As a Puritan (see Steve Blevins ;0)) I might not know funny but that banana cartoon is revealing and FUNNY. If you are in a dark mood is there anything wrong with going with who you are and doing editorial cartoons or more serious writing -- as you have here?

oops . . . whoop is me. It is a read only blog so I can track ratings and sometimes I forget and post from there.

I laughed, so you managed to banish any lack of funny in my day! Thanks. Seriously, the banana one made me think back to The Banana Man clown of my youth...had not thought of his wonderful act in decades!

oh man, thanks a million for the excellent laughs. I'm going to click on an ad so you can become rich!

Bob, I hope many lucrative jobs come your way as you are one very talented individual!

Thanks for always making me smile on spec.

I want to know why John Cleese does not look amused?

I know it don't pay the bills, Bob, but you never fail to make my day brighter. Your cartoons are simply the best.

Thanks again for sharing all of this stuff with us on spec.

*HINT: Bob should be a paid regular on Salon. He is too funny to let him get away.*

This made me laugh more than I have laughed in awhile.

(One question, though. Are you "mediating" or "meditating"? That one little "t" means a world of difference!)

Good luck!

Ugh. Spec. Good luck to you- and I don't think you need to "get funny" at all. You need to get work because you deserve it.

The "circle of death" just about knocked me off my chair! Best wishes.

I wondered what would cartoonists do without the deserted island, "death" and the pie chart?

I doodle a little something and wad it up and use it to light a candle in your name everyday. You're one of my super favs. I'm pulling for you.

Well, I'm laughing.
One thing we can all do is buy Bob's "Snowman" book - he kindly emailed me and told me how to buy direct from him, and it is going to be received by many on my holiday list. (Hope you don't me shilling for you Bob!)
(Also - I'll get my order in in a couple of weeks - and then feel so good about not putting it off until Christmas Eve I'll treat myself to some roast goose and figgy pudding!)

You can't go wrong with a giant banana. Good luck, Bob, and thank you for making me laugh at the unlaughable.

Good stuff Bob. Yes, spec is a dirty, dirty word.

Bob, your banana peel cartoon, speaks volumns, as to the mood in America today. It seems that danger is lurking around every corner.

But, this too will pass - my granddad always said. So, keep doing what you are doing; for you give us all hope & joy.

- rated

Bob,
There is not going to be a time...ever....when you are not funny.
But one wish, if I could have it, in an instant, being timely for your career, I would wish to be a publisher.

I know about doing work on spec. I am asked all the time, with organizations and institutions assuming us "dabblers" have more time to create freebees than they do....I have heard the line:

"Oh, G, just throw a sculpture together. You're in the studio anyway."
Or: "Don't you have something lying around in your shop?"

Hum......Well, yes I do, and it is me.....on the floor writhing in total frustration for lack of sales.

But back to you Bob......I would like to start a campaign to save all the funny bones removed by surgeons around the world...and have them shipped to you (come to think of it, that does sound a little gross).

They are all very funny...and sad since so many of us are in the same situation...well, but without the banana peels and desert islands...

I'm all in on "Circle of Death" also. Hyperlarious.

But I love pie charts!

I would hate to know where I am on the pie chart, but I can guess, he he.

And I didn't get the second one. Considering when I looked up "third entendure" all I got were Quebec sites I figured it was something Canadian.

Good luck Bob. A daily motto for me which I'm not always great at doing is something that Erma Bombeck said, "If you can't fix it, laugh at it." Beats the dark clouds! Excellent cartoon and post!!

One of the ads on the right side of my screen is for ultimate clown school. I am going to click on that.

Good luck Bob....in all your endeavors.

Dark and funny, funny, funny, as usual.

But Bob...clowns are scary! Except when they are about to walk into giant yellow banana peels...

Thanks for the dscriber link, Baum's article was great. Oh, and I did this comment on spec. If you like it, I'll have my people send over a pricing sheet. Yes, of course, you'll get the cartoonist's discount.

