Working Daze Blog

Friday the 13th

2012-01-13T22:13:00.000-08:00

Well Friday the 13th wasn't so bad. I think people enjoyed today's working daze cartoon.

It was a weird but good day. We actually got our first snow in upstate NY. Which is very late for the first snow.

A bit of good news on the Zach front, all my Zach books will be converted to graphic audios by The Cutting Corporation/GraphicAudio®….A Movie in Your Mind™

On the app front, SetBreaker (which Scott will be spiffing up the graphics on) got a nice review here:http://www.iphonefootprint.com/2012/01/ready-for-some-mind-excercise-setbreaker-iphone-puzzle-game-review/

I also learned a good deal about Coal Gasification.

A good day.

Holiday Wishes

2011-11-29T18:29:00.000-08:00

Hi all:

Just wanted to wish all of our Working Daze readers a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and a happy all those other holidays.

Hopefully it will be more relaxing than crazy.

I know I myself am planning on doing as much shopping online as possible.

As for the Working Daze crew, I know Dana is done with her shopping but the others are still plugging away.

Ho Ho Ho.

I really like my iPad..

2011-10-25T08:56:00.001-07:00

I really like my iPad. I find it to be a great communication device. It's easy to carry. You don't need to even take it out of your bag to go through airport security. The email is great. The web browser is nice. It lets me play angry birds or update my calander or even take notes about a new story or idea no matter where I am. I can watch movies on a plane. I love reading books on the iPad. It's both a kindle and an iBook reader. I can enlarge the text, skip back and forth easily, look up the meaning of words.

But here's my dilemma. Lots of my reading time is during, to put it in World of Warcraft terms, during "bio breaks." I feel a little uncomfortable with taking a $499 "book" into the bathroom with me.

Any thoughts out there?

Computers and why they don't allow us to relax more

2011-10-02T06:25:00.001-07:00

Hi all:

I remember way back in college in the ‘70’s, reading how computers were going to give us so much more leisure time. There was talk that everybody would work 30 hour weeks by the early 2000’s. Well it's now 2011, and while computers have brought tons and tons of change, I don't see anybody actually doing less work. In fact, most people I know seem to be more overworked than ever. I'm interested in finding out why people think this is.

I have a few thoughts. One: computers make us all "experts" at everything. Back in the day, we'd rely on typists and secretaries to do typing, graphic people to design our graphics, and accountants to do the bookkeeping and number crunching. Now, thanks to the ease of word processors, graphics packages and spreadsheets, we can all do much of this ourselves. Our work, therefore, becomes much less specific.

Electronic communication is great. We can now talk instantly to associates and clients and find out what they need from us. On the one hand this is great; we know pretty much instantly what our clients and associates need us to do. On the other hand, this instant ability to be able to assign tasks, or to ask questions, means that, often, many tasks are put into our "queues" before we can finish them, or before the next task. It's easy to become overwhelmed.

Also, email, texting, blogging and Facebook give us instant gratification, and we tend to become addicted to this gratification, wanting more and more of it. Therefore, we spend more time seeking that instant gratification. This is time that could be spent working on a longer range project that would also give gratification, but not nearly as quickly.

I'm just spitballing here. As I say, I’m interested in what others think...

Just touching base...

2011-09-08T08:11:00.000-07:00

Not much really going on in the Working Daze writer's world this week. One thing that struck me as odd this week has been the "I'm a PC" advertising campaign. You know the one where they build a "pc store" in a persons home to show how a new PC is better than their old PC. The people are then amazed that computers have improved over the last years. To which I simple say "Duh". Sorry but I think that campaign is pretty lame.

For those of you following Working Daze, you probably have noticed Roy is on Weight Watchers. Well in real life I am the one doing the weight watchers. I am trying to get back to my fighting weight of 200. It's a slow decline but it's been mostly tolerable.

I have become Rita..

2011-08-23T07:44:00.000-07:00

Wow, I have become one of the characters I created: Rita. Last week I gave our intrepid artist Scott a series of gags to draw. I thought they were quite funny, which they probably were. It was one of Rita's crazy ideas. I liked the idea. Sadly I didn't remember that Rita had already had this idea last year. Yikes. So the gags are being rewritten to reflect Rita's and mine memory lapse.

Dudes and Chicks

2011-08-08T08:47:00.000-07:00

Hi:

Do you consider Dude and Chick derogatory words? I think of them as terms of endearment. If somebody called me a "writer dude" I would take it as a compliment. Well I tell my wife she's a cool chick I mean it was a compliment.

Of course I proudly call myself geek so granted I may not be the best judge...

More Maria

2011-07-23T15:17:00.000-07:00

Hi all:

Another sneak peak at mine and Scott's newsiest comic. Maria's Day...

A rough:

So Much For Weekly

2011-07-17T14:26:00.000-07:00

Okay so much for updating weekly. Two weeks in Costa Rica and a week with my co writer Elena working on project, time really flied.

First off we have a free mug winner: Leslie J Kearney. I will get a mug off to her next time I venture to the post office.

As for other news, a tip of my cap to Japan for winning the woman's world cup. The US team played really well though. Japan just happened to be the team of destiny this year.

As for movies I want to see: Captain America and Cowboys and Aliens. I will wait for Harry Potter to come out on DVD. This way I can watch the last two back to back at home nice and comfy.

Speaking for DVD, not a fan of the new Netflix price hike. They are basically raising the price because they can. It is a business. But they won't be getting my DVD business.

So, thoughts on the new Starz based Torchwood?

Okay not exactly working daze but from the writer of working daze...

2011-06-22T11:35:00.001-07:00

Find "Stormy" and get a free ebook!!

From recent reports, "Stormy Knight: Prom Queen of the Undead"--the coolest new vampire teen on the market--is currently 'appearing' in the following Wegman's grocery stores in western New York state (see list below).

And if you take a pic of "Stormy" on the shelves (or you holding the book next to the display) and email it to staff@blueleafpub.com you can get a free Kindle ebook download of the BLP title of your choice fromAmazon.com. (Kindle ebooks can be read on your handheld device or your computer.)

Locations:

345 Eastern Blvd. Canandaigua, NY 14424
745 Calkins Rd. Rochester, NY 14623
6600 Pittsford-Palmyra Road Fairport, NY 14450
3195 Monroe Avenue Rochester, NY 14618
4276 Lakeville Road Geneseo, NY 14454
24 Bridge Street Corning, NY 14830
2157 Penfield Road, Penfield, NY 14526
3177 Latta Road Rochester, NY 14612
6660 Fourth Section Road Brockport, NY 14420
3175 Chili Avenue Rochester, NY 14624
500 South Meadow Street Ithaca, NY 14850
650 Harry L. Drive Johnson City, Ny 13790
300 Hamilton St. Geneva, NY 14456
675 Alberta Drive Amherst, NY 14226
5725 Sheridan Drive Williamsville, NY 14221
945 Fairmount Avenue West Jamestown, NY 14701

Note: No cash value. Void where prohibited. Offer good to those who have an Amazon.com account, valid email, and can accept US-based digitial gifts through Amazon.com. A total of 15 ebooks to be awarded. Offer expires July 5, 2011.

[ - - - end - - - ]

For the Poll

2011-06-18T08:20:00.001-07:00

Hi:

For the poll I thought I would post a cartoon of Elena and Carolina in action.

Updating...

2011-06-10T11:22:00.000-07:00

Hi:

Now that Universal links to the blog I plan to update on a weekly basis. Plus we will run polls giving readers some say into how Working Daze develops and grows. :)

My thoughts for this week. When will politicians learn that internet and Twitter is not their own private playground. It is very very very public. You would think if your name was Wiener you would be extra careful about showing your wiener.

Maria's Day

2011-06-09T13:25:00.000-07:00

Hello:

This is a feature Scott and I developed a little while ago that we hope will find the new life it deserves at Universal.

