Pearls Before Swine by Stephan Pastis for December 08, 2020

I think Rat’s got it right this time.

“I’m stressed”

-You should relax

“Oh I never thought of that. Maybe you should tell the starving guy over there to just eat a sandwich and solve all his problems!”

Cue the theme from Jaws.

It definitely plots alright.

I’m a pseudo believer in the “personal devil” concept: When we’re born, we’re issued a personal devil whose job is to upset your plans. This is why we invoke the kindly spirit of the tree by “knocking wood” whenever we make the mistake of mentioning that we expect a good outcome.

I disagree. Life is good especially if you have a little perspective. Sure I’ve got problems but they pale in comparison to the problems of many. And, it could be worse. I could be stupid and ugly too.

“ Life double crosses with style

Forcing you into a smile

So it can kick you in the teeth… "

’Funny.." City of Angels

Rat has this one entirely too correct.

Man plans, God laughs.

Life doesn’t plot against you. People do.

Rat has got this one right.

The ultimate conspiracy theory – Life.

Goat needs to go listen to Ironic by Alanis Moreset.

If Rat keeps hammering this theme, Goat is gonna plotz.

Oh, yes it does, Goat.

Panel 3 should be a mug or a tee shirt.

It’s going to win one day, too.

Ask Sisyphus!

Rats expression last panel!

Rat; I’m Paranoid, But am I Paranoid enough ?

Sounds like paranoid delusions are next for him. Have many prescribed drugs, dude!

Goat should tell tRump that.

Yes, it does!

Anticipation, plotting, anxiety,…..how about a beer, RAT?

I’ve often felt the universe is against me. However by now I’m used to it and definitely don’t stress about it like I used to when I was younger.

yes, I’m sure it does…

You’re not wrong about that.

Rat, with the year we have had, I have to agree.

Rat, with the year we have had, I have to agree.

Careful Rat or you’ll plotz!

@#$% You life.

Life is out to get you.., and sooner or later it shall!

My favorite characters in Pearls Before Swine are the alligators! I vote for more alligator strips going forward!

LOTS!

As Marvin says, “Life! Don’t talk to me about life . . .”

It’s not paranoia if they’re really after you.

Sounds like a line right out of a Seinfeld episode

John Lennon dead 40 years ago today. “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.”

Back in the Dark Ages (my college days), a literature professor of mine once opined that in all of literature there were only two plots; Death and Sex (albeit, he conceded, perhaps in the metaphorical sense). In an essay, we were asked to support or contradict that viewpoint. I wrote that in literature, such could in fact be the case; but in real life, my opinion was there was far too much of the former and much too little of the latter. The professor was a good sport; he didn’t flunk me. (And this was pre-Covid, pre-HIV, and for most folks today, pre-History.)

Rat, in panel three, reminds me of Kramer on the Seinfeld show! ;o)

We are tired of relaxing…..

It’s not Life that’s plotting against you Rat. It’s the Environment in which you live that’s trying to kill you.

Never let your guard down. Or your trousers in public.

Oh yes, Life definitely plots against us.

I want to ‘Like’ this one over and over and over again!

Life is what happens when your busy making other plans

Rat, just give that stress to others…you will be relieved, and also appreciate the joy of “giving” at the same time! :D

Remove all people, and eliminate the biggest risk.

Rat, your biggest worry should be Stephan. He’s the one who comes up with all your plots.

SOmetimes it is hard to tell when we are plotting against ourselves and life is just responding, and when life is plotting against us and we have to fight back.

I’m with Rat.

Not to get all pop-psycho on Y’all, but it really is a choice; you can plot with it, or struggle against it.

Reminds me of a John Lennon lyric

nailed it, rat!

I am with rat. “Oh Yes It Does!”

“Life plots all over me!”

Does too.

And that’s what beer is for

Life Plots!

That particular headline is true. Life is a comedy, and we are the butt of its jokes….