You are a very very funny person and I am just so happy to know you, because your OS and facebook posting just crack me up until I am crying, so please give your self a break. You are very talented and I am sure it is the economy that is messed up, not you, you are perfect and so creative. It will work out in the end, I just know it.

i could pretty up that pie chart on excel if you want... just sayin'.

I don't get it. Why is this not funny...?

Got news for you Bob. You are still funny and very talented. It seems the rest of the world has lost their humor. Sadly.

However, I have it on great authority that great cartoons with rise again! And you are great.

Thanks very much for the comments...just getting back from spending the morning giving blood and giving...er, stuff.

I've been clicking away the ads that mock my shortcomings from the margins; "Re-Energize Your Career," "Ultimate Career Tips," "Ultimate Clown School," and "Art School Test; Draw Tippy"...all good.

Whoopdedoo; Now Steve is funny! I'm a fan, too. No serious writing for me, that's a far plan B.

Dorinda; dscriber is not open but worth trying and keeping tabs on.

Buffy; that's sweet!

1Woman; click on the Clown's Fart dot com!

Designanator: Thanks for the prayers...

Julie: I'll pretend your profile photo was from this morning!

Bill: You're the best. Just enjoyed your fake eviction. When the real one comes there's a futon with your name on it here...

Jeanette: (Thanks) Yes, I AM mediating, too!

Juli: very kind, thanks.

Mishima Man: You wouldn't know it but I'm a BIG fan of yours. Very cool to hear from you.

Stella!!: Yes, humor is taking cliches, stereotypes and often pain to relieve tension and force a nervous laugh. The shrink's couch!! I had put one on a deserted island once and had that guy tell the doctor, "I just feel like I'm living a cliche."

Freaky: One day when you rule the earth...when? when?!?

Aim: Oh boy...I love you and my Mom loves you!

Hello: the punchline here is too easy, dearie. Thanks!

Scott: well, you know how I feel about your stuff, too. Keep truckin'.

Gmgaston: Your granddad was right! And I'm up and spirits good by expelling the fears through the silly posts. I get great satisfaction trying to make my friends here laugh. Thanks.

Gary: You're the man. LOVED your last piece.

Dear Cruel: Thanks. The banana peels ARE there–God has placed them everywhere.

Paul: Thanks. I like the word...hyperlarious. Blushing!

Mumbletypeg: Me, too! I love any type of pie.

Ocularnervosa: Thanks. It's supposed to be like 'Double Entredre'...now looking for that elusive, ultimate Third Entendre

Mary: Thanks! I enjoyed your Liars piece!

Susanne: Thanks. Please let me know what the classes are like.

Maria: Thanks, Maria, appreciate the encouragement.

Donna: Thanks but I am not paying you for this comment. I'd like to see five more on my desk by tomorrow and then maybe we'll talk. No. Go. I'll call you.

Michele!!!: Thanks

Cap'n: Arrrrrrrr. Okay, maybe. It is all hands on deck.

Melissa: Where have you been? How's your hand? I'm off to see what you're up to...

Lulu & Phoebe: well, I wouldn't go that far but that's very sweet of you. I'll settle for employable! Thanks.

Rated for having a picture of John Cleese--and for just being funny and generous all around. Good luck!

Who is that creepy man included in the John Cleese baby photos?
:-O

Like SBC and Jerry Seinfeld, I do recommend Yoga and a journey inward. I have determined my insides look better than the world's outside.

Hang in there bro. Too much talent to not be noticed.
Rated

You gotta put boisonberries or something (okra?) in that pie (chart), bake it in the heat and passion of a miniature Al Sharpton ghetto hibachi...and presto, you can feed your wife an' kids for a fortnight. In addition you could always eat your own words...who needs employment to buy groceries. As far as rent is concerned...draw yourself a huge floor plan of the Taj Mahal and live like royalty. And you even have your own court jesters (clowns) to play the fool. You got it made man.

Greg, I see were we both writing at same time on each other's blog–telepathy! I laughed out loud on your Cleese comment.

You're right Cara, my friend, as a cartoonist the world's your stage and me the director. It is a form of creative freedom not to be taken for granted!

