Cartoon alter-ego
I just discovered a great new blog by our good friend Mannie Gentile. In addition to his talents as a ranger, photographer, filmmaker, and cool army-helmet collector, Mannie is also a cartoonist. As a kindred spirit myself who does computer-generated Civil Wartoons (on the side), I have to give him some free PR.

According to Mannie: "I've been cartooning, on and off, for over forty years. During that period it was my good luck to latch on to a brand new arts and culture magazine in Grand Rapids Michigan (not necessarily known for either) entitled "Downtown". Launched in 1984 by a groovy cat named Roger Bruinkool (a local artist) "Downtown" appeared monthly on the streets of Grand Rapids (GR). ...After a long absence I returned very briefly a couple of years ago to do a few final cartoons and reviews for them. Although a cultural history educator by training, and a park ranger by good fortune, I continue to occasionally do illustration work and cartoons, most recently for the Park Service."

I really dig this historical hippy’s stuff. You will too. Check it out at Art Imitates Life.