Saturday, February 28, 2009

Cartoosh Bookstore: Wacom Cintiq Display Tablet

Many of you enjoy drawing pictures or cartoons. You probably have been doing it with pencils on papers. Ever think of drawing on your computer? How about right on your computer screen or LCD display? Wouldn't it be exciting drawing or tracing your favorite gigglePets and the giggleBites cartoons right on your computer LCD display.

Well... I'm glad to tell you that your dream has come true. I have been using the Wacom Cintiq display tablet and the pressure-sensitive pen to draw all the cartoons you've seen at Cartoosh. The package comes with drawing/painting software and PhotoShop Element that let you perform all kinds of artwork without making a mess on your desk. It's easy, fun, and exciting. Watch the video and check it out!


To get one of the Wacom Cintiq display tablet, simply click on the link next to the video above, which takes you directly to Amazon. Or, you can visit the Cartoosh Bookstore and look under the Gadgets category. Trust me... Once you get one of your own, you can't live without it, or go back to drawing with pencils on papers.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

giggleBites: Singing In The Shower

How many of you sing in the shower? I do. So does Andy. In fact, Andy is pretty good singer. He enjoys singing in the shower so much that his shower normally takes a couple of hours. Just a piece of advice from Andy... If you plan to do the same, make certain the shower drain is not clogged.

Love giggleBites? Get a giggleBite at our Cartoosh Gallery today!

(Click to see the full sized giggleBites cartoon!)

Monday, February 23, 2009

Cartoosh's View: CA: Give Me Your Unwanted Stimulus Money

1/22/2009

Some GOP governors appear to have difficult time in deciding whether to accept any money from the $787 billion economy stimulus package provided by the federal government. Some even are doing their calculus in determining which portion of the stimulus aid would be accepted and which portion not. Their reasons: The stimulus package is a waste of the taxpayers' money and is not going to help much of the economy or create enough jobs.

Well... California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is more than happy to offer an easier solution to those governors: "Give your unwanted money to California. I'll take it!" Gov. Schwarzenegger just signed a painful budget deal last week in his state with severe cuts in spending, tax hikes, and borrowing to fill a $41 billion budget gap.

Get Cartoosh's View at Cartoosh Gallery today!

(Click to see the full sized editorial cartoon!)

Thursday, February 19, 2009

giggleBites: A Mole Too Small

Many of us have got moles on our body. A few moles may show up on our face. Don't like where they are and how they look? Andy has got one, too. He is a bit worry about how people would think of him. Well... Why don't we get some advice from Kerry and see what she would say? Hopefully, she'll make all of us feel good.

Like the cartoon? Get a giggleBite from Cartoosh Gallery today!

(Click to see the full sized giggleBites cartoon!)

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Welcome gigglePanda to giggleZOO

Just heard the news from giggleZOO that the latest member of the gigglePets family, gigglePanda, has arrived. I've attached one of the pictures in the press release for your quick reference. To see and learn more about gigglePanda, visit our sister blog, giggleZOO. She's a bit shy, but definitely say hello to her and hug her.

Also, I was told that her pictures are now available at our Cartoosh Gallery. Check them out!

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

giggleBites: Writing The Alphabet

OK, today's homework is writing the alphabet. We all have done this numerous times. That's simple and easy. Right? Well... In case you still remember, there are twenty six alphabet letters in total. This sure is going to take some time to do.

Remember, giggleBites are available at our Cartoosh Gallery!

(Click to see the full sized giggleBites comic strip!)

giggleBunny Puts On For Easter Egg Customs

You may think Easter holiday are still a few weeks away. I already heard that the giggleBunny twins can't wait to put on their colorful Easter Egg customs. They wish all of you a happy Easter. I've included a picture below for your quick look. Read the press release and visit giggleZOO to see more pictures.

This year, join the giggleBunny twins and celebrate your Easter wearing the giggleBunny Happy Easter T-shirt. Don't forget to send a gift card to your friends and family. Visit Cartoosh Gallery and shop early today!

Monday, February 16, 2009

giggleBites: Join The Swimming Team

Many kids want to be in a swimming team. It is competitive and takes lot of commitment. But, it's fun. Andy has been with a swimming team since last summer and is picking up new skills quickly. Kerry is not so sure, though. No problem. Daddy is sending Andy to convince her. Let's see if she agrees.

Like giggleBites? You can now sponsor giggleBites at Cartoosh Gallery!

(Click to see the full size giggleBites comic strip!)

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Cartoosh's View: Bank CEOs Grilled By Congress

2/11/2009

After Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner announced yesterday that the government, the Federal Reserve, and the private sectors would spend around $2 trillion to bailout the troubling financial institutions, US bank CEOs appeared in front of the House Financial Services Committee in an attempt to repair their tarnished reputation. The banks are accused of using the money to cushion their balance sheets or buy up rivals. They are also accused of rewarding themselves with exceptional amount of bonus and corporate retreats to swanky hotels in Las Vegas and other resorts.

In response to questions regarding his previous plan to treat his bank to a new private jet, Citigroup CEO Vikram Pandit said: "We did not adjust quickly enough ... and I take personal responsibility for this mistake." He now pledged that he'll take a salary of one dollar a year with no bonus, until Citigroup is back in profit.

After the hearing, these US bank CEOs will be facing a much bigger "challenge" in terms of what would be "the best uses" of the $2 trillion bailout money for the financial institutions.

(Click to see the full sized editorial cartoon!)


giggleBites: A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words

We all understand pretty well the old saying - "A picture is worth a thousand words." A picture resonates more effectively and efficiently than its rival article thanks to the powerful processing capability of the human brain. You may be wondering if kids agree with that. Let's ask Andy and see what he says...

