November 2009

Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
1	2	3	4	5	6	7
8	9	10	11	12	13	14
15	16	17	18	19	20	21
22	23	24	25	26	27	28
29	30

Lynn's Blog Entries
Letters from the Pattersons
General Comments
About The Hybrid Strips
From the FBorFW Team
Lynn Answers Your Mail
About Shannon Lake

Friday
November 20, 2009

Got my Farley dog 10 minutes ago.....awwwww....SO cute! Now I wish I'd bought one for myself - and if the grand children (not biologically related) in my life aren't careful, I'll be re-homing him onto my bed! Thanks for holding tough and making a quality product.

Gail H, North Vancouver, BC, Canada

I found today's strip very touching. The innocence of a child who wishes he could make his mom's illness go away by magic. Kids can make us feel so valued!

One day, my son was staring at me and giggling. When I asked him what the matter was, he just said "You're beautiful". It made my day, I won't ever forget it :)

In response to Barb's inquiry, about the "dots" occasionally showing up over the character's heads; I believe these are little "outbursts", meant to enhance an emotion such as surprise or anger. I notice they only appear if the character is displaying a strong emotion in a given panel. That is my take on it.

Mylene S, Ottawa, ON, Canada

Love everything about the strip, and thank you, Lynn, for many years of pleasure! Today's strip shows Elly driving with Michael in the front seat. That may send the wrong message to young mums, as here in the US children must be in a carseat in the back seat until they are above 4'9". We lost a grandchild a few years ago, so maybe I'm overly sensitive - if so, I'm sorry. On the other hand, you may underestimate your influence. :) Thanks.

Janet K, PA, USA

Today must be an older strip. Michael is sitting in the front seat. Drawn before we were warned to keep kids in the back?
I love following on line. Our local paper leaves out the first 2 panels of Sunday's strip.

Sally H, Rochester, NY, USA

Today's comic of Elly driving Michael in the car is sweet, but isn't it dangerous to have a 5 year old in the front seat, when they should be in the back seat. The last strip Elly hugs Michael while she is driving. Not only is it dangerous, it can cause an accident. Also, they show bucket seats earlier, but in the last strip it looks like a bench seat. Hope Michael doesn't get sick from Elly's illness.

Pam, NY, USA

Lee in LA, what a wonderful idea. (No, I'm not being sarcastic.) It's the perfect way to teach an animal not to touch something, a lot easier than following him around all the time or (as I have actually read in a how-to-teach-your-dog book) tying him to your belt so he can't leave your sight. Passive lessons such as this one are usually the best for animals, though an added swat on the butt is sometimes useful as well.

Jan C, Victorville, CA, USA

I love going back to the past. The ones running now I don't remember (I'm sure I was just a tot then lol) so seeing how the family formed over the years is very entertaining.

Denise C, Minot, ME, USA

Take me back to the top!

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Thursday
November 19, 2009

When our shelty-cocker scandal chewed my husband's dress shoes, first I yelled "NO!" and then I tied the shoe to his collar for twelve hours. He never chewed another shoe.

Lee G, Los Angeles, CA, USA

I found Wednesday's strip completely disgusting. I really do not want to read that kind of thing as I'm eating my breakfast.

Emily G, Montreal, QC, Canada

Lynne, I love your art style in the new-runs. I love the way you draw the heads so that they look long. I think it's funny! Keep up the good wrok!

Socky P, Ottawa, ON, Canada

Take me back to the top!

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Wednesday
November 18, 2009

Lynn, you have a camera in my house again! Even when I have a fever of 104 F/40 C, I cannot relax knowing I have a pile of laundry to do. So I drag myself out of bed to do it, and then you know what? My husband Joe tells me everything needs to be washed again because I infected the clothes!

Emmy Y, Dundas, ON, Canada

I'll side with Ryan and say I don't think what Elly does amounts to animal abuse. I always assumed the panels were exaggerated to depict her emotions at the time.

