Happy birthday, Stephan! I’ve been reading PBS from the day Scott Adams recommended it on the Dilbert page centuries ago (using a word I don’t quite remember but it amounted to something like “very comicesque”) and still enjoy it. Keep it up, and many greetings from Germany!
Had a “friend” who’d tell you on your birthday, “Despite everything you’ve learned, know, say or do you have moved, inexorably, a year closer to your death.”
If we measured age by the time it takes the solar system to orbit the Milky Way, rather than the Earth around the sun, I’d be roughly 0.000000226 years old (using the Earth around the sun year as the benchmark.)
Once a year we celebrate with stupid hats and plastic plates, the fact that you were able to make another trip around the sun, happy birthday, now you’re one year older (the happy birthday song of a local radio show)
Many years ago, a friend whose birthday was a day after mine walked up to me and said “Just remember, when you turn 100, I’ll still only be 99.” Simply turned, and walked away.
I get that this is a comic and not an animation, but I still like when there is something happening and today’s strip is just lazy.Frame 1 and 4 are identical apart from a cup oddly missing in frame 4, so is frame 2 and 3 with the exception of Rats arms/hands and legs/feet.
Hope your day is a blast! Go somewhere and BE A KID AGAIN. ignore all these Debbie Downers. I celebrate another year of your hilarious, insightful comic! Please come to Comic Con some year.
Occasionally I think about buying a lakebed or peat bog or something and selling burial plots there. I’d do it in a way that maximizes the chances of the body fossilizing, and market it to people who like the idea of paleontologists in the distant future using their remains to study the human population of our era.
“If you’re reading this letter, my disease has run its course. Enclosed is some money for my burial. I would like to be cremated. I spent my whole life in a box. I don’t want to be buried in one.” Georgia May Byrd in Last Holiday.
Today is also our dog’s (#HoudiniTheMagicShihPoo) whelp-day. (I learned that word from Snoopy). He is 11 years old today!
Happy birthday to you Steph! I remember meeting you at a book signing in Pasadena. You signed two books, one for me and the other for my now late pastor. We would have discussions about your Sunday strips after Sunday morning services. He always hated your puns with the long setup.
My favorite strip of yours was the one where you paid tribute to your late father-in-law.
I wonder if Stephan will read all of these happy birthday messages, sure hope so. Anyway, from Mexico City to wherever you are, ¡Feliz cumpleaños, maestro!
BE THIS GUY 9 months ago
That’s why I’m going to cremated. I’m not letting the dirt get me!
Bilan 9 months ago
We have a lot to do with still being alive.
hariseldon59 9 months ago
Happy Birthday, Steph. I just celebrated my 65th a few days ago. Nice to know that you’re a fellow Capricorn.
finzleftright 9 months ago
Sweet! Thanks, Stephan!!!! My birthday is in just over two weeks and I’m going to save this to post!
BasilBruce 9 months ago
Did Rat steal Stephan’s mug?
cmxx 9 months ago
You can run, but you can’t hide. ::sigh::
NavalHistorian 9 months ago
I figured he’d congratulate Steph on not being killed for one of his puns…yet.
GreasyOldTam 9 months ago
Bill Bailey has a version called Your Meaningless Milestone of Decay. It’s on YouTube.
Imagine 9 months ago
What, no cake?
Hello Everyone 9 months ago
Happy Birthday Steph!
c001 9 months ago
Happy birthday, Stephan! I’ve been reading PBS from the day Scott Adams recommended it on the Dilbert page centuries ago (using a word I don’t quite remember but it amounted to something like “very comicesque”) and still enjoy it. Keep it up, and many greetings from Germany!
Walrus Gumbo Premium Member 9 months ago
Birthdays: Marking the chronological order of decay!
electricshadow Premium Member 9 months ago
Between this strip and “Rabbits Against Magic” from last Thursday, my self-esteem is shot for the month. >
Gent 9 months ago
Well you no give him birthday cake to eats. So obviously he no like you.
rdav1248961 Premium Member 9 months ago
Happy Birthday Stephan.
