THE FAMILY CIRCUS AT 50!
Hello Everyone. Editor-In-Chief Lee Houston, Junior here. Ms. Waxy Dragon has the weekend off.
I am here today to talk about life in general and The Family Circus specifically.
This beloved comic strip created by Bil (only one L) Keane actually began on Leap Year, 1960. So as noted in today's installment, February 28, 2010 marks the 50th anniversary for the series.
Keane literally draws upon his own family for inspiration and fun.
If you were not paying attention, amongst the images in today's strip were photos of the Keane family past and present, as well as the extended comic family posing for a new portrait.
His wife Thelma, the motherly inspiration for the series, sadly passed away last year. His real children are now adults with families of their own. Son Glen (the basis for Billy) is an animator for Disney while Jeff (the basis for Jeffy) is now Bil's assistant on the series. And a sequence where the family visited New York City, including the twin towers of the World Trade Center, was reprinted after the September 11, 2001 disaster.
Unique not only in its down to earth portrayal of family life, but its circular shape for the daily edition (allegedly based upon the ones circuses use), one cannot help but stop and contemplate the simpler times and things in life like kids not realizing that the shortest distance between two points is a straight line, as always illustrated by the dotted path showing one of the children (usually Billy) going everywhere possible on any given course.
The one I personally remember most is a Sunday strip whereupon the family is walking along a quiet stretch of beach and the children comment about how they must be the first ones to ever discover the place, although ghost images in the background prove otherwise, proving that alas time waits for no one.
But no matter how much time does pass, there are some things that will always remain timeless.
So here's to The Family Circus! May the show continue for many generations to come.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
THE WEEK IN REVIEW: FEBRUARY 21-27, 2010
*Chile suffered an 8.8 magnitude earthquake early Saturday morning. Over 100 people are confirmed dead as emergency rescue forces continue to assist those in need. Meanwhile, the tsunami (tidal wave) generated as an after effect is threatening several Pacific Ocean locales, including Hawaii.
*President Barack Obama presided over a televised summit to discuss a potential Health Care Reform Bill Thursday. It unfortunately ended in the Republicans present maintaining their party's position on the subject although the President has vowed to see some form of Health Care Reform become law during his administration.
*Nicolas Chartier, co-producer of The Hurt Locker, a contender for the 2010 Best Picture Oscar, may have gotten his film in trouble. He recently sent out an e-mail asking potential voters to consider his movie instead of "the $500 million dollar blockbuster" (James Cameron's Avatar). But the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences frowns on such campaigns. Chartier has since issued an e-mail of apology, but until the awards are presented March 7, there is no way of knowing how his actions may or may not have affected the proceedings.
*Congratulations to the Boy Scouts of America for recently celebrating their 100th anniversary!
*Over the past week, record sales have been recorded for two historical comic books. A copy of Action Comics #1 (circa June, 1938), featuring the first appearance of Superman; and Detective Comics #27 (circa May, 1939), featuring the first appearance of Batman; have both sold for over $1 million US Dollars. It should be noted that both were fairly well preserved editions in spite of their age.
IN SPORTS
*After his press conference last week, Gatorade has dropped golfer Tiger Woods as a spokesperson.
*In a new tell all book due in stores next week, Jay McGwire, brother of former Saint Louis Cardinal Mark McGwire, offers new evidence supporting the claim that the elder McGwire did indeed take illegal steroids during his professional baseball career. Mark calls the claim sensationalism just to sell books and vows to no longer speak to his younger brother.
*Former NBA superstar Michael Jordan has purchased a controlling interest in the North Carolina team the Charlotte Bobcats.
*In Mercer Island, Washington; the Yoshiva High School Girls Basketball team had to forfeit a playoff game. Officials for the school felt it best since the athletes were observing The Fast of Esther, taking no food or water. Attempts to get the game rescheduled failed, for tournament officials refused to do so on the grounds of not wanting to disrupt the playoff schedule.
IN OLYMPIC NEWS
*A last minute grassroots effort is active in an attempt to reverse a decision by the Canadian Team officials. Skier Brian McKeever has been pulled from the 50k marathon Sunday. But fan favorite McKeever is attempting reinstatement despite the fact he is legally blind.
*International Olympic Committee officials are looking into the possibility of sanctioning the Canadian Women's Hockey team for their performance on the ice, but not during the game itself. After their victory over the USA Women's Hockey team to win the gold medal in that event, the Canadian Women held an impromptu victory celebration in public within the rink, including smoking cigars and drinking champagne; despite the fact that at least one of their team members is under the legal drinking age in Canada.
*For those keeping score, the current medal count at the end of events Friday February 26 is as follows:
The United States leads with 8 gold medals, 13 silver, and 13 bronze. Germany is second with 9 gold, 11 silver, and 7 bronze while host country Canada has 10 gold, 7 silver, and 4 bronze.
