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Rick London's Articles

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  • The Latte' Factor Works Even At Any Age: On Living Well
    As a young adult, when I was finally able to afford, at least some of the things I wanted and/or needed, I became a big fan of frivolous spending. I had to have that new issue of Esquire, that personal trainer at the gym (not just the gym), an office in a better location, a more trendy breed of dog or cat, live in a nicer neighborhood, and, of course, later, "My morning Starbuck's". I "had arrived". The "American Dream" or at least for a short time it appeared that way. And what a letdown that was.
  • Going Organic With Bono
    Over two decades ago I was just another "corporate policy wonk" in our nation's capital. I had been working in media and p.r. for over a decade before I decided to strike out on my own and "build my own empire". It was more like "The Empire Strikes My Back Side". I was quickly becoming, or had become, a workaholic, which would serve me well later when becoming a cartoonist and e-tailer; purveyor of humorous gifts and collectibles on the Internet, the business I am in now, but I would there would be some dues to pay first. Many in fact.
  • The Emotional Reasoning Of Gift-Buying
    What motivates you to buy? Whether it is a vacation to Fiji, or even Peoria, a brand new Mercedes, or perhaps a used VW Beetle, or a Gucci bag or a nice slightly used but gently worn sweater from the local Goodwill, it had to do with yours (and my) emotions.
  • The Cartoonist Who Founded Londons Times
    Since I launched my cartoon business a decade ago, many have asked me how to get into cartooning, or some similar artistic endeavor, especially if, like me, art is not their strongest skill. Before I entered "the trade", I too, was curious about how a number seemed to "sneak in" these so called "glamour-fields" and many were no better artists than me, and I am no Picasso.
  • Humorous Personalized Corporate Gifts: They Do The Trick
    Since we were mere babies, most of us learned that " 'Tis better to give than to receive". Of course we didn't quite buy into that theory in our youth, as nothing felt better than that new bicycle, Lionel Train, Nintendo, Xbox, Barbie and Ken, or, you name it (depending on if you are male or female and whether you are from The Woodstock Generation or from Generation X)
  • Sam Walton: World's First & Finest Social Networker
    Please Buy From Me Wal-mart founder Sam Walton and I walk together. Not literally but geographically and in spirit. No, I'm not in Sam's league by any means, but I, geographically walk down the same streets, paths, fish in the same fishing spots, and other activities. You see, Sam Walton and his family grew up down the road from where I now live, in the Ouchata Mountains of Arkansas. There may not be a more beautiful place on the planet. It has been my happy home since 1999.
  • We Are Our Dog And Cat's Attorneys
    Our dogs and cat's can't afford lawyers so we have to be their advocates. Much has been discussed regarding the B.A.R.F. diet for pets, but still very little research behind it. I happen to know it works as I almost had my 12 year old stray mutt put to sleep in 1996, at age 12, at the veterinarian's suggestion, but decided to research a bit more myself before making such an important decision. He lived another 10 years (to age 22), vet-free, except to the very last six months of his life.
  • Those Murderous Cows
    Truman Cowpoke is the name and cow moooder mysteries is my game. I write about the life of cows, violence, and yes, even bovine death. Words cannot express the horror I feel, as a mystery writer of true cow crime while researching the death and destruction that can occur in "greener pastures". Of course there are no cowincidences and anyone who says there are may might be bull and udder nonesense.
  • How Bad Do We Need To Laugh
    Must we really laugh to be healthy?? How important is humor in our lives? For many years, we knew humor was fun, and laughter made us feel better, but we didn't know the full story. Recent studies at University Of Md. Medical School point towards laughter being not just important, but pertinent to our physical well being in the home and workplace, not to mention social arena.
  • Increase The Quality Of Life Of Your Dog Or Cat 100-Fold
    Our dogs and cat's can't afford lawyers so we have to be their advocates. Much has been discussed regarding the B.A.R.F. diet for pets, but still very little research behind it. I happen to know it works as I almost had my 12 year old stray mutt put to sleep in 1996, at age 12, at the veterinarian's suggestion, but decided to research a bit more myself before making such an important decision. He lived another 10 years (to age 22), vet-free, except to the very last six months of his life.