I will also say that Elly is totally wasting her time yelling at a dog for the things animals do! My dog has chewed my more than once. I try to remember to shut my closet door, but I forget, she chews and I always shout, Oh No! Mommy’s Shoooes!!� So who is the problem here? I am!!! She is a dog and will chew them if I leave the door open!! She is quick to forgive me my temper though!

Sheila B, East Hartford, CT, USA

Take me back to the top!

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Tuesday
November 17, 2009

Today's strip (11/16/09) was really bittersweet for me. Elly has been sick a few days now and was observing how she nurses everyone in her family when they are ill. Her final comment was that she wanted her mom! My Mother passed away in February at 89. I would call her when I was miserable with a cold and tell her I needed her. It made both of us feel a bit better! (And of course, made her feel needed.)

Nancy, Crystal Lake, IL, USA

Over the years I have taped comic strips that hit home inside my kitchen cabinet doors. One whole door is FBorFW. Today was the first rerun from my cabinet door. If I am correct, it was from August 7, 1980. The strip is yellowed and a bit curled, and it was moved when I had my cabinets re-faced in 1997. I don't get sick much anymore, but thank the Lord, my 90-year old mom is still available if I need her.

Melanie, Indianapolis (home of the Colts!), USA

I don't understand how a fever of 104F is considered impossible to many readers. I can openly admit that I have never had a single flu shot in my life, so when I do get the flu my fever easily jumps to 102-104F, and the most it does is drain my energy so I can't walk anymore and lasts nearly a week. I've noticed though that people who HAVE taken a flu shot in their life, and do get it renewed regularly, that they get smaller fevers of around 100-101, and their flu can last maybe a good 2-4 days.
I've discussed this with a few nurses and doctors at the clinic near my home, and they told me it's normal that I can get such a high fever since I've never had a flu shot, and that if ever it gets to 105F, I should go to the hospital since it at 105F that it starts to get dangerously high.
Of course, with a high fever it's always good to go and see a doctor just so they can confirm it's a flu and send you back to bed with flu medication and some good advice.

Tiia R, Rimouski, QC, Canada

I'm guessing that Sunday's strip is inspired by the account of Sir Walter Scott, who, as a school boy threw a rock at a dog, breaking its leg. The dog then crawled over and licked Scott's feet.

However, unlike Scott, Elly is simply amazed. We who've read the strip over the years know that Elly will continue to verbally abuse Farley.

The only thing Farley is guilty, of course, is being a dog. Because he's a dog, he doesn't understand a word she's screaming at him or know the difference between toys that are left lying around that all have the same taste and texture. He doesn't know about wiping his feet on the mat before he comes in the house and he leaves the yard when the gate is left open. If Elly feels any guilt about her treatment and/or neglect of Farley (or any humans),it is quickly forgotten.

Sir Walter Scott had remorse about what he had done to the dog, and he changed his life for the better. Elly will only grow old.

I have a question about the art: What are those little dots that appear over Elly's head from time to time, as in the fourth panel? Sweat, like in the Cathy cartoons?

Barb, OR, USA

Animal abuse??? She was just yelling at Farley and trying to correct his incorrect behavior. I guess though that any form of punishment other than saying, "Oh, aren't you cute when you do something very wrong," is just not an ok thing to do and will consequently be called "abuse." I am to guess then that, according to some readers here that it's ok to for an animal (and sometimes children) to just do whatever the heck they want and not deal with any of the ramifications for doing wrong.

I will say at least this much for Coffee Talk, it shows me some very interesting thought patterns that people live by.