*The games conclude Sunday night. After the closing ceremonies are performed, the Vancouver facilities will be prepared to host the 2010 Winter Paralympic Games.
For more news at any time, just scroll down to the IN OTHER NEWS feature at the bottom of your screen.
*President Barack Obama presided over a televised summit to discuss a potential Health Care Reform Bill Thursday. It unfortunately ended in the Republicans present maintaining their party's position on the subject although the President has vowed to see some form of Health Care Reform become law during his administration.
*Nicolas Chartier, co-producer of The Hurt Locker, a contender for the 2010 Best Picture Oscar, may have gotten his film in trouble. He recently sent out an e-mail asking potential voters to consider his movie instead of "the $500 million dollar blockbuster" (James Cameron's Avatar). But the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences frowns on such campaigns. Chartier has since issued an e-mail of apology, but until the awards are presented March 7, there is no way of knowing how his actions may or may not have affected the proceedings.
*Congratulations to the Boy Scouts of America for recently celebrating their 100th anniversary!
*Over the past week, record sales have been recorded for two historical comic books. A copy of Action Comics #1 (circa June, 1938), featuring the first appearance of Superman; and Detective Comics #27 (circa May, 1939), featuring the first appearance of Batman; have both sold for over $1 million US Dollars. It should be noted that both were fairly well preserved editions in spite of their age.
IN SPORTS
*After his press conference last week, Gatorade has dropped golfer Tiger Woods as a spokesperson.
*In a new tell all book due in stores next week, Jay McGwire, brother of former Saint Louis Cardinal Mark McGwire, offers new evidence supporting the claim that the elder McGwire did indeed take illegal steroids during his professional baseball career. Mark calls the claim sensationalism just to sell books and vows to no longer speak to his younger brother.
*Former NBA superstar Michael Jordan has purchased a controlling interest in the North Carolina team the Charlotte Bobcats.
*In Mercer Island, Washington; the Yoshiva High School Girls Basketball team had to forfeit a playoff game. Officials for the school felt it best since the athletes were observing The Fast of Esther, taking no food or water. Attempts to get the game rescheduled failed, for tournament officials refused to do so on the grounds of not wanting to disrupt the playoff schedule.
IN OLYMPIC NEWS
*A last minute grassroots effort is active in an attempt to reverse a decision by the Canadian Team officials. Skier Brian McKeever has been pulled from the 50k marathon Sunday. But fan favorite McKeever is attempting reinstatement despite the fact he is legally blind.
*International Olympic Committee officials are looking into the possibility of sanctioning the Canadian Women's Hockey team for their performance on the ice, but not during the game itself. After their victory over the USA Women's Hockey team to win the gold medal in that event, the Canadian Women held an impromptu victory celebration in public within the rink, including smoking cigars and drinking champagne; despite the fact that at least one of their team members is under the legal drinking age in Canada.
*For those keeping score, the current medal count at the end of events Friday February 26 is as follows:
The United States leads with 8 gold medals, 13 silver, and 13 bronze. Germany is second with 9 gold, 11 silver, and 7 bronze while host country Canada has 10 gold, 7 silver, and 4 bronze.
*The games conclude Sunday night. After the closing ceremonies are performed, the Vancouver facilities will be prepared to host the 2010 Winter Paralympic Games.
For more news at any time, just scroll down to the IN OTHER NEWS feature at the bottom of your screen.
THE PUZZLE CORNER: FEBRUARY 27, 2010
Another weekend is upon us, and time to sharpen our minds once more.
HOW SMART ARE YOU?
Forward, I am heavy.
Backward, I am not.
What am I?
REBUS
A familiar (especially if you have been paying attention to events this past month) term is expressed by the illustration below. Do you know what it is?
___
t
The answers will be revealed next weekend. But for now, let us peek into THE ANSWERS BOX for the results from the February 20 Puzzle Corner.
SIMILAR, BUT DIFFERENT
01. BBB is the Better Business Bureau.
02. BBC is the British Broadcasting Corporation of England.
03. BCC is Blind Carbon Copy.
TRIVIA
"Haute" is French for high.
HOW SMART ARE YOU?
Forward, I am heavy.
Backward, I am not.
What am I?
REBUS
A familiar (especially if you have been paying attention to events this past month) term is expressed by the illustration below. Do you know what it is?
___
t
The answers will be revealed next weekend. But for now, let us peek into THE ANSWERS BOX for the results from the February 20 Puzzle Corner.
SIMILAR, BUT DIFFERENT
01. BBB is the Better Business Bureau.
02. BBC is the British Broadcasting Corporation of England.
03. BCC is Blind Carbon Copy.
TRIVIA
"Haute" is French for high.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
THE SUNDAY FUNNIES: FEBRUARY 21, 2010
Hello Everybody! Ms. Waxy Dragon here!
