Now that the summer movie season is in full gear, see if you can answer today’s “I Knew That!”

Click, hold down, and move your mouse to the right to reveal the answer)=======> Michael Keaton

Speaking of summer blockbusters, in 1962, “the Longest Day” was released to U.S. theaters.  The film recounted the events of D-Day.  It’s fitting that  we remember all who made the supreme sacrifice 69 years ago today.  June 6, 1944.  D-Day.

Jeff Parker and Mark Szorady

The Reuben awards this past memorial Day weekend allowed me to catch up with some cartooning friends.  I almost forgot this guy. Jeff Parker.

I’ve known Jeff since the 1980s. He’s a terrific guy and a wonderful cartoonist.  Jeff is part of the creative team behind King Features’ Dustin comic strip (Steve Kelly being the other half of the team).  Dustin won the Reuben Best Comic Strip category award a year or so ago. And it was nominated again this past year. Being nominated time and again certainly speaks to the terrific writing and artwork of Steve and Jeff.   Dustin is top notch stuff.

I’m a pretty lucky in that, when the National Cartoonists Society’s Reuben Awards roll around, I’m able to walk into a room filled with cartoonists.

Here’s just a few of the cartoon folk I had the opportunity to catch up with and talk toons! (Click on any of the photos to enlarge them.)

Here I am with georgetoon.com cartoonist Polly Keener.  Polly draws three cartoon features for georgetoon.com

Mark with Polly Keener

Here’s a shot with the incredibly talented Gary Brookins. Gary has been an editorial cartoonists for years and currently draws the late Jeff MacNelly’s comic strip “Shoe.”  “Shoe” has been an absolute favorite of mine ever since it debuted.  Gary does a remarkable job capturing the art and wit of Jeff MacNelly.  Gary also draws the delightful comic panel “Pluggers.”

Mark with “Shoe” Cartoonist Gary Brookins.

Here I am with the wonderful Bunny Hoest of “The Lockorns” fame and the truly Maaaaad Nick Megin of “Mad Magazine.” I’ve known Bunny for over 20 years. She is, by far, the sweetest person I have ever met. I count her, along with Polly Keener, among my very best cartooning friends.

Mark with Bunny Hoest and Nick Meglin

Paul Fell is another cartoonist I’ve known for about 20 years. He’s done editorial cartoons, caricatures, and cartoon books. He also is very active as a cartoon speaker. Paul is generous with is cartooning knowledge and always there with a helping hand. Paul recommended the Pentel Fountain Pen and I’ve used it ever since. He even went out his way to send me some.

Mark with Paul Fell

What can I say about fellow Buckeye Jeff Smith?! Jeff is world-renowned for his comic book “Bone.” He is the most widely read independent comic book publisher/cartoonist! And a really good friend and all-around great guy!

mark with “Bone” cartoonist Jeff Smith.

Greg Walker currently draws “Beetle Bailey” and contributes to “Hi and Lois.” Both strips were created by his father the legendary Mort Walker. Mort turns 90-years-old this year!

Mark and “Beetle Bailey” cartoonist Greg Walker.

Bill Janocha has assisted Mort Walker on all of his comic strips and other cartooning projects for over 25 years. Jeff Stahler is a remarkable editorial cartoonist and caricaturist,, his works has appeared nationwide.

Bill Janocha, Jeff Stahler and Mark Szorady

Here’s Bill Janocha and Polly Keener with “Mad Magazine” art director/cartoonist/caricaturist Sam Viviano! Sam’s a wonderful guy. He and I had a terrific conversation about cartoons and all things tech.

Bil Janocha, Polly Keener, and Sam Viviano.

Chad Frye worked for Disney and is currently working for an independent animation stdio doing character design. Chad has also published cartoon and children’s books. A really talented guy!

Mark and Chad Frye

That’s just a small “snapshot” of all the cartoonists I met this past weekend. I renewed friendships and made new ones.

The National Cartoonists Society’s 2013 Reuben  Awards have come and gone and I had a blast!  This year, they were held in Pittsburgh,  PA at the Omni William Penn Hotel.   The accommodations were top notch and the entire staff  really went out of their way to ensure a pleasant stay. So much so, that the staff agreed to to help me salute my Alma Mater, The Ohio State University by spelling out “Ohio!”

While checking out, I learned that Stephanie (the first “O”) hailed from Canton, Ohio. Being the true Buckeye, she immediately saw the historic significance of spelling “Ohio” in Pennsylvania! Marguerite (our “I”) and our second “O” enthusiastically jumped in.

The photo capped off a wonderful weekend in a really terrific city.

And if management happens to see this photo, let me add that these Omni staff members were always pleasant, very thoughtful in answering my questions, enthusiastic, and great ambassadors for Pittsburgh and Omni hotels. And they have a great sense of humor, too. (I know humor…remember, I’m a cartoonist.)

With dedicated employees like Stephanie and Marguerite, things in Pittsburgh and at the Omni will be just fine.

Planning a vacation this Summer? Then make it a point to visit Pittsburgh and stay at this wonderful hotel rich in history. You won’t be disappointed.

Congratulations to all the Reuben winners and Go Buckeyes!  (and stay tuned for more Reuben photos!)

Here’s an “I Knew That!” question that all avid golfers should be able to answer.

Answer: (Click, hold down, and move your mouse to the right to reveal the answer)======> Jack Nicklaus in in 1986.