Universal

2011-06-01T18:57:00.000-07:00

Hey all,

Working Daze has a new home with universal and gocomics. Hopefully the new neighborhood will suit us.

Intelligent Political debate

2011-04-11T21:18:00.000-07:00

Do you believe intelligent political debate is possible?

I'm starting to think it may not be as these days both parties speak in phrases (or memes) meant to stir emotions instead of thoughts...

My Song Mondays

2011-04-04T07:23:00.000-07:00

Monday

Words by John Zakour (It's meant to be bad...)

Meant to sort of be song to the tune of Fridays…

Oh Oh Oohhh

No No No

Say it isn’t so so so

[VERSE 1]

7am, drag myself out of bed.

Kick myself in the head.

Grab a cup of morning Jo.

Still ain’t nearly ready enough to go.

Got to eat something nah never mind…

I don’t really got the time…

Well at least I’m good at making lousy rhymes

Oh man in such a rut

My boss is sure to kick me in the butt…

Waiting in line for the bus…

Why do I make such a fuss?

It’s Monday Monday

Oh NOT a fun day.

Nobody’s looking forward to the work week, work week…

Monday, Monday

If you’re looking forward to this you’re a geek.

Working, working, working (NO!)

Yuck, yuck, yuck

Just makes me want to say….

[Verse 2]

9:45, stuck at work…

Time moves slow my boss is a jerk

Toil, toil, toil…

Make my blood want to boil…

Man I got this so wrong…

My coworker sits on my right…

I’m pretty sure he smokes a bong.

Man this day just goes on and on….

Sitting at my desk…

Still sitting at my desk…

Looking up at the clock…

I feel like a big dumb rock.

[Bridge]

Yesterday was Sunday, Sunday

It’s a more fun than Monday

I’m so bored…

We’re all so bored…

Wow what a lousy day…

Tomorrow is Tuesday, Tuesday…

Wednesday follows after that...

I gotta work those too…

So I don’t really give a hoo…

[RAP VERSE]

J-Z, not the famous one…

He makes this song up on the run…

Sitting at his desk every Monday

Typing, Typing, Typing away

Typing, Typing, More and More

He makes words and words galore. (Woo!)

(C’mon) Still just sitting at his desk

Making words all in jest.

Sure enough it’s Monday now.

I’ll get through I don’t know how…

[CHORUS]

It’s Monday Monday

Oh NOT a fun day.

Nobody’s looking forward to the work week, work week…

Monday, Monday

If you’re looking forward to this you’re a freak.

Working, working, working (NO!)

Yuck, yuck, yuck

Just makes me want to say….

Maria's Day

2011-02-25T04:25:00.000-08:00

A comic from Scott Roberts and I that we hope will find like at Universal Syndicate.

Yo

2011-01-20T16:18:00.000-08:00

Hi all:

Just thought I'd check in.

We're trying to get more papers and readers for Working Daze so there will be some changes coming in the near future.

There will be a company name change and the company will change the focus of the group we pay so much attention too. We also may cut the geek jokes ever so slightly. It will still be the same the Working Daze just a bit more focused.

Oh, please write your local papers asking them to consider adding working daze.

OOOPPPPS

2011-01-12T05:23:00.000-08:00

I messed up in the last two Working Daze cartoons. Bad me. I somehow either forget that the month of October exists and or that it is a binary month being the 10th month. Silly me. No defense I just messed up.

This will be addressed in future cartoons.

Happy new year

2011-01-02T07:25:00.000-08:00

Hi all:

Happy new year. The folks at working daze will be changing a bit in the coming year. They'll still be the same folks only now their company will be focusing on games and entertainment software. Why? Well, they say "write what you know." And now the time I spend playing World of Warcraft can be seen as research.

Let's make 2011 a good year! Hopefully I will have two or three books coming....

JZ Monday Rant About TV commercials

2010-10-04T11:01:00.001-07:00

Hi all:

A new feature, probably weekly on my blog, I am going to rant about television and well web commercials I find to be extra lame.

Okay, Snuggie is a pretty lame product to begin with, but singing about a snuggie to the Macarana should really be considered a crime against humanity. Yes this is even worse than putting a snuggie on a pet. If anybody ever really actually showed up to a football game in snuggie I'm pretty sure they would be laughed out of the stands. Nothing says NOT football like a snuggie. But singing about a snuggie to the Macarana my brain is still hurting.

You can see for yourself here....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iN_Ml4PKdVU&NR=1 Be warned it's not for the faint of heart.

The other super lame commercial is the one for the McDonalds dollar menu at breakfast. The one where Mark is trying to impress the pretty woman from 3C. Mark has failed to impress the nameless woman before, but now he strikes home by bringing up the McDonald's dollar burrito at breakfast. According to the commercial, "she's interested". Of course what beautiful woman couldn't help but to be impressed with a guy with intimate knowledge of the McDonald's dollar menu? Yes sir, nothing impresses a lady more than saying, "I know how to spend a dollar."

You can view that one here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cK6imn8a77s

Sign Suggestions for the Rally for Sanity

2010-09-23T08:19:00.000-07:00

Since I can't go to the rally for Sanity (since well I have work to do, okay I'm not a big fan of big crowds) I am helping contribute my suggesting sign slogans for folks who might need help coming up with slogans. I call these my Sanity Sign Slogans (or SSS's)

Mr President. I know you were born in this country. I know you aren’t a Muslim. I know you aren’t a socialist. I know you can do better.

Disagreeing with something doesn’t make it communist.

Louder isn’t better.

Let’s not take opinions as facts and facts as opinions.

I don’t care whose fault it is. It’s all of our faults if we don’t make it better.

It’s easier to complain about something rather than fix it.

Yea for sanity! The other mental state.

Sanity may not sell in short run but it’s much better for the long run.

This sign made in the USA. (So see we do make stuff.)

Anti-defamatory Pro-Sense.

“We the People” pretty much means everybody.

I’m only here cause there’s nothing good on TV right now.

I’m not angry but I still think things could be better.

Compromise is not a sign of weakness…

I would have been here soon but I’ve been working.

Things I don't understand... (Note not comprehensive)

2010-09-15T12:19:00.000-07:00

Why they have to wrap dog chains in tightly sealed plastic containers that I need a knife to open...

Why anybody would want to run for politics?

What makes Jennifer Lopez qualified to be an Idol judge at 12 million dollars?

How could TBS cancel My Boys after not letting two of the stars work on other shows due to contractual agreements?

The Mets...

Why people don't seem to comprehend that if you disagree with an opinion that doesn't make the other opinion wrong?

Calculus... It truly was take it and then forget it.

Carrot Top...

Why did Roger Clemens and Barry Bonds feel the need to take steroids?

The Bills...

A Brief History of Time.

Why do I like pizza but not spaghetti?

Is there really a need to Twitter?

Apple

2010-09-01T13:32:00.000-07:00

Okay I admit it. I watched the Apple press event today. I even delayed my lunch so I could eat while watching it. Yes I admit it I am a geek.

My thoughts.

First the negative: I am not impressed with Ping at all. I really don't care what music my friends are downloading. I like music because I like music. I'm glad they didn't end the event with ping because that would have been ending with a ping instead of a bang.

Now some kind of negative: not sure what to think about the new Ipod nano. Sure it's cool being touch and all, but they removed the video. I always thought that was a nice touch.

The complete indifferent: Apple TV. The price is cool. I guess if i didn't have digital cable I would be more excited. It's still not something I want. At least not yet.

The good: IPOD touch. Now we are talking. A great game machine. A nice camera and HD recorder. A beautiful screen. Finally a mic. Lots of memory... Finally a front facing camera. Now they need to make a mac version of facetime. Of course I am still not sure what facetime offers that skype doesn't...

Now if they add all the new Ipod touch goodies to the Ipad-2 we've got a real winner. We've got the product I will replace my macbook with. Yes, yes I will.

