Dumbing of Age Book Twelve

Dumbing of Age

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July 11, 2026

Cookie

by David M Willis on August 10, 2013 at 12:01 am
  • 04 - Just Hangin' Out With My Family
└ Tags: howard, ruth

Discussion (199) ¬

[ Comments RSS ]
  1. Geminia999
    Geminia999
    August 10, 2013 at 12:01 am | #

    The epitome of Canadian politeness!

    • Plasma Mongoose
      Plasma Mongoose
      August 10, 2013 at 12:02 am | #

      I doubt Ruth would miss THAT!

      • Doctor_Who
        Doctor_Who
        August 10, 2013 at 1:54 am | #

        It’s be great if she were actually the epitome of niceness in Canada. She got it into her head that we’re jerks down here, and she’s just trying to fit in, but not getting it quite right.

        She’s like one of those guys who thinks Japan is just like an anime and doesn’t realize otaku is an insult over there.

        • Neospector
          Neospector
          August 10, 2013 at 4:05 pm | #

          There isn’t shinigami, ninjas, and magical girls running around Japan?
          The illusion has been shattered.

        • TPman
          TPman
          August 10, 2013 at 10:38 pm | #

          You mean Japan’s not a wacky high tech wonderland?

          • Cory
            Cory
            April 14, 2015 at 2:38 pm | #

            No, it is, at least parts of it are. But the number of attractive scantily clad anime girls and shonen heros are vastly outnumbered by drunken office workers and university students.

        • Animal
          Animal
          August 10, 2013 at 11:14 pm | #

          “She’s like one of those guys who thinks Japan is just like an anime and doesn’t realize otaku is an insult over there.”

          Really?

          …

          Well, that explains a couple of bar fights in Kyoto.

          • sidhe3141
            sidhe3141
            August 11, 2013 at 2:20 am | #

            On the other hand, a bear walking into a bar in Kyoto sounds like the sort of thing that would happen in an anime.

            • Animal
              Animal
              August 11, 2013 at 11:57 am | #

              It was also pleasing to discover that Animal Magnetism has its effect on Japanese women as well as American.

              • TheSuicidalGiraffe
                TheSuicidalGiraffe
                August 20, 2013 at 12:06 am | #

                NICE! *highfives* IT WORKS FOR PAWS AND HOOVES… sort of

    • Jadedcynic
      Jadedcynic
      December 26, 2014 at 10:14 pm | #

      No, THIS is the epitome of Canadian Politeness. 😉

    • Hinoron
      Hinoron
      September 26, 2015 at 2:36 pm | #

      Best way to tell the difference between Canada and the USA is to watch the news.
      “This week in Canada, somebody got shot! OMG! Stay with us for the next hour as we delve into this shocking occurrence!”
      “This week in ‘Murica, the number of unarmed citizens shot in broad daylight on a Tuesday by police is trending down since last Tuesday. Seriously, we have a char– BANG!”

  2. Pagan's Advocate
    Pagan's Advocate
    August 10, 2013 at 12:01 am | #

    stealing his cookie, that’s low Ruth

    • Impy
      Impy
      August 10, 2013 at 1:00 am | #

      Nah, for Howard it just means that this is a day ending in “y”

    • Endest
      Endest
      August 10, 2013 at 1:52 am | #

      Don’t worry. Howard’s still GOT DA POWA!

    • ninja_jesus
      ninja_jesus
      August 10, 2013 at 11:04 am | #

      I was gonna ask if she would drink his milkshake, but then my mind immediately hit the gutter and… yeah.

      • Endest
        Endest
        August 10, 2013 at 2:14 pm | #

        My milkshake brings Ruth to the yard.

        • Spack
          Spack
          August 10, 2013 at 10:08 pm | #

          Most appropriate gravitar.

          • Endest
            Endest
            August 10, 2013 at 10:56 pm | #

            Damn right.

  3. Kernanator
    Kernanator
    August 10, 2013 at 12:01 am | #

    I’ve never had a sibling myself, but if I did, I imagine the relationship would be exactly like this strip.

    • JBO
      JBO
      August 10, 2013 at 12:04 am | #

      Yes, that’s what having siblings is all about really.

      • Pyr05
        Pyr05
        August 10, 2013 at 12:18 am | #

        Stealing cookies and denying your younger brother of watching a show he freely admits to watching on his own time. Ah, siblings.

        • JBO
          JBO
          August 10, 2013 at 12:23 am | #

          The only thing is missing is her peerpressuring into drinking unreasonable amounts of alcohol. Too bad she as a recovering alcoholic knows better.

          • slicedtoad
            slicedtoad
            August 10, 2013 at 5:22 am | #

            I don’t think I’ve ever seen an older sibling peer pressure their youngers into drinking…
            I hate it when my younger brother gets too drunk. I will always regret agreeing to supervise his high school grad party.

            • Lamachine
              Lamachine
              August 10, 2013 at 8:12 am | #

              I’m an older sibling who kinda does that, though it’s not exactly pressuring them into drinking as much as getting them alcohol; I just think I’d rather know what they drink, and what amount they get, instead of letting their friends educated them on the joys of getting wasted.

