April 2007 Blog Posts Note: Some links may no longer work
Wednesday, April 25, 2007 Just a few more Pitos to burn off OK, honest, this should be the last of the reader Pito submissions!
pooparacha -- the tiny presents cockroaches leave on the floor (usually corners in the kitchen) just so they let you know they are there but you haven't gotten them yet. Your cartoons are so sweet! Thank you! What a great idea for the Pitos - I made this one up within 5 seconds of reading your cartoon of Pitos - it must have been there deep down waiting for its time to materialize and you prompted it! God bless you! -- Nancy A., Houston, TX
slickery -- I typically use this word when the pavement is extra slippery like when a light rain falls on an already ice over pavement. Or in the summer time when it starts rains after a long dry spell making the roads more than slippery but slickery. -- Bobbi H.
nascaropoly -- the ability to completely own, control, and exceedingly profit by keeping a sport in the family. Love your comics. -- Judy L., Sparta, NC
diagionalititis -- tendency of elderly people to walk diagionally through a parking lot, blocking your way for as long as possible. -- L.M. Robinson, Captain, USAF (Ret.)
chequalo (che-qua-lo) -- meaning 'Check it out.' -- Iris, Burbank, CA
coolisimo -- when my sister and I ask mami: "Isn't this cool?! Mami. answers: "coolisimo." Derived from the english word "cool" and adding the Spanish suffix "isimo" for sarcasm. -- Carina B.
Hay, no mefreakas -- What Tio Danny says when somebody "freaks" him out! Danny G., Milwaukee, WIS
There ya go! Thanks to all the readers who sent in submissions! By the way, Iris from Burbank (above) apparently works atDreamWorks Animation SKG and included this animation in her email. Cool! Thanks Iris! --------------------------------------------------------- Post by HCantu at 8:31PM. Comments to baldomail@baldocomics.com.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
RE: Escuchale over Very cute and funny! Thanks for making me laugh! --------------------------------------------------------- Post by G. Graham at 10:45PM. Comments to baldomail@baldocomics.com.
COMMENTS ¦"Escuchale Over..." What the ....... (English translation: Listen to it over...??????). In the name of millions and millions of Spanish speaking people, I am begging you to stop contaminating our Spanish language with your so called "Pitos" (english translation: "whistles"). I am a proud spanish speaking man, who during my 29 years before coming to the United States of America, learned the pure spanish language, as mandated by the "Real Academia de la Lengua Española" and I feel offended by the way you are mutilating our spanish language with words with far different meanings from what you state in your cartoon. Please use your priviledged position as a published cartoonist to send more inspirational messages to your readers, even though your cartoon is for amusement. If my spelling or grammar in writing this english message are not perfect, my apologies. I did my best to avoid any errors. Con mucho respeto... Post by Jose L.
¦Isn't escuchale a valid Spanish word that is derived from escuchar, "to listen"? My knowledge of Spanish in limited, but I would think "listen to him/her/it/you" or something close should fit. I enjoy the strip. Post by M.Rogers.
¦Am I the only one who got "Escuchale over"?! I totally understood it as: "Listen to me you couch hogs! Scooch (or "scoot") over & make some room for your tired old Tia!" As mi esposo began to learn more idiosyncratic american expressions he started saying "scooch over" as "Escoocharlovillome" when he sat down next to me on the couch! Scooch is obvious, "Escuchame"- listen to me, "charl"- short for "charlamos" (let's chat), "ovillo"- a ball of wool (all soft & warm & fuzzy- that's me!). He made "ovillome" sound like "all over me". Notice the connection between the words escu-char y char-lar? One means "to listen", the other "to chat". Can't have one without the other, you have to be together to do them both. And the closer, more rolled up like a ball, the better!!! And isn't that what Tia Carmen was really trying to convey to her family?! Scooch over, let's snuggle, I love being close to mi familia! This isn't about poking fun at ethnic backgrounds. It's about languages & how people use them. Every family, in every country, in every language has it's little "inside jokes", it's own family "pitos". I know grown adults who suddenly revert to "baby talk" when around their family! Many of the people who post pitos to this forum are relaying pitos from their own family historia. Choosing to have fun with language makes it fun to learn a new one! Picking up on colloquialisms makes for a better understanding of the people one is trying to communicate with. Mi esposo has rattled off to me many spanish words that would get you a date Ecuador, but would get you slapped in Puerto Rico, arrested in Guatemala, beat up in Peru...etc! (Even "pito" has a variety of meanings depending on when & how you use it! What do most people think of if you call someone a "wiener"? I don't believe that even your grandmother would think you were talking about an Oscar Meyer product!!) I think that your choice of "Pitos", as the definition of mixed up words, is appropriate! It's all "pitos y flautas"! It's rare to find an american who could speak the proper "King's English" and spanish is no different. So much for "pure spanish"! Cheerio-itos! Post by Catharine E.
¦Oye, just wanted to add a foot note to my previous letter. These pitos actually remind me a lot of the redneck words that can be found in "Jeff Foxworthy's Redneck Dictionary: Words You Thought You Knew the Meaning Of". Actual published examples: ban·dit (band´-et), v. and n. censured or forbidden, by decree. “We can’t dance no more, ’cause after the preacher saw Footloose, he bandit.” bar·gain (bär´-gen), n. and adv. pertaining to a return to a tavern. “I’m still thirsty, so whaddya say we go hit that bargain.” It seems I never hear about any rednecks getting all huffy & offended that they're being made fun of for slaughtering the english language. As a matter of fact, they seem to revel in it!!! Post by Catharine E.
Speaking for non-Latinos ... I just wanted to give you one reader's opinion: I do not think the "PITOS" series is in good taste. I am not Hispanic, but I think if you were poking fun at my ethnic background I might really get disturbed. I undestand that the mix of ethnic history that new Americans bring do contribute to and do enrich our English language. But that is not a reason to poke fun at such linguistic efforts. I think it's time for you to find alternative topics. --------------------------------------------------------- Post by Herb at 10:20PM. Comments to baldomail@baldocomics.com.
