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Humor Times blog - by James Israel

I publish a monthly paper called the Humor Times, available via subscription anywhere in the world. This blog allows me to comment in a more timely manner on current events, etc., since, after all, I have plenty to say!

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Humor Times: # 4 out of top 10 nationally for Best Logo Design!


The Humor Times is proud to announce that our logo/masthead was recently chosen as # 4 out of the top 10 in the country for Best Logo Design by Logo Design Works, out of Columbus, Ohio.

That puts us just behind a couple little rags you may have heard of, the New York Times & USA Today!

Logo Design Works noted that, "It’s only appropriate that a newspaper offering a comedic commentary on the news have a very different logo than its more serious counterparts. This newspaper bucks the trend by having attention grabbing red lettering in fun, curving shapes that are reminiscent of a comic book. The colorful bulls-eye image not only draws in the eye; it also adds to the friendly feeling of the logo design by adding circular shapes to the logo. This logo perfectly portrays the differences between this newspaper and its competitors."

We couldn't have said it better ourselves!

"We are very happy to have this honor. The logo was designed for us a few years ago by Bob Crabb, a fine cartoonist out of Nevada City who regularly gets published in the Grass Valley Union, and has published many comic books of his own," said Humor Times publisher James Israel.

The national attention this could bring the Humor Times is much welcomed, as we continue to transition into a national publication, available by subscription. Many Sacramento locals may think we went out of business, but we merely discontinued the free distribution of the paper, a couple years ago.

The Humor Times is now available in hard-copy or digital formats. More information can be found at www.humortimes.com, or by phone at 916-455-1217.

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Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Homeless make a buck selling Humor Times

We've been working with an organization that helps out homeless people in San Francisco, giving them copies of the Humor Times to sell on the street. It gives them a way to make a few bucks, while spreading the title around and hopefully making a few new fans of the paper.

It's feels good to be able to help unfortunate folks help themselves. People walking on the street like to help out homeless people more when they see that they are being productive in some way. They might even discover they like political humor too!

Call it our little stimulus package -- stimulating the economy on the street, while stimulating your funny bone at the same time!

We hope to be able to duplicate the effort in other localities. Let us know if you have any good ideas for us. And if you see a homeless man or woman offering you the Humor Times one day, don't ignore them, help them out. Buy a copy, and then share it with a friend.

The good vibes will just keep spreading out that way! And Lord knows, we need more of that these days. Thanks.

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Monday, March 23, 2009

18th Anniversary Issue of the HUMOR TIMES out now!

I'm very proud and excited to announce that the 18th Anniversary Issue of the Humor Times is out now!

That's right, the Humor Times has come of age. It's been a great ride, and we're looking forward to the next 18 years, assuming the world doesn't implode before then. The way things are going, who knows?

But that's exactly why it's a good thing the Humor Times is here to lighten things up! We tackle current issues with gusto, look at the news sideways, and lampoon politicians with glee -- all just to poke fun... at the media, at our elected officials, at celebrities and ultimately, at ourselves.

Talk about a stimulus -- we've been stimulating the nation's funny bone since 1991!

If you've never seen a copy of the Humor Times, I tell people it's kind of like the Daily Show in print. It's a completely irreverent look at politics and current events, so it never gets stale.

Right now, we've got an Anniversary Special going -- sign up for a year's subscription (12 issues), delivered right to your door, for only $15.95 ($2.00 off)!

Just use "HTanniv" in the discount code blank to receive your discount!

Or, try it out for three issues for only $4.95 (reg. $5.95)!

Do you prefer getting your reading material online? Sign up for the PDF edition of the Humor Times for only $7.95/year (reg. $9.95)!

Of course, no matter what you do, you'll want to sign up for our free "Cartoon of the Week and More" email newsletter, and we hope you visit our website at www.humortimes.com often!

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Tuesday, December 11, 2007

’Tis the Season – To Give the Gift of Laugher, the Humor Times!

As I write this, our culture is in the midst of the annual holiday advertising blitz, with every newspaper, every tv channel, every radio station and every website hurtling a constant barrage of "messages" from their sponsors telling you exactly what you should be buying for your husband/wife/kids/friends/co-workers, etc, etc. It seems to start earlier and earlier every year. We used to joke about how quickly after Thanksgiving it started, but now it's a seamless "Hallow-Thanks-Christmas" season.

And the Christmas carols - oh my! How long must we endure them?

The increasing commercialization of the holidays is inevitable, I suppose, so what are we to do?

Well... if you can't beat 'em, join 'em, as they say!

So here at the Humor Times, we're joining the "holiday chorus." Yes, it's time for our own shameless self-promotion and requisite truth embellishment, so here goes…

Sure, all those other products tout how "original" they are - but who can compare to the originality of a gift like a subscription to the Humor Times?! Not only is it the best collection of political humor around, but it's a gift that lasts all year long, and spreads the smiles far and wide!

Since "laughter is the best medicine," that means it's one of the healthiest gifts you can bestow upon your friends and relatives as well!

Sure, you may be seen as a cheapskate if it's the only gift you give. But when given as an extra, it makes you look incredibly generous! Plus, you can always give multi-year subscriptions, if you're trying to make your gift total a more respectable one.

And as they say in the commercials, it's sooo convenient! We've improved our website ordering system by leaps and bounds, so you can go to our Humor Times subscription page and order multiple gift subscriptions very easily. (The more you buy, the cheaper they are! See back cover.) And if you do it before the end of the year, you'll even get rewarded with a HALF-PRICE subscription for yourself! (You can extend your present subscription by a year at half price as well.) And we'll even send a gift card in your name to the recipient, if you like. (If you want this current issue sent, so that their subscription starts by Christmas, just say so in the "how did you find us" box.) Just enter "HumorHoliday" in the Discount Code box to get this special.

So what are you waiting for? Do it now, before you forget! Give the Gift of Laughter, today!

Thanks for spreading the smiles! Oh yeah, and Happy Holidays, Peace on Earth and all that other touchy-feely stuff!

P.S. The Humor Times has launched a free weekly email newsletter! We hope to add some cheer to your week with a Cartoon of the Week, a column by the world's best political comedian, Will Durst, some titillating "fake news" from the Giant Napkin, a Joke of the Week and an invitation to enter the monthly Cartoon Caption Contest, as well as other features. Sign up right here. It's easy to unsubscribe if you want, and we promise not to share your email info with anyone! (You can see what it looks like in your browser, here!)

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