Recently, I got a new work computer.  With it, came a new operating system.  Part of me was apprehensive about it.  We all know there’s a learning curve in figuring out how to do the things we could easily do on the old computer.  But once I stopped grumbling, it was pretty easy to figure out the layout and features of the new OS.  However, I’ll say that they’ve employed some new terminology: they’ve found new names for new things and new names for old things.  It got me worried a few times.  I started wondering, “If I click this button and that button, is it going to do what I think it’s going to do?”

As for the art this week, the overall layout didn’t quite turnout the way I envisioned it.  Once I started lettering it, I wished that I one more panel to make the pacing better.  Of course, five panels can be a bit much.  There is only so much real estate; squeezing in one more panel means each panel is smaller.  That’s part of the challenge and fun of these strips: figuring out how to tell a story from start to finish in only so many panels!

In our last episodes, Riley bought a shirt he thought was stylish.  As it turns out, it was actually defective!  Hmmm, how did this happen?  Can he return it without further drama?

I haven’t done one of these in a while.  But this week’s strip continues with last week’s storyline.  These story arcs are usually fun. It allows me to take an idea and run with it (for a few strips anyway).  I hope it’s just as much for you!

One day, I was shopping for clothes at my favorite store and I saw a shirt liked.  I took a second look at it and saw what looked like a defect.  It sort of looked like it was torn open at the seams where the cloth is folded over and stitched. I thought to myself, “Whoah, whoah, I can’t buy this.”  But I took closer look at it and realized that it was intentional as all the other shirts in the pile were the same.  At that point, I thought to myself to “Whoah, whoah, this is cool.  I need to buy this!”  It’s funny how the shirt stayed the same, while my opinion changed.

It’s interesting how your setting can affect your perspective and expectations.  If a grocery stored charged $6 for a 16 oz. bottle of soda, you’d be up in arms.  But if you order that same amount of soda at a local nightclub, you’d sign that bill without a second thought.  Of course, those the preceding bottles of alcohol may help temper your righteous indignation.

It’s amazing how a few simple words can turn excitement and promise in utter and dismal disappointment.  But it’s as Ernest Hemingway once said, “Oh well.”   Okay maybe he didn’t actually say that.  But he should have.

It goes without saying that context makes all the difference.  If you read a word or phrase without clarification, you will make an interpretation of it’s meaning.  Placed in a contextual situation, the speaker’s true meaning will become evident.  For some people, a little less explanation goes a longer way!

It seems that everyday, a new phone comes out with the latest capabilities that you just have to have.  Well, according to the cell phone company anyways.  At first, there was 3G, then there was 4G, then there was 4G LTE (whatever that is).  But I guess it’s all the rage!  I wonder what’s next.

This week’s strip seems very topical…at least for me.  I went to a fantastic The Fray concert a few days ago.  I also discovered new artist Dia Frampton (new to me anyway).  All around, fabulous show. There was a good size crowd.  But it wasn’t shoulder-to-shoulder packed.  I can only imagine how dreadful that would be.  Once you got a good spot, if you’d never want to leave…even if you had to go.

In just a few short years, it seems that everyone and their brother has gotten on Twitter.  Sometimes, I find myself surprised by what companies have accounts.  For most companies it makes sense.  But for others, I don’t really understand the need for it.  I guess publicity is publicity; but, does the local morgue really need a Twitter feed?