Pitos, pitos, pitos, pitos y pitos
Pito suggestions from readers keep coming in! Here are more:
e for echale -- One morning my abuelita Virginia woke me up at my at 7am befor going to meet her friends for a ritual Sunday morning cafecito and pan dulce yelling at me because I borrowed her car the previous night and stating I left it with no fuel. I gathered myself and told her "abuelita toda via le falta que la aguja llega a la "E" para Empty". She came back "empty que tus nalgas fregadas la "E" no es para "empty" es para "ECHALE" flojo. Gotta Love Abuelita Virginia. -- submitted by Ace C.
junkitos -- My mother used to call the little items one might buy at a five and dime or similar store - low priced, not very useful items - "Junkitos". I still often use it for the stuff one always accumulates. -- Steve B., Mechanicsville, Va.
¡forgétalo! -- no explanation needed. -- Sara
foochie man -- In my family since I can remember and even my mama carmen can remember...(that's saying a lot!) ... whenever we smell something foul ... especially when changing diapers it seems ... we have always used "Foochie Man!" to say "Boy thats a stinky!" -- Mario A., San Antonio, TX
el humongo - something VERY, VERY BIG. - Jake S., Jupiter, FL
cante tu -- response to an implausible thought by a skeptical aunt. Definition: Rave on, I don't believe a word you said. John P., Ft. Lauderdale, FL
palabrafication -- a combination of palabra and fabrication. The art of making up words, particularly by the advertising and drug industries, i.e. Jog-a-thon, beervesa, esomeprazole, nucular (?!), burglarize, etc. -- George N., Vista, CA
watchalay! -- what Baldo's family yells out the car window when Baldo is driving the family car. -- Cliff O., Los Angeles
mal paso -- What Tia Carmen or any of the family says when a accident or mistake occurs! It shouldn't be a problem to make a cartoon to illustrate 'Mal Paso' with Baldo and family. -- Abel Q., Pacific Grove, CA
ay, que chicho -- My Mom would say "ay, que chicho" whenever someone dressed up extra nice. Mostly Dad....or my hubby. -- Rita L., Irvine, CA
merjurje -- stuff that you cannot identify. "Que es todo este merjurje?" chinchero -- grouping different stuff together. "Levanten todo este chinchero que esta en el piso, en el jardin, etc..... " -- David A., Rio Grande City, TX
IRS disease -- the fainting caused by a glimpse of a bill. -- Ammon S., Irvine, CA
¡Dale gas! -- go ahead Ni modo -- no way tal por cual -- one for the other ta' loco -- he's crazy ta' loca -- she's crazy fuchi (while pinching your nose) -- it stinks -- Lola, TX
goblutios -- the noise your stomach makes after eating your Tia Carmen's infamous meatloaf. -- Jim M., Jupiter, FL
estuffa -- a thing or things that have no particular description but occupy space and may require carrying. -- Garrett V., Dallas
OK, that's plenty for today. Maybe one last batch tomorrow! --------------------------------------------------------- Post by HCantu at 10:17PM. Comments to baldomail@baldocomics.com.
Monday, April 23, 2007
The gates have been opened OK, we ask, and we receive. Suggestions for Pitos -- words and phrases with definitions that aren't in the dictionary -- are filling up the inbox. Here's a big batch:
mere -- contraction of come here. When you get tired of yelling at your kids or pets you use MERE instead .... Say it real fast ... come here, come here, comehere, MERE! -- submitted by Dale C., Mesa, AZ
giver -- what one does when the traffic light turns yellow ... you giver! -- Stan K., Niverville Manitoba, Canada
chuculucus -- My father would use this word when he was talking about snacks for watching movies or TV. I thought it was a real Spanish word and when I used it on a boyfriend of mine, many years later, he looked at me as if I was crazy! Then I asked my mom about it and she said, while laughing, that it wasn’t a real Spanish word. -- Mari O.
marketa -- a small grocery store where they sell vegetables and meat. i.e. I am going to the marketa to get bread. parkeo -- an available parking space in a lot. i.e. Mira! Parkeate en ese espacio. -- Sergio C., Winnetka, CA
goch -- My son started using an englishized version of ¡Que Gacho! after our visit to Mexico. He now says: "That's Goch!" - Jonathan S.
chuping -- When my child was about 2, I asked why her hand was wet; she said she was "chuping" her fingers. -- Carmen, San Antonio, TX
haveabanana -- what your little sister thinks the magic words are. -- Natasha, Dallas, TX
me-an -- refers to oneself and is the first word of many sentences that contain a compound subject. Example: Me-an Joe explored the cave. -- Zachary A., Grand Rapids, MI
whackamole -- the fun thing you can do at a fair by playing the game where you hit the little creatures that pop up. -- Barry L., Miami, FL
Hispanically delicious- what Papi, Baldo and Gracie would say about Tia Carmen's cooking. Food that is authentic, made with love, and "bien sabroso!" -- Jaime C., West Palm Beach, FL
stuffylicious - a sopapilla filled to the max with beans, cheese and meat. -- Kenneth Paul M.
oyos (pronounced Oi-Yose) -- A condescending facial gesture brought on by a random act of idiocy. Basically, the oyos is the look someone gives you because you are or have just done something stupid. You know, the “You’re An Idiot” look. Example: I asked for her phone number, but all she gave me was the oyos. -- Blake B., Mt. Pleasant, TX
spuddle -- that little drop of liquid left in your spoon after you've stirred your coffee. -- TD Pittsford, Nevada City, CA
cuuuuuuuuumin -- what you say when your mom calls you downstairs for breakfast. -- Lennox M.
lockeala la puerta -- what my aunt says so I can lock the door. -- Dan C.
behinya -- what is behind where you're standing. -- Joyce P., Kingsville, TX
fontrum -- the uncomfortable feeling YOU get when you see someone ELSE making a fool of themselves, as when white men try to dance. -- Ken W., Redding, CT
That's all for today. We'll post more here tomorrow. --------------------------------------------------------- Post by HCantu at 10:09PM. Comments to baldomail@baldocomics.com.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Loving the strip in Califas Hi Baldo creators: Just wanted to say that I'm loving your strip, which I read thru the Press Enterprise, a Riverside paper that puts out a San Bernardino, California edition, the town I live in. Keep up the good work! --------------------------------------------------------- Post by David C. at 10:38AM. Comments to baldomail@baldocomics.com.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Hey, what happened to Carmen? Are you planning on continuing with the storyline of Tia Carmen being deported??? --------------------------------------------------------- Post by Adam M. at 8:25AM. Comments to baldomail@baldocomics.com.
