney XD) are bringing things around full circle. The programs on DC (and DJ) include juvenile shows like "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse", "Doc McStuffins", "Sofia the First", "Sheriff Callie's Wild West", and "Miles from Tomorrowland" (with new episodes coming up shortly)), and newer shows like "Goldie and Bear" (where characters from fairy tales and nursery rhymes try to solve learning situations). And, of course, there are also new episodes of "Wander Over Yonder" on Disney XD...
As Walt Disney so aptly put it, "We must never lose sight of the fact that it all began with a mouse" And Wednesday, November 18th is a very special day; namely the 87th birthday of his greatest creation: 'Mickey Mouse'. And, to celebrate the occasion, brand new cartoons with 'Mickey', 'Minnie' (his girlfriend), 'Donald Duck' and 'Goofy' will be playing all-day on Disney Channel (in between some of the other popular shows).
Finally, on Sunday, November 22nd at 7:00 PM, E.S.T. the Disney Channel will debut an original made-for-TV animated feature: "The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar". This sequel to the 1994 theatrical feature "The Lion King", follows the adventures of 'Kion' the newest male cub of 'Simba' (who will be voiced by Rob Lowe, instead of Matthew Broderick). Not interested in being the successor to his father, 'Kion' is given the assignment of being the official Lion Guard of the Pridelands. Aiding the cub is an unorthodox crew, consisting of a cheetah, a hippo, an egret, and a honey badger (instead of other lions). And look for cameo appearances by other "Lion King" characters (e.g. 'Rifiki', 'Pumbaa', et al). If the ratings for this DC premiere top the charts this weekend, you can be sure that an animated TV series based on "The Lion Guard..." won't be far behind!
- - - - - - - - - - I'll have more "Fur-One-One" news in the weeks ahead. Meanwhile, your 'comments' on this new column/journal are more than welcome...
"Happy National Odd Day 2015!"
Posted 10 years agoToday is Friday, November 13, 2015... Yeah, Friday the 13th! But, rather than talk 'negative' about this particular day (especially if some of you are superstitious), I'm going to put a 'positive' spin on this date...
As it turns out, today is "National Odd Day" - which, for an individual such as myself (who enjoys all forms of wordplay and number puzzles), I totally like. For the uninformed, this is one of those rare days in which the date can be written out numerically, in the form of three consecutive odd numbers: 11-13-15!
Sadly, this is the last time "National Odd Day" can be celebrated this century (as there's no thirteenth month in the year). The next time it will occur will be on January 3, 2105, or 01-03-05. And, by that time, nobody will be around to celebrate...
However, I will give you advanced notice of one more numerical date of significance to come a little over a year from now... Namely, the last "National Even Day" in this century, set to take place on December 14, 2016, or 12-14-16. So, mark your calendars!
As it turns out, today is "National Odd Day" - which, for an individual such as myself (who enjoys all forms of wordplay and number puzzles), I totally like. For the uninformed, this is one of those rare days in which the date can be written out numerically, in the form of three consecutive odd numbers: 11-13-15!
Sadly, this is the last time "National Odd Day" can be celebrated this century (as there's no thirteenth month in the year). The next time it will occur will be on January 3, 2105, or 01-03-05. And, by that time, nobody will be around to celebrate...
However, I will give you advanced notice of one more numerical date of significance to come a little over a year from now... Namely, the last "National Even Day" in this century, set to take place on December 14, 2016, or 12-14-16. So, mark your calendars!
"Latest 2015 Animal Commercials"
Posted 10 years agoOnce again, I scanned both "YouTube" and my local Cable TV provider for the latest commercials with animals (both real and unreal). In case you haven't seen some of them, click on the links below each review, so that you can check them out on "YouTube"...
