The Funnies - 3 - 'Good Grief'

One of the ‘Funnies’ that I was introduced to later on in life was called, ‘Peanuts.’
Much has been written about this comic strip (including many doctoral theses!), which ran from October 2, 1950, to February 13, 2000, and which also later became as set of vastly-popular prime time TV specials, which are still being shown today.
The major event of 1965 that began my admiration for the strip was opening my roommate's ‘Ottawa Citizen,’ and then to have both of us chuckle, giggle and even guffaw to the antics of the characters.
You may have guessed, Dear Reader, that the local newspapers did not carry the strip.
Here are some of the ‘Li'l Folks’ (BTW, the original name of the strip created and drawn by the venerable Charles M. Schultz):
-- Good Old Charlie Brown: the loveable perennial anti-hero, who dreamt of hitting that game-winning home run (but usually struck out); who could never get his pitch to home plate without a formidable, earthquake hit by the opposition batter; who could never greet the love of his life, the ‘Little Red Haired Girl,’ especially at Valentine's Day; whose Christmas tree was thin and spindly.
-- Snoopy, his pet beagle: whose doghouse featured a pool table and an expensive Andrew Wyeth painting; the dog who carried out highly imaginary sorties as his alter ego, the 'World War One Flying Ace;'
-- Lucy Van Pelt, his crabby nemesis: who always snatched the football away at the last moment as Charlie Brown was attempting to kick it, and who generally made his life negative and complicated.
-- Linus, her brother: a loyal chum, confidant, who spoke of many adult philosophies, but who carried his security blanket, and who waited unsuccessfully every Halloween night in the cold garden to meet and greet the 'Great Pumpkin';
-- Schroeder, a shy, modest, but always accomplished classical (and jazz!) pianist: who kept a closet full of busts of Beethoven, to ensure that there was always one available for his piano on Beethoven's birthday.
-- Peppermint Patty, a strong, sports-oriented girl, who always called him, 'Chuck,' and everyone else 'sir,' regardless of their gender;
-- Woodstock, Snoopy's pal and sometimes shorthand-taking secretary; -- Sally, Charlie Brown's young and naïve sister.
The strip made its highly anticipated move to TV in 1965, with the special, 'A Charlie Brown Christmas,' when the gang suddenly became animated and had voices. Charlie Brown's spindly tree provides inspiration for Linus, as he recites the Christmas story.
Of course, Dear Reader, we cannot forget all the displays of hundreds of cloth and ceramic dolls of Snoopy and all the other members of the gang. Total merchandise sales have been estimated as $1 billion!
Some of the phrases from 'Peanuts' that have reached the wide daily lexicon include:
-- 'You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown,' the title of the off-Broadway show;
-- 'You blockhead,' from Lucy's statements to Charlie Brown;
-- 'Five cents, please,' following Lucy's dubious and useless advice from her booth, 'Psychiatric Help, 5¢ Please';
-- 'Good Grief,' and 'Rats,' from Charlie Brown's frustrations;
-- 'Garçon, another root beer,' from Snoopy (as the 'World War One Flying Ace,' relaxing at a bistro);
--'Happiness is a warm puppy,' and 'Misery is a cold hotdog,' from the comic strip collection books.
Charles M. Schultz died in 2000; he had drawn the strip single-handedly for almost 50 years.
But newspaper reruns of the strip and the TV specials are still available for everyone to see, read and love.