COMMENTS ¦Adam, see the April 3 entry below. Basically, no, that was a one-shot strip. We have no plans to continue it. We made our point and now we've moved on. But ... we've been getting lots of email from readers wanting us to continue that storyline. So who knows? Maybe someday the story of Tia Carmen's detention will be told. Post by HCantu.
Friday, April 13, 2007
Baldo is pretty smart I enjoy your comic strip very much. It's among my favorites and I read it every day in my Pasadena (Calif.) Star News. I'm glad Baldo is growing and getting an education on life and people by working at the auto parts store. When you return to stories about him and Gracie, please have him appear more intelligent and educated with Gracie. There was a time where Gracie was too much smarter than Baldo and it made him look dumb. He is not dumb. Please have a strip or two where Gracie learns to respect her older brother for a reason or two. Thank you, and thank you so much for developing Tia Carmen via the man she met at the market. --------------------------------------------------------- Post by Joseph E. at 8:26AM. Comments to baldomail@baldocomics.com.
An immigrant walks into a bar ... Just a quick reminder to those who are steaming about the ILLEGAL part of the illegal immigrants subject: Without the employers who are taking advantage of the fact that illegal immigrants are afraid of being deported to get away with paying those immigrants substandard wages, there would be little incentive to try to enter this country illegaly. Please remember that it is failure to prosecute these employers that sustains this situation. And why are these employers so safe from the legal system? Because the lawmakers are in the same group, employers of illegals at substandard wages. Why isn't there a prosecution, with jail time, for everyone who evades the restrictions on hiring illegal aliens? Clearly we can afford the space for these illegals, I mean, they're here and we're dealing with the numbers. Why not make these workers legal and start collecting the taxes on their wages that would pay for the services they are already using? That was not a rhetorical question, the answer is in my first sentence. Because the fear of deportation artificially depresses the wages paid and that suits the people in charge of making the laws just FINE. They don't WANT these people all deported AND they don't want them legal either! Just another distractor from a government that is safest when the people are busy fighting between themselves instead of taking a good hard look at what's going on in Washington. --------------------------------------------------------- Post by Kat at 8:20AM. Comments to baldomail@baldocomics.com.
COMMENTS ¦There are so many issues I want to take with the note Kat. She is right as to why the politicians want the illegals and want them to stay illegal. But …. The first issue with “make them citizens and let them pay taxes” is that many of them do not want to be citizens. At least not of the USA. The Balkans in the last century and Iraq now shows what happens in a country where “Mexican-Americans”, “Irish-Americans”, “Afro-Americans”, “Republican–Americans”, or “****-Americans” are their nationality or group first and Americans second. Once you take the needs of your subculture over the needs of the overall culture, you no longer have a functioning nation. Many of my friends who came from Mexico (or Vietnam ) embrace the US culture and its’ values. They bring wonderful parts of their culture to the overall culture but also participate in those pieces from other lands that are shared. Unfortunately, the La Raza groups and other nationalistic groups do not want to be part of that culture. They want to come to these lands but ignore the overall culture and substitute the one they remember from their homeland. Ultimately, they want to recreate their homeland and force the USA out of “their” lands. Other groups, simply are coming for the money to send home. Once again, they have no real interest in the culture of the USA. They will not learn the language, the customs, or the foods. They simply create their own little Mexicos across the nation. This is a recipe for the destruction of this nation and the creation of hundreds ethnic enclaves, each hating and fearing the other. And it is false to suggest that this could not happen. It did happen in the Balkans with ethnic cleansing, in Lebanon, and is still happening in Iraq. And the Balkans and Lebanon were advanced and stable cultures (at one time). The second problem is simply the control of the border. Yes, good, honest, hard working immigrants come over that border. So do gang members, drug smugglers, and common criminals. If the border control is not strong enough to stop the casual good people, it will never be strong enough to stop the determined bad guys. Post by Jeffrey P.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Last 2 weeks have been profound For years, I've read Baldo and for years, it has brought a smile to my lips. In the last two weeks, you've done something far more profound: you've given me goose bumps! The account of how Tia Carmen came to care for Baldo and Gracie moved me almost to tears. Your dressing her in the elegant clothes that a couple her age would have worn had they been courting in a Latin American country in the '50s was pure brilliance. I hope she'll meet up with her admirer again. But even if not, you gave her a quiet dignity commensurate with her extraordinary self-sacrifice. I just wanted to thank you for writing such a wonderful comic strip. --------------------------------------------------------- Post by Steven R. at 11:56AM. Comments to baldomail@baldocomics.com.
COMMENTS ¦It's awesome getting a complimentary email from a real live celebrity! Steven Raichlen is the best-selling author of the Barbecue Bible cookbook series and host of the "Barbecue University" TV show on PBS. Check out his web site at www.barbecuebible.com. Thanks for the nice words, Steven! The Bermudez family should do a lot of cooking out this summer, right? Post by HCantu.
It's only doodles and words ... ¡Chispas! You probably never thought that your comic would have such an impact! One day you're doodling around with some lines, the next day you're either being persecuted or adored, depending on which side of the street you happen to stand that day! That you/your comic ignites such emotional reactions is a testament to your talents as artists & social commentators. After all, Baldo is only a comic strip; it's no more "real" than Snoopy or Fred Flintstone. Anyone with pen & paper can doodle some stick figures & word balloons! The difference is you make the lives of your characters as real as those of your readers. Everything about life- from the pimples & giggles to the warts & dimples are there to see, examine, dissect & analyze in all its glorious beauty & ugliness through your characters. Baldo, like Calvin, is Everykid. La Familia is Everyfamily. You happened to create a family that is Hispanic, but Baldo could easily have been Huong & the family from Vietnam. Gracie could have been Sinead & the family from Ireland. You bring out the hopes, dreams, fears & prejudices that everyone harbours, but not always acknowledges out loud or even to themselves. Not everyone need be an immigrant (legal or illegal) to relate to Baldo. All that is required of the reader is the ability to open their eyes in the morning, ponder the day ahead & what it may bring before the sun goes down. Some people have threatened to stop reading your strip because they didn't agree with some of your commentary or ideals. The truth is it's not that they don't agree with you, it's that you looked too closely into their eyes & showed them who they really are. It's who we all are- just visitors. So, if we wipe our feet, mind our manners & thank our host, the visit will be so much more pleasurable. I'm not talking about countries, I'm talking about life. A border is only a line drawn on a map, but the borders we draw on own souls are really nooses around our hearts. Chao! --------------------------------------------------------- Post by Catharine E. at 11:32AM. Comments to baldomail@baldocomics.com.
