Childhood Revisited

In this episode – Childhood Revisited . . .

In more ways than I’m probably aware of, I was lucky to have moved to Los Angeles in 1985, as it introduced me to a comic strip through the Los Angeles Times that helped develop my curiosity and imagination.

While pondering what to share with you this week, I happened to see a documentary on Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Watterson. This made me realize that life can't always be serious, and we all need a little escape from the world occasionally. That's what Watterson provided. Looking back, I miss seeing a newspaper with a robust comic section.

Calvin and Hobbes became hugely popular and was syndicated in over 2,400 newspapers worldwide during its peak. Created by Bill Watterson, it gained a massive readership and became one of the most beloved and successful comic strips from 1985-1995. For those who may have missed it, the story revolves around a six-year-old boy named Calvin and his anthropomorphic tiger friend, Hobbes, and their imaginative adventures.

Calvin is a highly intelligent, imaginative, and often mischievous child with a vivid imagination. Hobbes, on the other hand, appears to most people as a stuffed tiger, but to Calvin, he is a real and often sarcastic companion. The dynamic between Calvin and Hobbes is central to the strip, showcasing their deep friendship and the role of imagination in childhood.

Watterson explores many themes, such as philosophy, morality, and the innocence of childhood. It also delves into Calvin's interactions with his parents, teacher, Miss Wormwood, and classmate, Susie Derkins. The strip often features Calvin's daydreams and fantasies, where he transforms into various alter egos like Spaceman Spiff or Stupendous Man.

What made the comic strip so special to me was Bill Watterson's ability to convey a wide range of emotions through Calvin's facial expressions, which contributed significantly to the charm and relatability of the character, making readers feel connected to the young boy's experiences and emotions. For example:

Calvin often wears a wide, beaming smile and sparkling eyes when excited or enthusiastic about something. This is especially evident in his imaginative and adventurous moments.

Disgust/Frustration: When Calvin is faced with something he finds distasteful or frustrating, his expression may include narrowed eyes, a downturned mouth, and a furrowed brow. My favorite was his Mischievous Grin: Calvin is a mischievous character, and he frequently displays a sly, mischievous grin when he's up to some playful or rebellious activity.

Calvin is known for temper tantrums, often directed at his parents or other characters. During these moments, his face would turn red, and he expresses intense anger with clenched fists and a scowling face. In his more introspective moments, Calvin may have a contemplative or thoughtful expression. This often occurs when he's reflecting on life, philosophy, or his place in the world.

Calvin's face can also convey fear or worry, especially when his vivid imagination leads him to confront imaginary monsters, challenges, or consequences.

Surprise/Shock: Calvin's eyes widen, and his mouth drops open in moments of surprise or shock. These expressions often occur when he encounters the unexpected or faces a sudden twist in his adventures.

Sarcastic/Smirk: Calvin is known for his witty and sarcastic remarks. In such instances, he may wear a sly smirk or a raised eyebrow to convey his cleverness.

I never realized it at the time, but Bill Watterson, the creator of the comic strip 'Calvin and Hobbes,' was known for his strict stance against merchandising the characters. He believed that this would compromise the strip's integrity and artistic value. 'Calvin and Hobbes' is celebrated for its humor, wit, and the way it captures the essence of childhood, making it one of the most beloved and enduring comic strips in the history of comics.

My dear friends, if you feel overwhelmed by the continuous stream of negative news, political chaos, fear, and anger, I recommend taking a break. Visit your local bookstore or order online from Amazon to get your hands on any of the Calvin and Hobbes collections. I am currently reading "It's A Magical World” this morning, and it's an excellent escape from the chaos of the world.

I'm Patrick Ball; thanks for listening. See you in the next episode.

The Who Was - Series

In this episode, the Who Was? - Series . . . With over 250 titles, Penguin Random House Books Who Was? - Series tells the incredible stories of trailblazers, legends, innovators, and creators. Are you a bibliophile, an individual who loves and frequently reads books (a bookworm)? What is it that compels you to pick up a book? Is it the cover, is it the title, how about an interest in a specialized subject, or just - perhaps it's a whim? One of my ultimate goals with these podcasts is to reach a young audience. I've found that reading children's books is a gratifying and educational experience. Yes, even grown-ups can understand difficult concepts. To my surprise, both children and adults seem to appreciate the experience. With education such a hot topic in the news right now, we need to be reminded that whether it's going to school, visiting a museum, or online learning, the goal of education (both young and old) is to nurture an interest in learning. William Butler Ye

Big Apple, Big Charge

In this episode – Big Apple, Big Charge . . . Welcome back to On the Fly, your weekly dose of quirky observations and unexpected trends. Today, we're fresh off a trip to the Scaffolding/Plywood jungle, where we witnessed a phenomenon that will make you rethink your relationship with the humble wall socket. That's right, we're talking about New York City, and it's . . . wait for it — Free, ubiquitous electric outlets! New York constantly buzzes with traffic, jackhammers, honking horns, and helicopters. But what struck me most was the sheer volume of people glued to their devices while commuting and navigating the streets with hundreds of construction obstacles. It's like everyone's “plugged into” some invisible grid—phones, tablets, watches, headphones, earbuds, e-bikes—you name it. And that's where things get interesting. But, unlike our quiet suburban life, free outlets in NYC aren't exactly abundant. So, how do these New Yorkers keep their gadgets

What Time Is It

In this episode – What Time Is It . . . In the era before smartphones, let’s say we’re on a telephone call, and you ask me, “What time is it?” As a five-year-old, my reply is, "The big hand is on the two (2) and the little hand on the eight (8).” You would then say, "Alright, it's ten minutes after eight o’clock or eight-ten, right?" This is how we learned to tell time as children–remember? Well, what happened . . . During dinner last week in Westfield, NJ, a retired high school teacher told our group, “Did you know that children today cannot read the time on a traditional watch with an analog face?” “Why not?” we asked. “Because of smartphones and the proliferation of digital clocks.” “Wow! That’s hard to believe.” Welcome to this week's episode of "On the Fly." Today, we'll compare classic mechanical watches to modern quartz watches and explore an unexpected social shift. To begin with, let me take you back a few days. I’m a traditionalist and pre

It Runs on Steam

In this episode – It Runs on Steam . . . If you’ve seen Back to The Future III, you may remember Doc Brown's line, “It Runs on Steam !” Recently, I visited my good friend Billy in Westfield, New Jersey. Among his many other hobbies, Billy is a steam engine enthusiast. He proudly fired up his miniature steam engine and confidently explained its workings, which got me thinking . . . (Sound effect of Billy's steam engine whistle) Have you ever considered how environmentally friendly a steam engine powered by renewable energy could be? There would be no need for gasoline, batteries, diesel fuel, or Uranium-234. Imagine an engine powered by water—yes, water. I can hear the naysayers: "But . . .” Welcome back to On the Fly, where we dive into one of history's most fascinating inventions. Today, we're firing up a revolution – the Industrial Revolution, that is – with the mighty steam engine! For centuries, people relied on muscle, wind, and waterpower to get things do

On The Fly

Search This Blog