Oct 17th 2012 07:52 am Suborbital flight
Today I’m sticking with the week of October 14, 2002, and this classic A&J exemplifies one of my favorite ironies about cartooning. Although by definition a visual art, some of the funniest comic strips are ones where the climax of the action appears off camera, leaving it to the reader to visualize what happened. See? You’re a better cartoonist than I am! I should warn you, though: those of you who imagine Ludwig hanging upside down from the ceiling by his claws are plagiarizing Chuck Jones (as I was).
Posted by jimmyjohnson / Vintage A&J
51 Responses to “Suborbital flight”
Underdog on 17 Oct 2012 at 7:59 am #
Great dog, Mr. Johnson!
Dan on 17 Oct 2012 at 8:20 am #
Wow I have never seen this comic!
I love it when that happens!
Everyone have a great and blessed day.
Jean in Dahlonega Ga aka Trapper Jean on 17 Oct 2012 at 8:38 am #
Poor Loodie! I actually imagine him hiding under the bed and can just about hear the sonic boom as he got there.
From last night: c-ex-prof, the pronunciation is indeed dah-LON-e-gah, though I understand the original Cherokee pronunciation was dah-lon-e-gah-HA. It means “Yellow Water” and refers to the gold that had washed down from the mountains into the streams.
I was not completely happy when I lived in Sioux Falls, and often likened being there to living on an asphalt parking lot-flat, hot, and treeless. The few times I got out to the Black Hills I loved it. More like home, maybe.
“Cold dope”, when I was growing up, harkened back to those days when Coca Cola still had trace amounts of cocaine in the recipe. By the time I came along, of course, the recipe was only for the soda, but the lingo lingered!
Mindy on 17 Oct 2012 at 8:44 am #
I do believe that’s the first close up dog I’ve seen that Jimmy has drawn! What a mix of personalities the animal reflects! And I’m still giggling at the mental image of Ludwig exfiltrating his royal throne…or one of them. The skydiver hit mach 1.24 earlier in the week, and I bet the feline broke that record from a standing — or lying — start in 1.24 nano seconds.
Steve from Royal Oak, MI on 17 Oct 2012 at 9:02 am #
Hitchcock and other great directors realized the power of the imagination when it came to terror and scaring people. By showing the reaction, rather than the actual terrorizing item, the viewer is engaged in the action. Sometimes, though the gag is funnier than our imagination and we thank you for that.
Sylvia in MS on 17 Oct 2012 at 9:06 am #
I do not remember this one, but I like it. In fact, I love both this one and the one in the papers today.
Steve from Royal Oak, MI on 17 Oct 2012 at 9:12 am #
Yes, I loved today’s too. I sent it to my Mother-in-law as she has the channel’s laminated next to her easy chair. Since I am in a hotel this week, I had to use the card showing the channels listed so that I could go back and forth between the Tiger game and the debate. Really could have used that list framed like Arlo.
John in Virginia on 17 Oct 2012 at 9:32 am #
Mindy thought Arlo had bought an antique window in today’s “today” comic. Don’t tell her I told you that.
Bryan on 17 Oct 2012 at 9:48 am #
What a fantastic looking dog! So big and dumb and happy!
Ludwig must sleep much more soundly than my cats. They’d all be in hiding, or in fight stance, the second the dog hit the front door.
emeritus Minnesota biologist on 17 Oct 2012 at 10:24 am #
Different subject: This is the first snow I’ve seen on Mt. St. Helens this season. A week or so ago, there’d been no new snow [that lasted, at least], but MSH has been shrouded in clouds a lot recently, and I figured it would be snowy when I next got a clear view.
http://www.fs.fed.us/gpnf/volcanocams/msh/views/java-highdef-medium.php
sandcastler on 17 Oct 2012 at 10:42 am #
John, my first thought on today’s strip was Carlo ha bought a framed A&J daily cartoon. Thought maybe J J was doing a sneaky reminder he promised us some new eBay items.
sandcastler on 17 Oct 2012 at 10:45 am #
Not Carlo ha, Carlo had. Auto spell correct is a bitch! Will I survive moderation?
sandcastler on 17 Oct 2012 at 10:46 am #
Arlo, not Carlo. Firing Siri’s first cousin Auto Correct.
Ghost Rider 6 on 17 Oct 2012 at 11:30 am #
If you want to have some fun with Siri, ask her what she’s wearing.
