Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Watterson for August 31, 2009

Maybe they will find Hobbe’s mate.

Yeah, he’s real excited….

I thought Hobbes’ mate was Groversfather! They both quit.

Follow up: They both quit yesterday.

Today Calvin might teach his parents some grammar. “I haven’t GONE TO the zoo in ages.’ The rule is GONE TO (action), BEEN AT (state of being). At least, that’s my understanding. Maybe Hobbes will see his “grammar” at the zoo.

It must be his first visit to the zoo – he hasn’t been banned from visiting there yet. (Unlike the museum.)

Well - he’s really gungho about this trip. Mind you, I guess when you have your own tiger, it’s no big deal.

He’s SIX and this is his first trip to the zoo?! That’s terrible!

Groversfather said, about 2 hours ago: …I’ll make a deal with you; I’ll read the comic and leave those of you, to whom this applies, to ramble on amongst yourselves in the comment section.

Oh, Groversfather! Thank you! You have made us all so very happy! [sniff]

Ushindi: Thanks. It took a while, but yes.

@Hobbes: there sure be babes in the zoo!!! Hurry Up!

Ahhh the zoo and children, what a volatile mix! If Calvin just takes his head out of the comic for just a few seconds he’ll remember that zoo’s have tigers in them ;)

As far as I understand it ’Have not and haven’t’ are acceptable in this case

Going to zoo is fine!

Calvin would not be happy with a mate for Hobbes!

I thought Hobbes was still sweet on Suzy.

Ushindi: Your Mom wins! My grandmother used a wringer washer and hung her clothes outside on the line until she was in her 70’s. We live in the “North Country” of New York and the winters get harsh. She’d bring in the clothes frozen from the line outside and hang them on the line in the basement to dry. She said they smelled so much fresher and softer that way.

This isn’t going to be a good day for Calvin’s parents! Kids are so honest with their likes and dislikes. When we took my son to the zoo he cried because he wanted to let the animals out. He didn’t want them to be unhappy being stuck in a cage or small yard and wanted them to be free to run around and play wherever they wanted. He of course not knowing the danger wanted to play with them. If they couldn’t be let out to wander around on their own he wanted to bring them home with us and take care of them and love them.

Nice story Dino!

I’ve had adult visitors from England that would be quite prepared to climb into the cages and play with the bears. Fortunately physical restraint was not required!

Went to Las Vegas - now that’s a zoo!

@cryptomaniac, You made my day again; thank you for the response. I suppose you went to the 120 year old ‘Surki” dam since it is a major tourist attraction. Are there any Bengal tigers in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary? You said, “And despite my best intentions, I can’t see how I can relate all this to the comic, but hope Calvin mentions India (if not Kerala) someday and exonerates me.” I don’t think you need to be exonerated, especially considering previously mentioned recent developments in this comment forum, but since Calvin and his parents are going to the zoo today and probably will be there for a few days, Calvin is likely to see at least one Bengal tiger and mention it in some fashion.

Calvin should stay home and guard his comic books from Hobbs

This is not starting of well.

kelanman said, “Calvin and Hobbes is good. Aw, who am I kidding? IT’S GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” When I saw the 16 exclamations points, I thought Tiggergirl was back. She did the same thing. Maybe “the name was changed to protect the innocent”. I kidded Tiggergirl several days ago and we haven’t heard from her since then. I don’t want to scare anybody away (well, almost anybody) so I won’t say anything in jest or otherwise about those ‘unmentionables’.

Dad’s getting impatient.

I am sure it starts off like this, but by the time this series of clips ends, Calvin and his parents would both reverse their opinions about the zoo.

The zoo should be fun. Hobbes will find out how lucky he is.

Oh, the mischief they can get into at the zoo…

Calvin’s curiosity, although intense, is both highly selective and highly changeable.

Dad forgot about Calvin’s attention span!

It’s almost Back-To-School Calvin!

Don’t be so enthusiastic, Calvin.

Calvin’s never been to the zoo? This ought to be fun. He can get himself into all kinds of trouble there which is what he does best. As for Hobbes he should love it.

Waterson probaby needs to update this comic. Nowadays, Calvin’s nose would be glued to a cellphone rather than a comic book. It’s amazing how mezmerizing a tiny 1” screen can be to a child…

Hey, Doctor Toon, don’t you get it? They have all been to college and have Phd’s…and we both know what THAT stands for!

Got a feeling the zoo animals will end up thankful for the metal bars.