            • JaneDoe
              JaneDoe
              August 10, 2013 at 10:36 pm | #

              Clearly you’ve never met my sister. On my 21st birthday she told me, and I quote, “We’re not leaving [the bar] until you’re drunk.” My reply? “I guess we’re never leaving.”

          • TPman
            TPman
            August 10, 2013 at 10:42 pm | #

            I have PARENTS who do that. They think I’m too much of a square.

    • Plasma Mongoose
      Plasma Mongoose
      August 10, 2013 at 12:07 am | #

      I was in an odd position of having siblings but being raised as an only child.

      • Squall
        Squall
        August 10, 2013 at 12:13 am | #

        When I was small I had older siblings. Later, they were gone, and now I’m also the older brother. My life is weird

        • JBO
          JBO
          August 10, 2013 at 12:15 am | #

          “Later, they were gone,”

          It’s called moving out. You should try it some time. 😉

          • The Candyman
            The Candyman
            August 10, 2013 at 12:16 am | #

            I assumed they were subject to various “accidents” after taking Squall’s cookies one too many times.

            • Squall
              Squall
              August 10, 2013 at 12:19 am | #

              Damn, you saw through my cover! You know why I left the country!

              • The Candyman
                The Candyman
                August 10, 2013 at 12:34 am | #

                You can’t hide forever, Squall! CanvasHat will never become president once the world knows what you’ve done!

                • Squall
                  Squall
                  August 10, 2013 at 12:38 am | #

                  CanvasHat WILL have the presidency eventually! Be it 5 years or 50 years, he will be president!

                • onethebe
                  onethebe
                  August 10, 2013 at 12:49 am | #

                  … got the bald eagle telling off the Riddler for trying to be prez…
                  what is going on in half these comments???

                • Squall
                  Squall
                  August 10, 2013 at 12:52 am | #

                  http://squallloir.tumblr.com/post/57855645498/stealing-cookies-is-dangerous-paid-for-by
                  Public service announcement paid for by Supporters of CanvasHat.

          • Squall
            Squall
            August 10, 2013 at 12:18 am | #

            I know what it’s called. I went for brevity. I actually one-upped them by moving overseas, myself.

            • JBO
              JBO
              August 10, 2013 at 12:24 am | #

              Well cover me surprised. I am about to do exactly the same. 😉

              • Squall
                Squall
                August 10, 2013 at 12:27 am | #

                Interesting. Where you headed off to?

                • JBO
                  JBO
                  August 10, 2013 at 12:37 am | #

                  Oxford, GB.

                • Squall
                  Squall
                  August 10, 2013 at 12:40 am | #

                  For University? Europe has some great University programs.

                • JBO
                  JBO
                  August 10, 2013 at 12:54 am | #

                  Jupp for University. But then again I am German so its just barely “overseas”.

                • Squall
                  Squall
                  August 10, 2013 at 1:06 am | #

                  Haha. Indeed. It’s USA to Sweden for me. I’m currently on a vacation back to my hometown for a big festival.

      • Squall
        Squall
        August 10, 2013 at 12:25 am | #

        A friend of mine was born to single mother, and adopted by his grandparents, so his sister is his mom.

      • Totz the Plaid
        Totz the Plaid
        August 10, 2013 at 12:28 am | #

        Only child until age 17, who was born to my non-custodial parent and their new spouse.

        I don’t always feel like I have a sister.

    • Yotomoe
      Yotomoe
      August 10, 2013 at 12:07 am | #

      My sibling would never be able to eat a damn thing.

      • Geminia999
        Geminia999
        August 10, 2013 at 12:22 am | #

        Because they would have no mouths

        • Totz the Plaid
          Totz the Plaid
          August 10, 2013 at 12:33 am | #

          And they must scream.

          • Yotomoe
            Yotomoe
            August 10, 2013 at 12:44 am | #

            This thread became horrifying.

            • Totz the Plaid
              Totz the Plaid
              August 10, 2013 at 12:49 am | #

              Blame Harlan Ellison.

              • Squall
                Squall
                August 10, 2013 at 12:54 am | #

                And Ellen Degeneres. I heard that she married Tom Hanks.

    • Doctor_Who
      Doctor_Who
      August 10, 2013 at 12:08 am | #

      As the eldest sibling, I can say for a fact that this is an accurate portrayal.

      • JBO
        JBO
        August 10, 2013 at 12:11 am | #

        My big brother when dividing up sweets between us three siblings:
        Him: 4
        My sister: 2
        me:2
        At least these days he knows a guy who sells me weed at a good price, so all works out in the end.

      • Totz the Plaid
        Totz the Plaid
        August 10, 2013 at 12:35 am | #

        I’ve seen old family movies of my dad and his two older brothers literally trying to kill each other as kids.

        Now they get along very well, even when they have very different opinions.

  4. Izzy
    Izzy
    August 10, 2013 at 12:01 am | #

    gimme back my cookie

    • Plasma Mongoose
      Plasma Mongoose
      August 10, 2013 at 12:08 am | #

      Too late, unless she decides to bring up the cookie.

      • Totz the Plaid
        Totz the Plaid
        August 10, 2013 at 12:36 am | #

        If he grabbed it before she got the whole thing in her mouth, he could still have the at least 50% of it that never even got tainted by her lips.