James Pollock on 17 Oct 2012 at 11:34 am #
Of course, I’m completely original if I imaging Ludwig on an arc that starts from the couch, travels up towards the ceiling, misses the ceiling, and then continues on towards Arlo’s head.
Ghost Rider 6 on 17 Oct 2012 at 12:13 pm #
Hum. Arlo returns from the frame shop. Does anyone else recall that Jimmy mentioned a lady at a Jackson frame shop during discussion of the storied “Something about a peek” cartoon? Like she may have in some way, ah, inspired that cartoon?
I hope, for Arlo’s sake, Janis doesn’t find that he’s been getting some strange peeks.
Mindy on 17 Oct 2012 at 12:41 pm #
Having a bad day, sandcastler? If it’s any consolation, you’re beginning to sound like me. Ghost? Who is Siri?
TruckerRon on 17 Oct 2012 at 12:42 pm #
I hope, for Arlo’s sake, Ludwig doesn’t find that he’s been getting some strange Pekes.
Ghost Rider 6 on 17 Oct 2012 at 1:03 pm #
Mindy, Siri is what I guess you’d call an AI program in the newer iPhones and iPads. It responds to voice commands and questions.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNsrl86inpo
Asking it “inappropriate” questions can get some amusing responses.
sandcastler on 17 Oct 2012 at 1:06 pm #
Mindy, Siri is a personal assistant Ghost and I share. She is pretty sweet, with a nice voice but, not much of a looker. She keeps us on schedule and is always ready with answers to our every odd question.
Jean in Dahlonega Ga aka Trapper Jean on 17 Oct 2012 at 1:31 pm #
sandcastler, you and Ghost may be on to something here. Maybe I should get a Siri of my own. Does she do laundry and windows?
sandcastler on 17 Oct 2012 at 1:35 pm #
Jean, sorry to say those activities are not in her skill set. But, she will gladly find someone who will do the work.
phil in Missola, MT on 17 Oct 2012 at 2:19 pm #
Trucker Ron;
Was through your neighborhood last week on the way south. I only a got as far as SLC that night and we were in a hurry to make Austin by Friday, otherwise I would have given you a shout. The vegetation on the mountain sides over Soldier Summit is sure pretty this time of year.
emeritus Minnesota biologist on 17 Oct 2012 at 3:50 pm #
From yesterday: ‘The really funny part was having most people ask me if I was from Texas. Upon learning I was a born-and-bred Georgian they all-every one of them-asked me if I knew Jimmy Carter. “No, sorry, I don’t. It’s a bigger state than that.” ‘ On at least one occasion, a northern Minnesotan, on learning I was from NYC, asked if I knew so-and-so [not a famous person like Jimmy Carter].
For the record, although the most notorious member of the Cornell U. class of ’51 and I were classmates, I did not know him personally. I would recognize the name, and have him marked in my ’51 Cornellian, but it’s not near my desktop. He’s the guy who penned the fraudulent autobiography of Howard Hughes.
Mary in Ohio on 17 Oct 2012 at 3:59 pm #
Went to a local art gallery that featured wildlife art a number of years ago. The draw that evening was a man who raised wolves and he brought a couple of wolf pups that we could cuddle while scanning the paintings. Came home, tossed my shirt on the bed and went to do something else. Came back to find my calico hanging from the ceiling light, having gotten a good whiff of OTHER THING.
Mindy on 17 Oct 2012 at 4:03 pm #
In New Orleans, a tourista from up around Wisconsin asked me if I knew Pete Fountain. [I did, in passing.] When I answered affirmatively he didn’t believe me and called me a liar. Anyway, the Bamboo Wars continue, not unlike the Banana Wars between the two World Wars to End All Wars, but, unfortunately, I can’t get the Marines to help out. Dug up one lateral runner that measured 7.75 feet! Going to hang it over the fireplace as a trophy beneath John’s treasured boar and rabbits heads. There’s a story there and I may not even plead a Mindy. Depends on how nice John is to me and how he is nice to me.
Mark in TTown on 17 Oct 2012 at 4:24 pm #
GR6, from yesterday. “Mad as a hatter”. Mercury poisoining will do that to you!
Anybody here remember the Dr. Demento radio show? Unfortunately he has gone off the air but he introduced me to some crazy “music” when I was pulling 3rd shift security duty at the local steel plant. Now he only puts his show on the internet and you have to pay to listen as it is no longer supported by commercials.