Dieting....and more

2010-08-03T14:16:00.000-07:00

Well, after seeing my gut in some shots from Cooperstown I have decided I must loose the gut. Therefore I am giving up white foods and trying to increase my exercise. In order to help guilt myself into losing weight I will weekly be posting my weight on my facebook page.

http://www.facebook.com/john.zakour

Other thoughts:

So Japan has lost track of their two oldest citizens. That seems like something out of a sf novel...

Is Mr. Farve really really really retired? If he comes back now he risks LeBron style scorn.

Forums

2010-07-25T08:33:00.001-07:00

Ya know, back in the 1990s I use to love internet forums. The way people from all over could share their opinions with each other with the filter of an editor deciding rather something was worth sharing with the world or not. Now, in 2010 I am starting to rethink all that.

I'm still for free speech and people being able to post whatever they want. The thing is I'm not sure how useful it is. Looking at the comment sections of places like Yahoo and CNN are pretty depressing for me. It's amazing the amount of animosity you see on these boards. There is a lot of US vs THEM attitudes. Be it, Republicans vs Democrats, Real American vs Terrorists, America vs North Korea. It doesn't really matter. There's just a lot of bile being tossed around by both sides.

Part of the problem is, the Internet allows a person to be anonymous therefore they can say whatever they want without fear of reprisal. Plus on the Internet you don't see the consequences your words have on other people which makes it easier for you to insult somebody. I like to think most people are basically good and they don't want to hurt another persons feelings in person. Yet the internet makes insulting somebody else easy as you can't see the hurt or anger in a persons face after you insult them.

I also like to think we're a lot more a like than we are different. That most people have the same common goals and that a lot more good can be done learning how to work towards common goals than looking for issues that separate us. Yet being anonymous on the Internet makes it easily to be belligerent. You don't see who you are dealing with therefore you tend to forget that you are arguing with another person not just a collection of electrons shown on a screen.

So don't get me wrong, I'm a geek. I like the Internet. I just feel it makes it too easy for us all to act like jerks without having to worry about consequences. Finally after 20 years I'm starting to see the value of both face to face communication and editors. Who would have thunk it.

Somebody about the rank.

Thinking

2010-06-24T11:02:00.000-07:00

Hi all:

First off, hats off to John Isner and Nic Mahut for their classic, never to be duplicated 70-68 final set at Wimbledon. Wow, 11 hours of playing over 3 days. An amazing match.

Speaking of amazing, it will be amazing if the US can beat Ghana on Saturday to go to the great eight in the World Cup. I can't believe I am looking forward to a soccer match.

I am traveling for the next two weeks, man I miss my 27 inch mac.

Yes I am a geek.

This weeks (and next weeks) Working Daze is very bewitched inspired. What can I say I watched a lot of Bewitched as a kid. Now I even watch the russian version. They actually cloned some of the episodes it is surreal. I may have to have my Russian cowriter (on a hypnosis book) Elena Beloff to translate them for me some day.

Pac Man is 30

2010-05-21T15:20:00.000-07:00

Wow, Pacman is 30 Today! I feel soooo old. It is way cool how google has a playable version of pacman on their front page. Heck the maze spells google!

Scott and Mine Newest project

2010-05-15T11:38:00.000-07:00

Hi all:

Here's a sample of a new serial comic Scott and I are working on: Albrut the Barbarian. A Barbarian looking for a simpler life.

Also here is my latest Zuda entry done with Greg Smallwood, Universal Sales Pitch: where a race of alien women hire a top NY ad exec to help tell the world of their existence.

I almost forget

2010-04-29T11:03:00.000-07:00

Oh I almost forgot.

It would be nice if readers could go to wow.com's two bosses enter poll. They are having a poll to determine which Boss to bring back into their tournament of bosses that I am a judge for. I am pushing for Eadric the Pure as he is much more fun the Lich King. The Lich King is so boring. (Like I said on twitter it's like voting for Dick Cheney to come back. Okay, the Lich King isn't that evil but still!)

So if Eadric wins a return i will give away 2 books of my books to 2 people who post pro Eadric comments (and vote for him) on the wow.com site. (By 2 books I mean 1 book each to 2 people.)

Thanks.

Checking In

2010-04-29T10:48:00.000-07:00

Hi All:

Sorry, between books, a documentary movie deal and other projects it's been busy. Plus my mom was recently diagnosed with Myeloma so that's meant at least two trips to the oncologist a week.

The good news is she seems be responding to treatments quite well. They have come a long way since the 80s and even the 90s. I have to tip my hat to the folks at Interlakes Oncology they have been all been wonderful.

In news from around the world:

This is kind of a sad setback for Nasa: with the ballon crashing...

I also found Steven Hawkings comments about alien life a bit narrow minded. Yeah, Mr. Hawkings is way way way smarter than I am but as a SF writer I have a more optimistic view of alien contact. I like to think any race / civilization advanced enough to travel here would be advanced enough to be peaceful, at least mostly peaceful. We can't assume aliens will act as violently as human explorers. At this that is my hope.

On a more earthly level. I really like ABC's Modern Family. In fact I like the entire lineup of ABC's Wednesday night comedies. Those combined with In Plain Sight, make a nice evening of must see viewing.

Speaking of "must see" I remain hopeful that NBC will renew Chuck. This has been a strong year for the show.

I am also glad to see Smallville coming back for season 10. Yeah, yeah. I think it's fun.

Still not to sure what to make of the New Dr. Who. I do Mr. Tennant as the Dr. I do hope Rex is Not Your Lawyer gets picked up for the fall 2010.

Last Giveaway Winner

2010-03-29T05:45:00.000-07:00

Hi:

The last giveaway winner was Sheri. Who now gets to pick a working daze mousepad or clock once she give us her address. The email to send your contact info to is: johnzakour@yahoo.com. I sure hope you live within the continental US as that makes shipping so much easier.

I used Numbers to pick a random number to pick the winner. I am really surprised google doesn't have a random number generator.

I'm still a bit cranky this Monday as I generally feel sad when I watch how our politicians bicker and fight. This us against them mentality can't be good for the country. We have a lot of challenges ahead of us. We need to find ways to meet these challenges in ways that let us adapt to changes while still preserving the basic core that made our country so strong. We also need to think globally. We all share the same world. Things would be a lot smoother if we all learned to work towards common goals instead of trying to stop or beat the other side. We're all really on the same side.

Wow, so much for the rant.

Baseball season is almost here and the Ipad is almost out. Woa...

Grumpy This Week

2010-03-09T04:25:00.000-08:00

Okay, a lot of things have me grumpy this week.

A new study published shows that the I-Phone maybe addictive. To this, all I can say is, Duh.

Buzz Aldrin the 2nd man to walk on the moon is going to moonwalking on Dancing with the Stars. Sigh. I wish I was making that up. Buzz, why why why? What does anybody gain by watching an 80 year old man shake his grove thing on national TV? Sigh. Grumble.

Speaking of 80 years Betty White is going to appear on SNL. I actually can't be grumpy about that cause I think it will be cool. As long as she doesn't dance.

I actually thought Avatar had a shot at best picture. Sure it wasn't the best screenplay or story but it was an experience.

Sarah Palin doing comedy on The Tonight Show. Wow, I hope she choses standup as her new career. I support that.

Roy on Facebook

2010-02-25T08:47:00.000-08:00

Roy is now on facebook at:

http://www.facebook.com/WorkingDazeComicRoy

Roy was tired of all the partisan ways. It's like if one party came out in favor of "love" the other party would start a "Pro Hate" campaign. Roy is hoping enough people will friend him to unite the world under a common cause geekdom.