ULTRA-SOFT CHARMIN: "Collection": Once again, the CGI versions of the 'Charmin Bear' family dominate the airways, with adverts for the popular bathroom tissue. This time, you can see a medley of eleven commercials with the ursine character - rather than my having to post eleven separate links altogether... Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9K6j.....g_dGn7R1sx08oG
GENERAL MILLS CEREAL: "Saturday": I've seen the condensed twenty-second version of this animated commercial for months - not realizing that the thirty-second version had a sequence I never knew about. In said ad, a young human boy is bummed out by the fact that it's Wednesday instead of Saturday. Of the anthropomorphic characters associated with 'Big G' cereals (including the 'Trix Rabbit' and 'Sonny' the cuckoo bird), it was 'Chip' the wolf who overreacts by turning into a video game character and smashes the word 'Wednesday' (a la 'Wreck-It Ralph')! See what you've been missing, if you hadn't viewed it yet...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DUoB9vhoM4
TOM CAT MOUSE KILLER: When I first saw this series of commercials, I was immediately reminded of the Steve Carrell movie "Dinner for Schmucks" - whose main character loves to make dioramas with taxidermy-stuffed mice (dressed up like Ben Franklin, Evel Knievel, etc.). The mice in these spots have Xs over their eyes - so you know that they're dead - but they are still active (via some puppetry) as they perform daredevil feats or act in mini-plays...
"Dead Mouse Theater Medley": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzHFoP3C2EU
"Slingshot": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hc8uJ9ZogH4
"Leprechaun": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UH89C69eCCw
LUNCHABLES KABOBBLES: "Indoor Skydiving": Once again, the 'Platypus' and the 'Jackalope' are up to their old antics, this time engaged in the trendy act of skydiving inside a vertical wind tunnel, along with a skeptical young boy (who can't believe these animals are keeping him company)! The link below provides you with both the thirty-second and twenty-second versions of this ad.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGJpbGZOfic
TARGET STORES: "The Peanuts Movie Tie-In": To help promote "The Peanuts Movie" (20th Century Fox/Blue Sky Studios), now playing in theaters, the gang from the Charles Schulz comic strip are holding open auditions for live actors to play each one of the kids. The big surprise, late in the ad, is a cameo appearance by 'Stewie' and 'Brian' (of "Family Guy") attempting to do their best imitations of (respectively) 'Charlie Brown' and 'Snoopy'! Even if you don't shop at Target (or go see "The Peanuts Movie'), this commercial will still make your week!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-TG7mwO2-U
As usual, if I'd made any mistakes in the links, just go to the "YouTube" site itself, and type out the commercial info in its own search engine - in order to seek out the specific ad(s).
- - - - - - - - - - ULTRA-SOFT CHARMIN: "Collection": Once again, the CGI versions of the 'Charmin Bear' family dominate the airways, with adverts for the popular bathroom tissue. This time, you can see a medley of eleven commercials with the ursine character - rather than my having to post eleven separate links altogether... Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9K6j.....g_dGn7R1sx08oG
GENERAL MILLS CEREAL: "Saturday": I've seen the condensed twenty-second version of this animated commercial for months - not realizing that the thirty-second version had a sequence I never knew about. In said ad, a young human boy is bummed out by the fact that it's Wednesday instead of Saturday. Of the anthropomorphic characters associated with 'Big G' cereals (including the 'Trix Rabbit' and 'Sonny' the cuckoo bird), it was 'Chip' the wolf who overreacts by turning into a video game character and smashes the word 'Wednesday' (a la 'Wreck-It Ralph')! See what you've been missing, if you hadn't viewed it yet...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DUoB9vhoM4
TOM CAT MOUSE KILLER: When I first saw this series of commercials, I was immediately reminded of the Steve Carrell movie "Dinner for Schmucks" - whose main character loves to make dioramas with taxidermy-stuffed mice (dressed up like Ben Franklin, Evel Knievel, etc.). The mice in these spots have Xs over their eyes - so you know that they're dead - but they are still active (via some puppetry) as they perform daredevil feats or act in mini-plays...
