I finally deduced what John meant when he was grateful to have a campfire when he said “last week I wanted a DeLorean.” It was the “water and diamonds paradox” explained by Adam Smith, that decisions are made at the margin. Diamonds are rare, but would be of little value to John and Phil when they were trapped on the island, whereas if they had a bottle of water, that would be a big help. Coversely at home, water is needed, but not much of a concern, so if Elly is nagging John for jewelry and John offers her a bottle of water claiming how it is a basic essential of life, that won’t go too well!To put it another way, those who have read Richard III would understand through the best known line “My kingdom for a horse!” when his horse was killed and it was now of greater importance for Richard to have another horse to flee than to be king. Preferences can shift quickly.
I believe I read that sometimes these rerun strips use different products etc depending on where the strip runs, in this case the name of the luxury car..
Even this late in the day, GoComics still hasn’t fixed the reply function.
Your first premise about water being needed but not much of a concern is wrong for most of the world, and probably even parts of Canada. Water in its raw state is increasingly polluted, and many localities and countries lack the ability to remove the pollutants. So even where surface or groundwaters are abundant, they may be a constant source of disease. Thus, giving someone bottled water can always be acceptable.
Secondly, even when the characters are getting along ok, some posters such as yourself can’t give your Ellyhate a rest. Always have to get your knife in about her nagging.
Even Lynn Johnston admits Elly nags. Last week’s strip had Elly telling Georgia “I have nagged John over some dumb issues, now I would give anything to find his beard stubble in the sink.” If mentioning nagging is a sign of hate, does that mean Elly is an Elly-hater?
Templo S.U.D. over 8 years ago
Besides, what would John and Uncle Phil bring the kids from a camping trip if the camping trip didn’t go awry?
John LaCasella over 8 years ago
Nice combover on Michael. Another case of “male Patterson baldness”
AliCom over 8 years ago
You brought home just what they wanted. YOU!!!!
USN1977 over 8 years ago
I finally deduced what John meant when he was grateful to have a campfire when he said “last week I wanted a DeLorean.” It was the “water and diamonds paradox” explained by Adam Smith, that decisions are made at the margin. Diamonds are rare, but would be of little value to John and Phil when they were trapped on the island, whereas if they had a bottle of water, that would be a big help. Coversely at home, water is needed, but not much of a concern, so if Elly is nagging John for jewelry and John offers her a bottle of water claiming how it is a basic essential of life, that won’t go too well!To put it another way, those who have read Richard III would understand through the best known line “My kingdom for a horse!” when his horse was killed and it was now of greater importance for Richard to have another horse to flee than to be king. Preferences can shift quickly.
Petemejia77 over 8 years ago
“I brought you a cold! WA-CHOO!!”
marykatie Premium Member over 8 years ago
I believe I read that sometimes these rerun strips use different products etc depending on where the strip runs, in this case the name of the luxury car..
Asharah over 8 years ago
What could he have brought them? A rock.
Argythree over 8 years ago
@USN1977
Even this late in the day, GoComics still hasn’t fixed the reply function.
Your first premise about water being needed but not much of a concern is wrong for most of the world, and probably even parts of Canada. Water in its raw state is increasingly polluted, and many localities and countries lack the ability to remove the pollutants. So even where surface or groundwaters are abundant, they may be a constant source of disease. Thus, giving someone bottled water can always be acceptable.
Secondly, even when the characters are getting along ok, some posters such as yourself can’t give your Ellyhate a rest. Always have to get your knife in about her nagging.
Give US a gift and give it a rest.
USN1977 over 8 years ago
Even Lynn Johnston admits Elly nags. Last week’s strip had Elly telling Georgia “I have nagged John over some dumb issues, now I would give anything to find his beard stubble in the sink.” If mentioning nagging is a sign of hate, does that mean Elly is an Elly-hater?