(Click to see the full sized comic strip!)

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Cartoosh's View: $3 Trillion To Save Our Economy

2/10/2009

How much would it take to turn around the sinking economy again?

The Obama administration has been considering for the government and private sectors to purchase so-called toxic assets from the struggling financial institutions. According to the new estimate, the amount of government and private funds combined will be "on an initial scale of up to $500 billion, with the potential to expand up to $1 trillion."

In addition, the Federal Reserve announced it would commit up to $1 trillion to purchase bonds or other assets backed by consumer loans. The Treasury will guarantee a portion of the Fed investment by putting up $100 billion, an increase from a $20 billion commitment that Bush administration had announced.

Adding all up along with the stimulus plans, the U.S. could throw as much as $3 trillion more in government and private funds into the fight against frozen credits and job losses. And, I think that's only a best guess at this point in time. What's your number?

(Click to see the full sized editorial cartoon!)

giggleBites: Trading Lunch

Andy came back from school hungry. He explained to Kerry that he was trying to trade his tuna sandwich with Chris's nachos. If you've had nachos before, you probably would not agree on Andy's proposal. But, what can be worse than just a bad idea?

(Click to see the full sized giggleBites comic strip!)

giggleBites: Valentine Sharing

For many, Valentine is about expressing your love. For kids, Valentine is a learning process of sharing what they have.

(Click to see the full sized comic strip!)

New Comic Strip: giggleBites

Hello World!

I'm glad to introduce to you our new comic strip - giggleBites. The giggleBites comic strip presents lots of funny things and conversations between the two little kids - Andy and Kerry. The comic strip was first created at giggleZOO and has been very popular by lots of our readers. Now, we'll be syndicating the giggleBites comic strip at Cartoosh. Hope you enjoy giggleBites and give us feedback!

Below is the first hit of giggleBites in which Kerry is trying to express her Valentine love.

(Click to see the full sized comic strip!)

Monday, February 9, 2009

Cartoosh's View: Obama Administration Tries Its Best

2/9/2009

President Obama held a conference today to call on Republicans not to "play the usual politics games" and pressure the lawmakers to approve the massive economy stimulus plan.

"The plan is not perfect," the president said. "No plan is. I can't tell you for sure that everything in this plan will work exactly as we hope, but I can tell you with complete confidence that a failure to act will only deepen this crisis as well as the pain felt by millions of Americans."

President Obama said the country could well be in better shape by next year, as measured by increased hiring, lending, home values and other factors. "If we get things right, then, starting next year, we can start seeing significant improvement," Obama said.

Most of people seem to agree on President's call that the government has to take swift actions to bailout the troubling economy. Some experts concern that the stimulus plan lacks a clear strategy and is very much like a whole bunch of plans bundled together. Under the tremendous pressure in time, I guess we just has to throw all the mud on the wall and hope some would stick.

(Click to see the full sized editorial cartoon!)

Saturday, February 7, 2009

Cartoosh's View: Same Old Politics Played By Obama?

President Obama has suffered a great political setback due to recent withdrawals announced by Nancy Killefer and Tom Daschle. Killefer's withdrawal was due to her tax issues, while Daschle's has to do with both his tax issues and interest conflicts related to his work with some health care companies. Not long ago, Gov. Bill Richardson withdrew from consideration of Commerce Secretary due to the federal probe of a company's business dealings with the government he leads. Although Tim Geithner was already sworn in as Treasury Secretary, he also failed to pay for his self-employment taxes.

The frauds those people revealed are part of the reason why Americans no longer trust politicians and their governments. That President Obama stood by those candidates firmly to the last minute makes American people wonder if he is still serious about his promise for new politics in Washington.

Also, see other comments to this editorial cartoon at CNN's iReport.com. As of Feb. 8, this cartoon has received the highest ratings on iReport.com.


(Click to see the full sized editorial cartoon.)

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Cartoosh's View: Daschle and Killefer Withdrew Their Nominations

2/3/2009

Apparently, Timothy Geithner is not the only one who has failed to pay taxes. But, he is luckier than
Tom Daschle and Nancy Killefer.

Due to concerns over his tax issues and potential
conflicts of interests, Daschle has announced his withdrawal from the nomination by President Obama to lead the nation's health-care reform.

Concerns about Daschle's failure to fully pay his taxes from 2005 through 2007 had been growing, even after he paid $128,203 in back taxes and $11,964 in interest last month. It was reported that Daschle also has also failed to pay Medicare taxes, although the actual amount has not been disclosed. There are also concerns about potential conflicts of interests related to his work at a law firm with some health care special interests.

Hours earlier, Nancy Killefer, who was considered to become Chief Performance Officer - a role that is supposed to make our government better, also announced her withdrawal from the nomination. There were concerns that her tax issues might go beyond the unpaid unemployment compensation tax on household help in 2005.

President Obama has promised us a change in Washington politics. With all these issues surfacing up today, I have to ask President Obama a question: "Is your change for better or for worse?"

Also, read this editorial cartoon on CNN's iReport.com.

(Click to see the full sized cartoons.)

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Meet Our giggleBunny and giggleBunnie Twins

As soon as giggleBunny twins move in giggleZOO, we ask them to check out Cartoosh. Meet the new members of the gigglePet family: giggleBunny and giggleBunnie! While growing up at their snow heavy hometown, the giggleBunny twins have mastered snowboarding. Check out giggleBunny at Cartoosh Gallery to see their "colorful" snowboarding pictures.