I really enjoyed today’s retro strip. Great buildup, and then the perfect finish. As Jimmy said, it is better to let us use our imaginations to fill in Ludwig’s part. A neighbor’s dog ran in our front door one day when I opened it. He went straight to the end table where our large gray tomcat was curled up. The dog got one sniff and then the cat went Bruce Lee on his nose. Exit dog, yelping and bleeding. The cat stayed on the table.
sandcastler on 17 Oct 2012 at 4:41 pm #
Mindy, have you tried contacting the Corp.? From what you have implied of your battle dress uniform, it would seem you could enlist at least one division of the USMC on the Bamboo War. Seems a division could storm your mountain, root out the enemy, and leave you a dilly of ASFAD.
Boise Ed on 17 Oct 2012 at 5:45 pm #
emeritus Minnesota biologist, thank you for the view of Mt. St. Helens. Very nice!
Mark in TTown, I used to love Dr. Demento. He exposed me to recordings that I would never have encountered elsewhere, like “The Cockroach that Ate Cincinnati.”
Lost in A**2 on 17 Oct 2012 at 5:56 pm #
(if you aren’t going to believe the answer, why ask the question?)
Mark in Boston on 17 Oct 2012 at 7:16 pm #
On Car Talk, whenever a caller calls from Minneapolis, Tom asks if the caller knows Les Block.
Ghost Rider 6 on 17 Oct 2012 at 7:55 pm #
Rabbit? Mindy didn’t mean it like it sounded.
Mark in TTown on 17 Oct 2012 at 8:48 pm #
Mindy, have you thought of renting a small backhoe? For the bamboo extermination project, that is. Better living thru power tools! By the time you get through, you will have the beginnings of a backyard pond. Or swimming pool.
Boise Ed, thanks for reminding me of “The Cockroach” song. I had forgotten it. At one time I had the limited edition collectors LP’s he released thru Rhino Records but it vanished during one of my moves. And we have the Good Doctor to thank for putting Weird Al on the air with his first hit, “Another One Rides the Bus”.
Charlotte in NH on 17 Oct 2012 at 9:18 pm #
Mark in TTown, That seems like a really good idea ! I bet it could root out the bamboo a lot better and faster than handwork. And a bonus is, I understand they are a lot of fun to operate. Never have done so myself, but I bet that John might enjoy helping Mindy with the project.
Ghost Rider 6 on 17 Oct 2012 at 10:00 pm #
Mindy operating heavy equipment? Ahh…
Somehow, I thought “The Boar and The Rabbits” was an Irish pub.
My three favorite pub names (not made up): “Dirty Dick’s”, “Spread Eagle” and “The Ram Inn.”
Ghost Rider 6 on 17 Oct 2012 at 10:10 pm #
fulgurant (adj) – flashing like lightning.
What Mindy probably did when she lambasted the petty functionary at the hospital.
Mark in TTown on 17 Oct 2012 at 10:12 pm #
Boise Ed, I did a search on YouTube and found a video that someone has made featuring “The Cockroach That Ate Cincinnati”. If you search for Dr. Demento you will find others from his album collections, including a couple of my favorites, “Boot to the Head” and “Last Will and Temperament”.
Jean in Dahlonega Ga aka Trapper Jean on 17 Oct 2012 at 11:13 pm #
Pete Fountain! Oh Mindy, I may be jealous! My grandfather had several of his records, which I now own, so I was more or less raised on his music. I still remember Pete’s time with the Lawrence Welk orchestra and his reason for leaving: Champagne and Bourbon just don’t mix!
The only Dr Demento song I remember was something about making love in a Subaru, and the hazards that can befall one. Catchy, but strange.
TruckerRon on 18 Oct 2012 at 12:01 am #
phil in Missola, MT, as you passed through Provo on your way to US-6 and Soldier Summit, you passed within a mile of my house! Hope you’re having a great trip.
Mindy, Pete Fountain? I *am* jealous. He’s been my hero since before I started playing a clarinet in 7th grade all too many years ago. I saw him on TV many times and caught his act at his club in 1974.