Redmaaan 9 months ago
I would buy this as a birthday card.
diazch408 9 months ago
Rat should go into the next superhero drama. Instant supervillain right there!
Zicat 9 months ago
Happy Birthday, Stephan!
Zoturdley Premium Member 9 months ago
Happy Birthday, Steph.
Hamady Sack Premium Member 9 months ago
Happy Birthday. Your fans are all older than you, will die before you, and none will remember you in their will.
fullmoondeb Premium Member 9 months ago
Happy birthday, Steph, and thanks for the laughs!
WaitingMan 9 months ago
Father Time is undefeated.
Tigrisan Premium Member 9 months ago
Happy Birthday, Steph! Hope it’s grand!
Procat Premium Member 9 months ago
He will have to wait an extra day for his next birthday.
Huckleberry Hiroshima 9 months ago
lmao
monya_43 9 months ago
Rat’s way of spreading the joy.
Upton O'Goode 9 months ago
Had a “friend” who’d tell you on your birthday, “Despite everything you’ve learned, know, say or do you have moved, inexorably, a year closer to your death.”
losflemings 9 months ago
At first I thought this was a really late new years strip.
Frank Salem Premium Member 9 months ago
Happy Birthday, Steph. Thanks for the laughs.
Doug K 9 months ago
If Stephan is able to survive until his next birthday next year, he will have managed another 366 days breathing and above the dirt.
Croc Holliday 9 months ago
If we measured age by the time it takes the solar system to orbit the Milky Way, rather than the Earth around the sun, I’d be roughly 0.000000226 years old (using the Earth around the sun year as the benchmark.)
jessegooddoggy 9 months ago
Please invite the Crocs to your party.
Chief Inspector 9 months ago
@StephanPastis Happy Birthday!
Studebaker Hoch 9 months ago
Happy Birthday, Stephan.
KageKat 9 months ago
You are an exhausting individual, Rat.
Count Olaf Premium Member 9 months ago
The❤️Count is going to have to remember that one. Make a cool beans birthday card.
dailyreader58 9 months ago
Happy Birthday, Steph. Have a great day and thanks for the laughs.
Killraven Premium Member 9 months ago
Happy Still Above the Dirt Day!
[Traveler] Premium Member 9 months ago
Once a year we celebrate with stupid hats and plastic plates, the fact that you were able to make another trip around the sun, happy birthday, now you’re one year older (the happy birthday song of a local radio show)
Linguist 9 months ago
¡FELIZ CUMPLEAÑOS, STEPH!
\(ᵔ⍢ᵔ)/
Charles & Susan Premium Member 9 months ago
Happy Birthday Stephan!
nicholasbonnie3 9 months ago
Happy birthday, Stephan. Hope you have a great big day.
Ellis97 9 months ago
Happy birthday, Stephan Pastis.
Goat from PBS 9 months ago
Happy birthday, Steph! Wishing you many more! (puns)
DaBump Premium Member 9 months ago
Congratulations on not losing your gravitational attraction and being flung off the Earth for another trip around the sun!
babka Premium Member 9 months ago
I’m an earth sign. I’m thinking mulch.
uniquename 9 months ago
Well then don’t say “Congrats”. Just say “Happy Birthday”.
NaryGancy 9 months ago
Happy Birthday Stephan!
sarah413 Premium Member 9 months ago
Many years ago, a friend whose birthday was a day after mine walked up to me and said “Just remember, when you turn 100, I’ll still only be 99.” Simply turned, and walked away.
GATORx81 9 months ago
Is this a subtle way of letting us all know it’s your birthday? Don’t expect any presents from me!
aerotica69 9 months ago
The worms go in, the worms go out…..
ladykat 9 months ago
That’s a unique way of saying Happy Birthday.
Flossie Mud Duck 9 months ago
Happy birthday like everyone else.
PaulAbbott2 9 months ago
Happy birthday to youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu
The Fly Hunter 9 months ago
I’m now at the age where if I don’t keep moving they’ll throw dirt on me!