Ryan, Seattle, WA, USA

Re the Sunday (11/15/09) strip: Where’s the animal abuse here? Elly doesn’t touch the dog, she even gives him a substitute toy. Sure she yelled at him, but he needed to know he had done something wrong. Her actions (remove unsuitable toy, substitute with dog toy, use a tone of voice that clearly indicates displeasure) were entirely appropriate. Whatever words she used don’t matter, he doesn’t understand them. He was reacting to her anger and tone of voice. When she finally did give him a command he understood he did as he was told. Farley (like most dogs) loves his family and above all wants to please them. He expresses his remorse in licking her feet, but I’ve seen dogs lay their head in a lap or use those oh-so-soulful eyes to beg forgiveness. So what’s the problem here?

Jan C, Victorville, CA, USA

dont lissen to those people who say bad thing about your strip Ellie because your right that dogs love people my dogs always lick my feet too after i yell bad words at them so your not wrong about that

Buford P, Little Rock, AK, USA

Most dogs --large or small -- descended from "working" breeds may actually feel more comfortable having a somewhat stern and assertive Owner...."My Leader won't take guff from me, or anyone else: I guess we're all pretty safe here!" An overly indulgent Owner, however, may actually make the animal feel nervous and insecure: "I guess I'll have to defend myself against any stranger who gets too close ...What a total Wimp I've got for a Leader!"

Anna M, Winnipeg, MB, Canada

I just finished A Simple Wedding, and I want to cry. I won't, because I am a 59 year old man, and I wouldn't do such a thing, but... I have followed the Patterson's from the beginning. And like a million other people around the world, related my family, and my life to that of Elly and John. I can't believe it's over. It's like the death of a dear friend. I just had to say to Lynn, Thank You from the bottom of my heart. And to Elly, John, Michael, Elizabeth, April and the rest: see you in the funny papers.

Steve W, IN, USA

Take me back to the top!

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Monday
November 16, 2009

Thursday’s strip was very funny. I’ve always concurred that the true sign of an adult is a person who WANTS to go to school. As children we count the days until it’s over but as an adult we want it to continue. I suppose that’s the difference between an enforced education and a personal choice to learn more. Psychologists have also countered that change is essential to growth and it’s only when things stop changing that life grows placid. Perhaps that is someone else an adult education gives you, a chance to grow again. Education comes from the Latin e-ducere which means to draw out. So instead of jamming in information a proper education ‘draws out’ the best of yourself. That’s why the character Elly wants to go to school, to feel better.

Elizabeth, Guelph, ON, Canada

There must've been a misprint of Friday's strip on Yahoo when John says Elly has a fever of 104. 100, I can buy, but 104? Not a chance. Elly would barely be coherent and totally unable to get around on her own, nevermind walking, talking, thinking, and feeling like she's well enough to head to her night class. You've raised two kids, so I know you've dealt with fevers and should know how (not) functional someone is at various body temperatures. I really, really hope this is just a misprint or a mistake made converting Centigrade to Fahrenheit.

Cheryl

I know you've been deluged with letters about Elly's unfeasibly high fever but there's a simple, elegant solution: her temperature is really one hundred POINT four (100.4). It's a dead easy mistake that can be and is made.

Paul J, Saint John, NB, Canada

I'm very concerned about the message the 11/16/09 strip is sending.

Make no mistake, I am an animal lover; and I'm very sure my two cats have put up with a lot from me, especially when it comes time for grooming.

On the other hand, I stop well short of assuming thir tolerance is some kind of tribute to me!
Animals just are not wired that way. What Farley is actually doing here is acknowledging that Elly is the strongest and more dominant of his pack, and thus has the right to beat on him whenever she wants.

Thus, try as I might, the only 'punchline' I can take away from this strip (backed up by most of the Farley strips to date, come to think of it) from either a fanciful or realistic POV is 'Ooh, isn't it cute how the wittle victim still wuvs his abuser?'

Which is obviously a highly problematic concept for a strip as real-world influential as FBoFW to be sending. Especially since it's been demonstrated that people who think it's OK to abuse animals often go on to abuse humans.

