SIMMS

Very sad to hear today of the passing of our friend Simms Taback, noted illustrator, children’s book author and activist for artist’s rights. He was a hero to a lot of us in the graphic arts. Here is a post from last June, which Simms saw and liked. In the year plus of grace that he had since deciding to stop immiserating treatment for pancreatic cancer Simms got to travel, be with family and friends and hear what he meant to them. Our thoughts are with them at this time. My reflections are reprinted below.

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TOP NEWS STORIES, 2011

With gratitude to the LA Times, Susan Brenneman, Wesley Bausmith, Cherry Gee.  Happy New Year!

Xu Lindong

The Chinese practice of institutionalizing dissidents is coming more to light.  This small article about a farmer Xu Lindong. who dared to challenge authority, was placed in a mental hospital and then was released after 6 1/2 years with $43,000 in damages.  There is an increase in protests and activism there as well as a … Read more

FORGOTTEN STORIES OF 2010

Here’s my Year End Review for Need to Know.

Edited and animated by Jacob Williams and Bryan Brinkman, respectively, of The Refinery.

Here’s to a wakeful 2011.

Watch the full episode. See more Need To Know.

In 2010 some of the most significant stories played out as if they weren’t.

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