Thoughts of the Week

2010-02-18T08:27:00.000-08:00

The Winter Olympics has been fun. I am glad NBC is showing a fair amount of live coverage, though I wish they'd show the skiing live. Everything doesn't have to be in primetime. I am amazed at how some of these winter athletes can master their sports without dying! Shaun White can really fly on a snowboard. Curling has been interesting to watch it's kind of like winter's version of bowling. It's the one winter Olympics sport I think I could actually do.

Tiger Woods is talking about his "ordeal" this week. Talking about it in a closed controlled environment of course.

Reading this article on CNN about abuse of zero-tollerance policies at schools. So schools are arresting kids for doodling on desks... What a misuse of police resources and it seems kind of lazy on the schools' part too. Part of the problem with society today is we always let somebody else handle it. Yes if it's a violent crime the police should be called, but for writing on a desk, not so much.

Evan Bayh is resigning basically saying he is sick of congress not being able to get anything done and all the strident partisanship. Well duh. Like I read on yahoo I believe, one party could proposal a puppies are cute bill and the other party would immediately start their anti-puppy campaign. It's time we remember we'll all on the same side here.

Sarah Palin is mad at the Family Guy for making a not so veiled reference to her mentally challenged son. I actually, agree the son should be off limits. But truthfully I think Family Guy was busting Sarah not the son.

A tribute to my mother inlaw

2010-02-06T05:57:00.001-08:00

Hello all:

My mother inlaw passed away this week. I wrote a tribute to her at TheMacGamer. (I write a World of Warcraft column for them.)

More "Thinking" Such As It Is

2010-02-05T04:28:00.000-08:00

So, the Apple Ipdad doesn't support flash. Wow, as much as I am not a fan of flash as it has seemed to cause a lot of "hiccups" on my Macs over the years, I think this is a booboo from Apple. A lot of people who buy Ipads (snicker) will be expecting to be able to run utube and hulu on them. I believe both sites are still heavily reliant on flash.

Yes, eventually sites will switch to HTML 5.0 which allows videos to be imbedded without flash but that move is "awhile" away. Currently I think only Safari and Chrome support it. And Chrome is still in beta form on the Macs.

In a way this is kind of good for me as I promised my wife that my 27 inch Imac would be my computer buy this year. As the Ipad currently stands I don't want one.

Hopefully the next version will have a web cam (then it becomes a great skyping machine) and by then the flash / HTML 5 thing will be more settled. Then I will want an Ipad to replace my macbook.

One more mouse pad

2010-01-28T07:00:00.001-08:00

Hi:

Scott and I are really pleased with the number of entries in our "I want free stuff" mouse pad / clock giveaway. Who would have thought that people like free stuff!

Well we're still letting a few more entires trickle in. We're also adding another another lucky random winner. All you need to do to enter is respond to this post.

Oh it would be nice if you read more of the blog too.

The Ipad

2010-01-28T06:33:00.000-08:00

Okay, first off every time I say, "I-pad" the 13 year old boy in me giggles. Outside of that though I can of like the name. It does fit well with Ipod and Iphone and well it is in that family.

The Ipad looks like a neat device at an okay price. I can certainly see my son replacing his Ipod touch which he uses as his "couch web browser" with and Ipad.

Now do I want an Ipad? (Snicker.) Well, and Ipad may eventually replace my Macbook when it goes but not yet. The Ipdad looks like it can be a great traveling device except when I travel I need skype and when I do skype I want video. I think it's a shame the first Ipad's don't have a web cam, but the first Iphones didn't also. I think (well hope) it's only a matter of time before we have Ipads with web cams which will be the ultimate portable skpying devices. We all won't be like it was on Dick Tracy with our little wrist tv communicators but this will be close enough for me.

What does this say about?

2010-01-27T06:36:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure what to think about this but I find myself being much more interested in Apple's announcement coming today than I do the President's State of the Union address...

Updating more and more

2010-01-26T10:03:00.000-08:00

Hello all:

I will update this blog and more and more often now in hopes of making it a place for Working Daze readers to turn to and hang out and share ideas and thoughts and all.

I hate to admit this but I am very excited about whatever the heck Apple is going to announce tomorrow. I told my wife I don't want a slate I need a bigger screen not a smaller but I am still fascinated by the idea. It will either be a Newton style flop (the device not the physicist) or an Iphone style success story. Apple doesn't usually go halfway. I promised my wife no matter what it is I won't buy one. I certainly won't buy one this year but I am still interested in seeing what the heck it is going to do. If it was a good webcam it could become the ultimate skyping machine.

I do have to say I am loving my 27 inch Imac. The screen is like wow. As a writer it is so nice to be able to keep a document on screen and outline on screen and a web page with information on screen.

Bill Gates was on the Daily Show last night. Jon Stewart busted out the Zune jokes. I wonder if even Bill Gates uses a Zune?

Wow

2010-01-19T07:03:00.000-08:00

Hey All:

After reading all the comments on CNN about the special senator election in Ma. (it's a special election not for a special senator...) to replace Ted Kennedy I see the country is still very much divided into us and them. What ever happened to common ground and being a united country? Democrats and Republicans are suppose to be two parts of the same system but it's almost as if now they each represent different systems.

A year into the Obama administration and he is just as much a polarizing figure as GW Bush was. I actually like the president. I think he is an intelligent man with some good ideas. I like the idea that he tends to think first then act. I also believe that he has strengthen our standing in the world some. This is good. But man domestically he really needs to come through on something. I know it takes time and the situation he inherited was a mess but the economy needs to pick up for the general public not just for the people that the government bailed out. People who are no cashing big pay checks! As for the health care reform I really don't see much reform coming in this package if they get the package passed which they may not, despite the Dems vast majority in the house and senate. (Even without the seat in MA they still have an 18 person majority.)

The sad thing is (at least in my opinion) a good portion of the politicians today are much more interested in keeping their jobs and serving special interests than actually helping make this place a better country. We need more politician (or some or any) politician to say, "hey what's best for everybody not just my party." In order for that to happen I think we may need to find a president that both parties can get behind. I'm not sure such a person exist...

Actually, when I look at the Daily Show and see how Jon Stewart does such a great job of pointing out the ridiculous things both parties do, I wish Mr. Stewart would make a series run the presidency. :)

Winners have been notified

2010-01-15T07:25:00.001-08:00

Hey all:

The winners of the Working Daze free book contest have been notified by e-mail.

If you didn't win this one, don't worry there is a new contest coming soon.

Just some random thoughts

2010-01-12T03:58:00.000-08:00

Hi all:

This week's post is a little (well much lighter). Just some thoughts from my brain.

Wow, NBC really messed up with the Jay Leno show by putting it in prime time. Leno seems like a decent enough guy but as a writer I hated seeing TV lose 5 hours of scripted shows a week. I'm glad the show is leaving primetime. Of course this begs the question will Conan accept being pushed back to 12:05 or jump to Fox. A lot of it is about ego, I am betting on the jump. The interesting thing is Leno and Conan were both funnier than they have been in a long time, yesterday when they were busting NBC. (Deservingly so.)

Wow, Sarah Palin will be on FoxNews. I really thought she'd be heading to CNBC. Maybe NBC will give her a 10 o'clock show?

Who will replace Simon on American Idol? I don't think he can be replaced. I think the show will eventually be usurped by Simon's new X-Factor America show.

I am so glad Chuck is back on the air. Yes, I am a geek.

In politics, our congressmen and senators can't really be as dumb as they appear. Can they? Do the senate and congress buildings have some sort of intelligence draining devices? Devices that drain your intelligence to the point that you are capable of agreeing with what your party has to say but nothing else? Yes I am looking at you Harry Reid.... Sigh.

According to ex-NY major Koch I mean ah, Giuliani, there were no terrorist attacks during the Bush administration. I guess they have that intelligence draining device in mayor's offices too. This is a really surprising statement coming from a man who's every other word is "9 11". Sigh.

