Famous comic strip artists

Famous comic strip artists

Famous comic strip artists, The recent death of "Family Circus" creator Bil Keane reminds us how the pen-and-ink antics of our favorite comic characters have brought mirth to our mornings, and inspired postage stamps and even public art. Find out more about the artists behind the newspaper comic strips, past and present.

"B.C."

Johnny Hart introduced his award-winning cast of smart-aleck cavemen in 1958 and cranked out the strip until his final day in 2007.

"Blondie"

Chic Young drew beautiful Blondie and her bumbling Dagwood from 1930 until his death in 1973.

"Bloom County"

Berkeley Breathed's spastic Bill the Cat and pensive Opus the Penguin ran in papers from 1980 to 1989.

"Boondocks"

Aaron McGruder's incendiary comic about square-peg suburbanites Huey and Riley had collegiate roots and ran in major papers from 1999 to 2006.

"Calvin & Hobbes"

Bill Watterson led these partners in crime through one backyard escapade after another from 1985 to his last original strip in December 1995.

"Cathy"

Working women across the country related to Cathy Guisewite's strip throughout its 34-year run, which ended in October 2010.

"Dick Tracy"

Chester Gould had his fedora-clad gumshoe solve cartoonish crimes until his retirement in 1977.

"The Far Side"

Gary Larson explored nature's funny side until his retirement ended the single-panel strips in 1995.

"For Better or For Worse"

The chronicles of a growing Canadian family were Lynn Johnston's bread and butter from 1979 until her retirement in July 2010.

"Mark Trail"

Ed Dodd created these wilderness adventures in 1946 and wrote them until retiring in 1980.

"Peanuts"

Charles "Sparky" Schulz gained international fame with his troop of precocious kids and iconic beagle, who debuted in 1950 and ran for 50 years.

Best trick-or-treat cites in America

Best trick-or-treat cites in America

Best trick-or-treat cites in America, Zillow.com has ranked the best cities for trick-or-treating based on home prices, crime rates, population density and walkability. See if your city made it into the top 20:Real estate website Zillow.com took all those factors into consideration when crafting its third annual 2011 Zillow Trick-or-Treat Housing Index, released today, ranking the 20 best cities in the country for Halloween.

Zillow used its own Home Value Index and Walk Score, along with population density and local crime data, to determine the rankings

Children of politicians

Politicians' kids' troubles
Last month, the governor of Missouri's 21-year-old son was charged with possessio. He's not the only politician's kid to be accused of breaking the law. Whether it's DUIs, drugs, battery, sexual misconduct or smuggling illegal immigrants, we look at some past misdeeds committed by politicians' children.

Ashley Biden

The politician: Vice President Joe Biden (D)

The daughter: Ashley Biden

The trouble: Biden was arrested twice: once in 1999 and again in in 2002. In the latter incident, a policewoman reported that a bottle was thrown at her from the crowd. When she moved to confront the culprit, Ashley allegedly had an incident with a police offer. See her alleged actions.

The punishment: Was she convicted?

John Boyd

The politician: Former congressman Allen Boyd (D)

The son: John Boyd


The trouble: In 2008, Boyd was caught smuggling at the Arizona-Mexico border. A search of his car turned up other illegal items.


The punishment: Boyd pleaded guilty. What was his punishment?

Danny L. Burton II


The politician: Congressman Dan Burton (R)

The son: Danny L. Burton II

The trouble: In 1994, when Burton was 18, he was arrested with 7 pounds of marijuana and charged with possession with the intent to distribute. The charges were dropped. Six months later, he was arrested again, this time in his Indianapolis apartment. What did police find?


The punishment: Federal and Indiana state attorneys decided not to prosecute Burton, but a Louisiana judge was unmoved. What was his punishment?

Bush daughters


The politician: President George W. Bush (R)

The daughters: Jenna Hager and Barbara Bush

The trouble: In 2001 the twin sisters found themselves making headlines after police cited them for misrepresenting their ages in an attempt to purchase alcohol at a famous Tex-Mex restaurant in Austin, Texas. They were 19 at the time, and 21 is the legal drinking age in Texas.