Tuesday, April 10,2007
Tia Carmen's arrest was shameful I just wanted to add my 2 cents worth about the Sunday April 1 strip showing Tia Carmen being dragged off. I read several entries on your web site, and I didn't see my interpretation represented. When I read the strip, what I saw was a shameful McCarthy-esque arrest of someone who "we have reason to believe" is an illegal immigrant. She was given no chance to defend herself or prove her innocence before being hauled away, and her family was threatened for trying to assist her. I certainly did not assume that she was really an illegal immigrant! A couple of months ago, in Greeley, CO, there was an ICE raid at a meatpacking plant. Anybody who "looked illegal" was put on a bus. Some families happened to hear about it and came down to the plant, but there was no chance for a farewell. While some arrested there were working there illegally, there were others arrested and nearly deported who had followed the process and were working there legally, they just weren't carrying their papers that day! I do really enjoy your strip, but I am glad that this was only an April Fools' prank. I didn't find it funny, but sad. However, I do understand that this is a very real issue in America today. Thanks for a (usually) joyful look into a typical American family! --------------------------------------------------------- Post by Joel at 1:32PM. Comments to baldomail@baldocomics.com.
Did you guys pull a Bambi? Dudes, I love the way you’ve been playing with your graphic styles. I had no idea Tia Carmen was such a looker! That April Fool’s joke was pretty nasty, tho…. By the way: Why did you decide to kill off Baldo’s mom? That happens so often when Disney wants to inject pathos/drama into a movie. Same thing? --------------------------------------------------------- Post by Leon at 1:02PM. Comments to baldomail@baldocomics.com.
COMMENTS ¦OK, this is why we RARELY talk about Baldo's mom. We hate being accused of pathos. Here's the back story behind the back story: About 10 years ago, when we were developing Baldo, we created our four main characters you see in the strip: Baldo, Gracie, Dad and Tia Carmen. Then we asked ourselves, "OK, what about Baldo's mom?" She would have been our fifth character. Well, we kinda thought we had enough characters to play with, so we just put off mom and before you know it, we were joking that she had run off with a carny or had died. That explanation was always in our mind, but never on paper. We started writing the strip as if she just wasn't there. After the strip debuted in 2000, we got calls from Hollywood producers to turn the comic into a TV show. Part of that process is creating a "show bible," which explains the back story of all characters (so show writers are all on the same page). So we were forced to explain what happened to Baldo's mom. At that point, we decided she was dead and wrote up the car crash/drunk driver story in the show bible. It's never been a big issue with us. We've hinted at it in the comic strip, but have never really explained her death. Still, readers kept asking: What happened to Baldo's mom? Where is she? So finally (seven years after we debuted in papers!) we decided to tell the full story of Rosa's death and how Tia Carmen came to live with the family. We think we owed it to our readers. Post by HCantu.
¦I didn't mean to suggest you guys were milking the death of Baldo's mom. But you have to admit, it's a popular device. As the parent of two young kids, I'm always on the lookout for good movies they'll actually like. It's amazing how often Mom has passed on due to some unfortunate accident. See "The Secret of Roan Inish" and "Fly Away Home" for examples, two excellent movies that make my wife a little uneasy. Post by Leon.
Monday, April 9, 2007
We have hopes and dreams, too I'm a 60-year-old woman who enjoys Baldo in the regular format, but the excursion into Tia's daydreams just touched my heart so much. I know you've done the fantasy format very nicely with the kids, but it's so kindhearted of you to recognize that older people have their hopes and dreams, too. Maybe someday all these people will start to see a few of their dreams come true?? You are to be congratulated for increasing the maturity of the storylines without abandonning the optimism of youth. I wish you continued success. --------------------------------------------------------- Post by Kay W. at 9:39AM. Comments to baldomail@baldocomics.com.
B.C.'s Hart passes away We're saddened to hear that fellow cartoonist Johnny Hart died this past weekend. Read about it here. Anyone working in comics today has been inspired by his "B.C." and "The Wizard of Id" comics. He will be missed. --------------------------------------------------------- Post by HCantu at 9:22AM. Comments to baldomail@baldocomics.com.
Saturday, April 7, 2007
Pulling it all together I just want to say how much I have enjoyed the manner in which you give insight into the "real" Tia. Saturday's comic (today) really pulled it all together. Very well done indeed. Your comic strip is a class act. --------------------------------------------------------- Post by Mark at 9:07AM. Comments to baldomail@baldocomics.com.
Some decent storytelling Estimados Caballeros, I am an American short story writer living in London, England. Even from across the Atlantic, I've got to have my daily fix of U.S. news and culture, and that includes reading Baldo online every day. I have enjoyed the way that various comic strips have sometimes been self-conscious of the medium itself, playing with the reality of panels, mixing styles, borrowing characters from other strips, and so forth for the sake of a gag. But nowhere else have I seen playfulness with technique put to a use that really adds depth to the strip's story. Carmen's romantic aside in the supermarket was a delight to read, and having seen it will slightly alter how I see Carmen in future strips. Well done. Best wishes. --------------------------------------------------------- Post by B.H.Rogers at 8:46AM. Comments to baldomail@baldocomics.com.
COMMENTS ¦We like compliments. We like em even more when they come from writers. Check out Bruce Holland Rogers' books on Amazon here. Post by HCantu.