Stede_Bonnet

Fortunately, these comcis will not be updated to refect today’s reality. Waterson retired from C&H back in December 95. The fact that C&H has more of the childhood toys & distractions that closely resembles my own childhood makes thse strips all the more special as they are.

Looking at Hobbes’ face in the fourth panel, it seems he doesn’t like to be interrupted while he is reading a comic book (Captain Napalm ?).

Mating Hobbes

Too bad, he probably has never seen the New Zoo Review either, doesn’t know what he’s missing.

Comics or the zoo Boy this is a decision Hobbes will not like making

Maresha Or should I say “Mr. Cynical”, that would make Calvin’s home a zoo by your definition. With transmogrifyer in hand, Calvin can certainly make it so.

A

Maresha Just yanking your chain Mr. Cynical. It’s good to have you back.

Will a tiger beat the stuffin’s out of Hobbes?

Cultivating Culture in the adolescent can be like a day at a Kalifornia DMV multiplied by 365 .

Howcum people keep referring to comments that I can’t see? Where are they anyway?

Ahahahahahahah!

Might I recommend a rule of thumb:

After you type your comment, read it! Think to yourself “Does this enhance the comic at all?” If the answer is no, delete the message. If you answer yes, post it. If your comment reads “Yeah, he’s real excited….” or “Ahahahahahahah!” then don’t post it. The entire point of the last frame is to let people know that Calvin is not excited about going to the zoo. If one does not understand that, sarcasm will not penetrate their cranial void either. Posting a comment of laughter is also pointless. It is a posting created just to see your name printed and a sign of megalomania. You have not done anything besides waste space and time.

A special side note for puddleglum2: before you go looking for problems where they do not exist, check to make sure you are not hypocritical. The preposition Calvin’s dad uses is “to” not “at”. “Been to” refers to being at the actual location (the zoo); “Gone to” refers to the movement to that location. You then go on to write “The rule is GONE TO (action), BEEN AT (state of being).” Parentheses are used to signify that the contained phrases are not necessary in the sentence. You therefore wrote “The rule is GONE TO, BEEN AT.” Which makes no sense.

How about we try to step it up a notch. The internet has provided delusions that every fragment of a thought needs to be posted. Let’s make sure we start reversing this downwards trend. It will help humanity and those of you who are typing merely to see your name in print; if you stopped writing useless comments and started spending that time looking for a friend, you would have one by now.

I wasn’t going to leave a comment as I was simply terrified I might upset Anthrocynic, but then thought “Wait a minute, Ush!”. In checking the home page of”Groversfather”, I see every single comment has been made on “Calvin” - no other comic. His last was yesterday, Aug. 30. Now today, we have a new complainer, called “Anthrocynic” who just signed up today, Aug. 31, and sounds very much like “Groversfather”. Am I wrong to be a little suspicious? P.S. Anthrocynic: Your own comment does not meet your own criteria, not that your comment will actually influence anyone here.

Thank you for an intelligent comment (I am serious) . Lay your suspicions aside; I am not associated with “Groversfather” . If you are referring to my rule of thumb, my post adheres to that rule. It may not initially add anything to the comment but I am hopeful one or two people might think again before posting. Slowly this section will become enhanced. I put in a small investment of my time in the hope that it will help not just myself, but others. You may call me a humanitarian.

Calvin does not know what he is missing, although this strip was ages ago. Zoo animals although confined have medical care and meals. With todays zoos budgets are getting in the way. Time for my bedtime good night.

Humanitarian: I have to admit, you just got an actual laugh out of me - you’re like a saint of the comics, I understand now…..

Stede_Bonnet: rather than asking Waterson to update the strip maybe we should be updating (or backdating) our kids to a time when play involved imagination and real action as opposed to straining ones thumb pushing buttons.

Ushindi, You are quite a detective! Are you wrong to be a little suspicious? I think not. I have been (not gone to :o)) thinking the same thing since I saw Anthropocynic’s post. Perhaps another mystery has been solved as well. Calvin did not find gum in his pocket just before he found the transmogrifier. Is it possible that he had already the chewed the gum, spit it out, and you got it stuck on the bottom of your shoe while out sleuthing, gumshoe? Calvin should have remembered, if he had chewed the gum already, but if his mother is correct that he is/was excited about going to the zoo today, Calvin apparently doesn’t remember this, either. I’m fairly sure I can defend my case against Anthropocynic’s criticisms, but if he is Groversfather, it probably won’t be worth the effort. I might do it anyway for the benefit of others. After all, I am my brother’s keeper. Speaking of keepers, we’re going to the zoo. After we come back we will have been at the zoo. Congratulations, Ushindi! Your comments were clever, too!