The punishment: Both pleaded not guilty, and their cases were dismissed after their punishments were fulfilled. What did they have to do?

Noelle Bush

The politician: Gov. Jeb Bush (R)

The daughter: Noelle Bush

The trouble: In 2002 Noelle Bush was arrested for prescription drug fraud. She left several messages on a pharmacist's machine, posing as Dr. Noelle Scidmore. What drugs did she want?


The punishment: Bush was sentenced to mandatory drug treatment. While in the program she was found with hard drugs and finally wound up in prison

Caroline Giuliani

The politician: Rudy Giuliani (R)

The daughter: Caroline Giuliani


The trouble: In 2010, Caroline Giuliani was arrested at a New York City cosmetics store. A security camera caught her shoplifting.

The punishment: She was charged with petit larceny. What was her sentence?

Al Gore III

The politician: Former Vice President Al Gore (D)

The son: Al Gore III

The trouble: In 2007, the younger Gore was stopped by police for speeding.After allegedly smelling marijuana, the officers searched the vehicle and found a portable pharmacy full of drugs.

The punishment: Gore pleaded guilty to possession of marijuana and the prescription drugs. What was his sentence?

Alexandra Kerry


The politician: Sen. John Kerry (D)

The daughter: Alexandra Kerry

The trouble: In 2009 Alexandra Kerry was pulled over by police and failed a field sobriety test. She refused a Breathalyzer and was taken back to the police station for testing. Did she pass?

The punishment: Based on her test results, prosecutors made a decision before the case came to trial. What happened?

D'Anne Leigh Mica

The politician: Congressman John Mica (R)


The daughter: D'Anne Leigh Mica

The trouble: Driving home from a Mexican restaurant in 2010, D'Anne Leigh Mica was pulled over by police and admitted to having had cocktails.

The punishment: Despite the evidence, Mica's attorney challenged the legality of the traffic stop. What happened?

Jeffrey Rush

The politician: Congressman Bobby Rush (D)


The son: Jeffrey Rush

The trouble: Jeffrey Rush was head of security at a halfway house for women. In 2007 he arranged to have sex with an inmate off-site. He was found guilty of sexual misconduct and sentenced to 30 months' probation, but kept his job. Why did he lose it a year later?

The punishment: A grand jury handed down multiple counts of official misconduct, but in a deal with prosecutors, Rush pleaded guilty to only a few counts. What was his sentence?

Luckiest towns in US?

Luckiest towns in US?

Luckiest towns in US?

Luckiest towns in US? A California town was named the luckiest in the US by Men’s Health magazine. Editors looked at data about lottery winners and holes-in-one to determine which cities were luckiest.

The world's most expensive dessert

The world's most expensive dessert

The world's most expensive dessert A dessert made by a British jeweler is being billed as the world's most expensive dessert  The decadent dessert, which includes a 2.62-carat diamond ring, won't be a world record until someone orders it, Guinness says.

A free spa day for Stanley Cup rioters?

A free spa day for Stanley Cup rioters?

A free spa day for Stanley Cup rioters?A spa in Vancouver, B.C., is offering a gift certificate to people suspected of being Stanley Cup rioters . The spa's president said, "We think they need to calm down and relax"

Movie inspired man who ‘dogged’ Woods?

Movie inspired man who ‘dogged’ Woods?

Movie inspired man who ‘dogged’ Woods? The Petaluma, Calif., man who was arrested after he allegedly threw a hotdog at golfer Tiger Woods  reportedly says he was inspired by a movie  Brandon Kelly, 31, who says he is a fan of Woods, reportedly explained his actions.What did he say he wanted to do?

Teen Entrepreneurs

Teen Entrepreneurs

Business's teen titans, Idle texting, shopping and channel surfing are not on the itineraries of these driven teenagers. From a 15-year-old style star launching a high-profile website in September to a top game designer who's only 14, these high school-age entrepreneurs are changing the face of business.

Search: Farrhad Acidwalla

What he did: This India-based mogul heads up a 42-person branding and marketing firm with the business motto "Creating awesomeness."