Friday, April 6, 2007
Grab life by the kumquats! Tia Carmen! We thought you were so reserved. Sometimes, you just have to reach out and grab what you want from life, que no?! I think this is going in a very good direction, carnales!! --------------------------------------------------------- Post by Osito at 6:15PM. Comments to baldomail@baldocomics.com.
An inspiration Your comic strip, "Baldo", is the best written and best drawn comic strip in syndication today.I especially admire your equisite draftsmanship when, as now, you eschange your quasi-realistic but surreailistic drawing style for a pure realistic style. You make others look like the hacks that they are. I always thought Tia Carmen was a four-eyed leprechaun, but that was only through Baldo's teen age eyes. It turns out that she is really a quietly pretty middle-aged lady with a real story to tell about the death of Baldo's mother. She is also about to have her head turned by Gregorio's ironic gallantries. What fun! Who is Tia Carmen going to line up for a chaperone, at her age? Will Tia Carmen dance flamenco on a tabletop with a rose in her teeth? I can hear you saying "Uhhhhh, no". I used to be a cartoonist myself, but I was not a professional like you folks. Then Parkinson's DIsease wrecked my hands. In January, I had brain surgery, and control of my hands is slowly coming back. You inspire me to try drawing again. --------------------------------------------------------- Post by KRJ at 10:45AM. Comments to baldomail@baldocomics.com.
Thursday, April 5, 2007
It's brought tears to my eyes When the cartoony-caricature Tia Carmen magically transformed into a nearly living breathing Doña Carmen, I was stunned. She brings to mind a very special woman (also named Carmen, surprisingly) who was like a mother to me for years. It brought tears to my eyes and joy to my heart to see her as her own person, rather than as a punchline in the wacky lives of the other family members. Even if it is only a peek, I like being able to see her eyes behind those lenses. Thank you. --------------------------------------------------------- Post by Ed S. at 9:44AM. Comments to baldomail@baldocomics.com.
Enjoying new style, but ... I am an avid comics lover, remembering 'Gordo' with enormous affection. I enjoy the new style for Tia Carmen's budding love -- but hope that the previous style will be used for the other characters, when you go back to their stories. -------------------------------------------------------- Post by Gretchen D. at 9:31AM. Comments to baldomail@baldocomics.com.
Is art change permanent? I'm fascinated by the recent change in the strip. The last couple of days have really added some depth, and the story line is both touching and very engaging. Please put something on your web site to explain whether the change in artwork was a result of a change of artists, or a necessary change for this kind of emotional content. It would be interesting to know whether it's a permanent change in artwork. (I'm on the fence on that one; I like both.) --------------------------------------------------------- Post by Bill G. at 9:29AM. Comments to baldomail@baldocomics.com.
COMMENTS ¦We're glad you're digging the style change, Bill G. It's a temporary change to tell this "serious" story about why Carmen lives with the family. We'll be back to our "normal" look by Saturday. And yes, we're responsible for the art too! Carlos is very versatile! He rocks! He's the best! ... Ahem. Anyway ... We may continue to do this in the future for "serious" storylines ... but we're not sure. Artistic inspiration ... she is a fickle thing. Post by HCantu.
Thanks for today's comic I just wanted to share this. I had never seen the Baldo comic strip before, am not much on comics, but today I checked in and read it, and was dumbfounded! It was as if God Himself directed me to it. I thank you with such a full heart for this message that only God knows why we are brought together! God bless you. --------------------------------------------------------- Post by Pat at 9:14AM. Comments to baldomail@baldocomics.com.
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Kumquats are touching I've been reading Baldo since it started in the San Jose Mercury News and have a strong affection for the characters -- they remind me so much of my own, non-Hispanic family -- they are wonderfully universal and appealing characters. I also like many of the techniques you use, especially when you shift into a particular character's point-of-view. The current story, in which Tia Carmin meets a new friend over the kumquats in the grocery story, is particularly touching. Their suddenly intimate conversation, in which she recounts the story of Rosa's tragic death, really humanizes her, and adds dimension to her otherwise often comic character. I find the scene completely believable, and Carmen's flirtatious yearning for intimacy brings tears to my eyes. Thank you! I hope that this is a precursor to a romantic storyline for her. Speaking of romance, what about Cruz? I suggest he finally reveal to Baldo that he's gay -- there's lots of storyline to explore there, and it'd be great to have a real gay Hispanic character in the comics. Again, thanks for all the work you put into a thoughtfully written and beautifully drawn strip. --------------------------------------------------------- Post by Paul at 7:50AM. Comments to baldomail@baldocomics.com.
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
A message from Hector & Carlos about Tia Carmen's 'deportation' WOW!! What an incredible reaction! There are way too many letters to post, but below are some of the more interesting responses we've gotten to Sunday's strip showing Tía Carmen being deported. Here's the deal. Our April 1 strip was an April Fool's strip (duh). Considering how much people love Tía Carmen, we thought it would be interesting to have her "deported" in dramatic fashion -- something we would never do in the strip, but something that makes a powerful statement. Admittedly, we took lots of creative license for dramatic effect (it is a comic strip after all). But that's all we did. Now, obviously, the strip hit a nerve with LOTS of people, both pro and anti immigrant. The issue itself is no joke and we don't take it lightly. It's a serious matter and we hope we got people to thinking about it. Some readers even see Carmen as a symbol of the immigration issue and demanded a T-shirt. We're happy to oblige and have set up a little store here.
But we're gonna move on now. We think our point has been made -- even if it was unconventially delivered. Our familia played out their skit and we now return to our regularly scheduled programming. Bueno? Bueno! --------------------------------------------------------- Post by HCantu & CCastellanos at 12:12PM. Comments to baldomail@baldocomics.com.
COMMENTS ¦For many people their legal status is not a joke but a nightmare. My first reaction to the sunday strip was "Great, you just took a very serious and current political issue and put it in your comic strip, Great Job!! Let everyone know the reality of some illegal immigrants." But when I realized that your Sunday Edition was a JOKE!! I decided I would never read your comic again. It was really bad taste. Hey!!!!! how about some jokes about the holocaust in your comic strip for next april's fool or even better how about "Baldo in Iraq" that could probably improve your Comic's image. Post by Mercimus.