Yeah, Delta is raising their charges on checked baggage! Now it will cost $23 for your first bag and $32 for your second. Yes, another reason not to fly delta. Sigh... Actually I think this is delta's master plan to help us all get into great shape by carrying around even heavier carry on luggage.

Mark McGuire admits to using steroids. Surprisingly no one not even my mother.

2009

2009-12-31T05:18:00.000-08:00

My father passed away in the beginning of 2009. His death was closely followed by the passing of my wife’s brother. These events sort of set the tone for the entire year.

My father lost a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. My brother in-law, a long battle with alcoholism. They are both sorely missed. As much as I am grieved by their deaths I am even more deeply saddened by the way these two diseases took two strong vibrant individuals (my father an ex-Marine and an artist, my brother inlaw a Veterinarian) and savaged them until they became mere shells of their former selves. I know the Marine in my dad never would have wanted to live the way he lived the last few years of his life, unable to do practically anything for himself. One of the saddest moments of my life is the day I looked into my father’s eyes and realized he didn’t know who I was. The light of recognition in his eyes was gone. That really hurt, even though at the time I couldn’t admit to myself that it hurt. It’s a pain that I am hoping someday others won’t have to experience. In order to do my small share to help I am going to donate 15% of the money I make for Working Daze (it's not a lot) in 2010 (and hopefully beyond) to the National Institute on Aging (http://www.nia.nih.gov/).

Scott and I would also like to encourage those of our readers who can to also try to make an extra contribution to their favorite cause: be it for families who deal with alcoholism (http://www.al-anon.alateen.org/), be it cancer research, be it the boys and girls club, be it The Salvation Army (http://www.salvationarmy.org), be it whatever. We know times are tight. But even small contributions can help. Heck, sometimes just giving time to a charity can be cool.

Since this is suppose to a be a fun comic, I’ll stop sounding like an after school special. There were some good things that happened this year, the birth of a new nephew (Mr. Felipe, the boy always on the move) and new niece (TZ, the girl with those eyes) being the highlights. The family lost two members, the family gained two members. I guess that’s how the Universe works. I am sure my father Mike, and brother inlaw, Manuel, are smiling down on the two new additions. After all, my dad always loved being around young life and these are Manuel’s grandchildren.

Finally, since this is the time of giving, we’ll be doing some giving. I have a bunch of extra books around: some original Working Daze books, my latest novels and my YA book Baxter Moon. We’ll give away 10 books to 10 randomly chosen people. All you need to do is email me at: johnzakour@yahoo.com. All you need to say is: I would like a book. Or something like that. If you are one of the ones chosen you will then be emailed and asked which book you would like. The goal is to start 2010 off on a nice note.

Year coming to Close

2009-12-20T17:23:00.001-08:00

As the year is coming to a close here are some of the strange things I am thinking about.

Okay, I assume our senators and congressmen are intelligent human beings so why do they all act so ridiculous once they become senators and or congress peoples. What they heck every happened to best for country being more important than best for party. Are these guys all just trying to make sure they keep giving Jon Stewart material for the daily show?

Is it really reform without a public option?

When the heck does Chuck come back on and why the heck did NBC wait so long?? Are the Networks being run by partially trained chimps?

Is Avatar going to be Star Wars for this generation?

I'm sorry by New Moon can't be Star Wars for females cause well Star Wars was good.

Wow, I am freaking 52 years old. I remember when my dad was 52 he sure seemed old to me. Can I really be that old? I must be getting old because I am actual anxious for Christmas to get over with. I like it, I really no. I am no scrooge, but man there is a lot of hassle to the season.

Are the Buffalo Bills ever going to get the superbowl again?

Why does the new 27 inch Imac have to be so pretty? Can a computer be pretty? Yes I guess it can.

Why does reality tv seem to breed and nurture such idiots? I am looking at you Spencer and Heidi.

Note: my start of the new year post is going to be much more serious.

We have a winner

2009-11-07T14:27:00.000-08:00

Hey all:

We have a winner in the "you can be in working daze" contest. The winner knows who he or she is and their special cartoon will appear in December.

We want to thank all who entered and there will be more contests and giveaways in the future.

I hate shredders

2009-10-02T05:55:00.000-07:00

Hey all:

Been organizing my office, which means a lot of shredding, which means a lot of shredder jamming. We have two shredders in the house, one tiny 3 paper one and one that holds 6 sheets. I've learned these numbers are no arbitrary. I've learned the hard way, by jamming each one of them on numerous occasions when I tried to hopefully "squeeze just one more page into this batch of shredding..."

It's not that I can't count to 3 or 6 it's just after shredding over and over again your brain (well at least my brain) starts to think, "you know John if I could just squeeze in an extra page or two here and there I could cut down on my shredding time and do something more fun, for example actually write something..." So I inevitably try to cram a few extra pages in, figuring, "this time I will get it."

Ever once in a while it does work. There are times though, most times actually when I end up jamming the shredder. I need to use the reverse button, tooth picks, ice picks, scissors or whatever to unjam it.

This begs the questions: why I do repeat the behavior when I know what is going to happen and why don't I just rip the damn things by hand?

My answer (albeit not a good one) is: I somehow think "current John" is smart than "past John", past John is the guy who tried to cram 8 sheets into the 6 sheeter but did it wrong. Current John learned from his mistakes and will now cram those 8 sheets in better. Even if this current John fails, he will learn from the experience and make future John brighter.

That is my answer, which I like better than just admitting I'm lazy and not all that bright.

This will certainly show up in working daze.

Do you want to be in comics?

2009-09-08T05:05:00.000-07:00

Hi:

Ever want to be a comic strip character? Well now is your chance as we are having the sort of annual, "you can be in working daze" contest. Just email me at johnzakour@yahoo.com and tell me why you deserve to be in Working Daze.

Scott and I will pick one or two or maybe even three lucky winners.

Updates and Stuff

2009-08-18T05:25:00.000-07:00

Hey all:

There is a new page now up of the Zach comic. I hope you find it a fun read and tell your friends.

Also for something a bit different my good friend, world class hypnotist Elena Beloff recently visited me and first interviewed me about the writing process then she hypnotized me into thinking i was Zach from my books (and more.)

It was pretty cool.

Oh next week Rita tries to come up with a "catch phrase".

Roy and Reading

2009-08-09T10:13:00.001-07:00

Okay, who else feels like Roy when it comes to reading Manuals? I have to admit I am. I really read them as a very very last resort.

Oh there's a new page of the zach online graphic novel.

BTW, in the coming weeks Rita will be trying to develop a new "catch phrase."

New Zach comic

2009-07-31T06:07:00.000-07:00

Hi all:

There is a new Zachary Nixon Johnson comic available for free at http://www.zach.pinkraygun.com/ The comic will update on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Tell your friends.

Feedback welcome!

Sapphire Sirens cover on Amazon

2009-07-22T13:37:00.001-07:00

Hi all:

The cover of my new novel: The Sapphire Sirens is now on amazon. I think it is a cool cover.

Working Daze rule number 1

2009-07-09T04:27:00.000-07:00

Hi all:

One that that is fairly constant in the working daze world is that Dana will win 99% of the time. The funny thing is though despite her power and control over the office she is still probably the lowest paid member of the team. I do think that does seem to be the case a lot of times in many organizations where it appears that pay is inversely proportional to the amount of the work a person does. Your thoughts?

One other note about this toon, somebody mentioned that Dana should be smiling in her close up. After all she is showing what great power she has, maybe an entire office swoon with the snap of her fingers. This is true, but Dana is disappointed that none of these people will be doing any work for at least the new few hours.

:)

Help Working Daze

2009-06-28T11:25:00.000-07:00

Hi all:

Scott and I are continuously trying to make Working Daze as good as we can. It many ways its a labor of love for us as while we do get paid the amount we get is pretty much generated by add revenue which means when the economy takes a hit so do we.

It would be nice if loyal Working Daze readers could spread the word about us and tell a friend and have them tell a friend.