"Dead Mouse Theater Medley": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzHFoP3C2EU
"Slingshot": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hc8uJ9ZogH4
"Leprechaun": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UH89C69eCCw
LUNCHABLES KABOBBLES: "Indoor Skydiving": Once again, the 'Platypus' and the 'Jackalope' are up to their old antics, this time engaged in the trendy act of skydiving inside a vertical wind tunnel, along with a skeptical young boy (who can't believe these animals are keeping him company)! The link below provides you with both the thirty-second and twenty-second versions of this ad.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGJpbGZOfic
TARGET STORES: "The Peanuts Movie Tie-In": To help promote "The Peanuts Movie" (20th Century Fox/Blue Sky Studios), now playing in theaters, the gang from the Charles Schulz comic strip are holding open auditions for live actors to play each one of the kids. The big surprise, late in the ad, is a cameo appearance by 'Stewie' and 'Brian' (of "Family Guy") attempting to do their best imitations of (respectively) 'Charlie Brown' and 'Snoopy'! Even if you don't shop at Target (or go see "The Peanuts Movie'), this commercial will still make your week!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-TG7mwO2-U
- - - - - - - - - - As usual, if I'd made any mistakes in the links, just go to the "YouTube" site itself, and type out the commercial info in its own search engine - in order to seek out the specific ad(s).
"Coming Attractions" #28
Posted 10 years agoWell, here it is... November, 2015... my latest 'sweeps month'... and I will try to provide you with some new material - both artistic and written...
Among the art submissions, I hope to create and post some new "EFF" and "Front & Back" comic gags, and (of course) a special commemorative illustration - as I am on the threshold of reaching 100,000 'pageviews' later this month.
I will also post brand new 'photo-ops' (of some animals and scenery) on upcoming editions of "Throwback Thursday"...
And as for future journals, I will be introducing a new segment... or, should I say, a news segment. In the past, I used to submit anthropomorphic news items in issues of the 'funny animal' APAzine "Rowrbrazzle" - under the title "Fur-One-One". Well, beginning this month, I will provide all of you with the latest 'morphic news under this same title. So, be sure to watch for it...
Naturally, my other journals will include more reviews of 'animal commercials', and some more personal recollections...
As always, your 'comments' and 'shouts' are welcome!
Among the art submissions, I hope to create and post some new "EFF" and "Front & Back" comic gags, and (of course) a special commemorative illustration - as I am on the threshold of reaching 100,000 'pageviews' later this month.
I will also post brand new 'photo-ops' (of some animals and scenery) on upcoming editions of "Throwback Thursday"...
And as for future journals, I will be introducing a new segment... or, should I say, a news segment. In the past, I used to submit anthropomorphic news items in issues of the 'funny animal' APAzine "Rowrbrazzle" - under the title "Fur-One-One". Well, beginning this month, I will provide all of you with the latest 'morphic news under this same title. So, be sure to watch for it...
Naturally, my other journals will include more reviews of 'animal commercials', and some more personal recollections...
As always, your 'comments' and 'shouts' are welcome!
"Memories Of Hurricane Wilma"
Posted 10 years agoMexico had dodged a bullet this past weekend, when Hurricane Patricia arrived. This 'Category Five' storm (originally with winds up to 200 MPH) could've spelled doom for this Latin American country; but once it had reached landfall, its intensity diminished - as it headed from the Pacific Ocean into the mountains - turning into a 'tropical storm' less than 24 hours later. Miraculously, there were absolutely NO fatalities.
Coincidentally enough, Patricia (the worst hurricane in the eastern Pacific ever recorded) arrived exactly ten years ago to the day of the arrival of Hurricane Wilma (crossing south Florida from west to east from the Gulf of Mexico), on October 24, 2005.
The 2005 Hurricane Season had its share of major storms, with three of them hitting the 'Sunshine State': Katrina, Rita, and Wilma. Arriving on the west coast of the state (as a 'Category Three' storm, with winds over 150 MPH), there were no mountains to impede Wilma's intensity; only the flat swamp lands of the Everglades. So, when it reached the eastern part of the peninsula, Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade Counties were in for just as much trouble as their west coast counterparts.