        • Squall
          Squall
          August 10, 2013 at 12:55 am | #

          I don’t think that Ruth’s lips could taint anything.

          • rachel
            rachel
            August 10, 2013 at 12:58 am | #

            … lip … taint?

        • John
          John
          August 10, 2013 at 12:56 am | #

          She licked it; it’s hers.

          The same applies to Billie.

          • Squall
            Squall
            August 10, 2013 at 1:15 am | #

            Did her lips taint billie’s cookie?

        • The Lurker
          The Lurker
          August 10, 2013 at 6:17 pm | #

          I don’t think you know what Taint is….

  5. AHR
    AHR
    August 10, 2013 at 12:02 am | #

    L’il Howie has a poiiiint.

    • Li
      Li
      August 10, 2013 at 7:36 am | #

      Does it? He is literally talking about of his butt here and telling Ruth to stop “pretending” to have feelings. It’s incredibly presumptuous, arrogant, and rude. Stealing his cookie is a very mild form of response.

      • Li
        Li
        August 10, 2013 at 10:24 am | #

        *he phone. does HE.

  6. Plasma Mongoose
    Plasma Mongoose
    August 10, 2013 at 12:04 am | #

    Still better than tossing your cookies in public.

    • Pyr05
      Pyr05
      August 10, 2013 at 12:12 am | #

      Nothing’s better than that. Where do you get your information?

      • JBO
        JBO
        August 10, 2013 at 12:17 am | #

        He is one of those weird anti cookie tossing moral guardians. Just ignore and they will go away.

  7. Cheryl
    Cheryl
    August 10, 2013 at 12:04 am | #

    Lesson taught and learned. Canada style!

    • Pyr05
      Pyr05
      August 10, 2013 at 12:20 am | #

      I thought it was Carol.

      • Notebooked
        Notebooked
        August 10, 2013 at 7:23 pm | #

        She changed it to that because Archer kept calling her Carol. Changed it back afterwards.

  8. JBO
    JBO
    August 10, 2013 at 12:05 am | #

    Huh, wierd for some reason Howard is now acting like a normal person and not a win tosser suddenly.

    • LookingIn
      LookingIn
      August 10, 2013 at 12:12 am | #

      She had that effect in the old strip, which was why he took it so hard when she died.

  9. Frogboy
    Frogboy
    August 10, 2013 at 12:06 am | #

    And that’s why they call her “Ruthless”: because she’ll take your cookie. Or your femurs, if you’re American. Cookies are the femurs of the North.

    • Yotomoe
      Yotomoe
      August 10, 2013 at 12:08 am | #

      If you take a Canadian’s cookie they lose the ability to walk.

      • Pyr05
        Pyr05
        August 10, 2013 at 12:11 am | #

        Hence why we keep making Twinkies, even after the company went belly-up.

      • Squall
        Squall
        August 10, 2013 at 12:15 am | #

        If you take a canadian’s hockey, you die. I tried that once, and that happened to me. True story.

        • Yotomoe
          Yotomoe
          August 10, 2013 at 12:19 am | #

          I believe it.

      • Frogboy
        Frogboy
        August 10, 2013 at 12:20 am | #

        If you take a Canadian’s cookie, you’ll probably have to take his Timbits. And if you take a Canadian’s Timbits, you’ll probably have to take his poutine…

        • Pyr05
          Pyr05
          August 10, 2013 at 12:26 am | #

          And if you take his poutine, you’ll have to take his toques. And if you take his toques, you’ll have to take his hockey. And if you take his hockey, you’ll be murdered mercilessly, and the Canadian will have his favourite things back in his life, and a dick taking stuff will be dead.

          • Squall
            Squall
            August 10, 2013 at 12:29 am | #

            And if you’re murdered mercilessly by a Canadian, your soul will inhabit an internet server.

            • Kernanator
              Kernanator
              August 10, 2013 at 12:49 am | #

              And that’s terrible.

              • Squall
                Squall
                August 10, 2013 at 12:56 am | #

                It truly is a frightening thing.

                • TPman
                  TPman
                  August 10, 2013 at 10:51 pm | #

                  Squall’s origin revealed. He became a cyber ghost after being murdered by angry Canucks.

              • Frogboy
                Frogboy
                August 10, 2013 at 1:00 am | #

                Ruth took forty cookies. That’s as many as four tens.

    • SUGauthor
      SUGauthor
      August 10, 2013 at 12:08 am | #

      What if you’re in Mexico? What does she take then?

      • Not Walky
        Not Walky
        August 10, 2013 at 12:11 am | #

        In Mexico, she takes a moment of your time to talk about hockey and maple syrup.

      • AJBulldis
        AJBulldis
        August 10, 2013 at 12:16 am | #

        Your sombrero.

      • JBO
        JBO
        August 10, 2013 at 12:16 am | #

        In Mexico they take our quesadillas.

      • Jojo
        Jojo
        August 10, 2013 at 12:36 am | #

        In Mexico they take your kidney’s.

        • Totz the Plaid
          Totz the Plaid
          August 10, 2013 at 12:39 am | #

          Your kidney’s what? What do they steal from your kidneys??? I must know what property owned by my kidneys would be stolen if I crossed Ruth in Mexico!

