One of my granddaughters is 8 years old (going on …., you know). Anyway, when
she saw one of my Ampersand cartoon strips on my computer, she got very
interested. The other night she asked me if I had any new Ampersand “storiies”.
So, I pulled one up and “PLOP” she was on my knee asking me if we could read
it together. Not surprisingly, she wanted to read Rah’s part. So we proceeded.

Afterwards, I interviewed her a bit about what she thought about the cartoons
and if she thought she would like to give the characters words of her own choosing.
She jumped at the idea. Well, now I’ve created some blank templates and trying
to figure out the best way to get them into print form so she can have some fun
and, possibly, for others as well.

It just so happens my youngest daughter is in a career move into education as a
1st year 5th grade teacher. That’s the interest in the print form so she could use
the cartoon blanks as writing/discussion prompts. Working on that.

Here’s the latest Ampersands strip suitable for kids. I have a couple of questions
for you after you read it. While you read, think about whether any children you
know might be interested in writing conversations into blank cartoon ballloons.

Ever know a kid like Rhoid?

OK, what do you think? Any suggestions? I’d love to hear from you.

@SeniorTweet on Twitter or comment below or email me at seniortweet@gmail.com.

BTW - What’s for lunch?

- Val Spangler,

Tweet me @SeniorTweet

The Ampersands - Rhoid and Rah

After showing my 8 year old granddaughter an age appropriate rendering of the
Ampersandroids, she surprised me with her own version. The next time she visited
she showed me a “newspaper” she had made with her own hand drawn cartoon
figures (dialogue balloons and all). She constantly amazes me with her imagination
and drawing ability. My good buddy is a very intelligent young girl.

Plus - she gave me an idea that is still in development that I am trying out on you
today. Now, this may be more fun for kids than adults but my mind is spinning with
possible applications. Try it out with you kids, or friends and, if you are brave, with
your mate! WHAT CAN YOU LEARN PUTTING WORDS IN OTHER “PEOPLE’S” MOUTHS?

Here you have Rhoid and Rah, The Ampersandroids. Two cartoon characters with
personalities to be developed by you by PUTTING WORDS IN THEIR MOUTHS.
How? This will not be super easy for some of you - for others???

Rah, he's letting them put words in our mouths again!

If you don’t have screen capture software, you can just do a “print screen”
and then have at it with a pen or pencil. (Grayscale will save on the color printer
cartridge.) If you have screen capture software like SnagIt from Techsmith with
its “Editor” function. you will be well on your way to simple cartooning. Capture
your “cartoon” figures (where’s George Bush when you need him?) and …

Try it out with your kids - talk to them about ampersands, dialogue, conversations,
or any thing that is revealed in what is put in the cartoon balloons.You can just do
it with paper and pencil: Rhoid 1 - Rah-1, Rhoid 2 - Rah 2 and so on …

Caveat:
Hey, this is an experiment! Realize what is revealed may surprise you, dumbfound
you or even shock you. You must use good judgment in how this experiment is
conducted in your own set of circumstances. Val Spangler, cannot be held
responsible in any way, should you proceed with this exercise and run into problems.

However, I would appreciate any feedback you have positive or negative. And, yes
I am working on tutorials for the process and software manipulation. If you like
the idea, use it. - You may print as many copies as you would like - just give me
attribution and leave the copyright on any printouts.

If you would like clean copies without all the hassle, just “tweet” me on Twitter
@SeniorTweet with your email address or email me seniortweet@gmail.com and I
will send them to you in either Word or PDF format (your choice) You will have to
go through the double opt-in process so I can cover my butt legally. I hate spam
and I am sure you do too.

I repeat- this is an experiment. Let me know what you think. Feedback appreciated.

- Val Spangler
Comics Cartoons and Creativity (You are here.)
@SeniorTweet on Twitter ( http://twitter.com/SeniorTweet/ )
Senior Writer Blog
Mister Senior Blogger
Twitter Uses

Join the Twitterverse!

Naming, branding even the choice of a user name can be a very difficult challenge.
Most of us involved with internet marketing have faced that challenge and not
always with great success. So it seems may be the fate of our good friend, the
Ampersand, Rhoid. Even with the help of an intelligent partner like Rah, Rhoid may
not be up for the task. Well, we all have our limitations …

Yes, matching one's self to the right niche is a challenge.

OK folks - Rhoid needs help! What suggestions do you have for Rhoid? Do you
think most Tweeters would find HammerRhoid to be a pain? Rhoid would really
appreciate it if you could come up with a distinctive Twitter name that would both
be distinctive and effective for his journey into the Twitterverse.

What do you think? Any suggestions? - Tweet me at @SeniorTweet - http://twitter.com/Senior Tweet/

- Val Spangler
Comics Cartoons and Creativity (but you are already here).
SeniorTweet on Twitter
Mister Senior Blogger.
Senior Writer Blog
Twitter Uses

A lot of senior golfers dream about it - shooting their age that is.

I dream too? How about you?

Fantasy or Realistic Goal?

One of the older professional golfers I’ve admired over the years was Gary Player.
He took care of himself with diet and exercise.That enabled him to shoot his age
numerous times including in Champions Tour tournaments.

Closer to home, I’ve played several times with a senior who shoots his age (or better!)
every time he goes out - he’s 91.

Fantasy or realistic goal? Diet, exercise and regular stretching will let you know.
My method is “water on stone” brief sessions whenever you get a chance. Waiting
for your coffee or tea to heat. Standing in line. Watching the grandkids play sports.
Even in front of the telly - on the carpet is the place to be - just during commercials.
You’ll be amazed at what the “water on stone” approach can do.

Pardon me now - I’m going to go fantasize while I stretch …

- Val Spangler, Mister Senior Blogger.

You'll be glad you did!

Please follow me on Twitter - http://twitter.com/SeniorTweet/

I just turned 70!

I ask you friend - come with me to build YOUR LEGACY!

- Val Spangler, Mister Senior Blogger

You'll be glad you did!

Please follow me on Twitter - http://twitter.com/SeniorTweet/ .

Perhaps you know by now - some of my strips are more serious
than funny. Here’s another one …

We will explore the value!

On Wednesday I am launching a blog Twitter Uses that will explore the various
ways Twitter can be used for business and personal purposes. My preliminary
research has been incredibly rich, interesting and, actually, fascinating.

The creative mind of man (and woman) never ceases to amaze. Come along with
me and find some new and unusual ways you can get value out of your Twitter
account. The reasoning behind these developments is as important as the
practical uses they manifest.

REMEMBER: WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11.

Don't miss the launch!

http://twitteruses.com

- Val Spangler, Mister Senior Blogger.

You'll be glad you did!

Follow here: http://twitter.com/SeniorTweet/

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