Peace with My Niece

Lola and her Uncle (and Unshaven) Willy
After a bout with not one, but two forms of food poisoning (both the Blastocystis hominis parasite and Campylobacter bacterium) that I contracted in Israel, coupled with other stressful matters in my personal life, I was weakend to the point of non-productivity and in need of a real break. Having lost an astonishing 12 pounds in the course of just four weeks, I packed my bags and headed home to Vineland, where I recuperated with my loving family over the long President's Day weekend.

To all the naysayers, click to zoom in, because Lola's still got blue eyes
My retreat home also happened to fall on the birthday of my niece, Lola, who turned one year old on February 17. I spent the weekend recovering, and following Lola around the house as she talked up a baby talk storm and grabbed at my Beard of Hermitage.

Lola, horrified by the realization of turning one
I had a most relaxing, theraputic stay with my family, and I didn't even mind when Lola woke up crying at 4am. In fact, I found it comforting, knowing that we can all experience stress, no matter what age.

And the remedy can be as simple as a hug.

THE END

Artists Appreciated

Canonist Steven I. Weiss and wife Rachel
On Sunday I attended the Second Annual 14th Street Y Artist Appreciation Soiree at Mo Pitkin's in Manhattan. Having placed last (first loser) in the Mr. and Ms. Jew-S-A Pageant, as well as contributing artwork in the Tikun Olam benefit, I apparently qualified as an artist deserving of appreciation. Among other artists in attendance who are more deserving of appreciation were the loveable Canonist Mr. and Mrs. Steven I. Weiss, Heeb Magazine Editor Josh Neuman, 14th Street Y Director of Arts, Jewish Culture, & Adult Education Alyssa Abrahamson, the Goddess Perlman (star of the Channel 102 series Raduate School), and fashion designer and self-proclaimed superstar Apollo Braun, who stunned participants with his sexually charged Jew-ish dance and song routine, "Party in My Pants" (warning: adult language).

Neuman, Alyssa A, and the Goddess Perlman
Apollo Braun says, "Buy my music!"

I Heart Israel

Inspired by my recent trip to Israel, I am please to announce a new cartoon I produced for Taglit-birthright israel, appropriately named I Heart Israel. When you love Israel so much, what is the next step? Aliyah? Sure, you can move in with each other, but what if you want to show an even greater commitment? This cartoon takes a relationship with Israel to an even higher level.

You can also watch and share the YouTube video version on the birthright israel site.

Frumster is so PC

Frumster have produced a couple of cute video ads for their online Jewish dating service, this time spoofing the popular Apple "Get a Mac" television commercials, (a pastime I am intimately familiar with). As with the Get a Mac campaign, Frumster pairs up a quirky fellow, representing other online Jewish dating services, like arch rival JDate, versus a less offensive guy who represents the values of Frumster. There is also a female version, featuring a flaky JDate girl pitted against a wholesome, virginal Frumster gal.

Ironically, as with the original Apple commercials, I find myself drawn more toward the "PC" characters in the new Frumster ads. Most people find the nerdy antics of the PC-player, actor John Hodgman, more endearing than the smarmy attitude of the Mac guy, played by Justin Long. Similarly, I feel like the Frumster guy comes across as boring while the JDate dude looks like he'd make entertaining company. And in the female counterpart ad, while I might fall asleep on a date with the Frumster girl while staring at her brown potato sack dress, the caffeinated fairy princess chick actually looks like she knows how to have a good time. Just watch her horse riding impression.

I do like the new Frumster campaign, even better than the one I produced for them. So if you haven't done so already, watch the Frumster ads online now!

The Ackerman Files

JR and Ackerman
When I was in Israel last month, I had the pleasure of meeting young political cartoon artist (and Shabot fan), Sam Ackerman at a Zionism salon hosted by PresenTense Magazine. This whole cartoon business is still new to me, and being the one who usually asks the questions, I was deeply flattered when Sam sought my expert advice in the world of online comic strip publishing. After reviewing his work, it is clear that Ackerman has a natural talent for cartoons, and I think his illustration skillz are even doper than mine. So I doubt he'll have any trouble finding homes for his work in syndication.


Sam's work is currently featured in the Brandeis University newspaper, but he is looking to expand his reach. If you would like to work with Sam, you can contact him via e-mail at ackers AT brandeis.edu

You can see more of Sam's work on his blog, The Ackerman Files.

Coming Soon ...

I have a new home for my cartoon animation services. Visit JewishRobot.com for a sneak preview.

Jewcy Robot

I am pleased to learn that I have been named Featured Artist of the Week on the new and improved hip Jewish online publication, Jewcy.com. I am honored to join the ranks of other Jewcy Artists, including Jon Burgerman and Dan Witz.

See more Jewcy Featured Artists here.

Whuzza Mezuzah?

Sara Marcus of ChosenCouture.com
Last week I attended the release party and benefit for Mezuzah, the first book in The Jewish Life Series at the Downtown Chabbad Loft in Manhattan. Gary Sternberg (left), who has been working on the project and foundation for several years, explains,

The Jewish Life Series is dedicated to making Jewish living and knowledge accessible to Jews worldwide through cutting-edge, graphically excellent websites, books, and advertising. Topics include Jewish beliefs, observances, holidays, and kabbalah.

The book is of extraordinary quality, with colorful illustrations and glossy raised print, and the topic is explained in a way that is easy for everyone to understand. You can support The Jewish Life Series Foundation by visiting their web site.

(right) Jewish Robot and The Shansta always seem to be at these events, hmm ...

Dave Goldstein and Howard Reichman show their support for The Jewish Life Series

Diasporrhea

PresenTense Israel and the Diaspora Salon participants (and non-participants) ck, Mystery Girl, Lindsay, Aryeh G, Laya M, Esther K, Josh Frankel, and me
You may have noticed a missing comic strip and lack of blog posts in the last few days. That's because I'm finally back in Brooklyn, and after three weeks abroad, I'm slowly getting back into the swing of things. Aside from taking a lot of photographs and fond memories back with me, I also brought along something else: a fantastic case of TD. I'm not sure when I contracted the bug, or which microorganism is suddenly making life in the bathroom such a colorful experience, but after a feverish 12-hour ride home and six days in the can, it became serious enough to visit the doctor, who, after providing a very thorough examination, has put me on two powerful antibiotics. They seem to be doing the job, as I am able to type this post in one sitting.

During my last few days in Jerusalem, I had the pleasure of attending a PresenTense Magazine salon about Israel and the Diaspora. Believe it or not, we finally came up with definitive, absolute answers to all the big questions, such as "Who is a Jew?", and "What is the Diaspora's role concerning Israel?" But the fellow who took all the notes for the discussion got drunk on pomegranate wine, stumbled into the Christian Quarter of the Old City, and was never to be seen again.

Speaking of the Old City, I also got a wonderful tour of the Muslim Quarter by my knowledgable friend, Aharaon Horwitz, who knew all the nooks and crannies of that daunting neighborhood.

Aharon, my guy did tour
On my last night in Jerusalem Aryeh and I met up with notorious Mobius for dinner. I had the Jerusalem Mix, which, after having been introduced to Jerusalem life, may have been the point when Jersualem life was literally introduced into me.

Jewish Robot, Mobius, and Aryeh in Jerusalem
Israel was the trip of my life, but I'm happy to be back, and looking forward to getting back into business and making this the Year of the Cartoon.

Coming soon, cartoons!

White Ninja and the Talented Star

New cartoon from White Ninja, one of my favorite online comic strip series.