          (Seriously, though, apostrophe pluralization is wrong.)

          • Frogboy
            Frogboy
            August 10, 2013 at 12:55 am | #

            Obviously your kidney’s cookie. Or possibly its femur.

          • ankhtahr
            ankhtahr
            August 10, 2013 at 5:31 am | #

            Even more importantly “your kidney’s” would imply having only one.

          • saltchocolate
            saltchocolate
            August 10, 2013 at 9:04 am | #

            Lost cause, Totz. But I stand with you in principle!

  10. Pyr05
    Pyr05
    August 10, 2013 at 12:06 am | #

    Perfect metaphor for missing Canada. Well done Willis.

  11. carl320
    carl320
    August 10, 2013 at 12:07 am | #

    Ruth is better at snatching cookies.

    • Plasma Mongoose
      Plasma Mongoose
      August 10, 2013 at 12:09 am | #

      But she rather snatch some of Billie’s cookies.

      • carl320
        carl320
        August 10, 2013 at 12:15 am | #

        That’s why Billie looked dazed yesterday… she’s worried about her cookies.

        • Squall
          Squall
          August 10, 2013 at 12:16 am | #

          Ruth already took her cookies if you know what I mean.

          • Totz the Plaid
            Totz the Plaid
            August 10, 2013 at 12:40 am | #

            But Ruth would gladly give her some ladyfingers in return, if you catch my drift…

            • Squall
              Squall
              August 10, 2013 at 1:09 am | #

              I betcha Ruth really wants those ladyfingers on her creampuffs if you grok my jive..

              • ninja_jesus
                ninja_jesus
                August 10, 2013 at 11:11 am | #

                Pfff, I bet Ruth wants Billie to make her puff cream after receiving a few ladyfingers, if you know what I mean.

          • Josh
            Josh
            August 10, 2013 at 6:45 am | #

            Ruth could take my cookies anyday.

    • Pyr05
      Pyr05
      August 10, 2013 at 12:10 am | #

      All kinds of cookies.

    • JBO
      JBO
      August 10, 2013 at 12:14 am | #

      Well Ruth has experience with putting her hand into cookie yars.

      • Yotomoe
        Yotomoe
        August 10, 2013 at 12:25 am | #

        Yes, Ruth does love Fondling pirates.

        • Squall
          Squall
          August 10, 2013 at 12:30 am | #

          I wonder if she likes Vikings too. Maybe I should call her up.

          • The Candyman
            The Candyman
            August 10, 2013 at 10:39 am | #

            Ruth has a fetish for all kinds of seamen. Seriously, she and Bilie role play by dressing up in sailor suits.

  12. KingMabel
    KingMabel
    August 10, 2013 at 12:07 am | #

    Look like siblings to me

  13. Pyr05
    Pyr05
    August 10, 2013 at 12:09 am | #

    Side comment to getting stuff quicker in the U.S.: Yes, you can get it quicker (ie: new drugs) but that is followed by the inevitable class-action lawsuit because someone died or was put into a coma to take a new prescription for acne or birth control.

    I’ve seen the ads, and I’ve listened to the disclaimers they put in them, as rapid as they blurt it out. It’s utter crap!

    • AHA
      AHA
      August 10, 2013 at 12:29 am | #

      Wow. I assumed he was talking about video games and movies and the like.

      • Squall
        Squall
        August 10, 2013 at 12:35 am | #

        Those have similar side effects and law suits too.

        • Totz the Plaid
          Totz the Plaid
          August 10, 2013 at 12:42 am | #

          I saw “The Wolverine” opening night, and I’m already pursuing litigation in regard to a partial third ear that’s been growing since then!

          • Doctor_Who
            Doctor_Who
            August 10, 2013 at 1:51 am | #

            I grew mutton chops, and my knuckles itch.

            Don’t even ask about my new speech impediment, Bub.

      • MarcinMN
        MarcinMN
        August 10, 2013 at 12:41 am | #

        Yeah, that’s what I was thinking too. I definitely didn’t think of new drugs.

      • Kamino Neko
        Kamino Neko
        August 10, 2013 at 1:07 am | #

        We generally* get those at the same time as the US (mostly have the same companies handling them)…Cable TV shows are pretty much the only thing we really have to wait on, geek-entertainment-wise.

        * Occasionally a film will get held up as one of the Film Review Boards demands cuts, but it’s been a long while since that has happened.

      • Lamachine
        Lamachine
        August 10, 2013 at 8:37 am | #

        And I assumed he meant shipping merch, but I have no argument to support my theory, apart from Galasso’s rage.

  14. Yotomoe
    Yotomoe
    August 10, 2013 at 12:10 am | #

    Howard, don’t be a dick. Yeah, you miss what you get used to having. That’s because not all of us are migratory creatures. Some of us like to settle down and become familiar with our sorroundings, make relationships with people and ingrain themselves in the culture of the land. Don’t be a butt.

    • AJBulldis
      AJBulldis
      August 10, 2013 at 12:20 am | #

      Can’t be a dick OR a butt? You’re not leaving him a lot of options.

