May 8, 2003

BAM!

Since the demise of Calvin and Hobbes, my favorite comic strip has been FoxTrot. It's hard not to love a strip that keeps up with current events-- at least, as far as geek pop culture is concerned. It's pretty safe to expect a week's worth of Matrix-themed strips this month, for example, and some Hulk strips later this summer. Cartoonist Bill Amend's obviously got geek cred.

Yesterday's strip (below) carried a special frisson for me, since its punchline was one of the theme entries in my second New York Times crossword (published Feb. 20). I hoped my crossword had inspired the strip, but sadly, no such luck-- I emailed Amend and found out he never saw my puzzle. What's the matter, Amend-- a newspaper not worth your time if it doesn't carry your strip? Too busy drawing iguanas to stretch the mind a little? Too high and mighty to steal a joke from a lowly crossword constructor? I see how it is. No, no-- don't try to apologize now. I'm insulted that you think I'd be mollified by an autographed original strip (sent to Peter Sarrett, 1920 N. 49th St., Seattle WA, 98103). Positively indignant, I am. I'd scold you further, but I must go wait by my mailbox.

foxtrot.gif

Posted by Peter at May 8, 2003 3:46 PM
Comments

autographed original? You should be happy he replied to your Email!

Posted by: Larry on May 9, 2003 5:58 AM

He's definitely got geek cred. If you go to http://homepage.mac.com/billamend/, you'll find not only his musings, but the geeky little programs he wrote himself. And the guy was a physics major for pete's sake.

Speaking of Pete, I have finally gotten used to the fact that when my daughter starts a reminiscence with, "You remember that time when Peter..." she's talking about Peter Fox, and not Peter Sarrett. =)

Posted by: DugSteen on May 9, 2003 7:43 AM

Peter, you published another NYT crossword? Cool! Is it possible to see it via a link to the NYT or something?

Next time, let a person know! Send another Kappa email or something.

This FoxTrot strip was hysterical. I agree it's one of the best strips out there (though I'm also partial to Zits -- but it doesn't have the current events slant).

Posted by: Robin on May 12, 2003 2:46 PM

My second NYT puzzle was published on February 20. If you're a subscriber to the NYT Premium content, you can access the puzzle from the archives.

I've also sold a third puzzle to the NYT-- my favorite one yet-- but I don't know when it will appear, or on what day. In general, Will doesn't give constructors any info on scheduling. Keep your eyes peeled.

Posted by: Peter Sarrett on May 12, 2003 3:14 PM