New Year's Resolutions

Synopsis

Bob Mankoff, the cartoon editor of The New Yorker magazine, shares a lighthearted reflection on the New Year. He recalls the festive atmosphere at the Cartoon Lounge, describing it as a 'fakon alley and blowout' that left him feeling a bit woozy. Mankoff humorously announces his New Year's resolution to stay off alcohol, only to immediately contradict himself by ordering a naive domestic burgundy. He presents a couple of New Year's resolution cartoons, including one from 1970 by James Stevenson, where a man at a bar contemplates lofty resolutions like increased service to others and dedication to family. Mankoff's commentary captures the spirit of the New Year while highlighting the humorous side of resolutions and the cartoonist community's camaraderie.