      Also settling is lame. Relationships are cool but you don’t need to settle to have those. I’ve moved six times in the last six years and it is awesome.

      • Yotomoe
        Yotomoe
        August 10, 2013 at 12:25 am | #

        I’ve lived in the same place for 13 years. It is also awesome. I am not a nomadic person.

        • AJBulldis
          AJBulldis
          August 10, 2013 at 5:56 am | #

          Okay I admit it I was just trying to sound like a tough guy. Moving all the time kind of sucks and it makes me obsessively avoid owning anything that can’t be transported by hand. The mere fact that I own a bed drives me nuts.

          • The Candyman
            The Candyman
            August 10, 2013 at 10:41 am | #

            You could have a Tipi. Those are pretty suited to a nomadic lifestyle.

      • Jojo
        Jojo
        August 10, 2013 at 12:38 am | #

        He could be the gouch

      • The Lurker
        The Lurker
        August 10, 2013 at 6:21 pm | #

        There is always Taint if one cannot decide….

    • Gigafreak
      Gigafreak
      August 10, 2013 at 9:24 am | #

      I kind of have to agree with Howard here. Nostalgia’s a poor basis for present and future decisions.

      More importantly, Ruth’s argument sounds kind of like she believes Mr. and Mrs. Lessick will somehow re-enter her life if she moves to Canada, or that moving to the States meant leaving them behind.

      …Wait, maybe they died as a direct consequence to moving to the States, which would make all of this make sense, and also make Howard’s argument really dickish again.

      Great. Now I don’t know which sibling to judge. >8C

      • Li
        Li
        August 10, 2013 at 10:33 am | #

        It’s not nostalgia. And nothing she said makes it sound like she blames the US for her parents’ death or thinks they will become un-dead if she moves back.

        Fact: Canada is markedly better than the States in several ways. For example, Ruth’s current college tuition situation.

        Fact: Moving to another country, even with your consent, is a HUGE LIFE CHANGE. It is a “big deal”. Especially when you’re young. A lot of your sense of self can be tied up in your nationality.

        Fact: Ruth’s “argument”, as you put it, was only that they have been through a lot of stuff, like the death of their parents, so maybe being bisexual or gay doesn’t register to her as a big deal.

        Fact: All of Howard’s dialogue in this trip is dickish regardless of whether or not Canada is objectively a better place for them to live. He has told her that being into girls is weird (and from his facial expression at the time, also bad). He has told her to stop pretending to have feelings. And, when she attempted to explain why she has those feelings, he told her that her reasons are lame.

        Seriously? Your takeaway from this conversation is that he’s right, because “nostalgia” is a poor reason for someone to make life decisions? (You realize that at no point in the conversation has Ruth actually said she even wanted to move back to Canada, right?)

    • Jack Finch
      Jack Finch
      August 10, 2013 at 9:20 pm | #

      I’m not sure if Howard is insensitive or losing patience with Ruth’s misery.

  15. Tualha
    Tualha
    August 10, 2013 at 12:11 am | #

    Hmm, well, Howie. Maybe you’re not gay, as Ruth may be, and hence don’t see any important difference between Canadian and US law pertaining to gay rights. Maybe you’ve never dealt with a catastrophic illness in your family, and thus don’t see the major difference in health care availability and costs between Canada and the US. Just off the top of my head.

    • Totz the Plaid
      Totz the Plaid
      August 10, 2013 at 12:48 am | #

      You’re over-thinking it. The real reason is that Howard sucks.

      Everything else may be true as well, but Howard sucking is still the main reason for him not getting it.

      • AJBulldis
        AJBulldis
        August 10, 2013 at 1:26 am | #

        He sort of sucks, but he’s still miles ahead of Danny.

  16. JBO
    JBO
    August 10, 2013 at 12:12 am | #

    Why is Howard angry at Ruth? She is just deleting his cookies!

    • Tom Speelman
      Tom Speelman
      August 10, 2013 at 12:13 am | #

      C:fx/rimshot

      • Doctor_Who
        Doctor_Who
        August 10, 2013 at 1:50 am | #

        10 print Ha
        20 goto 10

  17. Tom Speelman
    Tom Speelman
    August 10, 2013 at 12:12 am | #

    Presumably, Ruth remembers what it was like to live in a land where political ads only aired 30 days before an election.

    • Pyr05
      Pyr05
      August 10, 2013 at 12:23 am | #

      What… are you talking about? I see bullcrap all the time! Especially if there’s a chance that an election could be called, then it’s all “Everyone’s evil! Keep us in power!”

      • Geminia999
        Geminia999
        August 10, 2013 at 12:37 am | #

        agreed

  18. Nono
    Nono
    August 10, 2013 at 12:15 am | #

    Since we’ll never get to hear them, do Ruth and Howard have any slight Canadian accents? They likely sound American enough that Billie didn’t pick up on it til she asked about the hockey thing, and I’d wager that according to this trip, Howard was much younger that he wouldn’t have been speaking very long at that time, if at all.

    • Yotomoe
      Yotomoe
      August 10, 2013 at 12:27 am | #

      They actually say “eh” at the end of every sentance. It’s just so subtle that Willis doesn’t bother typing it out.
      Also they say Aboot.