AtariDragon 9 months ago
Memento mori, Stephan.
rshive 9 months ago
A little different perspective.
Zebrastripes 9 months ago
Happy Birthday!
Better than pushing daisies! ☺️☺️
sschardi 9 months ago
I want my remains to be scattered all over the beach, and I don’t want to be cremated.
Out of the Past 9 months ago
Remember man thou art but dust and unto dust thou shalt return. Genesis 3:19.
Bruce Underwood Premium Member 9 months ago
Happy Birthday Stephan Pastis. Waiting for you to return to Wichita for another book tour.
johnschutt 9 months ago
It’s ain’t over at death.
notmoving Premium Member 9 months ago
Happy Birthday, mirth maker!!!
Carl Rennhack Premium Member 9 months ago
Greetings to Steph as he celebrates the trigintaquinquennium of his 21st birthday!
newsbb 9 months ago
I get that this is a comic and not an animation, but I still like when there is something happening and today’s strip is just lazy.Frame 1 and 4 are identical apart from a cup oddly missing in frame 4, so is frame 2 and 3 with the exception of Rats arms/hands and legs/feet.
mail2jbl 9 months ago
Happy 56th Birthday, Cartoon Boy!
But just know that Rat is right. As it says in Scripture, “…you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” (Genesis 3.19, RSV)
vics_machine Premium Member 9 months ago
Congratulations on another successful circumnavigation of our local star!
zeexenon 9 months ago
Quick! Be cremated before that, too, is the primary cause of Global Warming. Plus, your ashes will be great for our garden.
minty_Joe 9 months ago
Happy Birthday, Stephan Pastis!
https://Www.youtube.Com/watch?v=3nm37gzDnk0
Kilrwat Premium Member 9 months ago
It’s your Birthday, oh Happy Birthday…one day closer to DEATH!
Radish the wordsmith 9 months ago
Most rats live in a hole in the ground.
d_mock 9 months ago
Congratulations on maintaining orbit!
Donna S 9 months ago
Happy, happy birthday! Have a wonderful day!
Csaw Backnforth 9 months ago
Happy Birthday, Stephen! (And many more.)
kappy.mrnustik Premium Member 9 months ago
hooglah 9 months ago
Happy Birthday!!!!
crystalcomics 9 months ago
Happy Birthday, S. P.
Katje 9 months ago
That’s why this year is more challenging for you. Now you have to survive for 366 days… Good luck! :D :P
dlaemmerhirt999 9 months ago
>GASP!< And to his own FATHER!!! (Technically, Stephen is all the animals’ father AND mother!)
Cameron1988 Premium Member 9 months ago
Happy birthday, Steph!
Blaven 9 months ago
Happy Birthday Stephan. Love the comics!
crazeekatlady 9 months ago
Happy Birthday Stephen! Greetings from Washington DC!
wildlandwaters 9 months ago
unfortunately he’s right, tho…
Drbarb71 Premium Member 9 months ago
Hope your day is a blast! Go somewhere and BE A KID AGAIN. ignore all these Debbie Downers. I celebrate another year of your hilarious, insightful comic! Please come to Comic Con some year.
FunnyReader - 2022 Premium Member 9 months ago
Great one! HBD to you!
markkahler52 9 months ago
Happy Birthday, Stephan! You share a birthday with markkahler52! ME!
Ka`ōnōhi`ula`okahōkūmiomio`ehiku Premium Member 9 months ago
Live long, and prosper.
Picccaaaaso 9 months ago
Ooh Happy Birthday!!
oakie817 9 months ago
HIPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! >
SteveHL 9 months ago
Happy birthday, Mr. Pastis.
John Jorgensen 9 months ago
Occasionally I think about buying a lakebed or peat bog or something and selling burial plots there. I’d do it in a way that maximizes the chances of the body fossilizing, and market it to people who like the idea of paleontologists in the distant future using their remains to study the human population of our era.