Kerrie M, Toronto, ON, Canada

I loved today's (11/15/09) strip. It struck a chord common to all animal lovers: animals can and are among the most selfless and forgiving and loving creatures there are. They have qualities that we as humans should try to emulate more often.
Thank you for doing this strip. I do read your strip every Sunday. So much real life!!!!!!!
Carry on!!!!!

Judy W, Kutztown, PA, USA

Hey! I have had very similar experiences with my two rats. One day long ago, one of my rats somehow managed to climb up my wooden drawer and since I keep things up there, like a foam penguin, she got it and when I finally caught her up there, she had bitten off a face piece! I was unhappy with her, that penguin is special to me. So I completely understand how Elly feels. Except my rats know when they have done something wrong.

Dunny, CA, USA

Elly finally has human eyes on 11/14 strip. In sickness, but not in health: usually there're just dots.
I love Lynn's story telling though.

Margaret M, Newburyport, MA, USA

I love your strip - always have and always will. Thank you for the reruns - thank you for reprinting something from my childhood that shows the world the way it was then. What it also shows is how our parent's generation viewed parenting us. I hope to see many more of these reruns and thank you again for a stroll down memory lane!!

Catherine G, Albany, NY, USA

Take me back to the top!

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Friday
November 13, 2009

We lost our youngest daughter to leukemia in June of 2001. I couldn't cry for the 9-11 victums until I read your Rememberance Day strip. Thank You.

Margy D, Northfield, MN, USA

Thank you for putting all the Rememberance day strips together. My only mistake was reading them at work on my lunch-hour, I had to discreatly wipe away the tears at my desk! I especially love the one of Michael's class goofing around until the veterens pass by. Children do not generally grasp the solemnety of such events until they are physically part of them. It is when they see the soldiers and feel the reaction of the crowd that the begin to understand, Lynn has caught this perfectly. I would love to see other collections like this posted on the website for other occasions.

Phillipa, Sudbury, ON, Canada

Thank you for putting together the Rememberance Day/Veteran's Day strips. It was a very sobering, thoughtful, and healthy way of remembering those who fought, died and survived for all of our freedoms as well giving all of us a jab in the stomach to not just allow days like these go by without pause.

As a 33 year old male who has never had to fight or be in any kind of war I am eternally grateful for those who fought for my freedoms.

Ryan, Seattle, WA, USA

I just saw the strips on the Memorial Day Page... Well done...*standing ovation of one...*
I gasped when I saw April's buying of the poppy and thinking of the 9/11 horror that visited so many people.

And I also liked Sunday Nov 7th's strip here in the US (Don't know what it was in papers elsewhere because I looked here on the website..."Stop Fighting!" Well said Elizabeth... well said.

Laura B, Santa Ana, CA, USA

Boiling a raccoon,huh? E-e-e-w-w-w!

Cheryl L, Forest City, NC, USA

John and Elly are supposed to represent great parents, and are seen by the many people who read this comic as role models. What kind of a message does it send to men about their household contribution? John only goes to work and does the bare minimum around the house.

John might think that he brought home the pay, but Elly's work at home with the kids was also tiring. In stead of getting a break from the kids, he comes home, reads the paper and waits for dinner to be served as if he's in a restaurant.

November 12th's comic shows Elly trying to rush out the door to her class, but she's already made sure dinner's ready. John is shown holding a newspaper - so most likely he's been enjoying the paper. Why couldn't he help?

Too many men get the impression they have to do the bare minimum around the house, and this is reinforced by what they see around them. This comic reinforces that impression.

Even as the years passed, and supposedly John should have evolved, he still was spending his leisure time on his train hobby, while Elly cleaned the house and cooked.

Karen, Calgary, AB, Canada

According to the Mayo Clinic, a doctor (not a dentist who glances at a thermometer) should be consulted if an adult's fever exceeds 103 degrees. As someone who has to deal with infection and such on a regular basis because of his work, John really should know that his wife's 104-degree temperature is cause for serious concern.

