Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Watterson for March 14, 2013

Guess who didn’t read the chapter?

Calvin The Clueless.

Justinian? Theodora? Belisarius? … any of these names ring a bell???

It’s Final Jeopardy for Calvin.

Brocoli!!!!

Yeah right. Six years old and they’re being asked a question like that? How ridiculous!

I know high school graduates who never heard of the Roman Empire, let alone the Byzantine Empire.

I missed that chapter or whatever too.On to outer planets.

Agree with comments about how many 6th graders know this? Heck, how many adults could answer the question?

“Instanbul was Constantinople…” – The Four Lads

I don’t know…by age 6 I was reading at a 6th grade level myself and was allowed access to the “adult stacks” by age 10. I could spell, too.

Miss Wormwood is one tough cookie. In the next hour she’ll be giving an algebra test.

how is there..?just reading Calvin strip’s and So Hot in Thailand look 37C…

Byzantine does is it mean ..?

I’ll have to remember that for the next stupid question asked.

I think Calvin picked the wrong category..

Of course Miss Wormwood could just be messing with Calvin’s head.

My Mom would have said “you’d better read that chapter again.”

I know how you feel Calvin. I had the same face when I was asked that question.

The answer is: “behind home plate.”

‘Guess I’m gonna have to go with Gweedo on this one…~‘Just keep saying "It’s only a comic strip…It’s only a comic strip…It’s only a comic strip …" (remember to smile)

Now the first graders go to school with a backpack that weighs 50 pounds, and they have homework too! How unjust.

Now, first graders go to school with a backpack that weighs 50 pounds, and they have homework too. How sad.

Flashback!

I wonder how much Calvin knows about the real outer planets. (Presumably the ones in our solar system; had any exoplanets been discovered when this was published?)

The Byzantine Empire is the most neglected important historical subject in our curriculum. Almost a thousand years of history, wonderful art, the protector of the Classical Greek tradition, a major player (not always to its own benefit) in the Crusades…. And if you think “I, Claudius” was fun, read Procopious’ “Secret History”.

Byzantine is more our term than theirs. They considered themselves Romans and the true heirs of the Roman Empire. Without the de facto protection they provided for primitive Europe, that area probably could never have developed.

New Rome.

It’s sad to think of how much I must have been taught through my academic years that I haven’t retained. It’s true . . if you don’t use it, you lose it.

They Might Be Giants did a great version of Istanbul (Not Constantinople) in the 80’s. My Mom loves it and she’s in her 80’s.

Calvin’s a Turkey! He’ll be in hot Greece if he doesn’t get this one. I Constantine all the history he never learned.

and, the Byzantine answer.

…in Byzanthia?

Ummm… All… It’s Habemus Papam! (“We Have a Pope!”) is the announcement given in Latinand “Istanbul (Not Constantinople)” was originally recorded by The Four Lads, covered by numerous artists.

The questions and vocabulary are part of the humor. If Calvin was a real life depiction of a six year old this wouldn’t be the great strip it is. One could say the same for Charlie Brown.

“Istanbul was ConstantinopleNow it’s Istanbul, not ConstantinopleBeen a long time gone, ConstantinopleWhy did Constantinople get the works?That’s nobody’s business but the Turks…”- They Might be Giants

Hehehehehehe… That second panel is a true work of art!

LOL xxx

If someone gave me $100 I would use it to buy a right hand plano lens for my clear eyeglasses. The AR coating has crazed all over it. Is Miss Wormwood ready for Spaceman Spiff’s answers?

If Ms. Wormwood asked Calvin an age-appropriate question there would be people here who “wouldn’t get it” since Calvin might know the answer!

Asking Calvin a question that an adult might have trouble with makes the strip clearer and funnier!

THIS…IS… JEOPARDY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The answer is… something…wise choice Calvin, I’m sure you know the answer to the jeopardy question with spaceman spiff and all… Planet x-13!

Ya’d think Cavin would relate., Byzantine also meaning a intricately devious and stealthy manner..

Krakow! Krakow! Two direct hits!

Hey! That’s nobody’s business but the Turks!