Now I don't know if it's because I'm only three years old or because I'm a baby dragon (unless you believe that I'm just one of many avatars for an avid Internet user), but I am still trying to figure out people.
I tried going to a big musical once. But everyone got upset when I started singing along with the people onstage. Hey, I was on key!
I got a funny look from the person waiting on me at the drive-thru window of the burger joint when I told them my order was to go.
At sporting events, the people around me complain when I brag I know what the score is before the game starts. After all, how much of a genius do you need to be to know it is zero-zero?
I can even tell you how things are going to be outside after sunset. Dark.
The people there really got mad at me the day I visited the zoo and started trying to free all the animals. After all, how would you like it if you were locked up in a cage all day? Of course I'm sure those who spend about eight hours a day in a cubicle can sympathize.
And remember to smile \_/ no matter how bad a day you are having. It will make people wonder what you are up to.
See you next weekend with more Sunday Funnies. -wd.
Now I don't know if it's because I'm only three years old or because I'm a baby dragon (unless you believe that I'm just one of many avatars for an avid Internet user), but I am still trying to figure out people.
I tried going to a big musical once. But everyone got upset when I started singing along with the people onstage. Hey, I was on key!
I got a funny look from the person waiting on me at the drive-thru window of the burger joint when I told them my order was to go.
At sporting events, the people around me complain when I brag I know what the score is before the game starts. After all, how much of a genius do you need to be to know it is zero-zero?
I can even tell you how things are going to be outside after sunset. Dark.
The people there really got mad at me the day I visited the zoo and started trying to free all the animals. After all, how would you like it if you were locked up in a cage all day? Of course I'm sure those who spend about eight hours a day in a cubicle can sympathize.
And remember to smile \_/ no matter how bad a day you are having. It will make people wonder what you are up to.
See you next weekend with more Sunday Funnies. -wd.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
THE WEEK IN REVIEW: FEBRUARY 14-20, 2010
*For those who did so, here's hoping you enjoyed Mardi Gras and Fat Tuesday, observed Ash Wednesday, and are now observing Lent.
*Tired of partisan politics slowing down proceedings, United States President Barack Obama will be moderating the discussion on finalizing a viable Health Care Reform Bill Thursday at the White House that will be televised on the C-SPAN cable channel. As he pointed out in his weekly radio address Saturday, there are insurance companies in California and Kansas that are raising their rates, proving his belief that reform is needed now more than ever.
*Alexander Haig passed away Saturday at the age of 89. A four star general during the Nixon and Ford administrations, he served as Secretary of State under then President Ronald Reagan.
*For those keeping track of the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada; here is a list of the Top Ten Medal winning countries at the conclusion of events Friday, February 19.
01. The United States with 20 medals: 6 gold (first place) and silver (second), 8 bronze (third)
02. Germany with 13: 4 gold, 5 silver, and 4 bronze
03. Norway with 10: 5 gold, 3 silver, and 2 bronze
04. Canada with 8: 4 gold, 3 silver, and 1 bronze
05. France with 7: 2 gold, 1 silver, and 4 bronze
06. Three countries tied with 5 medals each.
Austria and Russia both with 1 gold, 2 silver, and 2 bronze while South Korea has 3 gold and 2 silver; and
09. Three countries tied with 4 medals each.
Switzerland with 3 gold and 1 bronze while China and Sweden are tied with 2 gold, 1 silver, and 1 bronze each.
IN CELEBRITY NEWS...
*Tiger Woods held a brief news conference Friday saying he erred, apologizing to his wife, and promising to do everything in his power to make up for his misconduct. However he did not take any questions afterwards nor state when/if he might ever return to professional golf.
*Hilary Duff is engaged to National Hockey League player Mike Conrie of the Edmonton Oilers.
For more news at any time, just scroll down to the IN OTHER NEWS feature at the bottom of the screen.
*Tired of partisan politics slowing down proceedings, United States President Barack Obama will be moderating the discussion on finalizing a viable Health Care Reform Bill Thursday at the White House that will be televised on the C-SPAN cable channel. As he pointed out in his weekly radio address Saturday, there are insurance companies in California and Kansas that are raising their rates, proving his belief that reform is needed now more than ever.
*Alexander Haig passed away Saturday at the age of 89. A four star general during the Nixon and Ford administrations, he served as Secretary of State under then President Ronald Reagan.
*For those keeping track of the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada; here is a list of the Top Ten Medal winning countries at the conclusion of events Friday, February 19.