I think you should go make yourself a book - like on blurb - and self publish! I'd buy it.

Personally, I think pie charts are inherently funny.

God, you're so good, Bob! You need a substantial lead and a good break, for gosh sakes! We all need all the humor we can find to temper all the economic woes surrounding us...like circling sharks around our home mortgage drain! Steady humor around common plight is a tonic for stress and is vital to carry us through...Keep on, keepin' on!

You are a treasure, man. Hope the shit gets shovelled out of your way soon...because the world needs wit and humor like yours.

Especially right now.

Thinkin' of ya...and doing lots of wishing (I don't do praying) for things to break right for you.

Somebody ought to pay you for all of the laughs you generate. Then you'd be rich!

You're not only a funny guy, but one of the truly good ones, too. Here's to better days SOON. Whatever you do, though, don't stop drawing cartoons.

P. S. I'm clicking your ads to at least send you some pennies. That'll pay the rent, right?

Dear Dorelvis: I will investigate this link. Thank you. (although cartoon books are usually by "name" people but I'll look into it.)

Con: Your opinions are always welcome and valued by me.

Cathy: Thanks. Sure seems like that last scene of Life of Brian when everyone on the cross starts whistling!

Frank: Frank! Thanks. Sorry I missed that together. I really wanted to but I was at family function hours out of the city. Next time I hope.

Lisa: Don't tell a sole but I made $2.06 today from the post. Click those ads like there's no tomorrow! Thanks for your kind words.

Fantastic Bob!

You have an incredible sense of turning the frown upside
down.
Drake

Love the black humor - only wish it wasn't inspired by personal strife. Your Clown Therapy reminds me of an installation at the new wing of the Art Institute of Chicago -- titled "Clown Torture." You would appreciate it. BTW, visited your new website and heartily endorse the use of lab-beakers-as-bathroom-decor. I think you're on the verge of a breakthrough. Rated!

Oh my goodness!

This is hilarious with the big H I L A R I O U S!!!!

I'm not a clown but I understand why I feel like
one when I visit my therapist.
You keep that smile glowing and those hands
flowing...
I can feel something wonderful happening for you
because you are KIND and possess IMMENSE talent!
Hugs.
Lolly

The "smart ass ideas for the home"....I'm dying!

:)

You'll be fine. Once you get past the third entendre, the fourth is a piece of cake.

it's like this: ever since joe average stepped away from the plow and got a job writing copy for marlborough, american society has been adding ever more layers of 'services', characterized by the 'lackey relationship' which can be summed up as 'keep [someone] happy or starve.'

in economic downturns, the latest layers of service are peeled first, as they are naturally most removed from necessity. comics of any sort are in this group, except for those that have had the good sense to specialize in personal service, the modern 'king's fool'.

i suppose it's too late to get an apprenticeship with your uncle the plumber? would your wife be effective [and willing] on the stroll? perhaps you could sell your children, whether for slaves or spare parts? think in basics. this is not a time for laughter.

All great as usual. Loved the pie chart (very Roz Chast) and loved that Circle of Death. No one deserves work more than you. This just makes no sense!!!

Is that clown scared of the banana peel or is it my imagination?

I am not afraid of clowns. I AM NOT ....

"spec" and "reward points" are the two words that brought the US economy to a screaching halt! (that's my theory.)

Quite honestly, Bob, (can we talk?)... the way your mind works is so incredibly unique and hilarious, I still think there's room for y0u in federal finance.

Wow... Not even the U.S.S Enterprise has gone on a mission for the Third Entendre!

The Grim Reaper going hang gliding is great too. =o)

But you've got to have a power point slide on humor in there, somewhere!

Hi dear nice blog every thing about it so perfect i love it http://www.internetad.biz

I loved circle of death, but I've been in enough of the "feelings circles" that the Celebrity Clown Rehab was my personal fave.