Ed T, St. Paul, MN, USA

With a fever of 104 F, Elly shouldn't just be staying home, she should be off to the ER (with John driving). That's indicative of a serious illness. I know that it's "just a comic strip" and not "real life," but I do hope your readers know that a fever this high is not something that should be ignored.

You've dealt with such "real-life" issues as sexual assault, homosexuality, and discrimination against people with disabilities, that I think depicting the proper response to a high fever shouldn't be too far from the flavor of FBOFW. After all, for many readers, it's more than "just a comic strip," Elly and family are just like mirrors into their own family life.

Ann K, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

Take me back to the top!

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Thursday
November 12, 2009

Thank you for the remembrance day strips, My father also fought in WW2 Carleton York regiment out NB .... Grampa Jim reminds me so much of him and how he did those same things .... I miss him .... thank you again for making the day of this Canadian girl in the US.

Gwyn M, CT, USA via NB, Canada

Bless you for your Sunday Edition strips each Memorial Day over the years. More than anything else you do, these touch my heart every year. I have regretted not saving the year Jim marched in the Parade for those who couldn't. I tried to find it here on your site but didn't see it.

I sincerely wish you could find a place here on your site to feature all the Sunday strips for Memorial Day. You have captured the spirit of the Veteran's experience that brings a tear to my eye. Thank you from all the Veterans and our families. It's so rare to find anyone in your profession who understands and can share this sacred holiday in such an emotional way.

Chester A, Marysville, CA, USA

Chester - thank you for your service to your country. We've taken your suggestion to heart and made this page to feature all the FBorFW Remembrance Day strips:
http://www.fborfw.com/features/rcaf/strips.php

Take care, and all the best.

Readers who point out inconsistencies such as the Fred/Frank goldfish (re)naming are demonstrating that they care enough about the strip to notice and remember such details. I don't understand why overlooking or not caring about such things is held up as a superior model of fandom.

Katje B, Albany, NY, USA

I am a parent who has been critical of FBORFW's parenting problems before in the past. Some of the things that Elly (and John and Mike) has done are so dangerous, or so unrealistic, that it shocks me, and takes me out of the fictional world of FBORFW. For example, when Elly left toddler Liz in the full bathtub with only Mike watching her, or when Elly unhinges her jaw to yell at her children. As a parent, I don't find it funny.

I dislike the implication that only non-parents are upset about these sorts of things. Parents can be bothered by dangerous behavior as well.

Amy E, WA, USA

I would like to make a few comments regarding the goldfish, Micheal's comments to Elizabeth regarding thunder and lightening & Elly's attempt to write her Mom. As kids, we described thunder and lightening in almost the same context as Micheal did. It is not a form of paganism, it is called imagination. We had a goldfish when we were small and unfortunately the same fate happened to the goldfish. As for Elly writing a letter to her Mom, yes as kids we did the same thing to our mum. I can recall that when Mum was on the phone . we were also good at trying to get her attention. Lynn is very good at depicting family life and that is why alot of the readers can identify with The Patterson's.

Cindy C, Springfield, VA,USA

Lynn: I know that a lot of your content is based upon real life experiences. My question is did you really boil a raccoon on the stove in your Mom's house? The circumstances must have been interesting!

One of the strengths of FBorW is the diversity of subject coupled with humor! True to life also! I had an uncle who was always bringing home road kill to dissect and mount.

Peter, Fairfax, VA, USA

Yes, my brother and I boiled a raccoon on mom's stove- in her "canning pot" to get the skeleton for a science project. The problem was- the neighbour who gave us the carcass kept the tail, so it was hard to tell just what it was. This detail remained unnoticed, since we neglected to SKIN the beast and the fur was a problem- the smell and the hair were everywhere, prompting mother, who was at work at the time, to declare the kitchen off limits to science for the rest of our residence there! LJ

Take me back to the top!

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