When the people on the bottom floor of an apartment building smoke, everyone in the apartment building smokes. On the bright side, I feel like I’m right there in Beijing while I watch the Olympics.

I didn’t know that Randy Pausch passed away on July 25 until I heard the co-author of his book as a guest on “On Point.” I didn’t even know the book was out.

In terms of my career, these are uncertain times for me, but Randy Pausch’s lecture, “Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams” is still a signpost pointing me in the right direction.

Last night, I told Jen about the radio program, about him passing away. She went to the closet and pulled out a Borders bag, and, opening it, handed me his book, “The Last Lecture.” Another signpost, just when I need it most. (You’re the best, Jen.)

John Lackey, sort of. Trying to loosen up my pencil work. Also using Prismacolor colored pencils which are really nice and smooth, but break often in my sharpener. And, as always, enjoying the brush pen.

Frank Miller delivering his key note at the Eisners this year.

Sharing is caring, and I have lots to care with you from Comic-Con ‘08, including:

• the cast of Mystery Science Theater 3000!
• the creators of “The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack”!
• new books! new friends!

Back in March, I was contacted by a small publisher in Italy about the use of one of my drawings as a cover.

I don’t speak Italian, so here is what I know about the book from email with the publisher:

The book is a story of a lady who lived with breast disease. It is divided into three parts, one in which there is the discovery of the disease, the second with the intervention and treatment, the third with the complete healing. She tells of her emotions, feelings and the way that this disease has provided up to the recent healing. The publisher is ‘Apogeo Editore’ and the website is www.libreria-Apogeo.it.

I was very impressed with the production quality of the book and I’m really happy with how they used my drawing. Grateful for the opportunity to be involved, too.

The United States Postal Service delivered a special surprise for me today: three copies of Chaosium’s Basic Roleplaying book. I’m excited to have seven spot illustrations inside.

These are among my first illustrations for a published roleplaying game, and it feels pretty good to see ‘em printed.

You can see more of them in my portfolio. They’re on my “Eric M. Smith, Illustrator” Facebook page, too. I promise that very soon I’ll have lots of new illustrations up in both places. Just waiting for the books to be published.

My sister Sara Mackie has been nominated for a Cincinnati Entertainment Award (CEA) for “LOCAL ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A PLAY” for her performance as Izzy in Rabbit Hole (Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati.)

Vote now: 2008 CEA Theater Voting

Sara’s on the left.

Voting is open to anyone. If you’ve got the notion, cast your vote for Sara. I saw Rabbit Hole right before I moved out of Ohio and I’m very glad I did. (See the play, not move. Heh.) It was a very powerful play, great story and characters.

If you didn’t see Rabbit Hole, take my word that it was awesome. Or this reviewer’s word. He loved it, too.

Mackie’s Izzy becomes a startling voice of reason … This is a memorable production. Grade: A — Citybeat.com

Vote now: 2008 CEA Theater Voting

Vote now: 2008 CEA Theater Voting

Last day to vote is Monday, August 4.