Also, am enjoying the Snowman book - in July! It's helping me think cool thoughts. When I'm done, I'm going to post my own snowman story - as you noted, we all seem to have them! And now that I'm reading your book, snowmen are popping up in such random places. I'm reading the Neil Gaiman book American Gods, and Shadow just got finished manifesting snow, then noticing a snowman kit on a sale table - "just add a real carrot!"

You will find an amazing job, perfect for you.

These are superb, Bob. I hope some of those options pan out.

ok... i am just cracking up over "the search for the third entendre"

how do they get all those clowns into those little cars and that little tent???

very funny stuff-

I am STILL thinking about this post and how much I love it!

You're brilliant Bob, I hope you know that.

I think you are very clever and insightful. You make me laugh. Keep up the good work!

I want to thank everyone for the nice comments at the end of this thread here–seeing this really late is helping me stick at it and try to make more...working on sketches as we speak for next week when I waltz into the NYer with another ten cartoons to try to sell. I'm thinking now if I can think of something funny to draw to go with the banner "The Good Gatsby." Might not be something there, not sure. Anyhoo, Thanks for leaving encouragement!

(By the way, in case anyone is wondering...I spend about 20% of my time on the cartoons. I write most of the time on future projects and I have been making my living creating iconic illustrations for various print magazines and paying my rent with the help of the recent sale of my Brooklyn apartment. I like doing cartoons but it's clearly going to become something on the side and I'll occasionally post the ones that don't sell here.)

Good Luck, Bob! I am following your links post-comment. My very very favorite cartoon of this series was the banana peel one. Now keep your chin and your funny up!

I wish you luck in hard times. You're talent certainly deserves recognition and renumeration.

Thanks Bob! Your post brought me out of feeling sorry for myself. It made me laugh, and that is the best medicine.

In no particular order....

I also read that piece by Baum and thought it excellent, but I'm not a real free-lancer... so what do I know?

Instead of Pie Charts, how about a few PI charts? I'm not sure what they look like, but suspect they describe some function of roundness.

Maybe, it's time for you to write for magazines, rather than draw. And you could always illustrate your pieces yourself.

Have you tried that laughing meditation... the one I've heard is done by monks who begin their day by laughing. I'm not sure they have anything to laugh at, but they do it anyway. (Think of it as a type of reverse-engineering.)

All kidding aside.... I do hope you serendipitously find your way out of your humor block.

Rated.

You're talented and funny and mordant - all good!

Hang in there. I know everyone hates the spelling police, but for your own good with another stickler (publisher or editor) - it's "....one of ITS contributors...." Maybe "its" is becoming obsolete as in plopping ones body in a supine position (maybe after a long day sliding on banana peels) has become "to lay down" and "to lie down" is as quaint as the adj. "swell" and the interjection "Say....." Cheers.

Well, I think you are funny and smart as hell. And if I ran the world (which I SHOULD) you would be so employed it wouldn't be funny:)

Too bad you're not working. I happen to think you're very funny. Personal favorite: the circle of death/clown rehab. Maybe now is the time to start doing your own thing. Not really sure what "thing" could be, but I think you should give it a go :)
At any rate keep posting your cartoons here, if nothing else they will keep me entertained... and good luck!

As being part of the quasi=unemployment club myself, we must always remember to keep laughing! Great post!

The clown and the giant banana peel is priceless. Bob, I'm secreting jobs your way.

The Child of Four made up a joke today which I found quite funny for its duh factor.

"Where do chickens learn how to swim?'
"I dunno, where?"
"In a chicken pool."

It's hilarious. And I don't know why.

Lauren....that is funny, and I can't figure out why either.

I'd hire you in a sec if I had money. I love your cartoons, and I am sure I have plenty of company.This universe has to reward you. Hang in.

third ENTENDRE is a classic....wow

Bob, google "The Bindle" and see
my new reading device called, yes, The Bindle. You might even want to
do a cartoon on this and i hereby give you permission to borrow the word BINDLE or even steal, i purposely did not copyright it so anyone can use it and credit not needed. Here is photo of the
new "reading" device:

http://zippy1300.blogspot.com/2009/08/introducing-bindle-new-reading-device.html