¦You claim Sundays comic was a joke. However, I very much doubt that it was. Your opinion was fairly obvious. So I have one question. What do you want? No other country on earth lets people in the way the USA does. You want open borders? Where do you get this sense of entitlement? My 10 year old little sister came to me and asked me why "white people are so mean to Mexicans." She hasn't even gone through the brainwashing pushed on us by people like you and she thinks she should hate herself. I know this will not affect your opinions, but know this. You've lost 7 readers. Joke or not. Post by Steve H.
¦OK, ya had me a little more than just shocked when I picked up the Sunday Comics section (my girlfriend had the comics stashed so that she could read them first) and saw poor Tia Carmen being dragged away by the goons. I was glad to see that it was just an April Fool's joke played on us fans of the comic. I fell for it, and so it appears did most if not all of your fans. I still love the comic, and will of course be an avid reader. Keep up the great work, Guys. :) Post by Leon M.
¦Your April Fools joke was unfair. The depiction of the U.S. Govt. was a gross exaggeration of real-life events. There is not way that the ICE would use any force at all to arrest a grandmother, let alone break a door open and point assault rifles at everyone in sight. Post by Paul.
¦FYI: Here are several paragraphs about an immigration raid published by the Dallas Morning News on 2/22/2007: Life for Nazmieh Juma Hazahza changed forever one morning last November when federal immigration agents stormed her Irving apartment, woke up sleepy family members, placed guns to their heads and ordered them out. Her family was split up and sent to different detention facilities. Mrs. Hazahza and her youngest son, Mohammad, were recently released from the T. Don Hutto Family Residential Facility in Taylor. But the rest of her family -- her husband and four children --remain locked up. Attorneys for the Hazahzas filed a writ of habeas corpus to order the family's release from the Rolling Plains Detention Facility in Haskell, near Abilene. Mrs. Hazahza hopes that they will be together one day. But she's long on pain and short on hope. "This exact moment, there's not 1 percent of hope," she said through a translator this week. "There is no life without hope." Post by HCantu.
¦I was very glad to see that the Sunday, April 1st comic was indeed an April Foll's joke. I kept trying to tell my horrified and frantic family that our beloved Tia was maybe having a nightmare or Baldomaybe was having a nightmare. We subscribe to the Spokesman Review out of Spokane, WA. and they only carry the Sunday strip so I had to go to your web-site looking for answers. I can see that you have gotten many e-mails concerning people's views on immigration and how the government is (mis)-handling the problem. So all I have to say is (and I hope I say this right as I am not hispanic) MUY BUENO! You did a good thing by lending your voice to the issue in such a strong way. Of course you could do more and start a dialog about how not all people of hispanic origin are not illegal and the way that the government has been abusing it's power smacks of the 1940's when Japanese-Americans were forced into internment camps causing them to lose their homes and livelyhoods just because "we the people" and our government could not wrap our minds around the idea that not all of "them" are bad people. The person who wrote and said his daughter asked him why white people have been so mean to hispanics should realize that the ethno-euro-centric ideal has always been mean to all people not white and that is not brainwashing it is fact. So again I hope I say this correctly when I as a white European-American say's... GRACIAS AMIGOS! Post by Kelly.
¦Although I'm sure the storyline may be an April Fool's joke, I don't think your political statement was. However, the notion that our current immigration debate is about agents coming in to private homes and disrupting family life is totally narrow and uncalled for. It's about taking control of the immigration process and knowing what is happening to and within our country. I think most Americans like me simply want the free-for-all at the border to stop and for America to have control of its immigration process again. I have no desire to see the people already here deported. However, as usuall, politics in this country is such that it offers only two polar choices. But for your comic to entice a polarizing belief as well won't help the hispanic comunity. It is every country's right and responsibility to have control of its borders. Every country has a right to decide who they let in, how many they let in, and why. America is not a free-for-all, nor is it a charity nation. It is a nation defiined by borders and it's people have a right to take care of its own interest first. To do that we need order and control, and that includes the borders. I think most hispanics, regardless of how they came here, how long they have been here, or wether they were born here, will feel the same way if they are intending to live here as Americans. Post by Tom Q.
¦What gets me is your line in your “explanation” that reads “the strip hit a nerve with LOTS of people, both pro and anti immigrant.” This is both wrong and offensive. 90% of the people who I have talked to who want borders controlled, ICE raids, etc. are not anti immigrant. They are anti illegal entry into this nation. There are some few true bigots who want only white Europeans to be residents, but few listen to them. The immigration issue is divisive enough and painful enough that we can do without insulting and mischaracterizing people casually so that you can set up an evil strawman. Post by Jeffrey P.
Tia Carmen goes on tour! Since Tia Carmen is having fun with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), I thought she should take her show on the road! --------------------------------------------------------- Post by Mario at 10:18AM. Comments to baldomail@baldocomics.com.
A new fan for life Wow april 1st was just ... wow. i cut it out of the paper at work and kept it, damn you guys got ba--s!!! im a fan for life now. keep up the great work! --------------------------------------------------------- Post by Chris at 9:21AM. Comments to baldomail@baldocomics.com.
Glad to see her go I'm a rather liberal kind of guy but I say Bye Bye ILLEGAL trespasser. --------------------------------------------------------- Post by Bob at 9:15AM. Comments to baldomail@baldocomics.com.
Children are devastated When I read your April 1st comic, I was deeply dissapointed. The ending was very dark and upsetting. Can you lighten up on the stories? There are millions of children reading your comics, probably devastated. I hope this isn't a terrible April Fool's joke. I still love your comics! Thanks for your time. --------------------------------------------------------- Post by Michelle at 9:11AM. Comments to baldomail@baldocomics.com.
Stick to humor I enjoy Baldo, but I had a negative reaction to Sunday's strip, and I would like to say why. I lived in Mexico City for a little over a year, teaching English at Harmon Hall. I had to report to Hacienda every three months to extend my permission to be in Mexico, and I had to take traveler's checks with me to prove my financial solvency. Not only did I have to do the same in Madrid (although bank statements instead of traveler's checks), I also had to leave the European Union every three months, or every six if I were willing to spend two days at the police station getting a prorroga de estancia. They required photos, passports, bank statements, rental contracts, employment data, and more. When some Africans tried to cross the barbed wire barriers into Melilla a few months ago, the Spanish military, under Zapatero no less, shot them to death. There was no international controversy at all. Can you imagine what would happen if the migra here shot illegals trying to get across the border? We don't have barbed wire, and the migra doesn't even use guns in ordinary circumstances. Please stick to humor. --------------------------------------------------------- Post by Whit at 9:02AM. Comments to baldomail@baldocomics.com.