It also helps if people visit this blog and leave votes and comments on the web site.

http://comics.com/working_daze/

We want Working Daze to thrill for a long time and it can with your support!

Also would you loyal reader want me to explore more of Dana's magical side?

Next week's working dazes

2009-06-17T16:26:00.000-07:00

Hi all:

Next week Working Daze will take a turn away from the realism of the last two weeks and go for a bit of whacky fantasy.

Hopefully the readers will like it. I think they will.

Still questing for 1K followers

2009-06-15T04:57:00.000-07:00

Due to good progress the quest for 1K followers for Roy has been extended to the end of the month.

If Roy does get 1K followers by then I will give away a few books to readers who comment about Roy's quest on this blog.

Roy really wants to be the fictional geek = of Ashton K.

Said it once and I'll say it again, "Roy may be fictional but he probably has more in common with most people than Ashton does," :)

Dana

2009-06-13T06:32:00.000-07:00

Hi all:

My Niece Nati who is 1/2 the inspiration for Dana (and part the inspiration for Roy's feet) became a mom last night at 4am. Like everything else Dana does the delivery was quite efficient. So efficient the doctor barely got to the hospital before the baby was born. The baby Felipe (Nati lives in Costa Rica where she works for a big multinational company) and mom are doing fine.

Lot of emotion

2009-06-11T06:13:00.000-07:00

Hey all. This toon created a lot of emotion and responses. Really it was only meant to show the folly of management and to make Working Daze a little more "timely". In a week or so we will have a nice fantasy week.

Getting a bit real

2009-06-08T17:28:00.000-07:00

Hi all:

To kind of mirror actual life layoffs will be coming to Working Daze. Yes one character will be cut basically cause he is very replaceable mid-aged white guy who works hard but is nothing special. In other words an easy cut. Don't worry being the comics this will sort of hopefully end happily. Well sort of.

On another note still trying to get Roy 1000 followers (at least on twitter) though I am being flexible and also counting followers on this blog.

If this happens I will give away copies of some of my books. In today's world free stuff is good stuff.

So come on, if Ashton can get close to 2 million followers surely a fictional geek (who is many respects leads a life much closer to the norm than AK) can get 1K.

Thanks.

Jz

Powerful Geek Poll

2009-06-05T05:37:00.000-07:00

A new fun poll to help determine who the world's most powerful "geek" is. This was inspired by the recent poll of most powerful celebrities where Ms. Jolie and Oprah were named in the top 2. (And president Obama was named in the top 50.)

I left these three off the poll as well I am not sure they qualify as geeks. Of course this poses a bigger question: who really is a geek?

Still Questing for 1K

2009-06-03T14:44:00.000-07:00

Roy is still hoping / pleading for 1K followers by mid July. Scroll down for details of why and the cool prizes that can be won.

Ouch!

2009-06-02T05:04:00.000-07:00

Hey all:

One of the people who helped contribute to working daze as the real life partial inspiration to Roy got hurt pretty bad on Sunday. He was up on a ladder at his stepmother's house cutting down a branch with a chain saw. This real life Roy (we will call him Ron cause that's his name) succeeded in bringing down the branch, unfortunately (I think you can see where this is going) the branch also brought him down. He fell 20 ft, luckily, and luck is a very relative term here the chain saw didn't land on him.

Of course even without getting clocked by the saw he still received significant damage and had to be airlifted to a nearby trauma center. He is on the road to recovery now from: two broken heels, a broken ankle, a broken wrist (many bones in the wrist) and a couple of cracked vertebrate.

Feel free to post your "get well soon" wishes.

He is still texting and sending photos from his Iphone but finding it is very difficult with one hand.

BTW

2009-05-28T05:39:00.000-07:00

When I mention Roy's quest to 1000 followers I will count both Twitter followers and blogger followers. I am thank flexible (i.e. desperate.) The more "we" get the more books I will give out.

Times are tight right now, I know a lot of people who have been "downsized" or "laid off". Being a freelancer I can't technically get laid off but people can cut back on their book buying and entertainment spending. Therefore I need to do more than ever to keep interest up.

Working Daze will be reflecting the tighter economy soon. Hmmm....

I just hope the country is on the road to recovery. I think it is. But then again I write cartoons and funny sci fi books for a living.

Quest41KFollowers

2009-05-27T05:13:00.001-07:00

Hello:

We (well mostly me since Roy is basically a part of me and Scott doesn't blog) are now calling Roy's quest for 1000 twitter Followers: Quest41KFollowers.

Follow Roy at: http://twitter.com/WorkingDaze_Roy

If the goal is reached by mid June 10 (or maybe more) lucky people who commented on the blog will win free books. What books: well my sci fi books. I have a bunch of them to give away.

Now why should people follow Roy:

1) He doesn't exist yet he is still more like you than Ashton Kutcher.

2) You want geeks to be on your side.

3) He's witty but modest.

4) All the cool geeks are doing it.

1000 followers for Roy

2009-05-26T07:50:00.001-07:00

Okay I really want to get Roy over 1000 followers on Twitter.

So here's the deal, if Roy gets over 1000 followers by the start of June 15th. I will give away 1 copy of one of my newer books to 5 random readers who respond to this post.

http://twitter.com/WorkingDaze_Roy

Office Bathrooms

2009-05-18T06:29:00.000-07:00

This week's Working Daze will center on Rita's brilliant idea to make the office's bathrooms "pay for use". Yes pay toilets are not a new concept but 1) this never stopped Rita she never claims to be creative and 2) they are new to office environment.

At least I believe they are new.

Hopefully it won't become a real "money saving" trend.

Last week a trek week

2009-05-11T05:29:00.000-07:00

Why did we do an entire week focused on Star Trek? Well for one thing it's a big geek event we thought Roy and Jay and company would be focused on this movie. Secondly, apparently Star Trek had some influence on my choice to become a sf writer. Thirdly, the gags just seemed to flow. Forthly, I don't really have a forth thing, I just wanted to write forthly.

2day's AFR cartoon

2009-04-28T15:59:00.000-07:00

Wow, I never thought today's cartoon with Roy's little robot dog ARF (Artificial Roy Friend) would create so many comments. It is funny ARF was invented by Roy before he had Kathy in his life so there were bound to be some problems. ARF has never been the sweetest pet.

If it comes down to ARF or Kathy pretty sure Roy will pick Kathy. The good news is ARF can probably be reprogrammed.

Today's Working Daze

2009-04-21T07:28:00.000-07:00

Hi all:

Today's Working Daze with Rita being in a dilemma about her conclusion that "all managers are twits who are always wrong" since she is a manager is one of my favorite toons in a long time. I think it may because Scott added Dana's line: "It is rather existential..."

Ah the life of a high paid underworked manager is never easy.

:)

Would People Be Offended?

2009-04-16T05:12:00.000-07:00

If I rolled my "Tales of MidList Writer" blog into this blog? This way I would have only have one blog to maintain.

BTW. I don't have pictures of the other characters inspirations in Working Daze but I can at least hint who they are.

Roy, is based on three different people I use to work with. He has all of their most geeky qualities. I also have to admit there is some of me in Roy.

Jay is pretty much based on me.

Andrew is based on Andre Noel the original Working Daze artist.

Ed is based on two people I use to work with, he acts like one of them looks like the other, sort off.

Sue is based a lady I worked briefly with.

Rita is based (very loosely) on my old boss, she isn't as evil as Rita but I have in fact used her exact quotes in Working Daze.

Dana is based on a combination of my old office manager (you know who you are) and my oldest niece Nati. Nati actually started off as the inspiration for Medusa but kind of merged when she took a job at a big American Corp. (She still has a bit of medusa in her.)

Okay in keeping with the trend I do have her wedding photo.

The Real Elena

2009-04-14T05:36:00.000-07:00

Hey All:

For those who are interested here's a picture of the real Elena from today's cartoon. And yes she is a hypnotist in real life. Oh the big lug with her is me and I am sort of Jay.