  • Roy Orbison And Me
    In 1998, I was one year into my Londons Times Cartoon project. I was still living, working, and trying to survive in an abandoned rural Mississippi warehouse. Nobody would rent to me as they, I am certain, felt this former 9-5 business executive had lost his mind for launching a cartoon at age forty three. I was a year into the project. Not a lot was going right, I could clearly see it was a hobby, and I would eventually need to take some kind of job in sales, but for now, I was obsessed with seeing it through. Then a marketing idea hit me, which, at the time, I thought was brilliant (I humbly add). I would create another series of cartoons called "Panel Hollywood" and feature real life celebrity caricatures and then mail signed copies directly to them or to their agent to forward. Out of the 150 or so that we created and mailed, about twelve responded, and even offered reviews, which was my strategy. Their reviews of the work remain on my main cartoon website.
  • Eco-Friendly Retailers Now More Mainstream Than Non-Greenies
    In case you haven't noticed, retailers, even giants, are "going green". It was bound to happen and it is a welcome change. Of course the Wal-marts, Targets and Sams Clubs of the world, most likely, will never go fully earth-friendly, and merely offer sections in their stores rather than become another Whole Foods, it is still a very good sign.
  • Learning To Laugh
    There's a myriad of reasons why we laugh and use humor in our lives. Humor goes back to the prehistoric days, or so they say. Since that was a few years before my time (but unfortunately not too many years before my time), I will have to take archaeologists word for this phenomena. I remember loving to laugh as a child. My mom was the joke cracker of our family until I came along and tried in all earnestness to out-perform her. She was a natural and it was impossible. But and making her laugh, was especially fun, as she was a perfectionist in the field of humor.
  • Is It Too Late To Be Earth-Friendly After Fifty?
    Suddenly becoming earth-friendly at middle age can frighten those around us. Especially those who think it is "just some trend. I've tried before. I began recycling many years ago, and other than taking organic vitamins and trying my best to eat natural foods both of which I still do.
  • Your Partnership With Our Environment
    I was still a young man, living in the rural south. I recall hearing my mother speak of a woman who had had incurable cancer, given chemotherapy, and sent home to die by her oncologist. She allegedly took an herb for several years and the cancer went into remission. Of course, I was skeptical, until I met the woman, then in her seventies, and appeared a picture of health. This started my quest at the nearby library, which did not offer much, to read about a more regarding organic lifestyles.
  • And You Thought Becoming Famous Was Hard? Think Again!
    When I got home last night I grabbed the remote and turned on a cable news program. I was busy in the kitchen and couldn't see the screen but I heard a voice that I remembered always sent chills down my spine. I walked into the living room and sure enough, staring me in the face, swastika on forehead, cigarette in hand, was Charles Manson.
  • 5 Money Saving Ideas For Holiday Shopping
    1. Pricing: Economics, these days can be a big factor. It is common sense that one can get a much better price on virtually any retail product in the "off-season" which runs generally from mid-May through the end of August. Prices can be as low as 80% of their regular prices (even regular discounted prices) than holidays at the mall.
  • Want To Be An Internet Mogul? 7 Non-Easy Steps That Work
    Suddenly you are unemployed. Maybe you worked hard for your money forever it seemed. Possibly your company downsized, or you were fired, or your health declined. In any case, you found yourself at home watching cable news, yet still receiving the same bills reflecting your previous lifestyle. Aside from the obvious ego-blow, you feel confused, sad, and overwhelmed.
  • If Fish Could Talk
    As a middle aged man, approaching minnowpause, a good many folks think I'm mentally eel. My theory though is that I've haddock with life, not unlike Salmon Rushdie or Marlin Brando. Mahi oh mahi. Since I've always marched to a different drummer, you know, or sang like Tuna Turner. I live down on squid roe. and been a shad bit egocentric, people have tried desperately to save my sole. Holy mackerel, if I could count the times. Those bassturds. They just perch up on their high seahorse and talk down to me as if I'm pond scum. So what's it all about, Algae? You may think I'm shellfish and cruel but read between the line, or bass hook, or swivel.
  • Eco-Friendly Business: Psychic & Financial Rewards
    The transition to start a "green business" or "eco-friendly" one, as it is often called, is not always as easy as it seems. I felt it would be an easy challenge for me, seeing that I had launched one of Mississippi's first health food stores. There was no Internet, no Google, no blogging, nothing. I paid high rent in a mall across from the local university. The local townsfolk felt I might be possessed to believe that natural products might be better than what could be bought at A & P Grocery. (I am showing my age here).
  • If Social Security Says You Are Disabled, Is That "The End"?
    It seemed like only yesterday that I was living in Washington, D.C., working in corporate America, waking up at 6 am, rushing with my coffee while I brushed my teeth and put on my pinstripe suit and yellow power tie, and drove to work, arriving before rush hour. Only to be stressed out the rest of the day and night.
