Stay Hydrated💦

August 20, 1966

I think Thornapple has enough self-confidence since he's currently hiding out angrily under his desk to get away from you.

Where'd he put his chair?

We're getting a lot of watercooler love the last few days. I feel it's some sort of colossal joke at me, but I know I'm far to unimportant to warrant that kind of attention.

And of course Brutus is going to spend a lot of time at the watercooler. It is his memorial watercooler after all.

No-Promotion Quickies

May 16, 1966

What's with the eyes in this strip? They've both got them bedroom eyes. Freaky-ass bedroom eyes.

Like yesterday, don't ask if you'd prefer not to know the answer.

Brutus just needs to accept that he's reached the limit of his abilities at this company. I mean, he should be lucky this company still even exists. Tea cozies? That's not an industry.

This Is All Arnie's Fault

Felix is definitely not doing dry January. I mean, you've seen this month. Enjoy this special Pat Sullivan Felix strip, one of the few original illustrations of Felix he did.

August 24, 1986

Women, amirite?

What is Gladys complaining about? Look how easy it was to board this airplane! Shut up and enjoy the flight. Unless, she's not nagging and Brutus is just assuming she is. Maybe she's angrily asking why Wilberforce isn't coming with them. He doesn't get dinner or a vacation.

Someone on GoComics asked why the plane was delayed so long. I would assume it's because of the snow that's up to their knees.

It will never not amaze me that Brutus takes a plane from Cleveland to Pittsburgh which is, at most, a two and a half hour drive. I guess if Veeblefester is willing to pay for it, then who am I to question it?

As I move away from social media, more things that were exclusive to my social media will be posted here. The first entry was an updated and expanded post on Trail Park in Baldwin City, Kansas, a small park commemorating the Santa Fe Trail. If you would like to support me or this website, you can buy me a cup of coffee over on Ko-fi.

Did They Also Send a Newsletter About Their 2024?

July 27, 1986

Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn entered the public domain in 1961(? I'm seeing conflicting dates and I don't care enough to investigate further) so if they are reimaginings, then they are fair game and kudos to nameless author here for getting his money. And if they are just word-for-word copies of the originals then that's really on the publisher, isn't it?

What I don't like is this guy writing Huckleberry Finn in the 1980s. Is he still using n-word Jim? That ain't cool.

I find it hard to believe that Wilberforce doesn't know what a Christmas card is. I'm also a little upset at Gladys' use of "back in the last century". But the last century was 24 years ago. I've spent more years in the 21st Century than I did the 20th. Now I hate this strip even more.

The Berwalds get another mention.

In case you missed it, I have an expanded post on Joseph Bartleson and his family of Tecumseh, Kansas, with the lovely obituary for 11-year-old Sylvia Bartleston included. If you would like to support me or this website, you can buy me a cup of coffee on Ko-fi.

Bubbly Guts

December 31, 1965

What is going on here? Is he drunk and hitting on everyone...even his wife? Is he going to club his wife with that umbrella? Tarzan never clubbed anyone.

My choice for winner of this costume party is the person dressed as a damn tree.

I have stomach issues, too. Is it because I'm getting old? I'd be fine with that if there was some rhyme or reason to it. I can't eat anything.

Maybe I should try more probiotics. Or just do what I want and die on the toilet.

Tummy.

I'll Watch What the Dog Is Watching

September 9, 1965

What's Fiffner's story here? Is he adopted? Is his mother Asian? Fiffner looks Asian and I'm not sure how I feel about it.

Sorry, Gladys, Kewpie makes the rules.

"The Singing Show"? Which one? And are we sure we're not confused with the "The Dancing Show"?

Light Show But It's 'Lights No'

November 11, 1978

It'll be fine. Brutus will be back to work tomorrow. I'm very used to Gladys greeting Brutus at the door when he comes home from work, but not while holding a martini. Need more of that.

I was thinking the master switch in the house, but we're talking about the master switch on...the lights? The adapter the lights are plugged into? Either way, I feel the fire department should keep an eye on the Thornapple house.

For information about Guard Dog and tethering dogs, go here. If you would like to support me or this website, you can buy me a cup of coffee over on Ko-fi.