      • carl320
        carl320
        August 10, 2013 at 12:29 am | #

        That’s what it’s aboot, eh?

    • AJBulldis
      AJBulldis
      August 10, 2013 at 1:27 am | #

      My attempts at imagining a Canadian accent just leads me to imagining a Wisconsin accent, which leads to me just hearing Pickles in my head.

      • Doctor_Who
        Doctor_Who
        August 10, 2013 at 1:48 am | #

        They’re kinda similar, really.

        Yeah, let’s imagine Howard talking like Pickles. Just matching that with his nerdy persona is amusing.

        • AJBulldis
          AJBulldis
          August 10, 2013 at 3:04 am | #

          …it’s wonderful.

        • taekwondogirl
          taekwondogirl
          August 10, 2013 at 9:06 am | #

          Well, sort of. It depends on what part of Canada we’re talking about. It’s a huge land mass, and different people have different accents. For an example of a Newfoundland accent, read The Punchline is Machismo and look at Canadian Guy.

          • John
            John
            August 10, 2013 at 10:38 am | #

            Given that Ruth willingly displays Leafs paraphernalia, I’m guessing they’re from Toronto or thereabouts. Their Canadian accent is likely to be the thick and incomprehensible Standard North American Broadcast English exhibited by the likes of Peter Jennings or Alex Trebek.

            • Derek
              Derek
              August 10, 2013 at 11:57 am | #

              Incomprehensible? Really? I’m totally American, which is why I find it fairly pleasant and clear, but I would not have imagined that accent would be the incomprehensible one from an outside perspective.

              Interesting. What’s the worst part?

              • John
                John
                August 10, 2013 at 5:02 pm | #

                ^ Insert sarcasm tags.

  19. Wonder Wig
    Wonder Wig
    August 10, 2013 at 12:19 am | #

    Starting to dislike Howard, but it’s probably due to him being a little brother and the such, being a bug. I have little brothers.

    • Totz the Plaid
      Totz the Plaid
      August 10, 2013 at 12:45 am | #

      That was meant to be a reply.

      • Totz the Plaid
        Totz the Plaid
        August 10, 2013 at 12:46 am | #

        …that formatted incorrectly.

        Totz the Plaid
        August 10, 2013 at 12:44 am | # | Reply

        Starting? Man, WW, you’re behind everyone on this!

  20. Totz the Plaid
    Totz the Plaid
    August 10, 2013 at 12:44 am | #

    Starting? Man, WW, you’re behind everyone on this!

    • Yotomoe
      Yotomoe
      August 10, 2013 at 12:46 am | #

      I’ve been hating Howard since before it was cool…

      • Totz the Plaid
        Totz the Plaid
        August 10, 2013 at 12:47 am | #

        I’ve been hating Howard since after it was cool and then became uncool again, but before the latest resurrection in Howard-hating coolness.

        • Squall
          Squall
          August 10, 2013 at 1:12 am | #

          I’ve been hating Howard since before he knew talking was popular.

          • Doctor_Who
            Doctor_Who
            August 10, 2013 at 1:47 am | #

            I’ve been hating Howard since he was “The Duck”!

            • AJBulldis
              AJBulldis
              August 10, 2013 at 3:05 am | #

              I hated Howard since “Bobby’s World”.

  21. Milosh
    Milosh
    August 10, 2013 at 12:59 am | #

    This is an example of a Logical Fallacy. Canada is not edible and is not delicious.

    • Yotomoe
      Yotomoe
      August 10, 2013 at 1:03 am | #

      How do you know. HAVE YOU EVEN TRIED?

    • Doctor_Who
      Doctor_Who
      August 10, 2013 at 1:45 am | #

      C’mon, it’s like 40% maple syrup by volume, and most of the rest is Tim Hortons and bacon. Canada is downright scrumptious.

      • hmrc4evr
        hmrc4evr
        August 10, 2013 at 1:59 am | #

        Ruth misses Tim Hortons and perhaps easy access to their staunch competitor Dunkin Donuts.

        Not sure why. In the states we have Hardees and Krispy Kreme, both of which are awesome alternatives.

        Unless there is.someon…er some other place she has been thinking about dining at but hasnt yet

        • David Willis
          David M Willis
          August 10, 2013 at 2:45 am | #

          She’d have plenty Tim Hortons if she lived in Ohio!

        • Megatron
          Megatron
          August 10, 2013 at 4:56 am | #

          Foolish fleshling! Krispy Kreme has nothing on Dunkin Donuts! Dunkin Donuts is better than Krispy Kreme by an order of magnitude.

          It is also better than Starbucks.

          • Kaci
            Kaci
            August 10, 2013 at 4:59 am | #

            All hail the robot overlord and his infinite wisdom!

          • Li
            Li
            August 10, 2013 at 10:48 am | #

            N o p e

            The nicest thing I can say about Dunkin Donuts is that it’s catering to a different niche than Starbucks. They don’t really serve tea*, for example, or food that isn’t donuts.

            For my “cheaper coffee than Starbucks” fix, I like to head to a Wawa’s.

            But generally speaking, I like Starbucks’s culture better. I like that their part-time employees were getting health insurance before it was cool and that my money tends to go to “blue state”-type causes when I give it to them.