Confined to my second-floor condo apartment, I had to endure the high winds, and vertical rain that struck Building 19 (as well as the other buildings that made up Oriole Gardens). Naturally, Wilma caused a power outage throughout much of south Florida, incapacitating over six million residents in the area (for as long as two weeks).
And when it finally passed through the state, it was already nighttime. There was no electricity in Margate, and no power to activate any emergency lights. And, because there were a lot of uprooted trees in my area, no motorized vehicles could arrive in the evening to remove them. We were all (literally) in pitch blackness. The only good thing that came from this situation was that the skies were clear, and we all saw millions of stars in the sky (without any 'light pollution' whatsoever)!
The following morning, each one of us went out of our respective homes to survey the damage. Most of it was confined to uprooted ficcus trees, one of which ended up in one of the two swimming pools behind the clubhouse. I wanted to take a picture (with my 35mm camera) of that particular tree, but the staff at the Oriole Gardens Association refused to let me do it. There were going to hire a professional photographer to take pictures for the insurance company. So, I had returned to my condo, put away my camera... and returned to the pool area with a sketch book and pencil - where I'd proceeded to render a drawing of the tree in the pool instead! (That illustration adorned the front cover of the December, 2005 issue of the "Oriole Sun" - the monthly newsletter of the complex.)
I'd commemorated Hurricane Wilma with three separate drawings, which you can view in my "FA" gallery at the following links:
"Tree in Pool": http://www.furaffinity.net/view/3943503/
"T-shirt": http://www.furaffinity.net/view/3943583/
"Damage Over Apartment": http://www.furaffinity.net/view/4697780/
Coincidentally enough, Patricia (the worst hurricane in the eastern Pacific ever recorded) arrived exactly ten years ago to the day of the arrival of Hurricane Wilma (crossing south Florida from west to east from the Gulf of Mexico), on October 24, 2005.
The 2005 Hurricane Season had its share of major storms, with three of them hitting the 'Sunshine State': Katrina, Rita, and Wilma. Arriving on the west coast of the state (as a 'Category Three' storm, with winds over 150 MPH), there were no mountains to impede Wilma's intensity; only the flat swamp lands of the Everglades. So, when it reached the eastern part of the peninsula, Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade Counties were in for just as much trouble as their west coast counterparts.
Confined to my second-floor condo apartment, I had to endure the high winds, and vertical rain that struck Building 19 (as well as the other buildings that made up Oriole Gardens). Naturally, Wilma caused a power outage throughout much of south Florida, incapacitating over six million residents in the area (for as long as two weeks).
And when it finally passed through the state, it was already nighttime. There was no electricity in Margate, and no power to activate any emergency lights. And, because there were a lot of uprooted trees in my area, no motorized vehicles could arrive in the evening to remove them. We were all (literally) in pitch blackness. The only good thing that came from this situation was that the skies were clear, and we all saw millions of stars in the sky (without any 'light pollution' whatsoever)!
The following morning, each one of us went out of our respective homes to survey the damage. Most of it was confined to uprooted ficcus trees, one of which ended up in one of the two swimming pools behind the clubhouse. I wanted to take a picture (with my 35mm camera) of that particular tree, but the staff at the Oriole Gardens Association refused to let me do it. There were going to hire a professional photographer to take pictures for the insurance company. So, I had returned to my condo, put away my camera... and returned to the pool area with a sketch book and pencil - where I'd proceeded to render a drawing of the tree in the pool instead! (That illustration adorned the front cover of the December, 2005 issue of the "Oriole Sun" - the monthly newsletter of the complex.)
I'd commemorated Hurricane Wilma with three separate drawings, which you can view in my "FA" gallery at the following links:
"Tree in Pool": http://www.furaffinity.net/view/3943503/
"T-shirt": http://www.furaffinity.net/view/3943583/
"Damage Over Apartment": http://www.furaffinity.net/view/4697780/