COMMENTS ¦No offense, but la migra has shot and killed immigrants trying to cross the border. Recently, no less. They have also be accused of raping women crossing the border. Not much has happened about it. And the fact that you haven't even heard about this speaks volumes about "what would happen." http://www.wsws.org/articles/2006/jan2006/bord-j07.shtml - Jan. 2006 http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,243891,00.html - Jan. 2007; FBI says they will investigate http://www.heraldextra.com/content/view/216060/a - Border Patrol agent who killed immigrant in Jan. 2007 back on duty Mexico is mad, but the U.S. has pretty much gone on without comment, ignoring protests completely. And maybe you don't have barbed wire where you are, but some sections of the fence do. Meanwhile, illegal immigrants who have committed no other crime aside from entering the U.S. (and even legal immigrants here on visas, who have committed no crimes) have been rounded up in border raids, sent to internment camps, and sent across state lines away from U.S. citizen children, some of whom are still breastfeeding and have become very ill because of being separated from their mothers. So ... while I agree with you that Baldo's better with humor, it's not the first time someone on the comics page has made a political statement in their cartoon, and considering the crappy situation faced by illegal immigrants — can't survive in Mexico, can't afford to come to the U.S. legally, might die if they try illegally but it's better than what they're leaving behind — I can't much blame him. I'm not trying to be mean or rude or anything, just saying. Post by Kyla.
¦Kyla's links to border shootings should be noted that 2 involved an illegal fighting with a border patrol agent. We don't allow our policemen to have their life threatened and they are allowed to shoot when the criminal is uncompliant and threatening but somehow a Mexican crossing the bordered is above our laws, not only the border laws but arrest laws now also. In addition, it should be noted that after the raids in Colorado the companies, facing a shortage of workers, sent buses to homeless shelters to hire the men living there that had no jobs. Once again proving that labor shortage is a myth. Post by Colleen.
An invasion of reality Hey there -- don't know you all, but I wanted to let you know how powerful I found your Sunday strip. I'm in Colorado, and after our recent mean-spirited and brutal raids on meat packing plants and other workplaces, having Tia Carmen hauled away in handcuffs hit home here. It's interesting to note that when reality invades an otherwise idyllic comic strip, it brings us middle class anglos face to face with how real this stuff is. Reading about your characters regularly leads to a certain affection for them, and to see one arrested and dragged off that way hits home to those of us who haven't had it happen to one of our family (yet). A couple of strips in Sunday's Denver paper were not funny at all, and yours was one of them -- not funny, at all, in the best possible way. --------------------------------------------------------- Post by Andy D. at 7:55AM. Comments to baldomail@baldocomics.com.
But she's everyone's tia! Aye, I am so stressed out! When I saw the "Sunday preview" a few days ago I thought it was a dream sequence or something weird like that. I hope that Sr. Gregorio doesnt have anything to do with the INS busting in & grabbing Tia Carmen! If that's el caso que pobre Tia! Ella no es solamente la tia de los sobrinos- she is everyone's tia! She represents why the immigration laws need to be changed! I'm really hoping this is a case of mistaken identity - or just un malo sueño! --------------------------------------------------------- Post by Catharine E. at 7:41AM. Comments to baldomail@baldocomics.com.
Love the strip, but ... I just want to say that I really enjoy your comic strip. I love all the the hispanic characters. Tia Carmen reminds me of my Hisipanic friends with her spanish, cooking and I enjoy her so much. Baldo is just a typical teen and he reminds me of sooooo many kids around town. I was very disapointed this week to see that you added this "Homeland security" episode in your comic strip. I have many, many Hispanic friends and family. I love them dearly. I am all for Imigration. However, I am against people of any nationality coming here Illegally. We need to protect ALL boarders. Air, Land and Sea!!!!! I was hoping that after 9/11 people would feel different about just leaving our country WIDE OPEN for anyone. I am very disturbed that you put this in my favorite comic strip. I dont understand where you are going with it and I know if you love this country too that you will see that we can not support the entire world and you also know that they are people out there that will kill you just because you are an american There are people out that who would love nothing more than to see every city in this country blown up. To see us all die. If you dont understand this then please take time off of doing your comic strips and do alittle research and see if we let everyone in and deplete out school, taxes, welfare, and let everyone just take what ever they want and blow the rest up. I hope you read this and stop and think about what I have said. Love the comic strip. --------------------------------------------------------- Post by Cathy R. at 7:34AM. Comments to baldomail@baldocomics.com.
Monday, April 2, 2007
Where is peace and dignity? Estimado (y muy querido Baldo) I saw the Sunday comics, and I felt very sad and angry at what happened to Tia Carmen. I know it is the "reality" of our times, but it is so horrible. I live in McAllen, Tx which is close to our border with Mexico. My family and I are Mexican-American, and we have family and friends from Mexico. I know that I am very lucky because when I and my three sisters and one brother were born, my parents lived in Nuevo Laredo, and my parents "crossed the bridge for us to be born in Laredo, Tx"! My father was born in Monterey, Mexico, in 1913 and he served proudly in the US Army as a radio operator in Panama during World War II. But, it was not until the '80s, that my brother fixed his papers so that he could get payments from the Veterans Administration. My father had US citizenship because of his father being a US citizen. My mother was born and raised in Laredo, TX. I believe that as long as Bush is president, we will not be able to live with peace and dignity in the US!!! And, "everybody" in the US are immigrants from England, Mexico or another country!!! Nobody should discriminate us simply because we are Mexicans!! Why are other nationalities not discriminated??? We should all unite, and fight this now!! Yo soy muy orgullosa de ser Mexicana, y soy muy orgullos de mis padres y de mi gente. Por favor, siguan protestando esta injusticia tan inhumana!! Sinceramente ... --------------------------------------------------------- Post by Gloria C. at 1:31PM. Comments to baldomail@baldocomics.com.