I know I said I would leave the postings to you all, but I guess one last one is in order.

First to Anthrocynic: Thank you!

Second to Ushindi: You would be WRONG in your assumption! Unlike some others here, I don’t feel the need to change my name to get my point across.

But I am taking up valuable space…so, please, continue with the useless drivel and empty accusations.

Are we in a “Parent Trap” situation here with Groversfather and Anthropocynic? If they are two different people, maybe I will reply to the ‘humanitarian”, after all. Stay tuned, please!

First I have unfinished business with j42case. j42case said, “Puddleglum2 and I share an affliction with Ducky of NCIS fame…” Since you have put yourself into the same boat with me, I will assume that you have expressed yourself in the right spirit, although I disagree, at least in part. I hope you will see why with my next post. Perhaps I am trying too hard when replying to, and refuting, criticisms directed at me and/or someone else. Sometimes, it doesn’t do any good “No Matter What” or how much I say. Now I will proceed with my next post and hope that I can present my case as succinctly and accurately as possible.

I suggest we undisciplined comic fans make Anthrocynic our Spiritual Leader….and Groversfather our Sergeant at Arms.

All in favor say LOL.

WOW, that was most IMPRESSIVE, Anthrocynic, whatever it was you said. It seems as though you are so extremely intelligent, you don’t make a lick of sense to those who have only a College education. Are you sure you’re not an escapee of the U.S. Congress zoo?

I wrote Anthropocynic instead of Anthrocynic. Pardon me! Anthrocynic said, “The entire point of the last frame is to let people know that Calvin is not excited about going to the zoo.” I don’t think it was the ‘entire’ point. It also revealed that Calvin apparently had changed his mind. If his mother is correct, Calvin HAD BEEN, and she thought still was excited about going to the zoo. With reference to the paragraph directed at me, I wasn’t looking for problems. It was right there in the second frame, and it is a very common grammatical error as evidenced by the fact that three or four of the comments of the day involved the same error (I’m not being critical; I’m just stating it). I wonder whether you meant hypercritical rather than hypocritical. If so, your post indicates that your comments fit the meaning of the word better than mine. Hypocritical doesn’t make sense to me. I AM being genuine even if what I said is wrong, which I don’t think is true. You say “Been to” refers to being at the actual location (the zoo). Then SAY been at, not been to. TO refers to action toward. You said “Gone to refers to the movement to that location.” That’s my point. TO denotes action toward the location. AT denotes a state of being, which is passive. I think you are too picky about the parentheses. The point is still made and seems valid to me. I could have said “gone to, which denotes action, and been at, which denotes state of being” without using parentheses, but the point is made in either case, although I suppose I prefer the latter. If you can find something wrong with my comments, go ahead, but I have just refuted what you previously said, so come up with something accurate, please! I’d like to have a more cordial relationship with you after this, if it is possible. I

I wonder if Calvin knows all this. If not, he certainly should be told.

rricchhterr, Is your name stuttering, or are you really Herrrky from “JayJay the Jet Plane”? Are your last two short comments directed at anyone, or just general, with some humor?

BC13 - I didn’t seriously expect update… I was merely pointing out how dated the comic now appears in terms of societal changes. Revel in your little splashes of nostalgia.

Yukoner - If you find a way to “put the genie back in the bottle”, you let us know. The facts suggest that we can never go back, only forward. The fact that children no longer value the things of the past is evidence that either these things had no value, the modern things have greater value OR their absentee parents did a really poor job of instilling a sense of what true value really is…

I suspect the 3rd… but then, I am a cynic. (My parents taught me that.)

BC13 said, about 23 hours ago

Stede_Bonnet Fortunately, these comcis will not be updated to refect today’s reality. Waterson retired from C&H back in December 95. The fact that C&H has more of the childhood toys & distractions that closely resembles my own childhood makes thse strips all the more special as they are.

Yukoner said, about 13 hours ago

Stede_Bonnet: rather than asking Waterson to update the strip maybe we should be updating (or backdating) our kids to a time when play involved imagination and real action as opposed to straining ones thumb pushing buttons.

this is going to be SUCH fun! :-)

haha

@posters – hey, we can keep it light and friendly tomorrow. ;-)