Woody Windham Blog

My Newest Caricature by Robert Ariail

If you are wondering about the caricature of me on the first page of my new website, I thought I might explain how it happened. It was drawn by one of the best cartoonist in America, Robert Ariail. I used to read The State paper every morning before my radio show. I would read it from front to back so I would be prepared for the show. In radio we call it “Prep”. I always felt uncomfortable if I missed doing it. I always knew where to find the daily Ariail cartoon. It was on the Editorial page. Some days I would turn to that page as soon as I sat down with the paper because I needed to start the day with a good laugh. I did this reading every day at the Southside Restaurant in Cayce. As soon as I saw the cartoon each day I would laugh out loud. Every body in the restaurant would say in unison, “Ariail?”. And I would see if I could explain the cartoon to the crowd.

Early this year, 2009, The State fired him during their cutbacks. I announced on the air that I would never again buy a State paper and I haven’t. I also quit eating breakfast at The Southside. I mention this on the air several times and received an email from Robert Ariail in which he said he was still in Columbia and he appreciated my comments. Then he said, “If there is anything I can ever do for you, let me know”. I wrote him back and told him that I would like a caricature. He sent it to me in a few days and every time I look at it I laugh out loud. He really captured me. You can see his work at, www.robertariail.com. He’s the best. And I am so proud to have him do me.

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