Mary Ellen 9 months ago
Happy birthday!
patrickab7 9 months ago
Happy(?) birthday, sir.
KEA 9 months ago
“If you’re reading this letter, my disease has run its course. Enclosed is some money for my burial. I would like to be cremated. I spent my whole life in a box. I don’t want to be buried in one.” Georgia May Byrd in Last Holiday.
KEA 9 months ago
HAPPY BIRTHDAY STEPHAN!
[Unnamed Reader - 14b4ce] 9 months ago
That’s still better than the anonymous card Pastis got—-“Thank the Lord that you’re not a Mayfly”
Nobody_Important 9 months ago
Happy Birthday!!
Zyxian 9 months ago
Happy Birthday Stephan !!!
Gretchen Wingert Premium Member 9 months ago
Happy Birthday Stephan!!!
christelisbetty 9 months ago
You load 16(hundred)puns, and what do you get? Another day older and deeper in debt……
Charlie Tuba 9 months ago
Today is also our dog’s (#HoudiniTheMagicShihPoo) whelp-day. (I learned that word from Snoopy). He is 11 years old today!
Happy birthday to you Steph! I remember meeting you at a book signing in Pasadena. You signed two books, one for me and the other for my now late pastor. We would have discussions about your Sunday strips after Sunday morning services. He always hated your puns with the long setup.
My favorite strip of yours was the one where you paid tribute to your late father-in-law.
betsypoe 9 months ago
Happy Birthday Stephan!
MarthaGwen Premium Member 9 months ago
Happy Birthday, Steph! Pearls is my favorite strip…it used to be tied with Dilbert, but since Adams was “canceled” you are #1!!
hitman4cookies 9 months ago
Has Rat given any thought to his own fate once the dirt claims Steph?
pamela welch Premium Member 9 months ago
Happy Birthday Stephan ♫♪♫
SapphireSkies Premium Member 9 months ago
(Sung to the tune of “The Volga Boatmen.”)
Happy Birthday! [Huhn!] Happy Birthday! [Hunh!]
So you’ve aged another year,
Now you know that death is near.
Happy Birthday! [Huhn!] Happy Birthday! [Hunh!]
Happy Birthday! [Huhn!] Happy Birthday! [Hunh!]
Death, destruction, and despair,
People dying everywhere.
Happy Birthday! [Huhn!] Happy Birthday! [Hunh!]
————————
I could go on, but I won’t. Happy birthday, Stephan!
MarshaOstroff 9 months ago
I wonder if Stephan will read all of these happy birthday messages, sure hope so. Anyway, from Mexico City to wherever you are, ¡Feliz cumpleaños, maestro!
eric.franz.petras 9 months ago
Happy birthday, Stephan.
soaringblocks 9 months ago
Happy Birthday! And may your new year be blessed with many new ideas for your good comics which I enjoy every day.
Lily.spokescat 9 months ago
Happy Birthday W-A-OTH, since goldilocks comics wouldn’t let me post your real name
bunrabbit99 9 months ago
happy birthday, stephan!
Otis Rufus Driftwood 9 months ago
And a Happy Tuesday to you too, Rat.
EXCALABUR 9 months ago
The dirt will have you since you will be it.
Dan Collins creator 9 months ago
Thanks! Today’s my birthday!
CsRoberto2854 9 months ago
Happy birthday Stephan Thomas Pastis
rgcviper 9 months ago
Happy Birthday, Stephan. Thanks for “Pearls”. : )
Sisyphos 9 months ago
Yo! Happy birthday, Cartoon-Boy. I do rather admire Rat’s eloquence, though….
tvstevie 9 months ago
He must root for the Detroit Tigers!
listmom 9 months ago
Happy Birthday Steph! May you stay above the ground for a lot longer.
Swirls Before Pine 8 months ago
Happy Dirt Day, Stephan.
wordsmeet 8 months ago
M. Pastis, use this strip to make your own holiday card series or Hallmark will beat you to it!
alantain 8 months ago
I think it’s still superior to being pickled and jarred in a polished wooden container.