            I used to have no opinion on Dunkin Donuts at all, but then they started running a bunch of ads bongoing about Starbucks’s “elitism” and their “funny foreign-sounding cup sizes”, and like. Really? You think you’re the coffee of “Real America”? Well, this real American just decided to never buy from you ever again, asshats.

            *Hot black tea, iced black tea, sweet iced black tea, and hot “vanilla chai” that exists in no other form.

            • Megatron
              Megatron
              August 10, 2013 at 4:04 pm | #

              Sadly, there are no Dunkin Donuts were I live now. (Cybertron’s not exactly in their market area, but we have plenty of Starbucks, you should try their energon blend…) There was one where I used to live in Texas, and it was great. Last time i was in one, it like 11pm and I was in White Planes, NY and I got a great donut.

              Dropping the Cybertron bit for a moment, I don’t drink coffee, so when I go to Starbucks, I get hot chocolate or iced tea. From a customer perspective, I love Starbucks. Those weird names for their sizes (which I find inordinately silly) aren’t mandatory. No one’s ever given me guff for ordering a small, medium or large drink. They just ring it up and I get the correct size. I know Paul Rudd’s famous for that scene where he talks smack to a Starbucks worker, but it’s kind of dumb. The only time I’ve seen a worker insist on specific company terminology in the face of common sense is McDonald’s and a few other fast food companies.

              The only thing I don’t like about Starbucks is their customers. They seem to think that their entitled to take their coffee anywhere. No one else seems to think that way. I work at a movie theater and we have a policy of “No Outside Food or Drink Allowed.” No one comes from 7-11 and seems to feel entitled to bring in their coffee. No one grabs a Big Gulp and then tries to go into the movie theater with it. If some one is holding a non-Starbucks drink, and I ask them to finish it, they’re usually fine with it.

              Not the Starbucks people though! They just bought their coffee! For the movie! It’s early! They should have their coffee! These are adults, did they grow up in a world where it’s ok to bring in outside food and drink? Like, how have they not noticed that?

              Makes me want to break out the fusion cannon.

              • Li
                Li
                August 10, 2013 at 7:04 pm | #

                Eheheheh. I am a movie-goer who routinely sneaks outside food or drink. Not Starbucks coffee, though, which to me is a weird thing to bring to a movie. No, I’m talking bottled water, cans of soda, once a bag of SmartPop popcorn made at home. (The kind we get is much healthier than normal popcorn.)

                I know this sucks for movie theaters because food is a biiiig source of revenue. I’ve actually gone to the movies many times over the last year with the intention of buying candy when we get there. I’m super into Milk Duds or Sour Patch Kids and there’s no better excuse to eat them. We tend to arrive to the theater too late, by poor planning or traffic or both, so the movie’s already started, and then we have to run in and I don’t get to buy my candy.

                But I’m also guilty of once or twice actually stopping at a McDonald’s or something on the way to the movie and sneaking in cheeseburgers and McNuggets and eating that during the movie.

                I don’t know if it’s better or worse that I do this with every expectation that we might get caught and have to throw out the food; it’s definitely not that I would pitch a huge fit if someone caught us, I’d be embarrassed and guilty and apologetic. But I do it anyway.

                Part of the reason is that snacks ARE so expensive — you pay $20 for tickets and then also $5 for a bottle of water? — and part of it is that the food selection is usually pretty limited. I’ve been to theaters that served ice cream and hot dogs, but I’ve also been to theaters where the closest thing to food is popcorn or nachos with (sometimes) hot cheese whiz. (Not that cheeseburgers are better for you but they are more filling.)

                If I haven’t completely chased you away with my being absolutely awful, I like regular chai lattes at Starbucks, with skim milk because I can’t taste the difference. Other awesome drinks include Taco Bell’s new Pink Lemonade Freeze (which is not a patch on their old strawberry Fruitista Freeze, but) and the frozen strawberry lemonade Wawa makes. Mmmmm.

                • Megatron
                  Megatron
                  August 10, 2013 at 8:36 pm | #

                  Look, I don’t mind you sneaking in the stuff. If I can’t see it, whateves. No one would go to the movies if we checked stuff like backpacks and purses.

                  But don’t carry the Venti Latte you got up in front of you like your going to ask me for the TPS report and then be shocked (SHOCKED!) that you can’t bring it in. Like, have you never been to a movie before?

                  I mean I bought a Togo’s sandwich one time and ate it while watching Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (best part about the movie), but I didn’t brazenly carry in the bag with the huge Togo’s logo into the theater, I had the good decency to put it in my backpack first.

                  It’s all about not giving people a hard time.

                  Oh, and it’s not just $5 for a bottle of water, it’s an unreasonably large bottle of water and the reasonably sized bottle is only .50 less.

          • Valdax
            Valdax
            August 10, 2013 at 11:01 am | #

            Ah, I’m guessing you only go there for the coffee.
            And not the donuts.
            Because if you did, you’d be WRONG.