Comic is disgusting I found your depiction of the ICE to be disgusting. Those are some of heroes protecting our country and you depict them like Nazi stormtroopers. Immigration is what made this country great and continues to, but illegal immigration undermines the system, allows in criminals, disease, and degenerates and s*** over those people who do it the legitimate way. Shame on you. --------------------------------------------------------- Post by J Sandarosa at 1:21PM. Comments to baldomail@baldocomics.com.
Free Tia Carmen! Guys, I love your strip; please don't take Tia Carmen away! She's my favorite character! Why is the immigration system in the US so cruel anyway?... --------------------------------------------------------- Post by John S. at 1:15PM. Comments to baldomail@baldocomics.com.
Strip is a reminder ... Sunday's Baldo really woke me up to the injustice against immigrants that's going on everyday. I have always supported local agencies, including police, non-cooperation with ICE in the San Francisco Bay area, but it's not enough. Your strip today showed me that I need to be more vocal, through Moveon.Org and contacting Congress to stop what's going on. I've been focused on getting the hell out of Iraq and haven't been vocal about the assault on immigrants. It's a reminder that if you say nothing when they come for your neighbor, by the time they come for you, there will be no one left to protest. --------------------------------------------------------- Post by Neil at 9:45AM. Comments to baldomail@baldocomics.com.
Where are the ICE t-shirts? I just wanted to mention a few things and make a couple of simple requests. It is not "Office" of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, it is legally "Bureau" of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, However the FBI doesn't like "ICE" to use the word Bureau so normally it is just ICE or Immigration and Customs Enforcement. I know it is a small point, but to those in "in the know" they realize you are "not in the know" when you use wrong terms. Another thing is smoke or Tear Gas grenades are not used (especially with children in the house) and especially when the Agents or Detention and Removal Officers (DRO) are not wearing masks. The ICE agents and DRO officers are tough, but not that tough! But, the hidden compliment is appreciated. Also normally during such raids, bullet resistant vests are worn. Again, the hidden compliment as to the toughness of the agents and officers are appreciated. And knocking is required, but I understand the dramatics involved. Now for a couple of simple requests. 1. Please give the lead agent a name. "Agent Steve" would be great. Or I guess "Agent ICE"would do. 2. Add a hispanic agent/officer too as there are as many (if not more) hispanic agents/officers then whites as Spanish is a requirement. Name "her" too. 3. Merchandising - Don Knott's character "Barney Fife" can be found on mugs, photos, t-shirts, calendars, etc. in just about all police/law enforcement agencies. Your "Agent Steve" could aspire to similiar fame. Maybe even a "Spinoff" cartoon reflecting on all the things an ICE agent/officer must deal with. Like the constant lying, false impersonations (did you know that "Jimmy Hendrix" was among those arrested recently by ICE?), multiple scam marriages, or where the illegal alien used an ICE agent's identity! I would love to see a iron-on transfer for t-shirts showing Agent Steve saying something like "Don't worry, we are here just for your SUEGRA!" or something funnier (that is your department). It is a shame about Tia Carmen, I always liked her! If you need any "unofficial" tips, email me. Just don't make this an "April Fools" issue! --------------------------------------------------------- Post by Stephen at 9:43AM. Comments to baldomail@baldocomics.com.
Keep politics out of it! I really find it ridiculous that the creators of this strip feel the need to use the Sunday comics to comment on ILLEGAL immigrants. The Sunday comics are supposed to be entertaining, not a social/political commentary. That purpose is reserved for POLITICAL cartoons-- hence the name "POLITICAL". It is irresponsible and close-minded to make such a melodramatic-- and innaccurate-- statement without presenting both sides of the issue in an unbiased manner. ... I should be able to read my Sunday comics without having to endure the constant political outrage that seems to be flung at me from every media source. --------------------------------------------------------- Post by Bobbie at 9:36AM. Comments to baldomail@baldocomics.com.
Why not be positive? You do such a great job bringing understanding between cultures that it saddens me when you head down the road toward divisiveness and Misunderstanding. The strip showing INS agents (assumably) breaking down the door with AR-16's and pistols drawn can only force people to take sides. The argument is already bad enough without fuel for the fire. Please be a constructive force of acceptance and reconciliation, and not a strident voice of division. -------------------------------------------------------- Post by David T. at 9:31AM. Comments to baldomail@baldocomics.com.
That was muy heavy!!!! Thanks for standing up for all the good people who don't happen to have papers. This is a good thing to do as Congress takes up immigration reform, and we wind up Lent and go into Easter ... to re-recognize that life as a Christian is about those who are secure trying a little harder to extend justice and personal power to those who are not secure. Thanks for your foresight and vision, and love. It is so much more consoling to the human soul than the unthinking quacking of the mallard cartoon. --------------------------------------------------------- Post by A. Wang at 9:15AM. Comments to baldomail@baldocomics.com.
Do u know meaning of illegal? Just read Sunday's installment of "Baldo." I have found it extremely disappointing and preachy. As an immigrant who came here from Latin America, with his family, and went through all the legalities required by what is now my country, to come to live here as a permanent resident, I am profoundly offended by your depiction of the "horror" inflicted upon poor Tía Cármen and her family, by the heartless Nazis of the Immigration and Naturalization Department. Since you do not appear to know what the word means, I am giving you the Webster's Dictionary definition: "Illegal: not according to or authorized by law; unlawful." It goes without saying that I'll never read your strip again. Yours truly... --------------------------------------------------------- Post by Alejandro B. at 9:12AM. Comments to baldomail@baldocomics.com.
Tell me this is a bad dream! RE: Sunday's strip. !PINCE ROTO'S! (Not you, the Migras). Tell me this is un sueno malo, or an April Fool's Joke. This is a nightmare. what about 1) the 7-year statute of limitations, or 2) the strip I remember that Tia Carmen was BORN here? What are you trying to do to me? Give me another heart attack?? This isn't even remotely funny. --------------------------------------------------------- Post by Osito at 9:09AM. Comments to baldomail@baldocomics.com.
