How about sitting down with Calvin and read him a book or a chapter in a good book, or tell him about the world before TV etc. though that might classify as a horror show for Calvin.
Well, let’s see, it may be a little too early for snow, so shoveling’s out. He could make Calvin do his homework, but that would go as well as you’d expect. Raking leaves would probably end up with Calvin fantasizing about being devoured by a leaf pile monster and spreading them around again. So what else is there that would “build character” for Dad to think of?
In a 30+ year span of estimating for insurance, We had a few people claim damage caused by spontaneous combustion. “No ma’am, no one got into your car and spontaneously combusted on the front seat. We can’t pay for your damaged paperback; this policy doesn’t cover personal property. Yes, we will still pay for the burn-damage to your upholstery. Next time, please don’t leave your reading glasses up on the dash in direct sunlight.”
Damp hay bales are notorious for spontaneous combustion…look it up. Seems to happen in the rural areas around here each summer. No “pow” though.
There are old stories of people supposedly combusting (Charles Fort tales, I think) but skeptics have suggested alcohol and cigarettes were probably involved…
codycab 3 months ago
You really have to admit that Calvin got Dad good!
dadthedawg Premium Member 3 months ago
Dad should have got a bang out of that…..
C 3 months ago
On the verge of another spontaneous event
Blu Bunny 3 months ago
Off the first panel I thought Calvin was going to sneak up behind his dad and blow his saxophone as hard as he could and make it squeal.
STEPUP 3 months ago
It’s only his way of reaching out for love and attention!!!!
Johnny Q Premium Member 3 months ago
Remember the time Calvin burst a bag and made Dad jump, then said “Pay attention to me”?
Bilan 3 months ago
Telling Calvin to not disturb his Dad sounds more like a dare than advice.
Humanist 3 months ago
I wish spontaneous combust could happen to homophobes.
orinoco womble 3 months ago
Get out of my head! I remembered the “spontaneous combustion” thing just yesterday and was wondering about where the tale came from.
Nuke Road Warrior 3 months ago
Dad’s suggestions will build character, lots of character.
ThatOneKid 3 months ago
Calvin was trying to prove that his parents love and care about him to us
BigDaveGlass 3 months ago
Paper bags. Use number two. Still not saving bags.
einarbt 3 months ago
How about sitting down with Calvin and read him a book or a chapter in a good book, or tell him about the world before TV etc. though that might classify as a horror show for Calvin.
The Old Wolf 3 months ago
Watterson was an absolute master at putting so much drama into a single panel. <3
HappyDog/ᵀʳʸ ᴮᵒᶻᵒ ⁴ ᵗʰᵉ ᶠᵘⁿ ᵒᶠ ᶦᵗ Premium Member 3 months ago
If I remember correctly Calvin’s dad is a patent attorney, so I would think that he could run across something that could control Calvin.
BJDucer 3 months ago
The whole situation is Dad’s fault….he should have told his boss “no, I’m not doing any extra at home”! :0)
'IndyMan' 3 months ago
Mom’s comment to Calvin —‘went in one ear and out the other’ without even slowing down for a curve or two ! ! !
markkahler52 3 months ago
With the right pyrotechnics, certain gasses can be spontaneously lit…
Gent 3 months ago
Hey dad this builds character ya knows.
rockyridge1977 3 months ago
Yep……people just ain’t got enough to do!!!!!!!
old_geek 3 months ago
His eyes are as big as his glasses….
rshive 3 months ago
Being “useful” is alien to Calvin.
KEA 3 months ago
Spontaneous combustion was a hot topic when I was a teen.
guenette.charlie(BozoKnows) 3 months ago
Well, let’s see, it may be a little too early for snow, so shoveling’s out. He could make Calvin do his homework, but that would go as well as you’d expect. Raking leaves would probably end up with Calvin fantasizing about being devoured by a leaf pile monster and spreading them around again. So what else is there that would “build character” for Dad to think of?
The Wolf In Your Midst 3 months ago
Dad’s a bit of a nervous type, isn’t he?
baskate_2000 3 months ago
Deeper and deeper ……..
Steverino Premium Member 3 months ago
I’ve heard Teslas sometimes spontaneously combust when charging.
mindjob 3 months ago
At least he’s not out in the garage making gunpowder from chemicals he got at the hobby shop
chris.lemarie 3 months ago
Who plays the sax in the family? Dad?
jconnors3954 3 months ago
Suggestions?
Otis Rufus Driftwood 3 months ago
Watterson was right to stop with last line of Dad’s.
Smeagol 3 months ago
As many cell phones which have video cameras are all over there has yet to be a video of someone who spontaneously combusts.
mistercatworks 3 months ago
You have to know the right guy and be prepared to pay big bucks. :)
ellisaana Premium Member 3 months ago
In a 30+ year span of estimating for insurance, We had a few people claim damage caused by spontaneous combustion. “No ma’am, no one got into your car and spontaneously combusted on the front seat. We can’t pay for your damaged paperback; this policy doesn’t cover personal property. Yes, we will still pay for the burn-damage to your upholstery. Next time, please don’t leave your reading glasses up on the dash in direct sunlight.”
John Jorgensen 3 months ago
If I were the dad I think I’d be impressed by the cleverness of it.
terrapin6000 Premium Member 3 months ago
Notice how mom is carrying the pot of coffee so she has it all with her ? Life with Calvin.
CleverHans Premium Member 3 months ago
Damp hay bales are notorious for spontaneous combustion…look it up. Seems to happen in the rural areas around here each summer. No “pow” though.
There are old stories of people supposedly combusting (Charles Fort tales, I think) but skeptics have suggested alcohol and cigarettes were probably involved…
Chris Sherlock 3 months ago
Calvin isn’t having a problem trying to think of ways to be useful since he doesn’t want to be useful.
wiley207 3 months ago
LOL at Calvin holding a saxophone in the second panel! Too bad we didn’t see more of his saxophone.