You can see Elena in action here.

Repeats

2009-04-03T05:32:00.000-07:00

Hey,

As a reader pointed out today, today's cartoon was a bit of spin / repeat from a previous toon. Like I said in the comments on the site I do this for a number of reasons. The primary reason being: I'm old(er) and I forget things. I've written well over 2,000 Working Daze gags over the years and I don't remember all of them. Heck, I don't remember the ones I wrote last month.

I do keep all the cartoons in one file so I can search and stuff but if I don't vaguely remember doing a toon in the past I don't search for it. Like I said on the site, Scott has returned gags to me because as he says, "ah John we just did this last week."

Today's life as a freelancer means you have to juggle many jobs at once so sometimes my memory with Working Daze isn't as good as it could be. I apologize. Scott and I do try to give you a pretty good product on a regular basis. Believe me it is more of a labor of love for us than a money making endeavor.

Today's cartoon though was a repeat more because I like the theme. We get new readers all the time and there are certain aspects of each character personality I like to repeat. I feel it's important for new readers to see these and I hope it reinforces these personality traits to more established readers.

Plus I don't think it's a bad idea to repeat some of our better material from time to time.

Today's Blopper

2009-03-31T09:10:00.000-07:00

Today's Working Daze Blopper was really (in truth) mine not Rita's. I know Twitter only gives you 140 characters but some how my fingers just typed 144. I guess my finger's brain thought it was easier to type two 4's in a row. I may have more Ed in me than I thought.

Twitter Fame

2009-03-25T06:03:00.000-07:00

From looking at twitter is seems to me a quick way to determine how "famous" you are (Twitter Fame Formula) is to subtract those you are following from your followers. The greater your followers are to those that you are following the greater your fame.

My number is like -30. Roy's is currently -12 and getting smaller all the time.

So not only am I not famous but the fictional character I created is more popular than I am.

On Schedule

2009-03-23T06:20:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

I actually got the new scripts for the new batch of toons over to Scott on time this week. Well, pretty close to being on time.

I figure if I report in it will make me accountable and therefore I will stay on schedule or even ahead of schedule.

Now to get ahead of schedule.

Live Backgrounds

2009-03-17T05:44:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

The more I see the "live" backgrounds in Working Daze the more I like them.

I hope you all like them too.

Scott deserves some kudos for putting so much into Working Daze.

Twittering

2009-03-12T05:50:00.001-07:00

Man, everybody is using or talking about using Twitter these days. Even Roy and I have jumped on the twitter wagon.

I'm still not quite sure what the appeal is. But I am trying it. So far, it's kind of like facebook but with just the "what are you doing now" part.

Maybe I'm just jealous that Roy has so many more followers than I have?

A bit lazy?

2009-03-05T09:03:00.000-08:00

Okay, I am starting to think texting makes me lazy. I was texting my niece and actually started thinking, "there has to be a faster way to type do..."

Yep, I was trying to figure out a way to save myself from typing 1 letter.

OMG!

The Freelance Life

2009-03-04T10:28:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to "wax poetic" a bit about the life of freelance writer. Sure, I may not make as much money as I could be making if I kept on being a highly paid "web guru" database guy. Sure, I may not make the money of the big time writers. But I am still quite happy.

Here are some of the reasons:

I get to make my own hours. This allows me the flexibility to hang with my wife and son. This also allows me to drop my son off at school and to pick him up from school. It's a routine I have been doing for the last 11 years or so. Sure it's made him a bit spoiled, but I believe it's made us closer. Plus I like knowing where he is. (Of course as he got older it was more of a having a general idea where he is.)
It's neat having readers. Between Working Daze, my comics and my novels I must have around 100K readers. Not a lot mind you, but still enough. It's cool knowing that I make a few people smile every day.
I'm my own boss. (I guess this goes with the making my own hours.) I like not having to answer to anybody but myself. On the downside it's tough to complain about what an ass my boss is.
The money. Like I mentioned before it's not a lot of money. Very few freelancers hit the big buck where they can gargle with champagne. But if you put in the time and keep hanging in there and don't mind the rejects you can bring in some nice income.

Finally, I realize the freelance life isn't for everybody. The road to becoming a freelancer is paved far smoother if you have a significant other who has a "real job". (You know the type of the 9-5 job that comes with benefits like insurance and retirement and steady income.)

I'm just grateful that I have a very patient wife who has a very real job. It would be nice if someday I become one of those freelancers who does it hit big. (Can you say movie deal?) If that happens I can pay her back by giving her the option of an early retirement.

Until that day comes I'll just keep plugging away being happy with what I have.

Roy in Twitter

2009-03-04T06:17:00.002-08:00

Okay, I am surprised it took so long, but Roy is now on Twitter.

http://twitter.com/WorkingDaze_Roy

Roy in Twitter

2009-03-04T06:17:00.001-08:00

Okay, I am surprised it took so long, but Roy is now on Twitter.

http://twitter.com/WorkingDaze_Roy

Near and Dear

2009-02-27T05:52:00.001-08:00

This cartoon was very near and dear to my heart as this is based on a real conversation I had with my wife. Of course I am more Jay than Roy (at least that's my story and I am sticking to it) and in real life it was candy not donuts but close enough.

As you can probably guess I am trying to lose weight. My weight loss program got knocked off track by my dad's passing and then our family trip to Costa Rica to visit my wife's mom.

Starting Monday the diet is back on and so is an exercise program you may seem some of this in Working Daze in weeks to come.

Oh please, tell your friends about Working Daze, we need to keep growing our audience.

Economy Rant

2009-02-20T09:15:00.000-08:00

BEGIN RANT:

You know I am getting tired of all these partisan reactions to the economy and life in general.

What happened to doing what's best of the people and the country? Why is always what works follow party lines? If the democrats have an idea then the republicans almost always reject it. If the republicans have an idea then the democrats reject it. I swear a democrat could say, "snow is white and always falls down" and a republican would say, "no snow always falls towards the ground and is white. Oh and we need tax cuts."

The thing is there is no absolute right here there is no absolute wrong here. You will always be able to find flaws in any plan. We all have to be more flexible and see that there can be some merit in what the other side says. We also have to remember that the economy tends becoming a self-forfiling prophecy. We think it's going to be bad because politicians and talk radio and tv hosts tell us it is going to be bad, therefore we pull in our money and don't spend as much therefore the economy does in fact get worse.

So let's all try to cut down on complaining about how the other side doesn't get it and figure out that we are all on the same side. Let's work together and think positive.

Everybody go out and buy something. Hopefully one of my books.

END RANT

I will be back from vacation on monday.

Man I am getting old...

2009-02-06T06:01:00.000-08:00

The true sign that I am getting old is that I messed up the Princess Bride line in today's Working Daze. I am soooo ashamed of myself. It should be he's "mostly dead" not "a little dead". Sorry, sorry, sorry.

I wish I could say it was the "working daze spot the blooper" contest but sadly it is not.

Good SuperBowl Lousy Commerical

2009-02-02T06:36:00.000-08:00

I sat and watched the superbowl with pen and paper (yes I do occasionally still use those ancient devices) in hand hoping to come up with some gags for Working Daze while I wrote.

I wasn't planning on getting to into the game. I figured last years game was good and I had no vested interest in either team this year. So I would hope for my numbers to come up in the pool (they didn't) and hope for some clever commercials.

Wow was I surprised. First off, the game turned out to be exciting and a good game. Not a well played game mind you (lots of bad penaltie and some borderline calls) but still very fun to watch. It's not often you get to see great comebacks by both teams. Second off, none of the commercials did much for me. The Doritos crystal ball one was probably the best, though I don't think the doritos people would really want people getting free doritos that way.