Leanna Archer

What she did: Archer started her own line of natural hair care products at age 9 and has branched out into philanthropy as well

Ava Anderson

What she did: This Rhode Island teen founded a nontoxic beauty line and has been embraced by the fashion press as well as the business world.

Mark Bao

What he did: This college student has been dubbed "The Startup Machine," thanks to such creations as his viral social media app, his customer support project and his latest venture.

Tavi Gevinson

What she did: In September 2011, the young fashion icon and muse launched her own online style magazine, Rookie, gaining praise from the likes of The New York Times and Lady Gaga.

Diane Keng

What she did: Before graduating from high school, this Silicon Valley native had already co-founded a popular social network site with her brother.

Lizzie Marie Likness

What she did: Likness went from selling baked goods at a hometown farmers market to sharing healthy eating habits with kids via her cooking website.

Robert Nay

What he did: Nay started an iPhone games company, which sprang from the popularity of an addictive game he designed in his hometown library

Charles Orgbon

What he did: In 2008, Orgbon launched his own green movement, which promotes environmental awareness and action in schools.

Adora Svitak

What she did: Hailed as a child prodigy, Svitak was a published writer by age 7, the subject of a documentary by 11 and a teacher by 12.

Famous October Birthdays

Famous October Birthdays

Famous October birthdays, In a world with nearly 7 billion people, chances are someone famous is celebrating their birthday this October.Check out these famous celebrities that will celebrate their birthdays this month.

Nick Cannon
Former host of MTV's hit "Wild 'N Out" Nick Cannon made a name for himself in television, movies and with several hit songs. He and his R&B diva wife welcomed twins in April.

Jimmy Carter
The 39th president, Jimmy Carter served a single term and was hurt politically by the Iran hostage crisis. Since he left office, he was awarded the Nobel Peace prize and founded the Carter Center with his wife, Rosalynn.

John Cleese
British actor John Cleese got his start with the offbeat comedy troupe Monty Python and starred in all four movies based on their show. On TV he also played the hotel manager Basil Fawlty in "Fawlty Towers" and the quirky Lyle Finster in the hit comedy "Will & Grace."

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Former first lady Hilary Rodham Clinton was a U.S. senator before becoming the current secretary of state  and made an unsuccessful run for the presidency. She published her autobiography in 2003, "Living History."

Simon Cowell
The so-called king of mean, Simon Cowell spent nine seasons on "American Idol" hurling insults at contestants and helping a few lucky winners realize their dreams. You can catch him on his new show to see if his sharp tongue still cuts as deep.

Joan Cusack
Joan Cusack built her successful career with memorable supporting roles, including several with her younger brother. Her unique voice was lent to Jessie the cowgirl in "Toy Story 2" and "Toy Story 3."

Brett Favre
Retirement flip-flopper Brett Favre spent 19 years as an NFL quarterback, most notably with the Green Bay Packers, before finally deciding to leave the league after the 2010 season.He has appeared in several commercials, a few poking fun at his on-again, off-again retirement plans.

Bill Gates
Billionaire Bill Gates co-founded Microsoft in 1976. An avid philanthropist, he created the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation with his wife and signed the Giving Pledge with fellow billionaires Warren Buffett and Mark Zuckerberg.

Nancy Grace
Tough as nails former prosecutor Nancy Grace reports on high-profile court cases on her legal and current events TV show, "Nancy Grace".Her coverage of the Casey Anthony trial earned high ratings.

Grant Hill
NBA All-Star Grant Hill plays for the Phoenix Suns and was part of the 1996 Olympic team that won gold in Atlanta. An avid African-American art collector, he sponsored an exhibition tour of his collection.

Evander Holyfield
Former heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield's 44 wins and career longevity earned him a nickname. He had part of his ear bitten off in one of his most famous fights.

Hugh Jackman
Australian actor Hugh Jackman is well known as an action star and as a romantic leading man.

He is a three-time Tony Awards host as well as an award winner

Alan Jackson
Country crooner Alan Jackson's traditional country sound has earned him a loyal following. His newly released collaboration on "As She's Walking Away" with the Zac Brown Band earned the pair a Grammy Award.