            • Yotomoe
              Yotomoe
              August 10, 2013 at 5:27 pm | #

              YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH

        • taekwondogirl
          taekwondogirl
          August 10, 2013 at 9:08 am | #

          There’s plenty of Dunkins around everywhere. Also, Krispy Kreme really isn’t a competitor, as Dunkin Donuts really markets itself on its coffee. No one goes to Dunkin for donuts really; they just get them while they are getting coffee since they’re right there. At least, that’s the New England view on Dunkies.

          • captainswift
            captainswift
            August 10, 2013 at 12:44 pm | #

            I go to Dunkin expressly for the donuts, it being my donut of choice. Of course, I’m not a coffee drinker at all, so I have no opinion on that subject.

          • Li
            Li
            August 10, 2013 at 7:07 pm | #

            It has been pointed out to me that for people who prefer cake donuts, Krispy Kreme tends not to satisfy, because they are lighter and less substantial. I know what they mean but don’t particularly discriminate.

            Except against Dunkin Donuts itself, which (as elaborated on above) I now resent for other reasons.

  22. William
    William
    August 10, 2013 at 1:02 am | #

    I’ll admit, being an obnoxious teenager aside, I like this version of Howard way more that the previous version of him.

  23. rachel
    rachel
    August 10, 2013 at 1:02 am | #

    I find this to be a fantastically accurate portrayal of a sibling argument!

    • Kamino Neko
      Kamino Neko
      August 10, 2013 at 1:11 am | #

      No, it’s not! Both of them are still wearing unbroken glasses, and the cops haven’t been called!

      • Kaci
        Kaci
        August 10, 2013 at 4:58 am | #

        And they still have all their teeth. Let’s not forget that.

  24. Bronze Knight
    Bronze Knight
    August 10, 2013 at 1:09 am | #

    Now I really want to see a GIF of Ruth dressed as Batgirl woofing down a cookie, intimating the Batman/hotdog thing.

  25. hmrc4evr
    hmrc4evr
    August 10, 2013 at 2:03 am | #

    No brothers or.siaters.for me.

    I was born three weeks early, weighed 2 pounds and was in neo-natial ICU for about two months before I came home so mom and dad knew better than to try again.

  26. deadwillieguy
    deadwillieguy
    August 10, 2013 at 2:44 am | #

    Ya i would hate to leave Canada too.

  27. RobHagen
    RobHagen
    August 10, 2013 at 3:21 am | #

    ….Ruth. The Cute. Cookie.

  28. Arkadi
    Arkadi
    August 10, 2013 at 4:15 am | #

    Ruth makes a perfect point.

  29. Jasmine
    Jasmine
    August 10, 2013 at 5:24 am | #

    This is the most accurate sibling exchange I’ve ever seen. Apparently that’s a hard dynamic to nail (Disney seems to be terrible at it, at least) so good job!

  30. Aizat
    Aizat
    August 10, 2013 at 5:29 am | #

    That last bit was kinda cute.

  31. Darkflame
    Darkflame
    August 10, 2013 at 6:59 am | #

    Cookie here is a metaphor for “working/sane government” ^_^

  32. Jackson
    Jackson
    August 10, 2013 at 7:33 am | #

    Delicious, delicious object lesson.

  33. Chubsius
    Chubsius
    August 10, 2013 at 8:31 am | #

    Well, Howard may be a gaslighting jerkface, but at least he’s acting more human now. Billie has already taught Joyce many things, maybe she can enlighten Howard too, and share her cookies.

    • The Candyman
      The Candyman
      August 10, 2013 at 10:48 am | #

      No one should ever have to share their cookies with Howard.

  34. Dr.Midnight
    Dr.Midnight
    August 10, 2013 at 9:35 am | #

    What is Howard drinking here?

    • TheKelliestKelly
      TheKelliestKelly
      August 10, 2013 at 9:48 am | #

      It looks like chocolate milk to me. It could also be cola but I personally think that’s an odd drink to have with a cookie.

  35. Jim
    Jim
    August 10, 2013 at 9:42 am | #

    Ruth missed a prime opportunity to say “Nom!” in that last panel.

    • Heavensrun
      Heavensrun
      August 10, 2013 at 10:48 am | #

      It’s in the mouseover text. ;p

  36. someguywithakatana
    someguywithakatana
    August 10, 2013 at 10:34 am | #

    PUT DAT COOOKEE DAUGHN!!!

    • someguywithakatana
      someguywithakatana
      August 10, 2013 at 10:39 am | #

      I’m sorry… I’m so sorry…

      • Keroshino
        Keroshino
        August 10, 2013 at 1:15 pm | #

        Who told you you could eat my Cookies!

  37. Aeron
    Aeron
    August 10, 2013 at 11:18 am | #

    Last panel is infinitely exploitable.

  38. Crotonhurst
    Crotonhurst
    August 10, 2013 at 11:49 am | #

    I baked you a cookie, but I ated it

  39. Jack Finch
    Jack Finch
    August 10, 2013 at 7:16 pm | #

    Ruth has a soft spot for Howard, but it has it’s limits.

  40. newllend
    newllend
    August 15, 2013 at 3:48 pm | #

    Stole your cookie

  41. newllend
    newllend
    August 15, 2013 at 3:48 pm | #

    Stole your cookie bongo!

  42. nothri
    nothri
    March 29, 2014 at 6:48 pm | #

    Howard’s cookies have been disabled.

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