Love Pucky with his change from fraidy-cat to reporter-cat…
“Clockwork ice cream cone” LOL…. Just as well Elvis doesn’t hear or see her, he would not be impressed.
Ok, so, she knows about ice cream cones, which places her some time after about 1903 or so for the US. She certainly is not a shrinking violet, rather plucky and outgoing. Maybe great-great grandmother of Tommy ? Certainly some family resemblance, too.
I can’t wait for Thursday. By the way, I love the way you work in the oh so polite “may I sniff your nose ” request. I saw the same thing with one of the earlier strips. I can’t believe the way that you work in those little touches, and keep them consistent. Amazing.
OK….considering Tillie’s had to have been through nine lives to get where she is right now, I bet she could tell some stories. But this IS quite surreal: Elvis is subdued, and by the last panel, Puck is pure extrovert. Can hardly wait to see more.
A new addition, such fun. I don’t think it is a person because that would not be “news” worthy to a cat. Maybe they are getting another cat or perhaps fostering a cat? That’s my guess.
This is so cute! I like enjoying the story as it unfolds, but I’m so curious about where this is going! Thanks, Georgia. I hope the Baby and the Toddler can see Tillie!
I just love Puck in the last panel, so proud “You know I’m a Reporter myself”! Elvis seems genuinely concerned about him, such a softie! Crackerjack is a 19th century term so we’re narrowing down the time she would have been alive. Now is she talking about Puck’s people’s additions or a family from the past?
Ooh, a mysterious “new addition” that we’ll have to keep reading to find out about! I love how Puck becomes courageous and curious again in the course of the strip!
Ice cream cones date from the late 1890s, but they did not become well-known until about 1905. (The story that they were invented at the 1904 St. Louis Exposition is false, but their popularization was around that time.) Daily commercial radio broadcasting began in 1921, so Tillie would have recognized a microphone at any time after that. The name “Tillie” and the word “crackerjack” were popular throughout the 1905 – 1921 period. “Freddie” was not a particularly popular name until the 1940s, but it was extant during this period. Fountain pens have been mass-produced since the 1880s; there were significant incremental improvements during this period, but I don’t think we can tell what model is intended.
I don’t know when they started making notepads with a spiral binding at the top; I know that they’ve been around since at least the mid-1930s (which would be too late for this timing), but for all I know they are quite a bit older. Does anyone know anything about the history of women’s fashion? Although the contemporary boys are not exactly human fashion plates, so that may not be too good a guide.
Georgia, aren’t you glad you researched this now?
Obviously, we are all first and foremost fans of BCN and wonder at Georgia’s ingeniousness for all things cat. But with all respect, UJ, methinks you are giving her too much credit for historical accuracy (literary license is a wonderful devise after all). So sit back and enjoy the story.
Of course, I may be wrong about Georgia’s historic expertise — so please forgive me if I’ve stepped on toes. Maybe a nice nose sniff will help make amends…
It’s fun to pick out the pieces of a story and match them to history. Rather, it’s fun for someone else to do it and tell me about it. Inaccuracies and artistic liberties are forgiven, but it gives a greater appreciation of history and the work that the artist has done.
Don’t forget that old-timey radio microphones would have looked (and probably sounded) a lot different than modern wireless ones like the boys are using, so just saying that microphones existed therefore she would immediately recognize a modern one might be a bit of a stretch.
That’s true, the earliest microphones looked quite unlike what we are now used to. Still, we can recognize them for what they are, and I suspect that Tillie could recognize ours, if she were familiar with microphones. On the other hand, it’s also possible that she knows or suspects that it’s a microphone and is joking. This is in contrast to her reference to “ice cream cone,” which firmly shows that she could not be from any earlier than the late 1890s.
Lauren (7:44 am October 7), I am in complete agreement with these views. And if I’ve underestimated Georgia’s research, I still love these comics.
I, for one, loves indepth comments plus I love history so it’s nice you wrote this. I often start digging into articles I read and end up side-tracked, wondering how I got there. You’ve saved me being side-tracked today, Uncle John!
So much to follow..does she mean the new addition of BCN with all of its new reporters? Or will their be a new cat in your family..Is the ball of yarn in the BCN logo a clue? So many wonderful possibilities
I feel like since this is a ghost cat, the new addition is from the past and is an addition to the house and we are going to find out how Tabitha and Figaro get to the basement.
