On sticking to one’s guns, Pt. 1

[[I’ve always admired those who’ve stuck to guns and got out whilst ahead...the English version of The Office and Rowan Atkinson’s lovely Blackadder series spring to mind. Found this piece about Calvin and Hobbes creator Bill Watterson on The Writers Almanac. Who knows whether it’s the whole story, but I find it inspiring nonetheless.]]

He studied political science in college, and originally planned to become a political cartoonist. He got a job at the Cincinnati Post, but his editor insisted that he focus on local politics, and Watterson couldn’t get a handle on the Cincinnati political scene. He lost his job after a few months and began drawing up plans for possible comic strips, including a strip about a 6-year-old boy and his stuffed tiger. This idea caught the attention of the United Features Syndicate, but they told Watterson they would only run the strip if he would insert a “Robotman” character that could be sold as a toy.

Watterson didn't want to turn down his first possible syndication deal, but he also didn't want to give up control over his own characters. So he rejected the offer. But his strip was eventually picked up by Universal Press Syndicate.

Once the strip became wildly popular, Watterson began to get offers to license the characters for toys, T-shirts, greeting cards, and movies. He could have made millions from all the merchandising opportunities, but he decided to refuse all the offers. He said, “My strip is about private realities, the magic of imagination, and the specialness of certain friendships. [No one] would believe in the innocence of a little kid and his tiger if they cashed in on their popularity to sell overpriced knickknacks that nobody needs.”

Watterson worked on the strip for 10 years, and then decided to retire and devote his time to painting. He has declined any interviews or photographs since his retirement, and hasn't shown any signs of returning to cartooning.

Machine That Turns.

Sekou Sundiata

[[Sekou was a beautiful man, whom I was fortunate enough to meet and spend a little time around when he was in town three years ago or so performing as part of Vanderbilt’s performing arts series. I caught the tail end of a Fresh Air interview with him today, and realised they were re-broadcasting it because he died of heart failure yesterday at 58. Looking for something to include here, found an amazing dearth of stuff when I Googled his name. Prompted me to write the fine folks at The Writer’s Almanac]]

why, dear writer’s almanac, is there nothing in the writer’s almanac archives or on poetry.com of the work of sekou sundiata? he was wonderful poet, a gifted gentle man, whom i was fortunate enough to meet three years ago. he died yesterday, and apparently nobody has much to say about his living. regarding this i am curious and a little sad.

Kitty Brown.

Torturing Tortoise.

[[My God...I go to Indiana for four days, don’t pay any attention to the news, and I come home to this! Why do people got to be so damn mean? And to a freakin’ turtle! (OK...yes, I know the difference between a turtle and a tortoise...) You go, Bob!!]]

Police Arrest Man for Torturing Tortoise
From Associated Press
July 19, 2007 6:30 PM EDT

VENTURA, Calif.—An arrest was made Thursday in the vicious attack on Bob, a 42-pound pet tortoise who was slashed and stabbed after being stolen from the home of an autistic boy.

Police said the attacker tried to cut Bob out of his shell. His hind legs were badly cut, a toe was cut off, his neck was slashed and his shell was punctured with a sharp object. The animal also was thrown against a wall, police said.

Jose “Tony” Mosqueda, 18, of Ventura, was booked at the county jail for investigation of cruelty to animals and grand theft.

It is believed he acted alone, police said.

“It’s a good feeling. It's kind of neat,” Sgt. Jack Richards said. “It just really pulled at some heartstrings and it’s good to have someone in custody.”

Witnesses to the torture provided information that helped lead to the arrest, Richards said.

Two rewards totaling $3,500 had been offered for help with an arrest and missing tortoise fliers were posted throughout the area, but Richards said he didn't know if that contributed to the arrest.

The 25-year-old African spurred tortoise belongs to Dorothy and Bill Sullivan and is a special friend to their 6-year-old autistic son, who rarely spoke to people but chattered to the animal.

The tortoise was snatched from their yard on July 7, brutalized and dumped in brush behind an apartment complex.

An anonymous caller told the family where to find Bob.

Police declined to discuss a motive, but Richards said it didn’t appear the attacker wanted to eat Bob.

Dorothy Sullivan said Thursday that she and her son danced with happiness when they heard of the arrest.

“This is wonderful news,” she said.

The boy had not been sleeping well since the attack, she explained.

“His security fell apart,” she said. “He was afraid that somebody was going to come and steal him and take him away and hurt him.”

“Now he feels safe. Now he can go out and play,” she said.

The family has installed security cameras and an alarm on the backyard fence so that Bob will be safer when he returns.

The tortoise was being treated at Turtle Dreams, a Montecito rehabilitation center. He remained in guarded condition and was being fed through a tube in his neck.

“He’s getting more relaxed and coming out of his shell” more often, said Jeanie Vaughan, the center's owner. “If he continues without any infection, I think he’s going to be fine.”

Dorothy Sullivan said Bob did an amazing thing when she visited the center earlier in the week.

“He took his first steps,” she said. “He brought his head completely out of his shell...and then he struggled to his feet.”

The tortoise collapsed but then managed to take eight steps.

“When he finished, he had a tear in his eye...as did the rest of us,” Sullivan said. “It was an excellent, great sign.”

Bob’s plight made headlines across the country and prompted a flood of calls from people wanting to help. Sullivan said she had created a huge display of cards and letters, including one from schoolchildren who sold lemonade to raise money to help pay Bob’s vet bills.

“I’m still getting 25 calls a day from people all over the nation: New Jersey, Montana, Arizona. I can name almost every state,” Richards said.

Hot tramp...I love you so.

The finger that points...and the finger that gives you the finger.

A brief finger-themed series, it seems.