Hand Job

Poor Kitty

Gifted

Yes, I know. Very tasteless.

As of this week, we now have some new readers from the Northern Mariana Islands. Welcome everyone! That brings the BuckToonz Country Count up to an even 80.

First...and Last Date

Disclaimer Integrity & Silence

When I was just a wee lad I our family TV set was a huge, black & white, with “Rabbit Ear” antennas. Back then TVs didn’t just snap on like they do today. Vacuum tubes were used and they needed a chance to “warm up” before the picture would appear. (Wow, I'm really dating myself with these references but I don't care). In fact “warming up the TV” was all a part of the TV watching ritual. This process must have taken 30 seconds or so.

I have a strong distaste for TV commercials. I don’t enjoy being shouted at, treated like an idiot, or forced to listen to moronic jingles. My favorite button on any remote control is "Mute" and I use it often. I come to this anti-commercial stance honestly by way of my maternal grandfather, Harry. My grandfather had zero tolerance for commercials. But back in the the 1960's remote controls were very expensive, rare, and primitive. So what does a guy do when he detests all TV advertising? Grandpa, being a do-it-yourself kind of guy, built his own "Mute" button. The device consisted of a small metal box, with a large button on top, and a cord that connected it to the TV. (Nothing was wireless back then kids). The button made a loud “KAH-Clunk” sound when engaged, and it cut off the offending audio. This worked perfectly and my brothers and I enjoyed taking turns muting the TV at every commercial break.

Un-United Nations

The King is Dead, Long Earn the King!

This week marks the 35th anniversary of the death of Elvis Presley. While Elvis rests-in-peace he continues to make around $50 million annually. According to Forbes magazine, since 1977 Elvis has been The King of all dead celebrity earners. While other dead celebrities may come and go, Forbes says that Elvis has always been in the top three when it comes to afterlife earning power. This is due to a combination of his music publishing royalties and merchandising. Elvis merchandising was unparalleled during his lifetime, and it continues to go on almost four decades after his death.

Today's cartoon is by no means an anti-Elvis statement. What I’m baffled by is the excessive merchandising, and the people who embrace it.