Medina Spirit, the winner of the 2021 Kentucky Derby passed away in the beginning of December. Medina failed a drug test for banned substances after the derby and was disqualified from running in the Belmont Stakes and therefore could not attempt the Triple Crown. When large amounts of money is involved, then you can be certain abuse of the animals is lurking in every nook and cranny. I would bet twenty bucks on that.
Vincente Fernandez
30 years ago, I took a trip to Mexico. Right off the bat, I went to a music store and bought some random cassettes to listen to Mexican music while I drove. One cassette completely blew me away. Turned out to be a dude named Vincente Fernandez. When I got back to NYC, I bought more of his music and I was hooked. In 1995, he did a show at Radio City Music Hall. I scored 4th row seats and it was one of the craziest shows I’ve ever seen. He continuously drank from wine skins handed to him from people in the audience. Women handed him bouquets of flowers. He was backed by an enormous mariachi orchestra. Everyone was dressed to the nines with huge sombreros on that gave Liberace a run for his money. Vincente even wore six shooters with gun belt holsters. His booming voice shook the building. A true legend. Sadly, he passed last week but I’m happy to have his music in my life.
Early Birds
I’ve always been an early bird. I’m not sure I catch much at that hour but I am able to get my meditation in before I face the day. Well, maybe I catch a few pieces of toast with hummus, avacado, and sliced radishes. My eyes hane opened between 5:30 and 6 everyday for the past several decades. I’ve never needed an alarm clock. That’s why I post my doodles to the silly interweb at such an untimely hour each day.
FUR-FREE
ELLE is the first fashion magazine to become completely fur-free. They will ban animal fur in all editorials, websites, advertisements, and press images. That goes for all 45 global editions. A spokeswoman said, “fur appears to be outdated and not fashionable anymore.” Better late than never. Now if only some of the other outdated fashion magazines could follow suit.
Pour
I have a great knack for uncovering items to draw when I’m staying at people’s homes. The real trick is turning all of them into an interesting drawing. My forte is creating something out of everyday objects. At least I assume this is something.
Christmas Gift
Last call for getting my book of over 600 illustrations for Christmas. Perfect for dyslexic folks. Just stare at my nutty drawings. Available on Amazon or any other bookseller.
Don't Eat Lobsters
A new report commissioned by the British government concluded that lobsters, crabs, crayfish, octopuses, squid, and cuttlefish are capable of experiencing pain and suffering and should be treated as sentinent beings. It is the culmination of 300 scientific studies. They are now working on passing legislation to protect these animals from chefs and home cooks. Now we know better.
Goodall
I did this drawing of Jane Goodall as I listened to her on a podcast. Then I read her new book, which is actually just a long interview with her. She's quite an original.
6 Years
Six years ago I watched the documentary, Cowspiracy. When the movie ended I knew I would be vegan for the rest of my life.
Thanksgiving
Objects elderly women love to collect or at least that’s how my little brain views these particular accoutrements. I drew these at a Thanksgiving dinner. Vegan dinner I should add.
Leaf Blower
Leaf Blower.
Cousteau
I’m very interested to see the new documentary, Becoming Cousteau. It seems pretty obvious the film is about Jacques Cousteau, the famous ocean explorer. Apparently it shows his life, warts and all. Unfortunately, today's ocean is vastly different from the one Jacque explored.
COP26
While the COP26 climate conference goes on, I have my own little COPdraw26 climate conference. No one attends. No speeches or meetings. Just me and a few Muji pens. An occasional ant might mosey by but that’s about it.
