Prescott & Kerr' Releases 'The Modern Compendium of Despicable Jerks'

Omaha, NE

Illustrator Tom Kerr and writer John Prescott must have channeled Teddy Roosevelt's little girl Alice Roosevelt Longworth when they created their new book, 'The Modern Compendium of Despicable Jerks.' Little Alice famously said, "If you haven't got anything nice to say about anybody, come sit next to me." Discovering the inhabitants of this easy and provocative read is the next best thing to sitting next to Alice.

The subjects of this volume are an excellent sampling of both real and imagined human beings who often wallow in a putrid pool of self-aggrandizement while making others suffer. This book is offered in the same spirit by equal opportunity offenders and is intended to be all in fun, but not necessarily fun for all.

The book includes political jerks from Nancy Pelosi to Sarah Palin Dick Cheney to Elliot Spitzer, and notes Ted is the worst "Cruz" since "Gilligan's Island." This effort also features folks like Vladimir Putin, who will probably go to hell, but not before he's forced to dress appropriately. Then there are similar people like Kim Jung-il who may already be in Hell.

There are lesser levels of jerkdom for real people who will probably not go to hell but live in the suburbs and also for the everyday jerks we all know by a variety of names. There are Jerks like TSA Agent Sam Pustule who delights in snapping on rubber gloves to inspect passengers as he looks for errors in 'Gray's Anatomy of the Human Body' or firing up one of the new X-Ray 5000 machines and watching passengers' outer clothing explode in flames.

The creators of this volume reside in Omaha, Nebraska, where they began crafting "jerks" to amaze and irritate their friends. Artist Kerr has gained an international reputation as an illustrator and cartoonist. His work has appeared in locations as diverse as Moscow, Papua New Guinea, Melbourne (Australia) and Manhattan (New York, not Kansas). His early career was spent in Australia as a cartoonist, caricaturist and designer for the Melbourne Sun. Since returning to the United States, he has worked as a newspaper designer, editorial cartoonist, illustrator and now, as a full-time freelancer. Kerr's most high profile freelance client is the National Crime Prevention Council whose main character, McGruff the Crime Dog, is a cultural icon.

Writer Prescott's background includes two decades in television news, followed by time in corporate communications at a major transportation company and a stint as speechwriter and media advisor for United States Strategic Command. In recent years Prescott has served as head writer for the Omaha Press Club's annual Gridiron Show, spoofing politicians and earning money for a foundation annually presenting $30,000 in scholarships to journalism students at three universities.

Former CNN journalist Chuck Roberts is a long-time friend of Prescott's and says, "It's not as easy it is looks. The knack for showing the ridiculous side of current events exaggerating the facts to the amusement of his readers put Will Rogers on a pedestal. John and artist Tom Kerr are at the top of their game in this collection. Tom skewers. John plunges through the open door. They're fluent across all spectrums. Despicable Jerks is a great read. Probably what Will Rogers would be reading."

'The Modern Compendium of Despicable Jerks,' published in ebook format by eBookIt.com, is available through several popular online retailers, including Amazon.com and Apple's iBookstore. Printed copies are also available through Amazon.com, BN.com and at The Bookworm in Omaha's Countryside Village, 8702 Pacific Street.

Tom Kerr is available for interviews.

Contact: Tom Kerr
402-384-8845
kerrtoons(at)gmail(dot)com

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