Beating around the Bush

by Jimmy Johnson

This oldie from 2000 is, in my opinion, one of the few pointedly lewd A&J comic strips I’ve ever drawn. It isn’t heinous, but we are talking about newspaper comics here. I’m pretty sure it is my only reference, direct or indirect, to a thing that simply cannot be mentioned in the funny pages. What am I talking about? I don’t know!

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18 responses to “Beating around the Bush”

  1. Steve From Royal Oak, MI Avatar

    Pretty innocent if you ask me. We are finally getting some blooms on the trees. My grass is starting to grow but it is patchy. I need to put down some grass seed and hope that it takes.

  2. David in Austin Avatar
    David in Austin

    Uh oh! Gene just told Arlo that Gus still contributes financially to the farm and bistro… The competition begins. But like today’s comic says (I’m interpreting), true success is the influence on the people around us (family, friends, or strangers).

    I love the line yesterday, “he doesn’t want us to be TOO happy when he dies.” [my emphasis] My wife and I have talked about the very thing. Rather than trying to leave some sort of inheritance, why not give or buy for children and grandchildren today? As long as a gift is really a gift (no, “if you’ll do this, we’ll give you XX) then why not share now when possible and enjoy the pleasure of seeing something be useful? It won’t bring me any (direct) happiness to have my estate give my family money.

    1. Rick in Shermantown, Ohio Avatar
      Rick in Shermantown, Ohio

      I understand and agree. However, my wife and I have to worry about not running out of money before we pass. I am extremely glad that that doesn’t appear to be a concern for you.

      1. David in Austin Avatar
        David in Austin

        Rick– I understand what you’re saying, but I’ve already lived past my life expectancy! Mother and eldest sister both passed before 50. I’m 58! I’m still paying for life insurance to fund my wife’s groceries when I’m gone, though. Her family lives into their 80’s… not mine. We are trying to do what we can, while I’m around. There’s no warranty for me. 😀

  3. Mark from Maine Avatar
    Mark from Maine

    David: “Nice guys finish first. If you don’t know that, you don’t know where the finish line is.” – Garry Shandling

    1. David in Austin Avatar
      David in Austin

      Trick to that is that the finish line is closer for nice guys, too!

  4. Old Bear Avatar
    Old Bear

    Thanks for prayers

    Condolences and prayers reciprocated.

    1. Rick in Shermantown, Ohio Avatar
      Rick in Shermantown, Ohio

      I don’t check in much. May I ask what happened?

      1. curmudgeonly ex-professor Avatar
        curmudgeonly ex-professor

        From memory: Galliglo lost a sister; OB’s frau is having surgery soon; my friend of ~75 years has entered hospice care.

        1. Rick in Shermantown, Ohio Avatar
          Rick in Shermantown, Ohio

          Thanks.

  5. Hb Avatar
    Hb

    laughing at this one!

  6. David in Austin Avatar
    David in Austin

    An almost random stream of links led me to this:

    http://francescoexplainsitall.blogspot.com/2007/10/looking-for-love-in-all-wrong-places.html

    Which references an incident of Pearls Before Swine doing a parody of Sally Forth. That led me to the question, “Has Pearls ever parodied Arlo & Janis?” So far, no web evidence (I’m not going to review the Pearls archive for every day…). Anyone remember? Jimmy?

  7. emb Avatar
    emb

    This pair is raising only 1 eaglet. Looks like we’re feeding this spoiled brat a wood duck. No idea whether it’s prey or a scavenged carcass.

    https://explore.org/livecams/birds/decorah-eagles-north-nest

    Peace,

  8. Jackie Avatar
    Jackie

    What a weirdly assorted and mismatched stash of comments! I thought blogs denoted some cohesion, like a coversation. I try to explain to Ghost that the Village holds little attraction now. It is like a dinner party where the guests suddenly issue a statement. Then go back to chewing in silence.

    Jimmy, I love this strip. One of your best it is hilarious in composition and comparison and incorporates two of my favorite activities.

    Glad to see Gus back, ambivalent to Meg and Mama Bear but beginning to like Gene.. Worse than Gus’ comment are children who regret your living.
    Enough of spllcheck. So annoying.

  9.  Avatar
    Anonymous

    Really good branch overhead n today’s current strip. Movement excellent in moss.

    Would it surprise anyone to learn Ghost has excellent taste in buying shorts, rompers, mini skirts and sundesses? Choosing wholesale clothing from manufacturers.

  10. Llee Avatar
    Llee

    Thinking of you and your wife, OB. Sometimes the day before is the hardest…. hope it isn’t and all is well for you folks/

  11. Mark in TTown Avatar
    Mark in TTown

    Jackie, I think that is because of the uncertainty in finding the site open while Jimmy works to improve it. It is hard to have continuity when, like the Brigadoon you often mention, it is here today and gone tomorrow, with no idea when this magical place will return. We just have to have faith that Jimmy will slay (or at least subdue) the dragon of technology and that all will return, clean, fresh and better than ever.

  12. Old Bear Avatar
    Old Bear

    Just found out the surgery is 11:15 Friday
    I may be busy for a while.
    Results when I can get back.