01. The United States with 20 medals: 6 gold (first place) and silver (second), 8 bronze (third)
02. Germany with 13: 4 gold, 5 silver, and 4 bronze
03. Norway with 10: 5 gold, 3 silver, and 2 bronze
04. Canada with 8: 4 gold, 3 silver, and 1 bronze
05. France with 7: 2 gold, 1 silver, and 4 bronze
06. Three countries tied with 5 medals each.
Austria and Russia both with 1 gold, 2 silver, and 2 bronze while South Korea has 3 gold and 2 silver; and
09. Three countries tied with 4 medals each.
Switzerland with 3 gold and 1 bronze while China and Sweden are tied with 2 gold, 1 silver, and 1 bronze each.
IN CELEBRITY NEWS...
*Tiger Woods held a brief news conference Friday saying he erred, apologizing to his wife, and promising to do everything in his power to make up for his misconduct. However he did not take any questions afterwards nor state when/if he might ever return to professional golf.
*Hilary Duff is engaged to National Hockey League player Mike Conrie of the Edmonton Oilers.
For more news at any time, just scroll down to the IN OTHER NEWS feature at the bottom of the screen.
THE PUZZLE CORNER: FEBRUARY 20, 2010
Another weekend is upon us, and you know what that means...
SIMILAR, BUT DIFFERENT
Each of the abbreviations below are almost alike in relation to each other, but what do the letters actually stand for?
01. BBB
02. BBC
03. BCC
TRIVIA TIME
There is "haute cuisine" and "haute couture", but what does haute actually mean?
We'll reveal all next weekend. But for now let's peek into THE ANSWERS BOX for the results from last weekend's Puzzle Corner.
REBUS
Love Is In The Air
PRESIDENTIAL QUIZ
The first five Presidents of the United States: George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe were all founding fathers of America.
The first President who was not was the sixth: John Quincy Adams.
SIMILAR, BUT DIFFERENT
Each of the abbreviations below are almost alike in relation to each other, but what do the letters actually stand for?
01. BBB
02. BBC
03. BCC
TRIVIA TIME
There is "haute cuisine" and "haute couture", but what does haute actually mean?
We'll reveal all next weekend. But for now let's peek into THE ANSWERS BOX for the results from last weekend's Puzzle Corner.
REBUS
Love Is In The Air
PRESIDENTIAL QUIZ
The first five Presidents of the United States: George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe were all founding fathers of America.
The first President who was not was the sixth: John Quincy Adams.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
THE SUNDAY FUNNIES: FEBRUARY 14, 2010
Hello Everybody! Ms. Waxy Dragon here.
IT'S VALENTINES' DAY!
Where lovers woo, and coo, and whatever else rhymes with woo and coo.
And don't forget the chocolate!
Oh how I love chocolate! Especially the Belgosian Dark Chocolate!
Ooohhh... that most exquisite chocolaty flavor and...
Oops! I better get back on topic.
Now it's sad to me that apparently there is only one day out of the whole year strictly dedicated to love.
After all, love is a many splendid thing. Love makes the world go round. Love IS all you need.
So why only dedicate one day to something so important?
But since you folks came here for humor instead of philosophy, it's time for some heart felt jokes.
Why do basketball players love donuts?
Because they can dunk them!
What monster really loves to dance?
The boogieman!
What did the fruit vendor write on the Valentines' Day card to his spouse?
"Honeydew you realize how much I love you?
You're the apple of my eye.
We make quite a pear.
You're a real peach of a wife.
I love you berry much.
Orange you glad I love you?
I'm plum crazy about you!"
So unless there is an odorous skunk with a French accent on your tail, please take the time to tell the one(s) you care about how you really feel about them, and I'll be back next weekend with more Sunday Funnies. - wd.
IT'S VALENTINES' DAY!
Where lovers woo, and coo, and whatever else rhymes with woo and coo.
And don't forget the chocolate!
Oh how I love chocolate! Especially the Belgosian Dark Chocolate!
Ooohhh... that most exquisite chocolaty flavor and...
Oops! I better get back on topic.
Now it's sad to me that apparently there is only one day out of the whole year strictly dedicated to love.
After all, love is a many splendid thing. Love makes the world go round. Love IS all you need.
So why only dedicate one day to something so important?
But since you folks came here for humor instead of philosophy, it's time for some heart felt jokes.
Why do basketball players love donuts?
Because they can dunk them!
What monster really loves to dance?
The boogieman!
What did the fruit vendor write on the Valentines' Day card to his spouse?
"Honeydew you realize how much I love you?
You're the apple of my eye.
We make quite a pear.
You're a real peach of a wife.
I love you berry much.
Orange you glad I love you?
I'm plum crazy about you!"
So unless there is an odorous skunk with a French accent on your tail, please take the time to tell the one(s) you care about how you really feel about them, and I'll be back next weekend with more Sunday Funnies. - wd.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)