End of an Era

After an 8 year run at ESPN, Jim Rome Is Burning has come to an end. Jim will be will be moving over to the CBS Sports Network, where his new show "ROME" is set to air April 3, 2012. There were plenty of ups and downs with even more laughs mixed in between. I want to thank all of my co-workers, the office production crew, the camera crew, the truck production crew, along with Jim himself. Also, a huge thanks to my bosses (Larry and Michael) at Mandt Bros. Productions for giving me the opportunity to wander (many times aimlessly) around and make use of myself for the last 5 1/2 years. I have gained a tremendous amount of all-around television production knowledge where I previously had absolutely none. I'm not leaving the company or the show, but I wanted to publicly say thank you.

Story behind the design:
Last week on his radio show, Jim asked listeners to call-in, email or text the radio show with ideas of how to end the tv show last Friday, January 27th. I was never consciously thinking of an idea, and then one morning (I think it was Wednesday...maybe Thursday) I had an image in my head when I got up for work. The phrase Jim had used all week was "his walk off". What was he going to do for "his walk-off"? It started with a simple bold graphic of a man walking out of a door, and it continued to develop over the next couple days. *Note: The "And I'm Out." is Jim's signature sign-off for his television show. My original intent was that the image would only be something that I posted here and on my Facebook account. But, Thursday night I emailed it to Dave Whelan, a writer/producer on Jim's radio show, and he replied early Friday morning that they wanted to post it to FB in the last hour of the radio show. I said absolutely. I'm just happy (and proud) it's been received so well. 

Unstoppable!

Inspired by my love for the Dallas Cowboys and the ridiculous ability for Jason Witten to run over defenders. This one's for you Ram.

Happy Birthday 60th Mom #2!

After months of indecisiveness and weeks of being holed up in our house I finally emerged with something that I'm proud of. For my Mom #2's (Elli) 60th birthday I was asked (by my father-in-law/Dad #2/Bill ) to create cover art for a book that would be put together from a series of letters written by family and friends from all those years.

My first thought was "man that will be awesome!" My second thought was, "holy crap-olla is that a lot pressure!" I also thought back to a phrase that I was told a long time ago, "...there is no pressure, just opportunities. Make the most of each one." So with that I stared at blank canvas...Okay, that's being a little dramatic, but it did take a while for the ideas to flow.

The theme was "Nurturing through the Years" which was perfect for Elli. She is one of the kindest, most loving, and obviously nurturing people I have ever met. Period. Only topped by of course my mother. Simply put, Eileen Francis Haffey your are amazing. I love you and thank you for the love of my life.

...meanwhile during the NBA lockout.

My Melinda

I was doodling at work yesterday and decided to do a caricature of my beautiful wife. I love you sweetheart.

Here's to you Shaq

Shaquille O'Neal finally retired last week (June 1st announcement, June 3rd press conference), and will go down as one of the greatest big men to ever have played. A carpetbagger of sorts at the end (last 4 seasons). Going from town to town chasing another title. Did he ever play to his full potential? Was he the best center to play in the NBA? Let the sports historians decide. He was awesome. He entertained. And yes, he was dominate. 

Let's get it started!

The Rangers 2011 campaign started with a sweep of the re-tooled Red Soux Sox, and they have only been out of 1st in the west for a little less than 24 hours since June of last season. Not bad. I figured watching the Rangers has also gotten as addictive as playing Angry Birds. Ron Washington's attitude and facial expressions  have become so much a part of this Rangers identity that I felt he needed to be put in funny pictures. So why not an "Angry Birds Wash" edition?