A new addition? But not the baby? Hmm, I believe any remodeling can shake up resident ghosts. Maybe it’s the new Cat News network that got her all abuzz.
she has lived nine lives so maybe she has her favorite items and clothing from different time periods. plus we don’t know how long she’s been a ghost. lots of different time eras to pick up favorite sayings,expressions,and names.
new addition hmmm shes a reporter and changes to reporting setup have been going on.
maybe new neighbors have a very friendly dog.
Quite a clever observation when looking at a microphone. She comes from a time when she clearly recognizes the shape and hand-held-edness of an ice cream cone, and she can see that it is some kind of mechanical device (hence “clockwork”), but not recent enough for reporters (or most anyone, for that matter) to be seen carrying around microphones or recorders.
Brave little Pucky…..
That cat definitely has Tommy’s personality
New addition? Are we going to have older toddler, younger toddler and baby?
I love how Puck went from ‘fraidy cat to happy, curious reporter.
“clockwork ice cream cone” hahaha!
Love her snappy dialogue. She’s like a ghost kitty reporter from a Howard Hawks movie.
Does Puck see him because of his special connection to Halloween (being a black cat and all)?
Uh-oh….has Elvis finally seen something in the last panel? Or is he reacting to Puck? Time will tell…
Love Pucky with his change from fraidy-cat to reporter-cat…
“Clockwork ice cream cone” LOL…. Just as well Elvis doesn’t hear or see her, he would not be impressed.
Ooh… who’s Freddie, I wonder… and who’s “the new addition” to whom she’s referring? Curiouser and curiouser…
Ok, so, she knows about ice cream cones, which places her some time after about 1903 or so for the US. She certainly is not a shrinking violet, rather plucky and outgoing. Maybe great-great grandmother of Tommy ? Certainly some family resemblance, too.
I can’t wait for Thursday. By the way, I love the way you work in the oh so polite “may I sniff your nose ” request. I saw the same thing with one of the earlier strips. I can’t believe the way that you work in those little touches, and keep them consistent. Amazing.
Tillie is a reporter of the (really) old school–a notebook and fountain pen for interviews. I also love her ruffled shirtwaist!
Am I the only one who’s reacting to the “new addition”?
New addition???
Purr-haps one of the cats is going to
Be a daddy????
HOW???! Could it be Tabitha? Could she be preggers? If there was a father I’m sure it’d have to be Figaro because he’s Tabitha’s tom.
She reminds me of Rosalind Russell in His Girl Friday!
My favorite movie!
Mine too!
OK….considering Tillie’s had to have been through nine lives to get where she is right now, I bet she could tell some stories. But this IS quite surreal: Elvis is subdued, and by the last panel, Puck is pure extrovert. Can hardly wait to see more.
A new addition, such fun. I don’t think it is a person because that would not be “news” worthy to a cat. Maybe they are getting another cat or perhaps fostering a cat? That’s my guess.
new addition, what new… OH! She may be talking about the cables and connections to the other news networks now XD
Pucky is sooooooo adorable, “May i smell your nose?”
i wonder what the new addition is….??
This is so cute! I like enjoying the story as it unfolds, but I’m so curious about where this is going! Thanks, Georgia. I hope the Baby and the Toddler can see Tillie!
So true!
I can’t keep from reading her i the “old-timey” reporter voice. Can’t wait for Thursday!
That’s how I’ve been reading her when I read her aloud to “the Man” in the evenings, ha!!
I’m reading her with Amy Adams’ voice from Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian.
She is using a fountain pen! I love it!
Til lie is just adorable. And I love her hat!
I just love Puck in the last panel, so proud “You know I’m a Reporter myself”! Elvis seems genuinely concerned about him, such a softie! Crackerjack is a 19th century term so we’re narrowing down the time she would have been alive. Now is she talking about Puck’s people’s additions or a family from the past?
Ooh, a mysterious “new addition” that we’ll have to keep reading to find out about! I love how Puck becomes courageous and curious again in the course of the strip!
H!! Hmmm, are you guys adding on a room to be Foster Parents for kitties till they find furever homes?????? Hmmm???
Ice cream cones date from the late 1890s, but they did not become well-known until about 1905. (The story that they were invented at the 1904 St. Louis Exposition is false, but their popularization was around that time.) Daily commercial radio broadcasting began in 1921, so Tillie would have recognized a microphone at any time after that. The name “Tillie” and the word “crackerjack” were popular throughout the 1905 – 1921 period. “Freddie” was not a particularly popular name until the 1940s, but it was extant during this period. Fountain pens have been mass-produced since the 1880s; there were significant incremental improvements during this period, but I don’t think we can tell what model is intended.
