Along the lines of what we were discussing in the previous post, I received a message from a reader when this cartoon first appeared 10 years ago, a message to the effect, Arlo is not the kind of man who would use instant rice. That reader might have had a point, but again I plead “artistic license.” Besides, I can’t say Arlo has never used instant rice. There was a time he occasionally might’ve used it for its sole benefit: expediency. However, he wouldn’t use it today, for he is pretty serious about getting away from processed food. I know, I know: white rice is processed food, but he’s not a fanatic, either. He enjoys cooking a lot of dishes that call for rice, and he’s willing to take that chance. Wait a minute—we are talking about a cartoon character here, aren’t we?