A couple others made me snicker but nothing really stood out at least for being good. The careerbuilder.com on stood out for being really REALLY REALLY to the point where a couple people watching the game at our house said, "wow we would never go to that site even if we needed a new job." So in a sense the commerical was successful since it was one of the few I remember what it is for. In another sense though it certainly didn't make me or anybody else in the room want to use the product.

The good news is I think in writing about I have come up with the idea for some Working Daze cartoons. Hey, thanks careerbuilder!!

winners

2009-01-29T05:54:00.001-08:00

Hi:

The winners of the "free stuff" "contest" are: Richard Kirchknopf, Ashley Gray and Ginger Turner.

The winner of the working daze txting contest is Jmiller with the entry:

GMAB, @TEOTD, YABA IJ, AFAIC, A WOTAM B/C, DQMOT, B IANNNGC WTIROM

Give me a break, At the end of the day, yet another bloody acronym is just, as far as I'm concerned, a waste of time and money because, dont quote me on it but, I am not nurturing the next generation of casualties with the illiterate rambling of Monkeys.

Winners contact me at workingdazecomic@gmail.com giving me your address and the price you would like. Everybody else more contests are on the way.

Free Stuff

2009-01-26T04:17:00.000-08:00

Hi all,

I am now trying to get in the swing of things. I am trying to both get my standings up in zuda and to get my writing rolling again but getting on a regular schedule. The free stuff giveawy is just to kind of jolt me back. Readers who send a email to workingdazecomic@gmail.com will be eligible to win one of my books or a working daze mug.

Also for hanging with us Scott and I (well mostly Scott) made this cool Working Daze bookmark that you can download, cutout and use.

The reason for my absence

2009-01-20T08:16:00.000-08:00

Hi all,

I haven't been as present or attentive as normal. The reason is here on my other blog.

I hope for business as usual tomorrow.

Peace.

Txting Cntst

2009-01-12T04:57:00.000-08:00

Hi all,

We are hoping for some fun entries in our texting contest. Even those who don't win may still get posted here.

Also we are giving a little (very little) free bonus to all who enter.

The email again workingdazecomic@gmail.com.

Some promo material for my zuda entry

2009-01-08T12:51:00.001-08:00

Please check out Lasers Dragons and Lies in Zuda and give us a vote and favorite. It's not Working Daze but it's still a fun read.

Charity

2009-01-06T08:52:00.000-08:00

I know I like to think I make my small contribution to the world by making a few thousand people smile now and then. But every once in a while I like to do more. Therefore the medic and scientist in me likes to contribute to the Nothing But Nets Foundation. Their goal is quite simple and attainable to stop the spread of malaria in Africa by distributing nets to prevent insect bites. Every ten dollars you spend buys one net.

New Zuda Entry

2009-01-05T09:28:00.000-08:00

Hi all:

I am back in DC comics Zuda competition with an entry that is nothing like Working Daze but still fun. It's called Lasers Dragons and Lies. Please check it out and if you like it register (it's painless), then vote for it and add it to your favorites. Giving it a nice rating also helps.

This is my 3rd time in Zuda, it would be nice to win.

photos

2009-01-03T09:19:00.000-08:00

Hi all:

Just wondering what you all think of the new photo realistic images being added into the background of working daze? I actually just noticed them. I kind of like em.

Greed

2008-12-31T05:34:00.000-08:00

Wow, last night while surfing through the tv channels looking for geek ideas for my next batch of Working Daze cartoons I ran into a message basically telling me as it stands now Time Warner (my cable provider) will be eliminating 19 Viacom channels from their lineup as of Midnight tonight. The channel list includes such family favorites as Comedy Central and Nick. It seems the two media giants can not agree on the worth of these stations. So two of the biggest companies in the US are bickering pretty much at the expense of the customers.

Out of the entire list the only one I really watch is Comedy Central for the Daily Show and the Colbert report. Those can both be seen online if needed. So truthfully my life won't be altered much at all by TWC eliminating 19 channels. But and this is a big but, it's the thought that counts. It kind of bugs me that TWC would so readily just dispose of 19 channels many of their customers enjoy just because they and Viacom are basically having a big company "peeing contest". I know companies have to put profits and the bottom line first, but at some point I would think somebody high up on the food chain of these companies would say, "you know we make enough money, let's find a nice medium ground where we can both be happy and also give our customers what they want."

Yes I am naive. You can tell I write comics and science fiction for a living. Still hopefully customers will complain enough and common ground will be found. This way we can all watch the Daily Show on our TVs with our DVRs instead of our computers.

Man, I can't wait for the arrival of "cable ala carte" where we can just pick and pay for the stations we want!

And yes this will show up in Working Daze!

Happy New Year all!

Merry Christmas and stuff

2008-12-24T06:40:00.000-08:00

Hi all:

I just wanted to say Merry Christmas and all that stuff today.

Hopefully you'll all get lots of cool neat gadgets.

My fav or the week

2008-12-19T08:04:00.000-08:00

This was my favorite WD toon this week, something about the wackiness of meeting combined with the fact that I've been in sooooo many staff meetings that seemed to go this way.

And the winner is...

2008-12-18T06:19:00.000-08:00

I figured it was time to pick a winner of the "why I've been a good geek and deserve a mug" contest. WIBAGGADAM. I liked all of the entries. So I took the names of all the people who sent entries put them in an excel spreadsheet in the order that their entries came in. Then I generated a random number to pick the winner based on that order. The winner is: Stephanie.

Stephanie now if you email us at Workingdazecomic@gmail.com with your address we will send you a mug.

There will be more contests soon!

Archer snub

2008-12-09T09:08:00.000-08:00

Hi all:

One good thing about writing a daily comic is if you have a "brain fart" and say you forget to include a fairly important star trek captain in a monthly poll you can sort of make up for this by having that captain in a cartoon down the road. So sure enough in the coming weeks forgotten captain Archer will be mentioned in a Working Daze cartoon. Thanks to those of you who have pointed out he was forgotten. I guess because the show didn't run the typical trek seven seasons he slipped my mind. My apologies to Mr. Bakula.

Don't forget you can still post your entries to entry below and maybe win a new mug. We are trying to update the mug to have Scott's art on it. He's been drawing WD for a while now so I think it's high time he gets represented. :)

Working Daze Blog

Friday the 13th

Holiday Wishes

I really like my iPad..

Computers and why they don't allow us to relax more

Just touching base...

I have become Rita..

Dudes and Chicks

More Maria

So Much For Weekly

Okay not exactly working daze but from the writer of working daze...

For the Poll

Updating...

Maria's Day

More Power For Our Readers

Universal

Intelligent Political debate

My Song Mondays

Maria's Day

Yo

OOOPPPPS

Happy new year

JZ Monday Rant About TV commercials

Sign Suggestions for the Rally for Sanity

Things I don't understand... (Note not comprehensive)

Apple

Dieting....and more

Forums

Thinking

Pac Man is 30

Scott and Mine Newest project

I almost forget

Checking In

Last Giveaway Winner

Grumpy This Week

Roy on Facebook

Thoughts of the Week

A tribute to my mother inlaw

More "Thinking" Such As It Is

One more mouse pad

The Ipad

What does this say about?

Updating more and more

Wow

Winners have been notified

Just some random thoughts

2009

Year coming to Close

We have a winner

I hate shredders

Do you want to be in comics?

Updates and Stuff

Roy and Reading

New Zach comic

Sapphire Sirens cover on Amazon

Working Daze rule number 1

Help Working Daze

Next week's working dazes

Still questing for 1K followers

Dana

Lot of emotion

Getting a bit real

Powerful Geek Poll

Still Questing for 1K

Ouch!

BTW

Quest41KFollowers

1000 followers for Roy

Office Bathrooms

Last week a trek week

2day's AFR cartoon

Today's Working Daze

Would People Be Offended?

The Real Elena

Repeats

Today's Blopper

Twitter Fame

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