  • 2 Dogs Save Life Of Creator Of Londons Times Cartoons
    I was still relatively new to southern California in 1994. I had sold my successful bus tour business in Washington D.C and moved to Los Angeles to try my hand at screen-writing. Not much was shaking for me in Los Angeles, except the ground. I settled in Sherman Oaks in the San Fernando Valley area. I can clearly remember being awakened about five a.m by my golden retriever puppy Otis who was barking wildly. Otis slept on the bed with me but he had hopped down onto the floor to begin his ranting. This was no ordinary bark but I took him outside anyway into the back yard which met an alley. Otis kept barking and was clearly agitated but did not relieve himself. I rubbed my eyes and looked around and there was dozens (if not more) cats walking around in circles in the alley. I had never seen this before. They were clearly not acting the way I normally see cats behave, but it was as if they were trying to escape something. My golden puppy continued barking.
  • Can A Cartoon Save Your Life Or Boost Your Immune System?
    You might think about calling a good doctor to put me away if I told you that a good cartoon might save your life, or at least increase the quality of your life. Ironically it is good doctors who agree with this theory.
  • Can A Mouse Pad Offer Zen?
    Chances are you may think I'm a bit "out theree" but anyone who has studied eastern thought, understands there is a "zen" to everything. What affects us we affect and vice versa. There is energy in everything, including mousepads. The secret is to align what we use often with our consciousness. How's that for sounding so Dali Lama-ish?
  • A Disabled Person Can Function Better Than Many
    It seemed like only yesterday that I was living in Washington, D.C., working in corporate America, waking up at 6 am, rushing with my coffee while I brushed my teeth and put on my pinstripe suit and yellow power tie, and drove to work, arriving before rush hour. Only to be stressed out the rest of the day and night.
  • The Zen Of Running Long And Eating Right
    I decided to put all my energies into being "a hippie" rather than athlete while growing up. So when I reached adulthood, I discovered the gym and running to make up for it. Then I went to the extreme and ran several marathons. I thought I was "really something special".
  • The Zen Of Online Shopping
    I remember in my youth when my mom would take me shopping. I had the most fun in the grocery store, for whatever reason, but, as I matured into my teens, fashion and grooming stores became more interesting. Like a lot of teenage boys, upon new information, girls were suddenly a lot more interesting. And to our (boys) surprise, we were becoming interesting to them as well, though, they were better at hiding it. A new thing was happening to us...relationships. They were so much fun back then. Life was simpler. No bills to pay. Never an argument about finances. Ahhh. The good old days.
  • is there zen in cartooning?
    We are a visual species We react to what we see. And to a lesser degree, we are auditory. We also react to sound
  • the zen of humor and cartooning
    Since we were babies, we loved to watch things. We were visual and continue to be. We react to what we see. And to a lesser degree, we are auditory. Sounds can cause a reaction as well as sight. Cartoonists are aware of this and have to work harder than an actor or comedian to get your attention.
  • Does Los Angeles Have An Honest Auto Mechanic?
    I was waxing nostalgic about the good old days recently and was thinking about my teen years. I spent much more time thinking about, and racing cars, than school. My first muscle car was a dark blue Ford Torino 390 cubes with four on the floor. Man did I think I was hot. I could fill my tank for about $10.
  • Should We Laugh At Lawyers?
    If you find it strange that a cartoonist would be writing a semi-serious article about law and lawyers, please allow me to explain, or lead the witness if I may. In some ways, I have carte blanche to do so.
  • Funny Cow Items: My Key To (semi) Sanity
    As one who is into cow collectibles, clothes, and such, I humbly believe the cow to be the funniest (and possibly the most spiritual animal on the planet...and no, I have no Hindu roots). I just love the cow. Though this may be hard for some city-dwellers to fathom, I can assure you Mississippians and other inhabitants of the southeastern states were laughing at cows long before The Far Side was a twinkle in Gary Larson's eye.
  • Aardvarks, Dentists, And Cartoons
    Cartoonist Rick London's website Londons Times Cartoons contains thousands of cartoon animal images, but none is more popular and funny than the aardvark. Aardvark Dentistry is the name of one of their most classic favorites and the cartoonist has decided to do a little research on the aardvark. This is the fascinating information he found. If you are looking for aardvarks, you need to go south of the Sahara Desert in Africa. "Earth Pig" is what the Africans call them, and, in fact, the name ardvark means "earth pig". So, makes sense to me. Their body somewhat resembles a pig which probably has a lot to do with that. But why they call them earth pigs, since regular pigs do not fly (to my knowledge) is beyond me. Their tails resemble a kangaroo's and ears like a rabbit. Aardvarks hibernate during daytime.