December Thornapple

January 8, 1978

Gladys is the one with Cheez-Its on her pants...

Is bringing a balloon home 1970s code for someone went drinking after work? Were balloons easier to come by in the 70s?

It's December 12. You should have gifts by now. Or at least an idea of what you are getting. Gladys is going to be completely disappointed, but I'd refuse to let her return it.

Muesday

November 24, 1975

Brutus is going to get a lot of watered down drinks now.

Just order a damn drink, Brutus. And tip well.

Look, Brutus, you can either stay home and have your kid annoy you or you can go to work. Either way, stop complaining.

Even if Brutus got all his work done, it wouldn't fit in his out box.

Just Eat At Home!

November 20, 1973

Wilberforce mailed a letter that really reamed Hurricane Hattie. Feeling guilty and better for just having written the letter, wanted it back. As you can see, hijinks ensued and now Wilberforce is locked inside the mailbox. Classic!

Smart move. I love scrambled eggs but sometimes it does seem like you get less egg. Now, a lot of times at restaurants, I order eggs so I can count the yolks. Nothing against the restaurant, I just like a lot of egg.

"Hey, Brutus? Is that your kid getting back in the mailbox out there?"

Five O'Clock World

August 28, 1973

Gladys is busy cooking for her family. Quit bothering her with your drunk antics, Brutus.

That's something that hasn't aged well over the years--jokes about drinking, alcoholism, and being drunk. I used to find them hilarious, now they just make me sad and overly sympathetic. Take that glass off your head and get some help.

Apparently, comics are in reruns over at GoComics because of the weird outage before Thanksgiving. That doesn't really explain it but whatever. I haven't commented on these comics before so they are new to us! I did comment on comics from these days. Here's Monday's and here's Tuesday's.

For me it's the bathroom. "I have to use the restroom, I'll be right back..."

"Wow! This week has flown by!"

Early Morning Hate

March 12, 1975

I sometimes wish we could go back to jokes like this. "Sure, you can be a shopaholic as long as you don't mind me being an alcoholic!"

This Brutus is a lot more laid back and casual than today's Brutus. Today's Brutus would be scowling at Gladys and would definitely not have a drink in his hand.

Ok, this is a pretty good Mother Gargle hates Brutus conversation.

But seriously, what would Gladys do without Brutus? She hasn't had a job in at least ten years. Would she take Wilberforce with her? She seems pretty lazy. Does Mother Gargle just want her daughter to come live with her in her twilight years. No one's a winner in that scenario.

Learn-ed

July 3, 1973

While a part of me is hoping Brutus and Gladys are in a park so half the town can see Brutus on display, it's still funny even if they are in their own yard where just the neighbors can see Brutus stumbling around with a chair down his pants.

Is Wilberforce still in school? Maybe he's in summer school which makes sense considering all the mistakes he seems to make. Wilberforce is going to be the only kid in America who comes out of school dumber than when he went in.

Hot Cocoa With the Ladies

Oh, just give her the marshmallows. It's just easier.

Where are Brutus and Wilberforce? Why isn't Gladys giving her loving husband and son a mug of hot chocolate? Maybe they are out shopping for a Christmas present for her. Hope she likes more bad Christmas sweaters or a robe.

I Hope It's Also a Work Day

Tauy Creek fans--all 3 of you (and even that may be pushing it)--know that I am just bothered by Brutus dining at fancy restaurants by himself. It's weird, right? I don't know.

I'm reading this as Brutus is going to drink an entire bottle of wine by himself. That's the correct way to read today's strip, right?

1296: Red, Red Wine

...

Oh, I get it. He had a decline in memory shortly after mentioning that drinking red wine could prevent a decline in memory. Had to think about it today. It's not my fault, I'm writing this at 12:30 in the morning.

1275: Is Norm a Real Person Or a Joke On the Cheers Character

Welcome to the strip Brutus' hipster friend, Norm. I look forward to learning more about you like do you brew your own craft beer or were you a student at Kenyon or are you a professor there? 

Oh wait, we won't learn any of that. Norm will just be reduced to a character Brutus can complain about his life to like guy in diner wearing hat and Arnie.