A playful mind is inquisitive, and learning is fun. If you indulge your natural curiosity and retain a sense of fun in new experience, I think you'll find it functions as a sort of shock absorber for the bumpy road ahead.

My guess is that the editor [Cincinnati Post] wanted his own Jeff MacNelly (a Pulitzer winner at 24), and I didn't live up to his expectations. My Cincinnati days were pretty Kafkaesque.

So, what's it like in the real world? Well, the food is better, but beyond that, I don't recommend it.

CALVIN: This whole Santa Claus thing just doesn't make sense. Why all the secrecy? Why all the mystery? If the guy exists why doesn't he ever show himself and prove it? And if he doesn't exist what's the meaning of all this? HOBBES: I dunno. Isn't this a religious holiday? CALVIN: Yeah, but actually, I've got the same questions about God.

If you've got more ambiguous characters or stock stereotypes, the plastic comes through and they don't work as well.

To invent your own life's meaning is not easy, but it's still allowed, and I think you'll be happier for the trouble.

I'm learning real skills that I can apply throughout the rest of my life...procrastinating and rationalizing.