Kim Kardashian
Reality-TV star Kim Kardashian is best known for her involvement in her family's show, "Keeping up With the Kardashians," but she is involved in a variety of business interests, including her clothing and perfume lines. She married NBA star Kris Humphries in August.

Kevin Kline
Oscar-winning actor Kevin Kline has enjoyed a long career in a wide spectrum of movies, from "Sophie's Choice" to "Soapdish." He has two children with his wife, actress Phoebe Cates

John Krasinski
A star of the hit comedy "The Office", Jim Krasinski has appeared in "It's Complicated" and most recently "Something Borrowed." He married British actress Emily Blunt in 2010

Christopher Lloyd
Character actor Christopher Lloyd is best known for his role as Doc Brown in the "Back to the Future" trilogy and as Jim Ignatowski on "Taxi." He recently lent his unique voice to animated films such as "The Tale of Despereaux."

Penny Marshall
After securing fame with her iconic role as Laverne DeFazio on the hit television show "Laverne and Shirley," Penny Marshall turned to the opposite side of the camera. She is a successful director who has done blockbusters such as "A League of Their Own" and has been a producer on films such as "Cinderella Man."

John Mayer
Blues-rock singer John Mayer has produced numerous hit albums,

and his music  has earned him seven Grammy Awards. His high-profile romances and breakups have earned him a reputation as a womanizer.

Sharon Osbourne
Best known as the matriarch of the Osbourne family, Sharon Osbourne stepped into the spotlight with her family's reality show, "The Osbournes". She has become a permanent fixture on the small screen as a judge on the U.K.'s "The X Factor" and on "America's Got Talent," as well as a co-host on a popular daytime talk show

Clive Owen
British heartthrob Clive Owen impressed audiences with his string of supporting roles before cleaning up on the awards circuit for his leading role in "Closer." His new movie, "Intruders," debuted at the 2011 Toronto Film Festival. Watch the trailer.

Bristol Palin
The well-known daughter of former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, Bristol Palin gained her own fame with her high-profile teenage pregnancy and subsequent work advocating teen abstinence. Her popularity rose with her third-place finish on "Dancing With the Stars"

Jane Pauley
Journalist Jane Pauley is best known as a former co-host on the "Today" show and "Dateline NBC." She went public with her battle with bipolar disorder in her autobiography and is involved with the Jane Pauley Community Health Program.

Katy Perry
Pop princess Katy Perry found fame with her first hit single and has stayed on top of the charts with the songs that followed . She married comedian Russell Brand in October 2010

Anne Rice
Gothic fiction writer Anne Rice is best known for her stories involving vampires, most notably in her "Vampire Chronicles" series. Though she no longer lives in her original hometown , the city is the background for many of her novels.

Kelly Ripa
"Live With Regis and Kelly" co-host Kelly Ripa met her husband while on the soap opera "All My Children." She and co-host Regis Philbin, who will soon leave the show, won a Daytime Emmy Award in June.

Winona Ryder
"Heathers" star Winona Ryder landed in a courtroom facing shoplifting charges in 2001. After a career hiatus, she made a successful return to the big screen in "Black Swan," which earned her a nomination for a Screen Actors Guild Award. Watch the trailer from her most recent film.

Elisabeth Shue
Oscar-nominated actress Elisabeth Shue made a name for herself in girl-next-door roles beginning with her breakout performance in "The Karate Kid." She is married to Academy Award-winning director Davis Guggenheim

Grace Slick
Rock icon Grace Slick was lead singer and one of the songwriters for Jefferson Airplane, Jefferson Starship and Starship. She continues to work as an artist, but she's traded her singing and songwriting for a paintbrush

Margaret Thatcher
The United Kingdom's first female prime minister, Margaret Thatcher  earned her nickname for her tough stances against trade unions and the Soviet Union. She talks about her time in office in her autobiography, "The Downing Street Years"

Usher
R&B superstar and actor Usher is a seven-time Grammy Award winner and best-selling recording artist . He is part owner of an NBA team