  • Depressed? A New Dog May Be Your Best Therapist
    I have battled major depression since age thirteen. It may be even further back than that, that is my first memory of "feeling different". I am now middle-aged.
  • The Magic Of Stray Dogs And Cats
    With humans, unconditional love seems to need to be earned, and that in itself is a dichotomy; it is conditional if it has to be earned. Why is it so hard for humans to purvey real love these days without strings attached. Maybe we've had the wrong teachers. They are out there. A lot of them. One just need find them.
  • When Realtors Become Cartoonists
    "Congratulations, Ms. London," I used to joke that the OB/GYN told my mom, "It's a Realtor". My parents owned a very old real estate stable family real estate company and were from a generation where, if and when an offspring arrived, especially a male, they were born to be bred.that is, bred into the family business, or made to be the prodigal son.
  • My Parents Wanted A Realtor So I Became A Cartoonist
    It was July 16, 1954. I was just washed from exiting my mom's womb. "Congratulations, Ms. London," I used to joke that the OB/GYN told my mom, "It's a Realtor". My parents owned a very old real estate stable family real estate company and were from a generation where, if and when an offspring arrived, especially a male, they were born to be bred shaped and molded into that genetically-inherited business. I tried it a few years. It was disastrous.
  • How To Find A Corporate Gift That Is Used Daily And Remembered
    In my humble opinion, a lot of giant retailers of various products do some things very, very right, and others, leave something to be desired.
  • Buy A Funny T Shirt Help A Dog Or Cat
    Though humans tend to have very many differences, nothing can bring us closer together than a cute puppy or kitty. They seem to have a special spirit with which humans can connect.
  • Humorous Corporate Gift-giving Why So Important?
    You have been in business for a long time. When it is time to give a corporate gift, you have a stockpile and automatically send it out. How many calendars, day planners, wine gift baskets, have you sent without even thinking of the consequence?
  • Buying Or Selling Unique Products Online: Sound Advice
    Every day the emails arrive. "Rick, you have too many stores!!", or "Rick, how in the world am I going to find what I want or need in all your shops?" etc. The general theme is "Why so many web stores?" I will do my best to answer.
  • Where Did Rock And Roll Actually Begin? You'll Never Guess
    Though I've been telling people since I can remember that Rock And Roll was born in my own little humble hometown of Hattiesburg, Ms., not many believe me. I know it to be true. Even the honorable Rolling Stone Magazine agrees as mentioned in Wikipedia....
  • Valentine's Day Way To Rekindle Tired Relationship
    Even the best of lovers and spouses can feel trapped in a stale marriage or relationship as the years pass. Though we still love our mate, we might feel bored with the routine. Don't just rekindle the romance, or fan the flames, add kerosene to the fire of it, and use Valentine's day as a celebration of love, a reason to try something different, and then make it a habit, a new way of life to change the parameters and depth of the relationship. These tips are tried and true and have worked for many couples.
  • Utilizing Educational Cartoons In The School System
    School-aged and college kids today are smarter and more worldly than my own 60's generation. Obviously, as many of us (now adults) have learned, we have much to learn from them.
  • Don't Rekindle A Dying Romance Fuel The Fire This Valentine's Day
    Even the once-most-bonded of soul-mates can feel trapped in a stale marriage as the years pass. Though we still love our mate, we might feel bored with the routine. Don't just rekindle that burned out match, or fan the flames, add kerosene to the fire of it, and use Valentine's as a celebration of love, a reason to try something different, and then make it a habit, a new way of life to change the parameters and depth of the relationship. These tips are tried and true and have worked for many couples.
  • Why Are Funny Thongs & Boxers Sexier?
    Some guys do things the same all their lives. Women too. We mimic our parents. My mom bought me plain white stretch briefs as underwear all through my childhood, so when I grew into an adult, I bought them too. Little did I know what a fashion sin I was causing.
  • Building Self-esteem, Even If You've Never Had It
    Self-esteem can do wonders for your self-esteem. I know you probably are going to go back and read that first sentence to make sure I worded it properly.
  • The Good Side Of The Far Side's Gary Larson
    I can drone on and one regarding Gary Larson's Far Side. Just a few humorists who had a great impact on my life before I launched Londons Times Cartoons. Most were movie and television actors, and only two have been cartoonists. Larson was the major influence and continues to be. The others were comedians and actors such as Steve Martin, Mike Myers, Steven Wright, Red Skelton, Jack Benny, Billy Crystal, Dana Carvey, Peter Sellers, and and others of whom I cannot think of at the moment. One o
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