Mindy on 18 Oct 2012 at 12:42 am #
Hey, guys, I only knew Pete “in passing.” John knew him somewhat better and occasionally took me to the Fountain nightclub in the French Quarter [I keep pounding on my head but can't remember the name!] and Pete would remember us and speak if he happened to see us, which he usually did since he was as good a businessman as musician, and there would be hellos and handshakes. Impressed the heck out of the tourists. John also knew Al Hurt and we hit his place once or twice before he went upriver to Memphis. No autographs for either, Jean. But John is awfully proud of his signed Gulf advertising featuring Steve McQueen in “Le Mans.” A couple of the officers managed to score that prize. Steve McQueen is and remains John’s hero, although two or three of the current stars are good enough to merit John comparing him with McQueen.
Mark in TTown, for true we’ve considered a front end loader to combat the insidious Bamboo Demon but there’s no way it could get to the free fire zone without killing trees and displacing the 100,000+ pounds of stone we’ve hauled in for exterior decorating. I suggested dynamite but John thinks the neighbors might complain. I do wish we lived in the country rather than in town. Isolation would be so great.
Ghost, the “rabbits” item refers to John’s TWO rabbit heads mounted on the wall bracing the boar’s head from a trip to Arkansas on an extradition. Hilarious story but can’t match the rabbits. [He bribed me very well earlier to refrain from giving all the sordid details but I don't know how long I can keep my end of the bargain!]
Good night, Gracie and Elmer G. Goodenuff, Jr.
Lost in A**2 on 18 Oct 2012 at 4:49 am #
I thought Mr Yankovic’s first hit was “My Balogna.”
Mark in TTown on 18 Oct 2012 at 6:32 am #
Mindy, I have seen a very small backhoe used by a contractor here. It was basically the digging arm with a platform for the operator to stand on. Not the large tractor with a front end loader and backhoe combo. It was about the size of a riding mower.
Mark in TTown on 18 Oct 2012 at 6:36 am #
Mindy, this will give you an idea:
http://www.bobcat.com/loaders/minitrack
Mindy on 18 Oct 2012 at 7:29 am #
Mark in TTown, I do appreciate the assistance but it simply won’t work. The way we designed the backyard for privacy — and, yeah, bamboo was [at one time] a major part of that privacy — backhoe, front end loader or bobcat can’t get in without tearing up everything else, not to mention the neighbor’s fence. This bamboo junk was a major and fatal tactical error. It’s going to be slow but we’ll get it done. I told John that I’d take it out myself and that I refused any help. I may end up regretting that bit of pride and nonsense and surrender as he said I would [there's a lot bet on that and I'm not ready for my own disgusting Appomattox] and asking. But I hate to give in because, as difficult as it is, it doesn’t require the body mass and muscle of a male to get ‘er done. I have to admit, this is one time when I wish I wasn’t so…not exactly skinny, but…oh, forget it, Ghost is going to start his sundress fetish again. Anyway, Mark, thank you for thinking about us.
Brenty on 18 Oct 2012 at 7:42 am #
Janis underboob. Nice.
Blinky the Wonder Wombat on 18 Oct 2012 at 7:46 am #
Who says JJ doesn’t pay attention to his (male) readers!
Ghost Rider 6 on 18 Oct 2012 at 7:51 am #
Mindy, did I mention my black camisole fetish?
And instead of “skinny” I prefer “trim and athletic.” Which I’m sure you are.
There’s something I really like about today’s cartoon of Janis getting dressed; I can’t put my finger on it, but I wish I could.
Blinky the Wonder Wombat on 18 Oct 2012 at 8:12 am #
GR6-
I agree with you. Perhaps its the casualness of a pretty woman getting dressed that I find attractive (After 30 years of wedded bliss, I still enjoy watching my bride dress in the morning.) Wearing skinny blank undies under all that bulky clothing is also sexy- I guess its the idea that under the conservative apparel lies a sensual woman.
Dan in SWMo on 18 Oct 2012 at 11:55 am #
Sorry, Trapper Jean, but the dog’s eyeballs indicate the direction Luddie took, and it’s not down under anything.
Mary in Ohio on 18 Oct 2012 at 3:26 pm #
Mindy – Napalm works well on multiflora rose. The USMC can probably find you some surplus for bamboo.
Dan in SWMo on 18 Oct 2012 at 3:41 pm #
JJ, I just discovered that you did do an actual picture of Ludwig on the ceiling once upon a time:
http://www.gocomics.com/arloandjanis/1999/05/04