I don’t know when they started making notepads with a spiral binding at the top; I know that they’ve been around since at least the mid-1930s (which would be too late for this timing), but for all I know they are quite a bit older. Does anyone know anything about the history of women’s fashion? Although the contemporary boys are not exactly human fashion plates, so that may not be too good a guide.
Georgia, aren’t you glad you researched this now?
Obviously, we are all first and foremost fans of BCN and wonder at Georgia’s ingeniousness for all things cat. But with all respect, UJ, methinks you are giving her too much credit for historical accuracy (literary license is a wonderful devise after all). So sit back and enjoy the story.
Of course, I may be wrong about Georgia’s historic expertise — so please forgive me if I’ve stepped on toes. Maybe a nice nose sniff will help make amends…
It’s fun to pick out the pieces of a story and match them to history. Rather, it’s fun for someone else to do it and tell me about it. Inaccuracies and artistic liberties are forgiven, but it gives a greater appreciation of history and the work that the artist has done.
“commercial radio broadcasting began in 1921, so Tillie would have recognized a microphone at any time after that.”
True enough [and the BBC in 1922 fwiw], although the dynamic stick mic wasn’t designed until several years later.
Don’t forget that old-timey radio microphones would have looked (and probably sounded) a lot different than modern wireless ones like the boys are using, so just saying that microphones existed therefore she would immediately recognize a modern one might be a bit of a stretch.
That’s true, the earliest microphones looked quite unlike what we are now used to. Still, we can recognize them for what they are, and I suspect that Tillie could recognize ours, if she were familiar with microphones. On the other hand, it’s also possible that she knows or suspects that it’s a microphone and is joking. This is in contrast to her reference to “ice cream cone,” which firmly shows that she could not be from any earlier than the late 1890s.
Lauren (7:44 am October 7), I am in complete agreement with these views. And if I’ve underestimated Georgia’s research, I still love these comics.
I, for one, loves indepth comments plus I love history so it’s nice you wrote this. I often start digging into articles I read and end up side-tracked, wondering how I got there. You’ve saved me being side-tracked today, Uncle John!
I don’t want to give too much away by agreeing or disagreeing–but I’m really enjoying your comments too John, thank you!
So happy Puck is getting his own storyline – he’s my favorite.
So much to follow..does she mean the new addition of BCN with all of its new reporters? Or will their be a new cat in your family..Is the ball of yarn in the BCN logo a clue? So many wonderful possibilities
I feel like since this is a ghost cat, the new addition is from the past and is an addition to the house and we are going to find out how Tabitha and Figaro get to the basement.
New Addition could be furniture
I love Tillie’s very subtle coloring. Was she a calico when not ghostly pale?
I thought the same thing
Her coloring may be revealed later in the story!
Now I’m wondering if Lupin or the Kids can see Tillie.
A new addition? But not the baby? Hmm, I believe any remodeling can shake up resident ghosts. Maybe it’s the new Cat News network that got her all abuzz.
she has lived nine lives so maybe she has her favorite items and clothing from different time periods. plus we don’t know how long she’s been a ghost. lots of different time eras to pick up favorite sayings,expressions,and names.
new addition hmmm shes a reporter and changes to reporting setup have been going on.
maybe new neighbors have a very friendly dog.
I was wondering if maybe the new addition was Burt, and maybe his ancestors used to live in the house where Puck and the boys live now.
I’m seeing her as a sort of feline Nellie Bly, but given the shorter time between cat generations, we probably don’t have to go back nearly that far.
I wonder what Lupin thinks of all this . . . we don’t get to see his expression in the last panel.
Since this is Breaking Cat News, are we talking about a new “addition” or “edition” ???
Puck sees dead cat-people! Can’t wait for any new developments!
I’m hearing her lines in Mae West’s voice — sassy and confident.
That is purr-fect!! (I love Mae West).
Look at panel 11.It looks suspiciously if Elvis has just noticed the ghost or whatever her name is.No, i`m sorry Elvis.I meant the man.Ha ha!
Tillie is my NEW FAVORITE.
Clockwork ice cream cone?
Quite a clever observation when looking at a microphone. She comes from a time when she clearly recognizes the shape and hand-held-edness of an ice cream cone, and she can see that it is some kind of mechanical device (hence “clockwork”), but not recent enough for reporters (or most anyone, for that matter) to be seen carrying around microphones or recorders.
So cute. “Oh, I had no idea.”